Would you prefer Avast as your default security solution?
Avast is one of the most recognized names in antivirus companies. It has a vast user base of around 400 million till now. Moreover, the company is serving users for a few decades now.
Still, people have second thoughts about the program and often doubt its reliability.
Therefore, we tested the Free and Premium version of Avast Antivirus to check its safety for you.
So, without any further ado, let’s dive deep into it.
What is Avast?
Avast is an antivirus program that is compatible with multiple platforms. You can use the software on Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android devices. The product protects your device from virus, worm, trojan, and other similar threats. You can use the free version of the product or switch it to the paid version for additional benefits.
Avast provides its users with a welcoming user interface. Adding to the protection, you also get benefits like a safe browser, VPN, and computer optimizer. Thus, no matter if you are a beginner or power user, Avast has something for you.
Avast Free Vs. Avast Premium
As we said, Avast comes in two variants, i.e., free and paid. The free edition allows you to do standard scans and carries limited features. The Premium version comes with a monthly subscription and more features. Here is an overview of the difference between both the programs. You can choose to use one according to your needs.
Features in Avast Free Edition
- Detects and removes viruses and other malware.
- Standard protection
- Secure your passwords.
- Optimize Wi-Fi Security Weakness.
- 24×7 protection.
Features in Avast Premium Edition
- Detects and removes all kinds of malware.
- Secure your passwords.
- Avoid fake sites for safer shopping.
- Safely run suspicious apps.
- Advanced firewall to block hackers.
- Ransomware protection.
- Blocks webcam spying.
- Protection Level: Advanced.
- Blocks phishing emails.
Is Avast Safe?
When it comes to protecting your system from threats, then yes, Avast is a safe antivirus. However, you might encounter some other issues while operating the program. We would discuss those instances later. Let us have a look at various operations for which Avast provides protection.
Is Avast Safe for Threat Protection
Avast antivirus offers you real-time protection. That means it continually checks for malicious files on your device. It updates the virus signatures and definition in the database every day. Thus, it can protect you from the latest and rarely known threats too. However, the free version only provides standard level protection. If you are a business owner or require strict security for other reasons, I recommend you go with Avast Premium edition.
Therefore, it is evident that Avast is a safe antivirus if you buy the premium version, which has advanced security.
Is Avast Secure Browser Safe
Avast Antivirus protects your computer in real-time from cyber threats if you are using Avast Secure Browser. The browser can protect you from phishing attempts and malicious websites. Moreover, you can use an extension on Chrome or Edge if you want to continue using them. However, the secure browser and extension are only available in the premium version. The free version limits the protection to the PC only.
Therefore, Avast is safe for browsing the internet if you are using Avast Premium Antivirus.
Is Avast Safe for PC Optimization
Avast PC optimization might raise some questions in your mind. We found that it slows down your PC and then offers suggestions for optimizing them. It shows you the list of junk files and unwanted software in one place. You can choose to clear some space by deleting them. However, you can perform these operations without using the program. Besides, Avast continually prompts about buying Avast Premium for better optimization. The free version indeed lacks some necessary elements required for PC optimization.
Therefore, Avast Antivirus Free version is not safe for PC optimization since it can slow down your PC. The company uses such tactics to increase their sales.
Is Avast Safe for Security and Privacy
Avast secures your identity from cybercriminals by disguising your online footprints. Thus, it surely protects your privacy and offers essential security. However, Avast Free version was involved in a controversy of collecting user data. The reports were negative for the paid version. Besides, Avast Premium comes with a robust password manager, webcam protection, and blocks phishing emails. Moreover, you can use the Avast VPN if you want to use the internet anonymously.
Therefore, it seems Avast Premium is secure and safe for online privacy. However, the free version might be collecting your data. Thus, it is better to choose Avast Premium for safety.
Is Avast Safe from Online Attacks
The free version of Avast does not have a firewall. Thus, it can not protect you from online attacks. However, you can use the Premium version to benefit from its firewall. It also protects you from fake e-commerce sites. So, it stops you from revealing your credit card information at the wrong place. Unfortunately, none of the online protection features are available in the free version.
Therefore, Avast Premium Antivirus is safe for protection against online attacks.
Is Avast a Malicious Program
No Avast is not a virus or malicious for your computer. However, we would recommend not using the free version since it is involved in some controversies. Besides, the company uses false alerts to urge people to buy the premium version.
Also, some severe malware might take control of the program and damage its core functions. In such cases, the security solution itself acts as a malicious program. It might change your default browser settings and install a custom browser without your permission.
Sometimes, it might reboot your computer system without your permission as well. It might lead to the loss of unsaved data and hardware damage too. Besides, you won’t be able to uninstall the program without using an uninstaller.
We recommend you to download the program from the official site only. Third-party uploaders might tweak the codes and use the software for shady purposes. It completely contradicts the agenda behind utilizing an antivirus program.
Final Verdict
No doubt, Avast is a popular program for protecting your device. The company is working for several years and has a vast user base. However, the free version of Avast Antivirus does not perform well when it comes to overall protection. You can find most of the features are only available in Avast Premium. Apart from that, Avast Free has seen many controversies regarding user’s privacy.
Therefore, we recommend you to use Avast Premium if you want to utilize this product. It is safe and provides adequate protection for the price range.
