Avast’s antivirus free software offers an impressive array of tools and features that make it among the most sought-after options for people who are just beginning. Despite some controversy regarding the suite’s data- and session-logging, (and subsequent sale of consumer browsing habits by an affiliate), Avast still has an advantage over most of its competitors when it comes to detection of malware. The initial scan that is part of the installation process is a fantastic feature. It allows the suite to run its native tools.
All Avast plans are available for Windows, macOS, and Android, and they all include a generous 30 day money-back guarantee. Upgrade to the premium plan gives you a wide range of additional tools, including an advanced firewall and anti-phishing protection. It also gives you a Rescue Disk, a secure browser for online shopping and banking, advanced anti-tracking technology and a suite of quality system optimization tools.
Avast smart scan is one of the most useful tools. It’s an efficient and speedier method to inspect your system for issues. My tests showed that even though it’s an effective tool, there were some glitches when searching for specific kinds of malware like ransomware. It could block selected files and then demand a charge to return them.
Another handy tool is Avast’s clean-up module, which cleans browsing histories, caches, and cookies for all major browsers (Chrome, Firefox, Opera, Brave, Edge, Internet Explorer) as well as a variety of other apps. This is a great basic feature that does its job well, although it’s not as rich in options for privacy and customizations as some of the more flexible rivals.