- AVG
AVG
AVG, formerly known as Grisoft, was founded in 1991 in the Czech Republic. The company provides computer security products, focusing on software development, threat prevention and detection, risk analysis, and research and development. AVG has received a number of independent IT certifications and awards from Virus Bulletin, ICSA, and West Coast Labs, among several others.
Top Ranked Companies
#1 McAfee chevron_right
#2 NortonLifeLock chevron_right
The Good
- Complete antivirus coverage
- Wide variety of devices covered
- Community protection network
AVG's Premium package packs the punch. It offers complete antivirus coverage for a PC, tablet, and smartphone at an affordable price. AVG also has several free mobile downloads, such as the basic mobile protection package, memory clean up tool, tune-up app, social media privacy fix, and even an image-editing tool.
AVG effectively blocks malware, as demonstrated in several independent IT tests. The antivirus technology that AVG uses involves multiple detection layers, which provides excellent PC protection. AVG scans for files matching known virus signatures, variants of the recognized viruses, software behavior that is characteristically malicious and hostile file behavior. AVG recently improved their method of sending virus signature updates to users. Daily file updates are small, so they don't take as long, and it is no longer necessary to restart your computer after the update.
AVG's use of a community protection network through cloud technology is a newer feature. All customers benefit from this cloud service that keeps track of prevalent computer files, a database that users can opt into contributing to.
The Bad
- Limited for Apple users
- Parental controls
While AVG does offer some kind of antivirus protection for most popular devices, these options are limited for Apple users. AVG has a basic free antivirus download for Macs, but not a premium protection product. They offer a few free downloadable apps for iPhones, but not the full protection that Android users get with the Antivirus Pro for Mobile. Also, the parental controls are not included with AVG's standard antivirus products, but need to be purchased separately in a "family safety" package. Depending on your security preferences and needs, this could be a positive or a negative.
The Bottom Line
There is not much to complain about AVG. They offer excellent antivirus protection at an affordable price.
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User Reviews
Star Rating
53 Reviews
Review Breakdown
Sentiment Criteria
Dave_
We use AVG on our personal computers. Great option for a free version or pay a little and get a more enhanced protection. Good software.
Jon Posey
AVG has been a solid antivirus, I have used it for a long time. I wouldn't say it is the best but it gets the job done.
Dre35
love avg, simple user interface, that provides the security needed for a simple minded customer!
Katlyn Hockman
I have avg on my current laptop and it has kept my computer virus free but it does have a good deal of pop ups at inconvenient times.
Anita pea
Avg antivirus was a good choice to protect my electronics from the virsus and malware I could have gotten. Their pricing was good for what they did and their customer service was awesome for help
Tj Black
AVG anti virus is the only anti virus that doesn't slow my computer down. It works wonders.
Nicholas Genes
AVG was a subscription service I didn’t not like. It never stopped any of my computers from becoming over ran with viruses and never kept my computer running fast.
Jack Dean
Great service. protected my laptop and was easy to use for a computer novice. Very happy with the service
Seth
I use there basic services and they have been very good to work with. Didn’t take long to install either
Ken Francis
This service is decent. I have used it on most of my devices and it has done its job.
Lawrence Foster
Every time I try to use AVG its a hassle. they put their icon on your screen and each time you try to search any other engine it always gets in the way, slows down your computer and just puts a bad taste in your mouth. Wouldn't recommend them to anyone.
Matt Hanzel
I use the free version of AVG for my home PC protection. It seems to be robust enough for everything I need it to be at home. Updates are easy and I find several of the additional free tools useful as well
Cody Linden
I use the free app to protect my phone and it works well while giving my helpful suggestions on ways to improve my phones security and efficiency as well.
Jess Root
I have never used the full subscription, but the free version does the job. I have used it for years without issues on my computer. It has kept my computer free of viruses, which is exactly what I want.
Anne Marie Milne
Very impressed with the protection that the antivirus gave me. The price was affordable. When I called to talk to people on the helpline they were very helpful. I would recommend them to friends and family.
Maryayb
I’m very tired of all of the pop up messages - I use Norton please stop
Doyal Stewart
I have been using AVG for at least the last 6 years for my anti-virus and system cleaner. I like that AVG does not have a spammy feel like a lot of anti-viruses that are around. It is very easy to use, and help clean up any system. My computer always seems to run so much smoother after a run through with AVG.
Mike Walden
I've got the free version of AVG. Kim recommended it back then although now she is pushing Kaspersky. It has been great, it updates regularly and automatically. There are options to pay for upgrades, but I've never needed it. I worked at IBM for 10 years and have had lots of experience with this stuff. I've had Norton and McAffee at different times, but I'm happiest with AVG.
Ernie Earth
I started out with the FREE version. When I made extra money I began to by the FULL version. They have protected my for over 10 years.
Clara Fox
We have been using AVG for so many years...maybe 13 or so...maybe more. .We tried Norton and what a terrible pain and expensive. Getting rid of it was like getting rid of a virus LOL Seriously, I've always been poor so I use the FREE AVG but it has NOT failed us. Great protection! Thank you!
Pamela Gregerson Hoppes
I purchased a full protection and six months later received a message my free AVG is to expire. I called gave my invoice number and was told they would turn it on if I paid in addition to the purchase price another one hundred ninety ($199.00) nine dollars. I believe them to be criminals !
Ron Brubaker
Used them for 3 years never had any problems , when I had a technical problem their techs fixed in a matter of minutes
sam
purchased avg tune up dec 15 2014. was charged on my account never worked. was told they help avg customers as avg was to busy to handle all there accounts. never got product to work an have many problems sence. paid 33.99 save your money a rip off.
CHESTER BOROWSKI
ABSOLUTELY MARVELOUS.
Raymond Aikens
Was avid fan of AVG, but only into my 2nd year of three year subscription when computer became severely compromised. It took days for me to clean up. Switched to Kaspersky and experience has been different as night and day. Feeling safe again, not even missing the unexpired portion of my subscription.
Lonnie Pinkston
All I Can Say About AVG!! Is That I Simply Just Love It! Great Protection From Threats
scotty
I could not live without AVG... I thought i could before i found them,, or should i say,, before AVG was shared with me... AVG has saved my butt countless times,,, Places i go and should'nt ,, but AVG was always there to slap my hand,,, THANKYOU AVG
Paul Pelosi
Seems to perform excellently and quickly. Very proactive!
karen dettman
I am completely happy with AVG security, but I purchased AVG tune-up and it wasn't activated and now I haven't been able to get the help I need to install it. Very frustrating.
Mikey
After using numerous other antivirus software over the years, AVG is the ONLY one I've never had problems with during the last 3-4 yrs. Works excellent with no issues.
Steve
I have used AVG Free for years and years. With it and a little common sense, I have been virtually virus free the entire time. Always recommend it over all other choices!
vicky
we have had AVG free for almost 3 years and rarely does anything get by it... we are very happy with just the basic product because we are just casual users but the paid protection is supposed to be one of the best. we are satisfied customers.
Mel
This is the BEST anti-virus program I have ever used. It keeps me safe from all the bad things out there.
Bonnie Dillabough
I have been using AVG since around 2001 and it has never let me down. It is not as bossy as McCaffee or Norton and it is priced right. Easy to use and offers a number of addon options that are also nice to have.
Jane Horton-Leasman
AVG is excellent, and has been very easy to use. Thank you.
mark cary
I have been using avg fo about 18 yrs now great product
Cheryl
Best antivirus I have ever had.
Dallas Price
Honestly, I love AVG ... and have loved it for years. I still install the standard version on clients computers that don't have antivirus software, or terrible antivirus software.However, once you became so intrusive as to delete my list of browser tabs that I open after a simple update ... and a few other things ... I'll just be without coverage... and I'm fine with that... You're still my favorite antivirus to promote, and I'll love you forever but, I simply can't install you anymore (on my own computer).
Mervin Williams
AVG is well worth what it costs per year.
Patty Booth
I have been using AVG for several years and would not use anything else. If I start to open something that has been sent to me (and I only open things from people I trust) and it has a virus or something questionable, AVG stops it and gives me a warning. I feel safe with AVG on my computer.
Rodney McCain
have a free trial now, seems to be doing its job
Randy
I love it and wouldn't use anything else.
Diane Ake
I wouldn't have any other antivirus. Tried - they failed. Have been with AVG for many years and it catches what Norton doesn't on my sister's computer.
Alberto Capone
My HP laptop went down in flames, never to be used to this day. Got a bug and crashed and AVG was installed. The program is still on the computer and not on this desktop. Don't know what to do with it. Makes a great paper weight! Al
Jurusha Lawson
I like AVG but when I had to get a new computer it came with Kaspersky and I will go back to AVG when this contract is up..I never got a virus when I had AVG. Hope you rates will be low then too.
Robert Pruett
excellent got a little pushy with the pc tune free trial use but avg feer anti virus is still the best deal on the net
Neil
Works very well.
kevin gluck
its just outstanding keeps me very safe and my computers very safe and clean.
margaret
the only software ive used since owning a computer.
Kirk Johnson
I have the software for about 2 or three years and this latest version is giving me problems . It scans and when I need to contain the virus ( usually get about 20 to 30) each time and it wont let me I had this problem before and it I guess fixed itself and now it is doing it again for awhile. What do I do I am getting fed up with this product