Avast Antivirus Review

Avast Antivirus – The Free and Friendly Antivirus for Your Devices

Avast is a popular choice when you are searching for free antivirus. Many people would believe that free antivirus programs offer only basic security, but that is not the case with Avast. You get multi-level security to protect from all sorts of malware and viruses.

Avast even offers some bonus features like network inspector, password protector and secure file shredder in the pro version. Overall, Avast has an effective antivirus engine which makes it a reliable choice across devices and operating systems.

Feature List

Avast includes many features that are available in the free version. Let’s check them out-

1. Web Shield

9.5 out of 10

Avast scan all links that you type and visit whether it’s your computer or PC. In case you mistype an URL, the software directs you to the correct website. The scanner also looks out for any malicious URLs you might land up on and notifies you in advance.

You also get an email shield to scan all attachments and emails for your email clients.

2. Download Protection

9.0 out of 10

Virus and spyware can creep in along with the files and apps you download on your computer or mobile. Avast will validate the download source and warn you if it suspects something suspicious!

With download protection, malicious files and codes are prevented before they reach your device.

3. File Shield

9.5 out of 10

In case any file escapes the initial security layers, you have the file shield to prevent the execution of questionable files. The antivirus scans any application that you try to execute and moves them to a safe zone if they are infected.

4. Behavior Shield

8.5 out of 10

Avast performs a real-time scan on all the programs and apps that are running on your device. If any threat is detected, it is deleted or quarantined to save your computer from damage. You are always protected as Avast is always looking out for malicious behavior.

5. Smart Scan

9.9 out of 10

You want your antivirus to run scans on various levels to detect any possible threat. The Smart Scan feature of Avast scans directories, files, system registries, partitions, installed apps, downloads and other elements to find out hidden viruses and malware.

The deep scan takes more than an hour but becomes helpful to discover stubborn viruses.

Prices

Avast offers a free trial of their antivirus for 60 days so that you can try out the features. You don’t have to spend anything, but upgrading brings its own advantages which translates to additional features.

Avast Premier is available for PCs for $69.99 annually. You can get discounted rates for 2 years and 3 years subscription.

Avast Premier has bonus features like webcam protection to prevent hijacks. You also get an active ransomware shield so that only trusted apps are able to make changes in your computer. The data shredder is also part of the pack Avast Premier used to delete files securely.

Devices, Operating System and Support

Avast antivirus is available for both Windows and Mac operating systems for protecting your computers and laptops. You can also download a separate Android version from Google Play for your Android smartphone. iOS users can get their antivirus from the App Store.

Unfortunately, you will not get phone, chat or email support in case of free version of Avast. You are limited to company forums, knowledge base, FAQs and installation tips for any help.

Interface and User-Friendliness

Avast offers a simple interface for all your security needs. The main screen shows you are protected with a green tick while it changes to red cross if something is wrong. The main window also features the Run Smart Scan button for quick scans.

The other features are laid out in the left such as protection settings, privacy options and performance. You can customize the settings according to your preference by clicking the options.

For example, you can click on Protection to initiate a full scan, perform boot-up or scan particular folders.

Avast provides you options to activate or turn off any tool you want from browser cleanup to web protection. It’s easily navigable and user-friendly enabling you to get used to the interface in very less time.

How to Download and Install

For computers-

You can download the antivirus from Avast website for your Mac or PCDownload the antivirus file from the website

• Run the file after it is downloaded
• Choose your language
• Choose auto installation or select the components you want to install
• Follow the on-screen instructions

For mobiles-

• You can download the antivirus app from Google Play Store or App Store for Android and iPhone respectively.
• The app will automatically install on your phone once the download is over.

Free Software Vs. Paid

Avast is one great software, but you can pay to upgrade for additional features. The free version is enough to keep you protected from malware and threats

The antivirus is also among the best, as has been verified through independent labs that test antiviruses. While you can use the free version and stay protected from most malware, virus and Trojans, we would suggest going in for the paid version if you’re looking for full protection.

Exclusive Features

Want to know what are the exclusive features of Avast? Let’s find out!

1. Real Site

Hackers can try to intercept your router and redirect you to malicious websites. The program uses secure cloud-based Avast DNS settings to protect you from possible attempts of hacking. The feature helps to keep your passwords and banking information secured.

2. CyberCapture

Sometimes new threats and viruses cannot be identified by antivirus solutions. To guarantee safety in such a situation, Avast uses the CyberCapture feature. The file will be immediately blocked before it infects other files while a copy is uploaded to Avast servers for further analysis.

3. Ransomware Shield

Cybercriminals can encrypt your sensitive files and demand ransom in exchange for their decryption. Avast prevents any unauthorized app from making changes to your files keeping you safe from ransomware attacks.

But this feature is only available in Avast Premier version.

Summery

If you want a feature-rich antivirus which offers high levels of protection, Avast can fit your bill! It comes for free and lets you enjoy many features which other brands limit to their paid versions. You can get real-time protection from malware, viruses, spyware, adware, trojans and other forms of threats and prevent download of malicious files.

Avast also stops any infected apps from running and moves them to the virus chest to prevent further infections. You can keep your computers, tablets and mobiles safe with Avast antivirus without spending a single cent.