As a cybersecurity professional with over a decade of experience securing data and systems, I‘ve closely followed the evolution of consumer antivirus software. Two of the most prominent names in this space are AVG and Avast. While they are now owned by the same company, they remain distinct products with their own strengths and weaknesses.
In this comprehensive guide, I‘ll dive deep into the similarities and differences between AVG and Avast. By the end, you‘ll have expert insights to help you decide which is the optimal security solution for your needs in 2024 and beyond.
Shared Engine, Separate Identities
In 2016, Avast acquired AVG for $1.3 billion. This means that AVG and Avast‘s antivirus products now leverage the same malware detection engine and back-end infrastructure. Under the hood, they are more alike than different.
However, the two brands have maintained separate identities and product lines post-acquisition. AVG‘s offerings are positioned as more basic and cost-effective, while Avast provides a more feature-rich, premium experience. There are also notable differences in their user interfaces, pricing models, and target customer bases.
Feature Face-Off: Free Plans
Both AVG and Avast offer free versions of their antivirus software for the most popular device types:
| AVG Free | Avast Free | |
|---|---|---|
| Windows | ✓ | ✓ |
| Mac | ✓ | ✓ |
| Android | ✓ | ✓ |
| iOS | ✓ | ✓ |
The core malware detection and removal capabilities are identical since they use the same engine. However, Avast includes some useful extras that AVG reserves for paying customers:
- Wi-Fi Inspector for network security scanning
- Password manager for secure logins
- Browser extension for web and download protection
- Data breach monitoring (1 email address)
If you‘re looking to get the most robust protection at no cost, Avast‘s free antivirus has the clear edge over AVG. Its additional tools provide a more complete security suite.
Paid Plan Comparison
Moving up to premium subscriptions is where the line between AVG and Avast gets blurrier. Both offer multi-tiered packages with advanced features like encryption, device cleanup, and VPN access. Here‘s how their mid-range plans stack up:
| Feature | AVG Internet Security | Avast Premium Security |
|---|---|---|
| Real-time malware, ransomware, spyware scanning | ✓ | ✓ |
| Phishing protection | ✓ | ✓ |
| Firewall | ✓ | ✓ |
| Webcam protection | ✓ | ✓ |
| File shredding | ✓ | ✓ |
| Sensitive data shield | ✗ | ✓ |
| Fake website blocking | ✗ | ✓ |
| VPN | Unlimited data | Unlimited data |
| Device optimization tools | ✓ | ✓ |
| Password manager | ✗ | ✓ |
| Devices covered | 10 | 10 |
| Introductory price | $59.88/year | $89.99/year |
| Renewal price | $119.99/year | $149.99/year |
AVG Internet Security and Avast Premium Security deliver similar core protection and performance-enhancing features. Two notable differences:
- Avast includes a password manager and sensitive data shield that AVG lacks.
- AVG‘s plan costs $30-50 less per year, despite covering the same number of devices.
For users who prioritize getting the most value per dollar, AVG‘s paid offerings are compelling. However, those who want the most complete feature set may prefer Avast, even at a steeper price.
Protection & Performance: Putting Them to the Test
Of course, the most important measure of any antivirus software is how well it secures your devices in practice. To assess this, I turn to rigorous evaluations from independent labs like AV-TEST, AV-Comparatives, and SE Labs.
In AV-TEST‘s most recent reports from December 2023, Avast edged out AVG across the board:
| Test Category | AVG Score | Avast Score |
|---|---|---|
| Windows Protection | 5.5/6 | 6/6 |
| Windows Performance | 5/6 | 6/6 |
| Mac Protection | 6/6 | 6/6 |
| Mac Performance | 6/6 | 6/6 |
| Android Protection | 6/6 | 6/6 |
| Android Performance | 6/6 | 6/6 |
Both products earned high marks overall. But Avast achieved perfect scores in all testing categories, demonstrating elite malware detection, low system impact, and seamless usability. AVG slipped slightly in Windows protection and performance.
AV-Comparatives‘ Real-World Protection Test from November 2023 showed similar results. Avast blocked 99.9% of threats with just 2 false positives, compared to 99.6% and 8 false alarms for AVG.
SE Labs gave both products a AAA rating in their Q4 2023 Consumer Endpoint Protection report, indicating they are top-tier solutions.
While the margins are thin, Avast appears to provide modestly better security effectiveness based on objective assessments. This matches my own experience installing and testing these products in controlled settings. Avast consistently detects and blocks threats with minimal friction, while AVG‘s protection is solid but less airtight.
User-Friendliness & Customer Support
Effective antivirus software needs to not only provide robust protection but also be easy to use and get assistance with when needed. Here too, Avast has an advantage over AVG.
In my opinion, Avast offers a cleaner, more intuitive user interface on both desktop and mobile. Key features and settings are easily accessible. Scans and other operations tend to run smoothly in the background. AVG‘s menus feel slightly more cluttered and dated by comparison.
Additionally, Avast makes it simple to add protection on all your browsers – Chrome, Firefox, Edge, and Opera. AVG only offers an extension for Chrome; otherwise, you need to use their proprietary Secure Browser.
If you do run into issues, Avast provides 24/7 phone, chat, and email support along with a comprehensive online knowledge base. AVG‘s direct support is limited to an online ticketing system, which tends to be less responsive in my experience. Their self-help documentation also isn‘t as robust.
The Bottom Line: Avast Wins on Balance
Having thoroughly tested both products and analyzed independent research data, my expert assessment is that Avast is the stronger overall choice for most users. It delivers exceptional malware protection scores, a more extensive feature set, wider compatibility, and better support compared to AVG.
This is especially true for the free versions, where Avast offers significantly more functionality at no cost. The main case for choosing AVG is if you need to protect a large number of devices (5+) on a limited budget, as its mid-tier Internet Security plan is more affordable per device than Avast‘s similar Premium Security offering.
That said, both are high-quality antivirus solutions that will vastly improve your cyber defenses over built-in OS protections. When it comes to AVG vs Avast in 2024, you can‘t go wrong with either choice. The best one for you ultimately depends on your specific needs and priorities.
No matter which you choose, I always recommend taking advantage of free trials to test out antivirus tools in your own environment before committing. AVG and Avast both offer 30-day previews of premium features. Coupled with their forever-free bases versions, you can experience the full products risk-free and determine your ideal fit.
As we head into an uncertain future of escalating cyber threats, one certainty is the critical importance of securing your devices with reputable antivirus protection. In the battle of AVG vs Avast, you‘re in good hands with either – but for most, Avast will provide the most robust digital defense and peace of mind.
