Avast Antivirus vs AVG AntiVirus
Side-by-side comparison of features, pricing, ratings, and alternatives.
Avast Antivirus is a comprehensive security solution designed to protect your device from various types of malware, including viruses, Trojans, and spyware. It also safeguards your device from other online threats, such as phishing attacks and ransomware.
AVG AntiVirus is a consumer security product from AVG Technologies (a Gen Digital brand alongside Avast and Norton) that protects PCs, Macs, Android, and iOS devices against malware, ransomware, spyware, and phishing scams. The free tier covers core real-time threat detection, while the paid Internet Security and Ultimate tiers add an enhanced firewall, scam-website blocking, webcam protection, and password leak alerts. The Ultimate plan bundles Internet Security with AVG Secure VPN and AVG TuneUp for performance optimization, positioning it as an all-in-one subscription for users who want protection, privacy, and PC cleanup in one package. All paid plans come with a 30-day money-back guarantee and 24/7 customer support.
- Effective malware detection and removal
- User-friendly interface
- Comprehensive security features
- Regular software updates
- Free tier provides genuinely usable real-time malware protection with no cost
- Backed by Gen Digital's large threat-detection network shared with Avast
- Ultimate tier bundles VPN and PC cleanup tools, reducing the need for separate subscriptions
- Available across Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS from one account
- May slow down device performance
- Some features require a paid subscription
- Limited customer support options
- Renewal pricing jumps substantially after the discounted first year (e.g. Internet Security renews at $77.99 vs a $46.68 intro price)
- Free tier lacks firewall, webcam protection, and other features reserved for paid plans
- Bundled extras like TuneUp add background processes that some users may find unnecessary if they only want antivirus
More alternatives & similar tools
Alternatives to Avast Antivirus
View all →Real-time virus protection with identity-theft safeguards for multiple devices
Comprehensive protection for your digital life (formerly Kaspersky Total Security)
Multi-layered threat detection with secure banking and anti-ransomware
Alternatives to AVG AntiVirus
View all →Real-time virus protection with identity-theft safeguards for multiple devices
The Verdict
AI-generated from listing dataBoth AVG and Avast offer free real‑time malware protection, but AVG includes a VPN and PC‑cleanup in its paid tier, while Avast adds a firewall, password manager, and file shredder, making the choice hinge on which bundled extras matter most.
Key differences
- •AVG's Ultimate tier bundles a VPN and TuneUp performance‑cleanup; Avast bundles a password manager and file shredder.
- •AVG free tier lacks firewall and webcam protection; Avast free tier includes a firewall.
- •Support: AVG offers 24/7 support; Avast provides only email and live chat.
- •Device coverage: AVG explicitly lists Windows, macOS, Android, iOS; Avast only mentions desktop app.
Pricing & value
Both are freemium, but AVG's paid tier adds VPN and cleanup tools, increasing overall value for a single subscription.
Ease of use / learning curve
Avast lists a user‑friendly interface and consolidates more tools (firewall, password manager) in one app.
Features & depth
AVG offers AI real‑time scanning, webcam protection, breach alerts; Avast offers firewall, password manager, file shredder—different strengths.
Support
AVG provides 24/7 customer support; Avast only offers email and live chat.
Security & privacy
AVG includes breach‑alert notifications and webcam protection, which Avast does not mention.
Choose Avast Antivirus if…
Users who need a built‑in firewall, password manager, and file shredder without extra subscriptions.
Choose AVG AntiVirus if…
Home users who want a VPN and PC‑cleanup bundled with antivirus.
Common questions
Does the free version include a firewall?
AVG free tier does not include a firewall; Avast free tier includes a firewall.
What extra tools come with the paid versions?
AVG Ultimate adds a VPN and TuneUp cleanup; Avast paid plans add advanced features but specific extras not listed.
How is customer support different?
AVG offers 24/7 support; Avast provides email and live‑chat support only.