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 Avast Antivirus Review - Read This Before You Buy It

  • Read this review and learn how you can protect your device and stay safe
  • Be responsible for your data and your security
  • And don't worry about viruses and other dangers anymore

written by Jake Freeman
last updated: 05.05.2025

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Why do you need antivirus for your computer?

Stop Viruses and Malware

Antivirus blocks harmful software that can damage your computer, delete files, or crash your system—just like medicine fights off germs.

Protect Your Passwords and Bank Info

Hackers try to steal credit card numbers, passwords, and social media accounts. Antivirus acts like a lock on your digital life.

Avoid Ransomware (File Kidnapping)

Some viruses lock your files and demand money to unlock them. Antivirus stops these attacks before they can trap your photos, documents, or work files.

Safe Shopping and Banking Online

Antivirus checks if shopping or banking websites are fake, so you don’t accidentally give your money to scammers.

Stop Annoying Pop-Up Ads and Spyware

Some ads track what you do online or slow down your device. Antivirus removes these nuisances and keeps your browsing private.

Protect Your Kids Online

Many antivirus tools include parental controls to block inappropriate websites or limit screen time.

OVERALL..

Think of it like a seatbelt for the internet—you might not need it every day, but it’s lifesaving when something goes wrong. 🔒

Are you choosing an antivirus and have come across

Avast Antivirus?

Here's everything you need to know before you buy!

Why Avast Antivirus Matters for You: Everyday Protection Made Simple

1. Blocks Scams and Fraud

Avast acts like a digital bodyguard against online tricksters. It automatically:

  • Stops fake websites pretending to be your bank, shopping sites, or PayPal (a common tactic called phishing).

  • Warns you about suspicious links in emails or texts that could steal your passwords or credit card details.
    Backed by: Perfect phishing detection scores in AV-Test evaluations.

2. Prevents Financial Theft

Your money stays safer with features that:

  • Lock down your files from ransomware attacks (where hackers encrypt your photos/docs and demand payment).

  • Alert you if your email or passwords appear in a data breach, so you can act before fraudsters do.
    Trusted by: Over 435 million users globally, including recommendations from PCMag.

3. Secures Your Wi-Fi and Devices

  • Scans your home network for weak spots hackers exploit, like outdated routers or unknown devices.

  • Protects smartphones from spyware that tracks your location or drains your bank account via fake apps.

4. Fixes Hidden Dangers Automatically

  • Updates apps like Zoom or Chrome behind the scenes to patch security holes criminals target.

  • Finds and removes "junk files" slowing down your device, which can hide malware.

5. Peace of Mind for Non-Tech Users

  • Simple green/red alerts tell you when you’re safe (no confusing jargon).

  • Free version includes essential tools, so you don’t need to pay to stay protected.
    Awarded: Editors’ Choice for ease of use by TechRadar.

Avast is Professionals' Choice

Avast One Basic: A Free Antivirus Powerhouse
For over two decades, cybersecurity leader Avast has provided robust free antivirus solutions. Avast One Basic continues this legacy, combining its signature malware-fighting technology with premium-tier features borrowed from its paid counterpart, Avast One Gold. Compatible with Android, iOS, macOS, and Windows, it delivers comprehensive cross-device protection—a key reason it earns Special Journal’s Editors’ Choice. It shares this distinction with AVG AntiVirus Free, a simpler standalone tool powered by the same battle-tested engine as Avast.

Avast: Review of Features and Verified Performance For You

1. Superior Malware Protection

Avast consistently ranks among the top antivirus solutions in independent lab tests, including AV-Comparatives and AV-Test. In AV-Test’s February 2025 evaluation, it scored 99.93% in real-world protection against zero-day threats and 100% detection of widespread malware. Key features include:

  • Core Shields: A multi-layered defense system:

    • File Shield: Scans downloads and executables in real time.

    • Web Shield: Blocks phishing sites and malicious URLs.

    • Behavior Shield: Detects suspicious app activity, like unauthorized screen recording.

  • Ransomware Shield: Customizable folder protection that stops unauthorized encryption attempts, even by trusted apps (TechRadar Review).

2. User-Friendly Design & Cross-Platform Support

Avast prioritizes accessibility for both beginners and advanced users:

  • Intuitive Interface: Clean dashboard with color-coded alerts (green = safe, red = threat) and step-by-step guides for troubleshooting (Interface Walkthrough).

  • Multi-Device Compatibility:

    • Windows/macOS: Full-featured suites with firewall and webcam protection.

    • Android/iOS: Anti-theft tools, app permission monitoring, and VPN (Premium only).

  • Free Version: Avast Free Antivirus includes essential tools like Smart Scan (checks for malware, outdated software, and network issues) and a password manager (Feature Comparison).

3. Advanced Security Tools

Beyond malware defense, Avast offers utilities that rival premium suites:

  • Wi-Fi Inspector: Scans home networks for vulnerabilities (e.g., weak passwords, rogue devices) and provides repair guides (CNET Review).

  • Software Updater: Automatically patches apps like Java, Zoom, and Adobe Reader to close security gaps.

  • Rescue Disk: Creates a bootable USB drive to remove deeply embedded malware unreachable during normal scans.

4. Optimized Performance

Avast minimizes system slowdowns, even on older hardware:

  • Scan Speed:

    • Quick Scan: Checks critical areas (startup apps, memory) in 2–3 minutes.

    • Full Scan: Analyzes 500,000+ files in ~45 minutes (tested on a 1 TB HDD).

  • Gaming Mode: Pauses notifications and updates during full-screen activities (enabled automatically).

5. Industry Recognition & Value

  • Awards:

    • PCMag Editors’ Choice (2024–2025) for its free version’s "unmatched feature set" (Read Here)

    • AV-Test Top Product certification for Windows (18 consecutive wins)

Леонид Василевский

Маркетолог, который всегда на связи

Ежедневно c 9:00 до 20:00 по МСК

Работает на Creatium