Avast antivirus provides a full range of features packaged in a simple package. The malware engine received a perfect score in my testing, and its web security was effective at catching websites that were phishing and able to bypass Chrome and Firefox’s default detection systems. The performance scanner performed admirably in keeping its impact on system’s performance to a minimum. In fact Avast’s performance scanner was more efficient in cutting down on the CPU use than any other program I tested.

Besides the malware protection and performance scan, Avast offers a host of other tools. This includes a password manager as well as a VPN (exclusive to Avast One), a photo vault, and a data breach monitoring feature. Its security toolkit also includes an application sandbox and an internet scanner to look for weaknesses.

Avast provides a comprehensive support site with a knowledge base if you encounter issues. Its search function makes it easy to find answers to frequently asked questions. If you are unable to find the answer, Avast’s forum is a great source to seek help from other users.

Although Avast claims that it no-longer sells user information but its past history of doing such a thing is my blog still fresh in the minds of a lot of users. PCMag and Motherboard reported in January of 2020 that Avast had sold personal information as well as location data of its customers through its Jumpshot subsidiary. Avast has halted this practice and requires users to sign up when installing its antivirus software for desktops. In its privacy policy, Avast states that all information provided by consumers is “stripped off and de-identified prior being shared with a third-party.”