AVG Antivirus Review in 2025

John Sayasa | January 7, 2025

Security Specialist

AVG Antivirus is one of the most widely recognized names in the cybersecurity landscape. Known for its solid protection features, AVG has been serving millions of users worldwide, offering both free and premium antivirus solutions for individuals, families, and businesses. AVG’s suite of products is designed to defend against a wide variety of threats, including viruses, malware, ransomware, spyware, and phishing attacks.

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What Makes AVG Antivirus a Reliable Choice for Cybersecurity?

AVG Antivirus is a reliable cybersecurity solution that offers robust malware protection, privacy tools, and performance optimization. It balances strong security with minimal system impact, ensuring efficient protection without slowing down devices. AVG provides an easy-to-use interface and valuable features, with a free version for basic protection and premium plans for advanced tools. Trusted for its effectiveness, AVG is a solid choice for safeguarding devices and personal data.

2025 Editor's Pick
TotalAV

9.8

Average Review

TotalAV

Rated #1 Antivirus Software of 2025. Protect your devices with our award-winning antivirus solution, featuring advanced privacy and performance tools.

  • Save $80 - First Year Offer $19/yr For Desktop & $1.99/yr iPhone
  • Real-Time antivirus protection & Removes viruses and other malware
  • Protects all your devices + 2 Additional Licenses Included
  • Trusted by millions of people worldwide
  • Safeguards your identity online
  • Ultra fast antivirus + Mac cleaner Included
  • Award Winning Antivirus & Security Software
  • Eliminate Malware
Bitdefender

9.2

Average Review

Bitdefender

Offers excellent virus protection, a wide range of features, and minimal system impact.

  • Highly-rated virus detection capability
  • Chat safely in popular social networks
  • Extends battery life on laptops and tablets
  • Protects mobile devices from physical theft
  • Includes a basic package with premium features
  • Surf the web safely and anonymously
Norton

9.0

Average Review

Norton

High-accuracy, low-impact antivirus solution with online backup capabilities.

  • Detects viruses without raising false flags
  • Protects usernames and passwords
  • Prevents hackers from infiltrating your system
  • Allows you to manage your devices from an online portal
  • Prevents and helps you to recover from identity theft
  • Backs up data and stores it in the cloud
Panda

8.9

Average Review

Panda

Powerful security protects you from numerous forms of online and offline danger

  • Prevents virus infections from USB drives
  • Spots dangerous processes with ease
  • Identifies potential security risks in public Wi-Fi networks
  • Strong encryption for your private files
  • Allows you to store essential documents in the cloud
  • Cleans and optimizes your computer
Mcafee

8.4

Average Review

McAfee

Highly accurate security solution for computers and mobile devices.

  • Protects an unlimited number of devices
  • Allows you to fix security issues remotely
  • Removes malware or your money back
  • Almost no false/positives were recorded
  • Prevents scam attempts in their tracks
  • Includes an encrypted folder for document storage
AVG

8.4

Average Review

AVG

Highly effective, low-impact, and affordable antivirus solution.

  • Antivirus protection for an unlimited number of devices
  • Features a powerful firewall that prevents hackers from infiltrating your devices
  • Identifies and corrects performance-related issues
  • Capable of removing camouflaged and deep-rooted malware
  • Allows for safe online shopping
  • Prevents hackers from accessing your webcam
Avira

8.0

Average Review

Avira

Award-winning premium antivirus solution suitable for all devices.

  • Recipient of high ratings from independent testers
  • Blocks all online threats
  • Blocks suspicious websites and phishing attempts
  • Prevents zero-hour threats in real-time
  • Cleans and optimizes your computer
  • Protects your data from hackers
EsEt

7.5

Average Review

ESET

Well-balanced security solution with powerful antivirus capabilities.

  • Blocks and eliminates the latest virus threats
  • Allows you to use your device with limited interruption
  • Secure browser for safe online shopping
  • Prevents hackers from stealing personal data
  • Allows you to store passwords in a secure database
  • Encrypts photos and protects your private memories
Avast

9.0

Average Review

Avast

Smart, fast, and reliable antivirus solution with limited impact on system performance.

  • Ultimate - $69.99 SAVE 50% OFF - Cover 10 Devices
  • Try Free Antivirus
  • 435+ million users
  • Advanced virus and malware protection
  • Home Wi-fi network security
  • Compatible with Windows 11, 10, 8.1, 8, 7
  • 30-day money-back guarantee
  • Easy to install, effortless to use
  • 30+ years of cybersecurity experience
Surfshark

8.5

Average Review

Surfshark

Privacy-focused antivirus combines the power of real-time scanning with cloud protection and other comprehensive security features.

  • Real-time scanning and cloud protection
  • Virus Bulletin and AV-Test certified
  • Part of Microsoft Virus Initiative
  • Performance-optimized antivirus
  • Scans up to 5 devices simultaneously
  • Focused on respecting user privacy

Compare The Best Antivirus Software

Criteria
Rating
Detection Capabilities
System performance
Features
Removes Malware
-
TOTALAV
9.8
Excellent
Excellent
Excellent
Excellent
Visit Site
Bitdefender
9.2
Excellent
Good
Excellent
Good
Visit Site
Norton
9.0
Excellent
Excellent
Good
Good
Visit Site
Panda
8.9
Good
Good
Good
Fair
Visit Site
Surfshark
8.5
Fair
Good
Good
Good
Visit Site
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Why You Should Trust Us

Selecting the right antivirus solution is not just about finding the cheapest or most popular option—it’s about making an informed decision based on accurate and trustworthy information. Unfortunately, the internet is full of scams and unreliable review websites that prioritize profit over honesty. Many so-called "Top 10 antivirus lists" are compiled without proper testing or research, often driven by affiliate commissions rather than a genuine commitment to helping users.

We set out to do things differently. From the start, our mission has been to become the most trusted and transparent buyer’s guide for antivirus software. Instead of promoting the highest-paying affiliate programs, we focused on researching the market to identify reputable antivirus providers with proven track records. We only include established brands that excel in quality and enjoy industry-wide recognition. To ensure accurate reviews, we personally purchased premium packages from each provider and tested them using a proprietary scoring system. (Learn more about our methodology on our blog.)

But who are we? We are a team of software testing and reviewing experts with over 30 years of combined experience. Our reviews are built on integrity, trust, and transparency to provide you with honest recommendations for your antivirus needs.

Finding The Best Antivirus

We’ve invested significant time researching the most reputable antivirus testing labs, gathering extensive data on virus and malware detection. Reliable sources like AV Comparatives and AV Test formed the foundation of our research. We also examined white papers and articles from respected organizations and publications, including The Anti-Malware Testing Standards Organization, PCMag, Google's Project Zero, and Ars Technica, among others. This thorough approach allowed us to identify key technical components and requirements for antivirus software and assign a detection score to each solution.

While detection capability is a crucial factor, it’s not the only one. Choosing the best antivirus solution also involves considering features, ease of use, and system performance. To evaluate these aspects, we tested the software on various PCs and Macs in our office. After finalizing a list of features to analyze and creating a scoring system for each, we installed and tested individual antivirus solutions. Although the process was time-consuming, it provided valuable insights into how different products compare. (We’ll be sharing some of these findings on our blog in the coming weeks, so stay tuned!)

A great antivirus solution must deliver strong performance and features at a competitive price, ensuring value for users.

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Best Antivirus For Tablets

The Right Price

It’s not uncommon for a premium antivirus solution with advanced features to come with a hefty price tag. Some companies even include less practical “exotic features” to justify higher prices. But are these extras worth the cost? Alongside strong detection capabilities, we’ve focused on must-have features such as usability, system performance, and affordability when evaluating antivirus packages. During our research, we discovered that some highly-priced solutions with excessive features were actually overpriced.

Many antivirus companies offer significant discounts that aren’t always visible on their websites. In some cases, prices can drop by as much as 50%. Who wouldn’t want a solution offering essential features at a lower price than competing brands? To simplify your decision-making process, we’ve partnered with affiliate programs to provide direct links to discounted antivirus packages. These offers, along with our rigorous evaluation criteria, ensure you get the best value for protecting your digital footprint.

Is AVG Antivirus Worth the Investment?

When it comes to safeguarding your devices from digital threats, selecting the right antivirus software is crucial. With the growing number of cyber threats, including malware, ransomware, phishing attacks, and identity theft, the need for robust online protection has never been more critical. One antivirus solution that has stood out in the market for years is AVG Antivirus.AVG Antivirus offers a wide range of features designed to keep your devices safe from malware, viruses, ransomware, and other cybersecurity threats. One of its key strengths is its multi-layered protection, which includes real-time scanning, behavioral detection, and advanced threat detection algorithms. This combination allows AVG to catch both known and unknown threats, preventing them from causing harm to your system. Whether you’re browsing the web, downloading files, or using email, AVG provides continuous protection to ensure that your device remains secure.AVG’s Ransomware Protection feature helps defend against one of the most dangerous and growing types of cyberattack. Ransomware can lock up your files and demand a ransom in exchange for their release. AVG’s proactive defense mechanisms, including file and folder locking and behavioral detection, ensure that your critical files are protected and cannot be encrypted by ransomware. This makes AVG a strong contender when it comes to safeguarding against sophisticated cyberattacks.

AVG not only protects your device but also helps keep it running at peak performance. With features like PC performance optimization tools, AVG can clear unnecessary files, improve system startup speeds, and enhance overall device performance. This is particularly beneficial for users with older systems or those who want to maintain the smooth running of their devices without experiencing slowdowns from excessive bloatware. By combining security with performance optimization, AVG ensures that your device remains efficient and protected.Cyber threats are constantly evolving, and one of the key features that make AVG worth the investment is its commitment to staying up-to-date with the latest threats. AVG’s cloud-based protection ensures that the software can quickly analyze and block new threats, even those that are not yet recognized by traditional signature-based detection methods. With regular updates and access to global threat intelligence, AVG is able to stay ahead of emerging malware, keeping your system safe from new and evolving cyberattacks.AVG is competitively priced compared to other antivirus solutions on the market, making it an attractive option for users who want strong protection without breaking the bank. AVG offers different pricing tiers, including a free version with basic protection and a paid version with more advanced features.

What Features does AVG Antivirus Offer for Better Protection?

AVG Antivirus provides a comprehensive range of powerful features designed to offer robust protection for your devices, data, and online privacy. In today’s digital landscape, cyber threats are becoming increasingly sophisticated, which makes having reliable antivirus software essential. AVG Antivirus not only offers top-tier protection against viruses and malware but also includes a variety of additional features that safeguard your privacy, prevent unauthorized access, and ensure that your devices perform efficiently.

One of the standout features of AVG Antivirus is its ransomware protection, which defends against one of the most dangerous cyber threats in recent years. Ransomware is malicious software that encrypts files or locks them, effectively holding them hostage until a ransom is paid. AVG Antivirus helps protect your important files and documents by continuously monitoring your system for suspicious activity that may indicate a ransomware attack. If any such activity is detected, AVG immediately intervenes to prevent encryption, ensuring your files are safe. AVG also provides a feature called Ransomware Shield, which focuses on safeguarding sensitive files by placing them in a secure “safe zone,” making sure that only trusted applications can access them. This level of security is crucial for both personal users and businesses, as losing access to critical files can have serious consequences.

Another essential feature of AVG Antivirus is its advanced firewall security, which serves as a barrier between your device and the outside world. The firewall monitors all incoming and outgoing network traffic, blocking any potentially harmful access attempts. Many cybercriminals attempt to breach devices remotely, either by exploiting vulnerabilities in the network or by gaining unauthorized access to your system. AVG’s firewall works by preventing these intrusion attempts and keeping your network secure. Furthermore, the firewall allows for custom configurations, giving users the flexibility to set specific rules for different types of network connections. For advanced users or businesses, this feature offers greater control over which programs are permitted to communicate with the internet, ensuring that only trusted applications are allowed to send or receive data.

In addition to its network defense capabilities, AVG Antivirus includes email protection to safeguard you from the most common cyber attack vectors: phishing and malware-laden attachments. Cybercriminals often use email to trick users into clicking on malicious links or downloading infected attachments. AVG scans incoming emails for these threats, including dangerous attachments or links, and alerts you when a suspicious email is detected. This email protection feature also scans for viruses and malware that may be embedded in email files, such as PDFs, Word documents, and other file types, preventing potential threats before they can compromise your system.

AVG’s web shield feature provides real-time protection as you browse the internet. Malicious websites can infect your device with malware or attempt to steal your personal information, but AVG’s web shield blocks dangerous websites before they can do any harm. It continuously monitors the sites you visit, and if any site is deemed malicious or untrustworthy, AVG will warn you before you proceed, blocking any potential threats. This feature also includes protection against drive-by downloads, a type of malware that is automatically downloaded when visiting a compromised website without your consent.

AVG also prioritizes privacy with its anti-tracking feature. Many websites and advertisers track your online behavior through cookies and other tracking technologies, collecting personal data and building profiles of your browsing habits. This data is often used for targeted advertising, but it can also be exploited for other purposes. AVG’s anti-tracking feature blocks these tracking cookies and prevents websites from monitoring your online activities. This feature enhances your privacy and ensures that your personal information remains secure while browsing the web. Moreover, it helps speed up your browsing experience, as blocking unnecessary cookies reduces the load on your browser.

When it comes to online financial transactions, AVG provides enhanced security through its online banking protection feature. Online banking and shopping have become routine for many users, but they come with the risk of cybercriminals trying to intercept sensitive financial data. AVG isolates your browsing environment when you access banking or payment sites, ensuring that these pages are free from malware and other security threats. By encrypting your connection, AVG makes it much harder for hackers to steal your login credentials, credit card details, or other financial information. This added layer of security is particularly important for anyone who frequently engages in online banking or shopping, as it minimizes the risk of fraud and ensures that your financial information is safe from malicious actors.

Aside from security features, AVG Antivirus also includes tools to optimize your device’s performance. Over time, devices can slow down due to unnecessary files, outdated software, and clutter. AVG’s PC TuneUp tools help clean up your system by removing temporary files, cleaning the registry, and managing system bloat. This not only frees up valuable storage space but also helps your device run faster. The optimization tools also include features to defrag hard drives, manage startup programs, and reduce memory usage, making your device more efficient. By improving your device’s performance, AVG ensures that your security features don’t come at the cost of speed and usability.

AVG also offers comprehensive protection against various other types of malware, including viruses, spyware, Trojans, and rootkits. These threats can sneak past traditional security measures, but AVG’s real-time protection continuously scans your system for any signs of infection. Whether you’re downloading files, installing software, or simply browsing the internet, AVG’s active protection works in the background to ensure that your device remains secure at all times. This level of vigilance is essential in an age where malware can come from almost any source, and even trusted websites can be compromised.

The combination of these features—ransomware protection, firewall security, email scanning, web shield, anti-tracking, online banking protection, and performance optimization—makes AVG Antivirus a robust and comprehensive security solution. It goes beyond traditional antivirus software by offering a holistic approach to digital security. By protecting you from a wide range of cyber threats and improving the performance of your device, AVG Antivirus provides peace of mind to individuals and businesses alike.

Transparency Disclosure

The reviews, rankings, and content on AntivirusGuide.com reflect the informed opinions of our reviewers. Our mission is straightforward: to help our visitors choose the antivirus solution that best suits their needs. Please note that we may receive monetary compensation when users purchase products through the links provided on our site. While our company may earn commissions from these affiliate links, our editorial team is dedicated to delivering accurate, unbiased information, and we invest significant time and effort into ensuring the content remains as reliable as possible, regardless of any compensation.

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Frequently Asked Questions

These answers might help.

AVG Antivirus is a cybersecurity software that provides protection against viruses, malware, spyware, ransomware, and other types of malicious software. It uses advanced algorithms and real-time scanning to detect and neutralize threats before they can harm your computer or steal your information. AVG works by scanning files, emails, and websites for known malware signatures, and it actively monitors your system for suspicious activity. It also has features like firewall protection, email scanning, and web shield to ensure comprehensive security.

AVG offers both a free version and premium paid versions. The free version provides essential protection, including virus scanning, real-time security, and malware detection. However, the paid versions (such as AVG Internet Security and AVG Ultimate) offer additional features like advanced ransomware protection, firewall protection, online banking protection, and more. These premium versions come with a subscription cost but provide enhanced security for users who need more advanced protection.

To install AVG Antivirus on your computer, follow these steps: 1. Go to the official AVG website and download the installer for either the free version or the paid version. 2. Once the file is downloaded, open it and follow the on-screen instructions to install AVG. 3. After installation, AVG will automatically run its initial scan and provide security recommendations. 4. If you’ve installed the free version, you can use it immediately, but if you’ve opted for the premium version, you’ll need to enter your license key or activate your subscription.

It’s important to keep your AVG Antivirus up to date to ensure it has the latest virus definitions and software improvements. AVG automatically updates itself whenever a new version or update is released. However, you can manually check for updates by opening AVG, navigating to the Menu or Settings, and selecting the Update option. Regular updates ensure that AVG is prepared to detect and block the latest threats.

AVG’s paid versions, such as AVG Internet Security and AVG Ultimate, offer a variety of enhanced features that provide more comprehensive protection, including ransomware protection to safeguard files from encryption, an advanced firewall to block unauthorized access, email protection to scan attachments and links for threats, web shield to protect against malicious websites and block dangerous downloads, anti-tracking to prevent websites from monitoring your browsing activities, online banking protection to ensure secure transactions by isolating the browsing environment, and PC performance optimization tools to enhance device speed and efficiency.

AVG is designed to run in the background without causing significant slowdowns to your computer. During scans, there might be a slight performance drop, especially if the system is older or has limited resources. However, AVG has been optimized to minimize its impact on performance. If you experience noticeable slowdowns, you can adjust the settings in AVG to schedule scans during off-peak hours or use AVG’s PC TuneUp feature (available in the premium versions) to optimize your computer’s performance.

Yes, AVG offers advanced ransomware protection in its premium versions. AVG’s Ransomware Shield actively monitors your files and alerts you if it detects any suspicious file activity, such as unauthorized encryption attempts. In case of a ransomware attack, AVG will prevent the ransomware from locking your files and will notify you to take immediate action. This added layer of protection helps safeguard your sensitive data from ransom attacks.

You can check the AVG Threat History to see a record of any detected threats. To view it: 1. Open AVG Antivirus and go to the Menu or Settings. 2. Navigate to Protection or History to see any alerts or security events. 3. If a threat is detected, AVG will show detailed information about the type of threat, its severity, and actions taken to mitigate it.

Yes, AVG provides several features that focus on protecting your privacy and online security, including web shield to protect against malicious websites and phishing sites attempting to steal personal information, anti-tracking to block cookies and tools used to monitor browsing behavior, AVG Secure VPN in the paid versions to encrypt your internet connection for safe browsing on public networks or accessing sensitive accounts, and identity protection to alert you if your personal data is being used or exposed online.

Yes, AVG offers mobile protection for both Android and iOS devices. AVG AntiVirus for Android provides protection against malware, spyware, and apps that could be potentially harmful. It also offers features such as Anti-Theft (to help locate a lost or stolen device), App Lock, Wi-Fi Security, and Battery Saver. On iOS, AVG provides privacy protection, anti-theft, and network security features.