Main Features
A list of features shows you at a glance what makes this software stand out. Our team agrees that the key features of AVG Antivirus are:
- Award-winning antivirus technology
- AVG Internet Security for advanced protection, including enhanced firewall and Wi-Fi security
- AVG Ultimate for antivirus, VPN, anti-tracking, and cleaning software
- Multi-platform support
- Up to 10 devices
- 30-day money-back guarantee
About AVG
AVG offers a variety of internet security, privacy, and performance tools for desktop and mobile devices. AVG has over 25,000 reviews on Trustpilot, with an average 4.5-star rating. Trustpilot is a respected platform for user reviews. It can be reassuring to know that so many users have had positive experiences with this company, with the reviews pertaining to customer service and the products themselves. This review focuses on its antivirus software options to help you make a more informed decision.
Wide Operating System Compatibility
AVG Antivirus, whether you choose the free version or a premium plan, is usable on the major platforms:
AVG’s site clearly states the minimum system requirements for each operating system. The cross-platform support means this antivirus software can protect a range of devices.
Review of AVG Antivirus Choices: Free vs AVG Internet Security
When comparing AVG Antivirus options, the main differences are the range of features, protection levels, and number of devices. While the free antivirus is capable, it has limitations that the premium AVG Internet Security can overcome, including webcam security and email security, and support for multiple devices.
Free AVG Antivirus
We appreciate that AVG offers a free antivirus for basic real-time protection against viruses, spyware, and other malware types. It is an award-winner with real-time scanning and basic detection against malware, phishing, and ransomware. It has an easy-to-use design, is simple to download, and is lightweight, meaning it is less likely to slow performance during use.
AVG Internet Security Antivirus
While the free version can meet essential needs, those who need comprehensive security and protection stand to benefit from upgrading to AVG’s Internet Security antivirus. It includes all the features of the free version plus several advanced features for more protection.
This software has multiple layers of protection and the world’s biggest threat-detection network, per AVG’s site, to block threats, even if they are more complex or new. There are also plans for single desktop or multi-device; the latter allows for up to 10 devices per license, meeting the needs of many households.
AVG Internet Security antivirus is more likely to suit the needs of those who want multi-device coverage, more security when shopping or banking online, and making online payments. A high level of protection against unauthorized access can also be important for those who work from home.
AVG Antivirus Plans and Pricing Review
There are different AVG Internet Security antivirus plans to meet various user needs, from individuals wanting more protection to families and businesses needing cohesive security. There is a single-device subscription, covering one PC or one Mac.
Alternatively, there is a multi-device subscription, supporting up to 10 devices across Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS. Being able to activate it on multiple devices and transfer the subscription between platforms allows seamless security. Many families who want to protect all their devices easily will prefer this option, as will individuals who have several devices to protect.
AVG’s Internet Security plan pricing is competitive, especially for the first year. There are regularly discounts through the AVG site to save users money, without sacrificing quality.
AVG Antivirus Review: Pros and Any Limitations
Is the AVG Antivirus called Internet Security right for you? Let’s look at the benefits and potential drawbacks of its features to help you decide.
Real-Time Malware Protection
The sophisticated software detects, blocks, and removes malicious software using real-time scanning, so your computer and sensitive data are not left vulnerable. That includes adware, viruses, ransomware, spyware, trojans, and phishing links. The software can detect unsafe sites or email links to prevent them from stealing your info.
This AVG Antivirus is AI-powered. It uses advanced algorithms to identify malware, even if it hasn’t been seen before. By identifying habits and behavior, rather than relying on known virus signatures, the AI monitors how programs behave to identify suspicious activity and trigger alerts or automatic blocking.
Anti-Ransomware
Get protection against ransomware, as AVG’s Internet Security antivirus monitors and blocks file changes that you have not authorized. That can prevent you from getting locked out of files or the entire system and receiving a ransom demand from the attacker to give you access again. That helps you avoid significant threats to your data, finances, and privacy.
Enhanced Firewall
Get superior firewall protection as AVG Internet Security monitors traffic (both incoming and outgoing) to block unauthorized users from entering your network. That helps prevent hackers and malware from accessing your computer. A feature we particularly like is the Wi-Fi security alerts that detect unsafe networks and warn you if a Wi-Fi connection could put your device at risk.
Having a second layer of security beyond antivirus scanning can help you feel more at ease, especially when using public Wi-Fi. It is designed to be easy to use, whether you want automatic protection or prefer to set custom rules.
Does the AVG Internet Security Antivirus sound like a good fit for you? See what else buyers have to say.
See Buyer Reviews
Award-Winner with Strong Independent Test Scores
AVG’s antivirus technology has won several awards, including those from reputable third-party testing labs AV-TEST and AV-Comparatives. Positive results from these tests include user confidence in AVG antivirus options for protection and speed.
For example, the free AVG antivirus has won the AV-Comparatives Top-Rated Product award. This award comes from showing high-level performance across real-world threats and malware in tests, and its minimal impact on device performance.
AVG Internet Security antivirus recently won AV-Comparatives Advanced Threat Protection Test award. The award recognizes how the antivirus software defended against real-world ransomware and information-stealer attacks on Windows 10 and 11 in live testing scenarios.
AVG antivirus software has won multiple awards from AV-TEST in testing environments. That includes the MacOS Home User Protection Test certification for defending against malware infections without significantly impacting performance.
Multiple Devices, 1 License
A single license for a multi-device AVG Internet Security antivirus plan can cover up to 10 devices. You don’t need separate subscriptions for each license, simplifying management of your devices. Protecting them is easier, whether you have multiple devices or the license applies to different people in your household. In families and homes where there are a mix of Windows PCs, Macs, and mobile devices, being able to cover everyone is a major benefit. Alternatively, you can choose a single-device plan if you only have one device to cover.
Ease of Use
Our team found the general consensus online is that the AVG Antivirus called Internet Security is easy to use. It has an intuitive dashboard with straightforward settings. That helps make for a more positive experience, especially when using the antivirus on different devices.
Some users online say the popups that appear on the free version of AVG Antivirus are distracting. That may prompt you to upgrade to a plan instead. While there are a few users online who say they have had issues with installing the antivirus software, it is not common, based on our research.
Webcam Protection
While there is not an included password manager, AVG Internet Security does provide webcam protection, which some users may consider more important. This feature prevents hackers or malware from taking control of your webcam without your knowing, which could leak sensitive info or watch your activity. There are different modes to control your privacy, such as smart mode and block access, for the functionality you prefer.
Verify Network Security
AVG’s Network Inspector scans Wi-Fi networks for insecurities and alerts you to them, such as outdated routers and unencrypted traffic. That way, you know when a connection is unsafe and prevents hackers from taking advantage of network vulnerabilities. This feature is available in AVG Antivirus called Internet Security, but not the free version.
Protection from Fake or Unsafe Sites
The Fake Website Shield in the AVG Internet Security antivirus protects against DNS hijacking. That way, you get to the real site, instead of being diverted to a fake one that could take your password and payment details without your knowing. That gives you assurance that the displayed site is authentic rather than a phishing site.
This same shield protects against sites with malware, suspicious downloads, or unsafe scripts, too. It blocks access to unsafe sites to prevent your device from getting infected or your privacy being invaded.
More to Know: AVG Antivirus Review
Customer Service
Users online are generally positive when describing AVG’s customer service. For example, some users say its service team is professional and helpful.
As a subscriber to AVG Internet Security antivirus, you have many ways to contact customer service. Choose the one you’re most comfortable using:
- Online chat
- Phone
- Email
- Support articles
- Community forums
30-Day Money-Back Guarantee
AVG Internet Security plans include a 30-day money-back guarantee, with a full refund for those who meet eligibility requirements. That gives you time to try the software to determine if it meets your needs for usability, performance, and protection for up to 30 days from the purchase date, risk-free. That gives you greater peace of mind and shows AVG stands behind its software.
For Those Wanting a VPN
While AVG’s Internet Security antivirus does not include a VPN, you can purchase the AVG Secure VPN separately. Alternatively, you can upgrade to the Ultimate bundle for an all-in-one that includes VPN, multi-device antivirus, cleanup tool, and anti-tracking software. Thus, a VPN is available with select AVG plans in combination with antivirus.
Conclusion: AVG Antivirus Review
AVG Antivirus offers a flexible range of options to protect your devices and personal data, whether you choose the free single-device antivirus or upgrade to AVG Internet Security for advanced security and protection. The latter is available in affordable single-device and multi-device plans, depending on your personal and household needs.
With wide compatibility across Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS, AVG Internet Security antivirus provides award-winning malware protection, enhanced firewall, and easy-to-use design. Features for network and webcam security, independent test awards, and a money-back guarantee add significant value.
Based on our research, we consider AVG Antivirus, specifically the Internet Security options, to be a reliable and user-friendly choice for those looking for advanced security.
