Which is better avg. With the help of free antiviruses Avast, AVG and Avira you can hack Windows. What we get with the acquisition of AVG
Free antivirus has been attracting the attention of users for many years. We tested two popular antivirus programs: AVG Free and Avast Free.
Many manufacturers offer free antivirus, but Avast! and AVG are the most popular. Which program is more efficient, has better features, and uses less system resources? We tested the latest versions of the programs in 2015 versions, evaluated the scanning capabilities, additional features, and also checked if unwanted adware is installed.
First of all, let's say where you can download Free and .
Many people often decide to purchase a paid application, like Antivirus, for example, because the free version is too annoying to have ads or a panel system that integrates with a web browser or other very useful applications.
Before we move on to the results of the duel, we remind you that both antiviruses are available for free download on the Internet, but at the same time, we must remember that they are intended for non-commercial personal use. There are tools that can, for example, be installed in a company. You should not use them at home if you are using the computer for business purposes.
Round 1. Scanning capabilities
Both Avast Free Antivirus 2015 and AVG AntiVirus 2015 offer several scan modes for free. The most popular is the quick scan, which is activated immediately after installation in both applications. Avast offers a full scan automatically - the system displays a message suggesting that you should restart your computer and perform a full scan. This is valuable advice and is intended for novice users, so it does not affect the more positive assessment of Avast antivirus.
Avast, in addition to quick and full scans, has other scan modes: virus scan, browser add-on scan, old software scan, network threat scan, and performance issue scan. A scan related to browser add-ons is called "Browser Cleanup" - the program suggests which add-ons can be removed, as they have a low reputation.
This is what the tab looks like showing outdated programs
Outdated software information is useful, although Avast is unable to check all applications and limits its offerings to only very popular tools such as web browsers and Adobe Flash Player. The GrimeFighter scanner is designed to optimize your computer by suggesting which applications are unnecessary and how to change system settings to speed up your computer. On the test computer, Avast found 14 problems in the system settings, but when you click the "Optimize PC" button, a message will appear to purchase a subscription. Without an annual subscription, you will not be able to improve the performance of your computer.
Network security in Avast Home is a useful and unusual feature in other programs, including Wi-Fi network protection.
Of the available scanners, Avast responsibly searches for network threats. Firstly, it works without having to pay additional fees, and secondly, it is practical, because it gives tips for securing a Wi-Fi network, helps you set up a router, or tells the user if there is access to the Internet. If, for example, you are using unencrypted Wi-Fi networks, or a relatively light security password, Avast will tell you how to change your settings to be more secure.
AVG AntiVirus, in addition to a full and quick scan, also offers scanning of selected files and folders, anti-rootkit scanning, as well as the ability to schedule scans for a selected date and time.
It checks your system for registry errors, looking for "junk files" that take up disk space unnecessarily, fragmentation, and parsing broken shortcuts to slow down disk speed. After scanning, you can click on "Fix it now", the program will redirect you to a website offering to buy AVG PC Tuneup!. If you decide to download it, then the first cleaning of the "garbage" is free, and further use of the program includes the purchase of a license. At AVG, we do not consider this a useful feature for network security scanning.
Tour results: Avast victory. While speeding up your computer with a scanner that is really just a clever promotion to buy GrimeFighter tools, Avast also offers a useful network security scanner that you won't find to be found in AVG's antivirus and therefore wins this round.
Round 2. Real-time protection
A modern antivirus should provide real-time protection and immediately block threats. Both antivirus programs tested offer this protection, and it's enabled by default when installed on the drive.
During the installation of the anti-virus program, you are offered to install other utilities for free. In the case of Avast, .
Applications allow you to set up real-time protection. For Avast Antivirus, click the "Settings" button, go to "Active Protection" and then we get the option to configure system files, email and web pages. In the Avast example, you can choose to scan documents on opening, or have the agent automatically scan when removable media is connected, or decide which files, compressed archives, Avast will try to decompress during the scan.
AVG has a similar ability to set up real-time protection. To go to the settings, click on the big "Computer" icon in the main window, and then under the "antivirus" icon, click on the small button for settings. There you will find, among other things, information about which files (extensions) AVG will scan or which links can be found in the system registry.
Tour results: draw.
Both antivirus programs not only provide real-time protection, but also contain a number of features that work independently of each other, offering the ability to change settings.
Round 3. Additional protection and bonuses
To fully provide protection, manufacturers offer the most suites of security tools - the Internet Security product, which includes antivirus and other tools. In the case of free antivirus software from AVG and Avast, you cannot expect complete protection.
AVG AntiVirus 2015 already displays a button in the main window that says "Free trial 30 days," suggesting that the user has downloaded and tested the PRO version, which includes a firewall, anti-spam features, secure data (encryption and file protection using a password), and other applications. Regardless, the free version offers several solutions within the core hardware and not just an antivirus program. In the case of AVG LinkScanner is a feature that provides protection against malicious websites, as well as a mail scanner that detects malicious email attachments.
Some of the features available in the free antivirus industry are clever advertisements - first run a scan aimed at catching bugs in the system, and then fix them and improve system performance, but after subscription (well, not bastard manufacturers?).
Avast Free Antivirus 2015 offers a feature SecureLine VPN, which allows you to hide browsing or enable data encryption. Unfortunately, SecureLine VPN requires the purchase of a subscription. With the additional tools that are available in the free version, you can only replace "remote support". This feature allows you to connect to the desktop of another person who is using Avast. Just like AVG, Avast protects against phishing.
Tour results: draw.
Both programs provide some interesting additional features, which, however, are available for a fee.
Assuming that users typically choose these apps mainly because they're free and don't want to pay for security, AVG and Avast's programs get similar results on this round.
Round 4. Results of independent tests
Free antivirus programs are often considered less effective at detecting threats than their paid counterparts. We have checked the latest analysis results from the independent organization AV-Test, which specializes in IT security and antivirus testing.
In the test for evaluating the effectiveness of protection in a higher place was Avast, with a score of 5/6, while AVG received a score much worse, amounting to 3/6. Avast's anti-malware check analysis was exactly 100 percent effective on 153 samples, and AVG's was 95 percent. However, in another test of more than 12,000 samples, Avast scored 99 percent and AVG scored 98 percent.
AVG PC Analyzer found dozens of errors on the test computer, but we couldn't fix them because you need to subscribe.
AV-Test also evaluates the effectiveness of how applications slow down the daily operation of your computer, as well as functionality - the impact of security on your computer (for example, the display of false alarms).
Result: victory for Avast. From the AV-Test analysis, which we consider quite reliable, Avast got much better results in detecting threats.
Round 5. Advertising and constant messages
Many free software installers try to “slip” other tools into the computer, ads that are absolutely unnecessary. If you're careless and don't read the messages on the screen, browser plug-ins or other programs are usually installed later (I wonder how they found their way to the computer).
We expected similar practices from manufacturers. Avast prompts you to install Google Chrome during installation (selected by default during installation after agreeing), while AVG gives you the choice of whether you want to install a free antivirus program or a demo version of Internet Security. In addition, AVG also offers the installation of AVG Web Tools TuneUp (selected by default).
If you read the displayed information carefully, you can avoid installing this tool, which you probably don't need. Most users, however, do not read such messages and click "Install" without hesitation.
By default, Avast has an active voice messaging feature - the first time you launch it, you hear "Welcome to the Avast software" - a female voice says, and then "scan has been completed." If you are annoyed by this type of sounds, turn them off in the settings.
Tour results: draw. Both programs, which are free apps, advertise the purchase of other tools, and do so during the installation process. However, attentive users can easily uninstall unnecessary add-ons.
Round 6. Resources used and work in the background
Of great importance, especially for older PCs, is the size of the system resources used by the program. We checked in Windows 8.1 how much memory is required by antivirus programs.
Avast launches three services that use a total of about 32.5 MB. For comparison, an average of seven active services use a total of about 54 MB. Considering how much memory other applications require today, for example, web browsers can use even a gigabyte of storage, antivirus uses a negligible amount.
When it comes to running in the background, annoying messages don't show up during testing.
It should be understood that even the free version of Avast offers the “Run in the background / Enable full screen mode” function, accessible from the system tray. If enabled, no messages will be displayed.
Tour results: Avast wins again. Not only does it use less MB of memory, but it also has easy available options to turn off messages, which is useful when playing games, for example.
Conclusion - the victory of Avast antivirus.
Over the years we have seen the development of free antivirus and it is obvious that the latest versions are much better. Avast Free Antivirus 2015 was the clear winner in a duel between two popular applications. First of all, it has the best results in the detection performance test, has a very useful network threat scanning function, and also uses less system resources.
When it comes to free antivirus for Windows computer, your friends will mostly recommend you either , , or . But which one of them is the best? All are completely for free and offers plenty of advanced features. We'll take a look at details on Avast and AVG.
Two biggest competitors, Avast and AVG, are today a single company. In October 2016 for $1.3B. From the end-user point of view, there is no change, both brands continue to coexist together. However, they use the same engine and technology in the background - the one from Avast. Feature-wise there are small differences, let's take a closer look.
Feature Comparison Table – Does AVG Offer More Than Avast?
Both Avast and AVG are offering solid protection against viruses, spyware, malware, rootkits and even ransomware which is a big topic now. Plus you will be secured while browsing online, chatting on Facebook, or watching videos on YouTube. Also, they will protect and scan your incoming and outgoing e-mails if you are using an e-mail client like Outlook or Thunderbird. If you're a gamer, you can relax – both antivirus solutions offer smart gaming mode and keep themselves silent.
| Avast Free Antivirus 2019 | AVG AntiVirus FREE 2019 |
|---|
| Anti-Virus & Anti-Spyware & Anti-Malware | ||
| Web browsing protection | ||
| Email Client Protection | ||
| Silent/Gaming Mode | ||
| Home Network and Router Security | ||
| Unwanted Browser Plugins Cleanup | ||
| Outdated Software Scanner | ||
| Spying and Data Theft Protection | ||
| Permanent Deletion of Sensitive Data | ||
| Free To Use Without Personal Registration | ||
| Windows boot time | 28 sec. | 33 sec. |
| Performance Test Score | 2,116 pts. | 2,115 pts. |
| Size of Installer | 5MB | 5MB |
| price | Free ($0.00) | Free ($0.00) |
| From official AVG website |
With Avast you will get some cool features like WiFi Inspector(formerly called Home Network Security), which scans your home network, Wi-Fi connection, and routers. An easy-to-use tool called Browser Cleanup for removing unwanted toolbars from your browser. Software Updater for monitoring the up-to-date status of the other software like browser, Java, Adobe Reader, etc. And you can ask your IT friend to fix your computer via the secured remote connection.
However, there are some differences. AVG offers spying and data protection controlling what kind of data you are sharing with the other applications, and File Shredder which can permanently delete your sensitive information, so they can't be restored. A similar feature called Data Shredder is available also in Avast, but only in the top-tier product , not in the free one.
A big plus for AVG is that you don't need to register or give out any personal information. You can just download, install, and keep using it. With within the first 30 days, and then once a year.
Impact on the System Resources – Which Product is Lighter?
We have measured the impact on the system resources using two ways:
- How long does the computer to boot into Windows desktop while the AVG or Avast is installed
- How does the computer perform in various areas(CPU, Graphics, Memory and Disk operations) while the AVG or Avast is installed
In the boot time test where less is better, it took only 28 seconds(on average) to load Windows desktop when Avast Free Antivirus was installed. The same operation took 33 seconds(on average) when AVG AntiVirus FREE was installed. Default boot-time without any antivirus solution in place took 20 seconds. According to our testing, Windows loads faster with Avast.
In the second area, we have tested computer performance in various areas and impact of the AVG or Avast on the results. Test results (higher is better) were practically the same for both products, 2,116 points for Avast and 2,115 points for AVG. The default performance without any antivirus installed was 2,150 points. So the overall impact on the system performance is really low for both products.
Final performance test results are highlighted in the chart below. You can see clearly the difference between no antivirus and Avast or AVG present. Please note the vertical axis' performance score‘ is not starting from 0, but from 2,110 to clearly show the small differences.
You can find more details about how we tested in the ‘ Additional Notes‘section at the end of the article.
User Interface – Is Avast Easier to use Than AVG?
Avast user interface is really nice and clear. There is only one main action leading to the Smart Scan, which runs all seven Avast scans: compatibility, viruses, outdated software, browser add-ons, router issues, performance, and weak passwords. The green button' UPGRADE‘(or ‘ ACTIVATE‘) leads to a comparison table of Avast Free Antivirus and Avast premium product (Avast Internet Security).
The status is also indicated by color when green obviously means ‘You are protected’ (note AVG is using the exact same term). Also, you are assured that' Everything is up-to-date‘. The top menu is easy to navigate and structured in fours groups – Scan, Tools, Passwords, and Store. What is pretty annoying is the top menu disappears every time you go from the home screen and you need to click on ‘ Menu‘to get it back.
Same as AVG, also Avast is using the bottom space for the up-sell offers.
AVG user interface is quite busy compared to Avast. When everything is fine, you will see tick green marks with the message ‘ You are protected‘. The interface will go red if there will be some issue. What is nice is when some of the shields are disabled, you will see immediately which ones as they will also turn in red.
The main tiles show you the status of the specific shield protection. If you are looking for a scan, it's the less visible button' Scan now‘. The ‘Fix performance’ button sounds pretty interesting, but you need to download other product (AVG PC TuneUp) to actually fix the performance. The last button is for checking if the program is up-to-date, of course, the virus definitions are updated automatically. ‘ Join us on Facebook‘ link at the top bar is very visible and somehow distracting.
Bottom of the interface is used as an offer space to buy or try for free the paid-for version.
Localizations/Translations – Is The Product Available in my Language?
Both Avast and AVG are available in plenty of languages, of course for free. But Avast offers many more.
Avast languages (46): Arabic, Belorussian, Bengali, Bulgarian, Catalan, Chinese (simplified), Chinese (traditional), Croatian, Czech, Danish, Dutch, English (United States/United Kingdom), Estonian, Finnish, French, German, Greek, Hebrew, Hindi, Hungarian, Indonesian, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Latvian, Lithuanian, Malay, Norwegian, Persian, Pirate talk, Polish, Portuguese (Brazil/Portugal), Romanian, Russian, Serbian, Slovak, Slovenian, Spanish, Swedish, Thai, Turkish, Ukrainian, Urdu and Vietnamese
AVG languages (22): Chinese (simplified), Chinese (traditional), Czech, Danish, Dutch, English, French, German, Hungarian, Indonesian, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Malay, Polish, Portuguese (Brazil), Portuguese (Portugal), Russian, Serbian , Slovak, Spanish, Turkish.
Popularity – Which is the Most Popular Free Antivirus? Avast or AVG?
The better product is, the most users it has. It's simple as that. However, it's not easy to say which is the most popular antivirus, if Avast or AVG. For expressing popularity we are using several, publicly accessible methods.
1.Official Sources
From official AVG website
If you are looking for premium protection, check out our including Avast, AVG, Avira, ESET, and Norton (Symantec).
Additional Notes
Information about the product features has been obtained from the official websites of each vendor. If you believe we have stated something not correct, please , and we'll fix it immediately. Our intention is to offer a fair and fact-based comparison of each product.
For measuring the boot time we have used a free tool called BootRacer . We have tested AVG AntiVirus FREE 2016 (2016.0.7163) and Avast Free Antivirus 2016 (2016.10.2.2215) released on March 23, 2015. Both tests were performed on a Windows 7 Professional x64 computer with CPU Intel Core i7 @ 2.70GHz and 8 GB RAM.
For measuring the overall PC performance we have used a free tool called PassMark PerformanceTest which tests various areas including CPU, graphics, disk, and memory.
Written by Paul B.
My name is Paul and I love Avast since the Home Edition v4.8 (2008). I am recommending it to all my friends, but I realized they don't know how to use it. So I started this site in order to help others getting maximum from this awesome antivirus. Feel free to contact me via
The use of free antivirus solutions, which, although they are mostly limited in functionality versions of paid solutions, attract users by the absence of fees for their use.
Most often, free versions of antiviruses are released by manufacturers in order to attract the attention of users and give them the opportunity to "try" their products. As a result, the number of free antiviruses is increasing and it is difficult for the user to make an objective choice.
To reduce user uncertainty, information about the capabilities of various free antiviruses is needed. In this analytical work, we formulate a set of criteria for an objective comparison of antiviruses and present the results of a comparison of the five most popular free antiviruses. The results of the comparison will allow users to objectively evaluate their capabilities and choose the best free antivirus for themselves.
It is worth noting that one of the main motives for choosing a free antivirus is the desire not to pay money for an antivirus. In this case, users should understand that free antiviruses in terms of functionality in most cases will be inferior to paid counterparts.
Methodology
For comparison, the five most popular antiviruses were selected:
- Avast! Free Antivirus (version 8.0.1483). Download
- Avira Free Antivirus (version 13.0.0.2678). Download
- AVG Anti-Virus Free (version 2013.0.3272). Download
- Bitdefender Antivirus Free (version 1.0.14.889). Download
- Microsoft Security Essentials (version 4.2.223.0). Download
The study was carried out in two stages. At the first stage, documentation and information materials on the manufacturer's website were analyzed for each of the products. As a result, a set of functions was formulated for each of the products and a list of criteria for comparison. At the second stage, all products were installed on a computer with the Windows 7 operating system, and the operation of a number of functions was tested - an anti-virus scanner and monitor, Internet protection, etc. Testing of the quality of protection and performance of antiviruses was not carried out.
As a result of the analysis, 34 parameters were selected for comparison. For convenience, all criteria have been divided into the following categories:
- general information
- Antivirus
- Internet protection
- original components
- Technical support
- Miscellaneous (features not included in the previous categories)
Comparison of antiviruses
First, let's give a table that shows the main parameters of antiviruses. In all subsequent tables, the functions of the presented components will be disclosed.
Table 1. Antivirus components
| Avast! Free Antivirus | Avira Free Antivirus | AVG Anti-Virus Free | Bitdefender Antivirus Free | ||
| Antivirus* | + | + | + | + | + |
| Anti-rootkit | + | + | + | + | + |
| Behavior Blocker | + | - | + | + | - |
| Web antivirus | + | + | + | + | - |
| Checking mail messages | + | - | + | - | - |
| + | - | - | - | - | |
| + | - | + | - | - |
* anti-virus scanner and anti-virus monitor;
Table 2. General information
| Avast! Free Antivirus | Avira Free Antivirus | AVG Anti-Virus Free | Bitdefender Antivirus Free | Microsoft Security Essentials | |
| Supported versions of Windows* | 2000, XP, Vista, 7, 8 | XP, Vista, 7 | XP, Vista, 7, 8 | XP (x86), Vista, 7, 8 | XP (x86), Vista, 7 |
| Products webpage | avast.com | avira.com | avg.com | bitdefender.com | windows.microsoft.com |
| Russified interface | + | + | + | - | + |
* unless otherwise specified, both 32-bit and 64-bit versions of operating systems are supported.
Table 3. Antivirus
| Avast! Free Antivirus | Avira Free Antivirus | AVG Anti-Virus Free | Bitdefender Antivirus Free | Microsoft Security Essentials | |
| Antivirus monitor (real time protection) |
+ | + | + | + | + |
| Anti-rootkit | + | +*** | + | + | + |
| Behavior Blocker | + | - | + | + | - |
| Heuristic analysis | + | + | + | + | + |
| Various scanning algorithms* | + | + | + | -** | + |
| Scheduled Scan | + | + | + | - | + |
| Pre-OS Scan | + | - | - | + | - |
| Cloud File Reputation System | + | - | + | - | - |
* express scan, full scan, custom scan;
** Only on-demand scanning of a selected directory or file is supported.
*** does not work on Windows XP x64.
Table 4. Internet security
| Avast! Free Antivirus | Avira Free Antivirus | AVG Anti-Virus Free | Bitdefender Antivirus Free | Microsoft Security Essentials | |
| Web antivirus | +* | + | + | + | - |
| Web filtering ** | + | - | - | - | - |
| Website and link reputation system | + | + | + | - | - |
| Anti-phishing | + | + | + | + | - |
| Anti-banner | + | - | - | - | - |
| Disable browser activity tracking | - | + | + | - | - |
| Checking messages via POP3, IMAP4, SMTP protocols | + | - | + | - | - |
| Checking files received via P2P and IM*** | + | - | - | - | - |
* implemented in the web screen and screen scripts;
** filtering by the "black" list of URLs;
*** verification of files received through "peer-to-peer" programs (P2P) from various trackers and through applications for "instant messaging" (ICQ, QIP, etc.).
Table 5. Original components
| Avast! Free Antivirus | Avira Free Antivirus | AVG Anti-Virus Free | Bitdefender Antivirus Free | Microsoft Security Essentials | |
| Finding and "closing" vulnerabilities | + | - | - | - | - |
| Automatic "sandbox" ("AutoSandbox") | + | - | - | - | - |
| Protection of personal information | - | - | + | - | - |
Table 6. Technical support
| Avast! Free Antivirus | Avira Free Antivirus | AVG Anti-Virus Free | Bitdefender Antivirus Free | Microsoft Security Essentials | |
| User guide | + | + | + | + | - |
| Tech service request. support | + | - | - | - | + |
| Forum | + | + | + | + | + |
| Knowledge base | + | + | + | + | + |
| Video lessons | - | + | + | - | - |
| Creating a trace file for support | + | - | - | - | - |
Table 7. Other functions
| Avast! Free Antivirus | Avira Free Antivirus | AVG Anti-Virus Free | Bitdefender Antivirus Free | Microsoft Security Essentials | |
| Protecting antivirus settings with a password | + | + | - | - | - |
| Sending suspicious files to the server for additional verification from the user interface | + | + | - | - | +* |
| "Game Mode | + | + | + | + | - |
| Windows desktop gadget | + | - | + | - | - |
| Windows Optimization | - | - | +** | - | - |
| Remote access to other computers | + | - | - | - | - |
| Removing additional browsers panels |
+ | - | - | - | - |
* suspicious files are sent automatically;
** AVG Analyzer optimizes the registry, file system; AVG Accelerator increases the speed of web browsers; AVG Advisor formulates recommendations for fixing bugs in the OS.
conclusions
As can be seen from the comparison, free antiviruses provide only a basic level of protection. However, now it is not only a virus scanner and monitor. Most of the products reviewed include various components to protect users while browsing the Internet. Some products also offer security features that go beyond the boundaries of free products, such as "closing" vulnerabilities in applications (Avast! Free Antivirus), protection of personal data (AVG Anti-Virus Free). As a result, we can state that some free antiviruses are superior in functionality to some paid second-tier antiviruses.
Free antiviruses quickly reacted to the emergence of the new Windows 8 operating system and not only began to protect computers running it, but also changed their user interface in accordance with the style of this operating system (Avast! Free Antivirus, AVG Anti-Virus Free).
There is also a simplification of the user interface of antiviruses and an increase in attention to the convenience of their use. For example, in Avast! Free Antivirus finally has a single window with settings, which makes it easy for users to configure the antivirus. The quality of references and documentation is increasing. We see the ultimate implementation of user offloading in Bitdefender Antivirus Free, which does not contain settings for security components, does not require maintenance, and works on the “set it and forget it” principle.
By tradition, we do not give exact recommendations on which of the free antiviruses is definitely the best, but we provide users with information on the basis of which they can make their own choice. We also draw readers' attention to the fact that this study is analytical and shows the capabilities of the considered antiviruses. The answer to the question of how well these antiviruses perform their functions can only be obtained as a result of objective functional testing.
Good day, dear readers of the blog site. Surely your home computer has some kind of anti-virus protection, no? If not, then I strongly recommend acquiring one, about why this is necessary was discussed in one of the previous articles, specifically here. It can be either a paid antivirus or its free counterparts, in most cases free antivirus options are installed, which, by the way, are not much inferior to many paid antiviruses in terms of protection, and you can download them completely free of charge. This is perhaps the most important advantage of free antiviruses (your "Cap Obvious").
For about a year on my home computer there was a free version of Avast antivirus (if anyone is not in the know, this company also has a paid version of "Avast Internet Security", which in addition to the antivirus contains a firewall (firewall) and even a bunch of any functionality). So for this year I have not got a single virus! I periodically checked with a free Kaspersky utility to clean up viruses, it also found nothing. All this made me think that in most cases, installing a free antivirus is the best solution, since such an antivirus provides a sufficient level of protection, does not slow down the system (unlike ... you know who) and is inexpensive (free).
Based on the results of numerous tests of antiviruses on various resources, I selected four contenders for the title best free antivirus 2014. Of these, only two antiviruses have been on my computer for quite a long time as the main protection, these are Avast and AVG. The comparison was made using tests (antivirus ratings) + my experience of using it, I will try to be objective. By the way, do not pay attention to the order of the antiviruses in the text, this does not mean anything, you just have to start somewhere.
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The choice of antivirus should always be treated with great responsibility, because the security of your computer and confidential data depends on it. To fully protect the system, it is no longer necessary to buy a paid antivirus, since free counterparts quite successfully cope with the tasks. Let's compare the main features of Avira Free Antivirus and Avast Free Antivirus to determine the best one.
Both of the above applications have a cult status among antivirus programs. The German antivirus Avira is the world's first mass-produced free program to protect computers from malicious code and malicious actions. The Czech program Avast, in turn, is by far the most popular free antivirus in the world.
Of course, the assessment of the interface is a very subjective matter. Nevertheless, objective criteria can be found in evaluating appearance.
The Avira antivirus interface has remained unchanged for many years. It looks somewhat ascetic and old-fashioned.
In contrast, Avast is constantly experimenting with the visual shell. In the latest version of Avast Free Antivirus, it is maximally adapted to work on the latest Windows 8 and Windows 10 operating systems. In addition, managing Avast, thanks to the drop-down menu, is quite convenient.
So, regarding the evaluation of the interface, preference should be given to the Czech antivirus.
Avira 0:1 Avast
Virus Protection
It is believed that Avira has somewhat more reliable virus protection than Avast, although it also sometimes allows malware to enter the system. At the same time, Avira has a very high number of false positives, which is not much better than a missed virus.
Let's still give a point to Avira, as a more reliable program, although in this regard the gap from Avast is minimal.
Avira 1:1 Avast
Areas of protection
Avast Free Antivirus protects your computer's file system, email, and Internet connection using special screen services.
Avira Free Antivirus has a real-time file system protection service and surfing the Internet, using the built-in Windows firewall. But email protection is available only in the paid version of Avira.
Avira 1:2 Avast
If in the normal state, Avira antivirus does not load the system too much, then by performing a scan, it literally sucks all the juices out of the operating system and the central processor. As you can see, according to the indications of the task manager, the main Avira process during scanning takes on a fairly large percentage of the system's capacity. But besides it, there are three more auxiliary processes.
Unlike Avira, Avast antivirus almost does not strain the system even when scanning. As you can see, it takes up 17 times less RAM than the main Avira process, and loads the CPU 6 times less.
Avira 1:3 Avast
Additional tools
Avast and Avira free antiviruses have a number of additional tools that provide more reliable system protection. These include browser add-ons, native browsers, anonymizers, and other elements. But it should be noted that if in Avast there are flaws in some of these tools, then for Avira everything works more holistically and organically.
In addition, it should be said that Avast has all additional tools installed by default. And since most users rarely pay attention to the subtleties of installation, elements that are completely unnecessary for a particular person can be installed in the system along with the main antivirus.
But Avira took a completely different approach. In it, if necessary, the user can install a specific application individually. He installs only the tools he really needs. This developer approach is preferred as it is less intrusive.
Thus, according to the criterion of the policy of providing additional tools, Avira antivirus wins.
Avira 2:3 Avast
However, the overall victory in the rivalry between the two antiviruses remains with Avast. Despite the fact that Avira has a slight advantage in such a fundamental criterion as the reliability of protection against viruses, the gap in this indicator from Avast is so insignificant that it cannot drastically affect the general state of affairs.