“While AVG has a solid free tier, the Ultimate paid version has some issues.”
Pros
- Good malware protection record
- Bargain prices for the first year
- Many plans support 10 devices
- Good phone support
Cons
- Anti-tracking glitched
- Live chat wasn’t available
- Big price increases on renewal
- Poor privacy history
After the recent massive CrowdStrike outage, cybersecurity has become more vital than ever. Protect your personal and financial data with the best antivirus software like AVG.
AVG offers both free and paid antivirus software to safeguard against threats and enhance security. I delved into AVG’s antivirus plans and tested the top-tier AVG Ultimate to determine its effectiveness and suitability for users.
Tiers and pricing
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AVG provides a straightforward pricing structure with three antivirus plans. The free version offers virus protection and ransomware safeguard.
AVG is recognized as one of the top free antivirus applications available. However, it only covers one device and lacks certain critical security and privacy features.
To receive alerts about Wi-Fi security issues and protect against fake websites and email phishing, upgrading to AVG Internet Security is necessary. This plan costs $47 for the initial year for one computer, with a renewal price of $78.
Renewal prices for many antivirus solutions tend to be higher than initial costs. Subscribing to AVG Internet Security for up to 10 devices will cost $60 in the second year and $100 during renewal.
AVG Ultimate, the top security plan, starts at $60 for 10 devices, similar to Internet Security. Upon renewal, the subscription price increases to $140.
Ultimate includes a system cleaner called TuneUp, along with two privacy-focused apps: Secure VPN and AntiTrack.
Starting with AVG Ultimate instead of AVG Internet Security is recommended due to the same initial price. However, users should evaluate whether the extra features are worth the additional $40 annually before committing or downgrading to a cheaper plan.
Design
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AVG AntiVirus Free offers a simple setup process with appealing colors and in-app guidance. The app assured protection for computer, web, and email, while highlighting scan initiation and issue resolution steps.
The final scan identified vulnerabilities in the Windows 11 installation, prompting an upgrade to AVG Ultimate. Setting up the suite of AVG apps, including AntiTrack and TuneUp, provided enhanced security features.
A brief setup ensured browser and computer cleanup, with the AntiTrack and TuneUp apps, while a missing browser extension was easily located and activated.
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An issue with AVG’s anti-tracking feature temporarily disrupted internet access, prompting a test of customer support services. The convenient phone support extensively addressed the issue, though live chat functionality was lacking.
Features
AV Test
AVG AntiVirus’s strong performance in independent tests like AV-Test validates its effectiveness against malware. While not matching Norton or Bitdefender’s results, AVG’s consistent scores offer reliable protection against various threats.
Spot testing confirmed AVG’s malware blocking capabilities, even after disabling certain components. The Secure VPN successfully concealed user location, reinforcing privacy protection.
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Customer support via phone demonstrated effectiveness and willingness to assist, although technical issues with the service prompted reliance on phone support over live chat. Privacy concerns regarding AVG’s history require user discretion.
Privacy and security
AVG’s privacy policy ensures data usage solely for service provision, with stringent restrictions on data sharing apart from select security research scenarios.
Past breaches underline potential privacy risks, highlighting the need to remain vigilant. AVG’s history of data misuse necessitates careful consideration when entrusting personal information.
Conclusion
AVG AntiVirus Free remains a commendable option for free malware protection. The paid versions offer affordable solutions but demand careful evaluation of renewal costs and value-added features.
Considering competitive alternatives like Norton 360 Deluxe or Malwarebytes, users should weigh the overall benefit against AVG’s potential shortcomings. Despite reliable malware protection, unresolved issues with anti-tracking functionality and support services may impact user satisfaction.
For a comprehensive antivirus solution, explore other top providers before committing to AVG’s paid plans. However, the free version remains highly rated and suitable for basic protection needs.
