Avast antivirus has a complete range of features presented in a straightforward package. In my tests its malware engine, it earned a perfect score. Its web security was also effective in catching phishing websites that managed to get past the default detection of Firefox and Chrome systems. The performance scanner 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 program in the reduction of the use of CPU.
Besides the malware protection and performance scan, Avast offers a host of other tools. Avast One is the only one that offers a VPN and a photo vault, and an instrument for monitoring data breaches. Its security toolkit is quite extensive, with an sandbox for running applications in, as well as a router security scanner to identify possible vulnerabilities.
Avast offers a full support website that includes a knowledge base if you have issues. Its search function allows you to locate answers to frequently asked questions. If you’re unable to find the answer, Avast’s forum is a great source to seek help from other users.
Avast might claim that it no longer sells data regarding its users, but the history of this practice remains present in a lot of people’s minds. PCMag and Motherboard reported in January of 2020 that Avast had sold personal information as well as location data of its users through its Jumpshot subsidiary. Avast has stopped this practice and requires users to opt in when installing its desktop antivirus software. The privacy policy of the company states that the data of consumers is “stripped and removed from the database” before being shared with third parties.