Avast Free Antivirus vs AVG AntiVirus FREE Comparison

It’s often quite hard to tell one antivirus apart from another. The industry is crammed with so many great solutions that typically share a large number of features and tools that it can be impossible to really know which is which, let alone which is best for your needs. This situation is even more confusing should two solutions come from the same company, as is in the case of Avast Free Antivirus and AVG AntiVirus FREE. But just like with identical twins, there are always subtle differences that could be helpful in deciding which antivirus is the better one to go with.

For instance, the default scan – which is conveniently featured on the start screen – can also act as a performance booster, telling users what needs to be done to get the device in top shape again. There are no boundaries for the other scan types either, because they can be modified according to individual needs. And if you don’t like the default scans, Avast provides the option to create fully customized scans from scratch as well.

Although upgrading to a paid version to unlock all the blocked features is a rather pricey endeavor – costing at least $59.99 a year – Avast Free Antivirus still provides many useful extras without requiring users to pay a dime. These extras include the option to improve Wi-Fi security after checking its vulnerability and the ability to detect vulnerable software and offer updates for them. Users can also enjoy a secure browser that is installed automatically alongside the antivirus as a separate app as well as utmost protection for their passwords and credit card data in the form of a built-in password manager.

There are many scan options to choose from in AVG and many of these fully customized and are schedulable. The software also makes sure it is as unnoticeable as possible; the default scans have barely any negative effect on the device’s CPU, whereas the real-time shields provide constant protection in the background against existing, evolving, or completely new threats at all times.

From the point of view of added extras, there aren’t too many things to talk about here aside from the built-in file shredder and secure browser that is automatically downloaded onto the computer when installing of AVG AntiVirus. Interestingly, users have the option to activate the AVG SafePrice extension for their browsers, which provides information about the best coupons and offers for various online products. For other features, however, upgrading is inevitable, but note that doing so requires paying a minimum of $79.99 each year – or even more if you intend to unblock all features.

It’s only at first that it may seem that picking the right solution from these two is a tough choice. However, and despite being owned by the same company, Avast Free Antivirus nor AVG AntiVirus FREE are not interchangeable due to their respective unique traits. Avast Free Antivirus is undoubtedly the more complete solution as it goes beyond traditional virus scanning with features like a password manager or Wi-Fi inspection. However, it is also pretty strong when it comes to protecting the computer from harm, whether that is the real-time shields or its customizable scans.

AVG’s antivirus also has customizable scans but unlike its in-house competitor scans can be scheduled, which is a huge asset for many users. But what’s more impressive is that despite having fewer additional features, AVG’s simple and straightforward interface hides a solution that is just as strong and trustworthy as its more advertised sister product.