Are you planning to invest in a computer security solution?
You might have heard about Avast for its free antivirus product. It is a famous company among computer users and has a vast userbase of around 400 million. Avast Premium Security is a paid version of their antivirus with a few additional features.
Still, you might wonder if Avast Premium Security worth it for the price range.
Thus, we tried the free version and the Premium version to check if you should buy it.
So, without much raving, let’s get started.
What is Avast Premium Security?
Avast Premium Security is the paid version of Avast antivirus. Avast is widely known for the free antivirus product, and the Premium version adds up some more utilities in the suite. Previously, Avast uses to call the paid version Avast Premiere.
It still uses the same scanning engine for detecting and eliminating threats. Thus, you can expect similar results from Avast Premium Security as the free version. Also, the product’s price is relatively reasonable when compared to other security solutions in the same range.
What to Expect from Avast Premium Security
Avast Premium Security offers you some noteworthy features to protect your computer. Unlike other security solutions, it provides all the essential tools for overall security. Let us discuss some of its functions that add superior value to the suite.
Anti-phishing
Usually, security solutions provide a browser extension to protect you from vising a phishing website. Avast also had a similar service to offer. However, in the recent update, they added the extension capabilities in the main suite. It would alert you whenever you visit a phishing website. Also, it would urge you to scan your device to ensure you are protected.
Avast uses several methods to detect notorious behavior from a site. It identifies the URL, metadata, and website’s visual aspects to estimate if a site is attempting a phishing attack. According to Avast, this new technique helps them to recognize malicious sites within seconds.
Do Not Disturb
Do Not Disturb mode is similar to the game mode many utility programs have to offer. It prevents any pop-up or alert whenever you are running an application in full screen. You can use this function when you are playing games to stop distractions. Additionally, it comes handy when you are watching a movie or giving a presentation.
Do Not Disturb mode is active by default. Thus you don’t have to enable it each time. However, you can manually add programs in the list for enabling Do Not Disturb mode for them. Go to Performance > Do Not Disturb Mode > Add A New App. It still needs to be in full-screen mode for the function to work.
Moreover, if you do not want to receive alerts, you can put Avast in the Silent Mode from the system tray icon. It won’t stop other apps from showing notifications, although you won’t receive any from Avast Premium Security.
Avast Premium Security: Interface and Useful Features
Avast uses the gray and blue shade as the primary color. Additionally, it uses a purple color for menu items to stand out. You can find four tabs, namely Status, Protection, Privacy, and Performance, with different tools on the left side of the screen.
Protection
Under the Protection tab, you can find the scan options, the firewall settings, a ransomware shield, the Wi-Fi inspector, and a sandbox for analyzing suspicious applications. A new function in this section is the Core Shield. It allows you to enable and disable some particular aspects of Avast’s protection. For instance, it has file protection, protection from web threats, behavioral analysis, and mail scanning. Another one is the Virus Chest, which is the quarantine section of the program.
Privacy
Under this section, you get the Data Shredder, a built-in password manager, and SecureLine VPN. Note that you have to pay for the SecureLine VPN separately.
Another noteworthy function is the Webcam Shield. It blocks shady apps from using your webcam without permission. You can set the service for three possible settings.
Smart: It allows trusted applications to use the webcam but asks for permission for other apps.
Strict: In this setting, every app has to request permission before accessing the camera.
No Mercy: This setting blocks the webcam entirely, and no app can use it unless disabled.
You can also use the new anti-tracking tool at an additional cost.
Performance and Pricing
There are four different tools under this tab. The Cleanup Premium function cleans the junk files and optimizes your PC for faster performance. However, you have to buy the product separately to use its features. Then comes the Software Updater, which updates all applications on your system to ensure maximum protection. Lastly, the Driver Updater updates all your drivers for optimal performance. However, you have to install this program separately, and it opens in a new window.
Overall, Avast Premium Security’s interface is straightforward and easy to understand.
Performance of Avast Antivirus
AV-Test.org recently conducted a test of Avast Antivirus. During the test in March and April 2020, the organization used two sample sets. The real-world test contains 304 samples of zero-day attacks and malicious emails. Avast scored 98.2 and 99 percent threat protection in March and April, respectively.
Another one is the AV-TEST reference set. It contains 20,236 samples of widespread malware from the last month. Surprisingly, Avast scored 100 percent in the test for both months. That shows Avast is pretty good at protecting your computer from every kind of threat. The protection score is 5.5, which is considered excellent. However, you can not expect 100 percent performance from any security solution.
Besides, Avast also managed to score 5.5 and 6 in performance and usability, respectively. That means the program is one of the best antivirus solutions, according to AV-Test.org.
Still, it would be better to have minimal impact on system performance when it comes to massive programs like an antivirus. We found that the program does not show noticeable effects on a high-end PC. However, you can have a hard time using this program if you use an older machine.
Pricing of Avast Premium Security
Avast Premium Security comes at the cost of USD 69.99 for one device. You can also get the product for USD 89.99 to use it on ten devices. The price is relatively reasonable for the performance when compared to other security solutions in the same price range.
Conclusion
Overall, Avast Premium Security is worth it for the protection. However, some users might expect more functions from the program to increase utility. Besides, many useful features like VPN and Cleanup requires you to pay an extra price. Those elements are kept in the suite only for promotional purposes. Still, you get some definite functions like ransomware shield, webcam protection, and many more in the suite. Overall, Avast Premium Security is worth paying for in 2020.
I feel confused by all this information. I am a Brit and suffer the confusions of soggy leadership by politicians. Covid and Brexit have been a quagmire of confusion and I expect Avast not to mess me about. I pay for Avast Premium Security and still think I am flying by the seat of my pants. To tell me that I am exposed to ‘hackers’ does not instil me with confidence. That is not ‘premium’ security in my book. Come on Avast! You are regarded as one of the best in the world. Do I really need ‘VPN’?
I am still confused. Avast is telling me I have been downgraded to ‘Free’ version and says I need to upgrade to Premium Security as my camera is vulnerable, hackers can redirect me to fake sites and steal my credit card details. I have been into my account details and am paid-up until November 2021 for Premium Security for up to 10 items. Can somebody help me please?
Susie,
Most PC’s are going to slow down with two antivirus programs running. I suggest uninstalling one of them.
I had AVG Free version Anti Virus for 2 years. I read on Clark Howard about Avast and installed that. My XP slowed down too much, but I’m afraid to uninstall one of the programs. What do you suggest?