Avast antivirus packs a powerful set of features in an easy-to-use package. The malware engine received a perfect score in my tests and its web security was effective in identifying websites that were phishing and able to bypass Chrome and Firefox’s default detection systems. Its performance scanner also did an excellent job of keeping its impact on the system’s performance to a minimum. Avast’s performance scanning was more effective than any other software in reducing CPU usage.

Avast also provides a range of other tools. These include a password manager as well as a VPN (exclusive to Avast One), a photo vault, as well as a data breach monitoring feature. The security toolkit is very extensive, including a sandbox to run applications in, as well as a router security scanner to check for potential vulnerabilities.

If you ever have trouble, Avast’s support website provides a complete knowledge base. Its search function makes it easy to find answers to frequently asked questions. If you’re unable to find an answer then the Avast forum is a solid source for assistance from other users.

Avast may claim that they no longer sells data about its users, however the past of this practice is present in a lot of people’s minds. In January of 2020, PCMag and Motherboard revealed that Avast sold the location and other information of its users to third party companies via its Jumpshot subsidiary. Avast has stopped this practice, and now asks for users to opt-in when installing its desktop antivirus www.alvieprimaryschool.org.uk/looking-for-a-vacation-rental-vrbo-is-your-go-to-place/ software. Its privacy policy states that the data of consumers is “stripped and removed from identification” before being shared with third parties.