Which is better avast or avira. How to choose a free antivirus? Compare Kaspersky, Avira, AVG and Avast! What we get with the acquisition of AVG
Avast Software CEO Vincent Steckler announces the completion of the acquisition of a majority stake in AVG Technologies.
In July, we announced our intention to acquire a majority stake in AVG Technologies. And today I am pleased to announce the completion of this process. From Monday, October 3, 2016, we will start working as a single company. I would like to warmly welcome the AVG team, their customers and partners. I would like to tell you a little about our plans for the next few months.
For nearly 30 years, AVG and Avast have grown side by side, providing great products for free to hundreds of millions of users around the world. Our similarity will allow the process of merging companies to proceed smoothly and without difficulties. At this stage, we will develop products under both brands.
What do we gain by acquiring AVG?
Now we provide unparalleled protection to our customers. This was made possible by expanding our base to more than 400 million users worldwide, of which 160 million are consumers of mobile security solutions. With an almost doubling of the user base, we have the world's most advanced online threat detection network. Our security technology is mostly in the cloud and based on an advanced machine learning network. Each of our end users plays the role of a kind of sensor for malicious files and activities. In case of detection of new suspicious files for us, they are sent to our cloud servers for careful consideration, and, if necessary, launch in a virtual machine, automatic machine analysis and other proprietary studies. Our artificial intelligence technology determines if an unknown file found is malicious. In case of a positive response, this information is transmitted to our server, and, further, more than 400 million users worldwide will be protected from this threat by receiving virus definition database updates almost immediately.
One person who receives this file protects everyone else. Thanks to each of you, we receive valuable information about current online threats and provide better protection for other users. Together with AVG, we prevent nearly a billion virus attacks, block more than 500 million malicious URLs and repel about 50 million phishing attacks per month, and process more than 9 million new executables every month, a quarter of which turn out to be malicious.
Combining technology and talent will make us stronger than ever before. You can worry less about online security. We have the opportunity to increase the number of special task forces that will monitor not only current new threats that pose a danger from mobile devices to elements of the Internet of Things, but also classic malware such as ransomware.
We are also working to develop our security capabilities by implementing the Intrusion Detection System (IDP), an online Process Monitoring technology that allows us to detect malicious elements before they can cause any harm to the user. Moreover, to these technologies we are adding AVG's advanced solution for detecting threats in external interfaces.
Through the deal, we are also expanding our ability to protect our mobile users. Mobile malware differs from computer viruses in that the infrastructure of iOS and Android is simpler and applications are sandboxed. However, while ransomware and social engineering methods are still causing problems for smartphone owners, there are more serious issues than the presence of malware. If you install the antivirus as a regular smartphone application, it can be easily uninstalled. Mobile antivirus becomes stronger if it is set to a deeper level, such as mobile operators. The AVG Location Lab product is tightly integrated with the four largest mobile operators in the US. This service prevents teenagers from texting while driving or during school hours, blocks access to prohibited sites, and protects their personal photos from theft. We will develop this technology and expand partnerships with mobile operators.
Furthermore,Avastwill develop relationships with an impressive base of corporate clientsAVG and their resellersand partners allowing us to cover more businesses. We will merge the Avast and AVG product portfolios. This will give partners access to both product lines and more customers.
Security SolutionsAvastandAVGremain the same for their users. After all, for one reason or another, some of you prefer one brand over another. The underlying antivirus engine will be stronger than ever for both groups of users. Overall, customers will benefit from more features as we integrate the best solutions from both programs. We plan to release our first joint antivirus at the beginning of next year.
In the end, we are increasing our geographic coverage as well. AVG has traditionally been strong in English-speaking countries, including the US and the UK, while Avast is popular in other markets. We are a leader in home user protection in Russia, France, Brazil, and much of Latin America and Europe. Together, we will strengthen our presence in the US, serving more than 58 million users in the country. The combination of both companies will make us stronger and more stable, allowing us to withstand various fluctuations in the economy.
Exciting developments lie ahead for Avast, and I'm excited to be part of this combined company, which, like never before, is able to provide online protection to people around the world.
legal information
Forward looking statements
This communication contains forward-looking information that involves substantial risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such statements. All statements other than statements of historical fact are, or may be considered to be, forward-looking statements within the meaning of the federal securities laws, and involve a number of risks and uncertainties. In some cases, forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking terms such as “anticipate,” “estimate,” “believe,” “continue,” “could,” “intend,” “may,” “ plan,” “potential,” “predict,” “should,” “will,” “expect,” “are confident that,” “objective,” “projection,” “forecast,” “goal,” “guidance,” “ outlook,” “effort,” “target,” “would” or the negative of these terms or other comparable terms. There are a number of important factors that could cause actual events to differ materially from those suggested or indicated by such forward-looking statements and you should not place undue reliance on any such forward-looking statements. These factors include risks and uncertainties related to, among other things: general economic conditions and conditions affecting the industries in which Avast and AVG operate; the uncertainty of regulatory approvals; AVG’s delisting from the New York Stock Exchange and suspension of AVG’s reporting obligations under the Exchange Act and to consummate the transactions and their plans described in this communication; and AVG’s performance and maintenance of important business relationships. Additional information regarding the factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from these forward-looking statements is available in AVG’s filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, including AVG's Annual Report on Form 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2015. These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this release and neither Avast nor AVG assumes any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events and developments or otherwise, except as required by law.
Additional Information and Where to Find It
This communication does not constitute an offer to purchase or a solicitation of an offer to sell any securities of AVG. The solicitation and offer to purchase ordinary shares of AVG is being made pursuant to a tender offer statement on Schedule TO, including an Offer to Purchase, a related letter of transmittal and certain other tender offer documents, filed by Avast with the SEC on July 29 , 2016 (as subsequently amended, the “Tender Offer Statement”). AVG filed a solicitation/recommendation statement on Schedule 14D-9 with respect to the tender offer with the SEC on July 29, 2016 (as subsequently amended, the “Solicitation/Recommendation Statement”). AVG shareholders are urged to read the Tender Offer Statement and Solicitation/Recommendation Statement, as they may be amended from time to time, as well as any other relevant documents filed with the SEC, carefully and in their entirety because they will contain important information that AVG shareholders should consider before making any decision regarding tendering their securities. The Tender Offer Statement and the Solicitation/Recommendation Statement are available for free at the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov. Copies of the documents filed with the SEC by AVG will be available free of charge on AVG’s website at investors.avg.com.
The use of free anti-virus solutions, which, although they are mostly limited in functionality versions of paid solutions, attract users by the absence of fees for their use.
Most often, free versions of antiviruses are released by manufacturers in order to attract the attention of users and give them the opportunity to "try" their products. As a result, the number of free antiviruses is increasing and it is difficult for the user to make an objective choice.
To reduce user uncertainty, information about the capabilities of various free antiviruses is needed. In this analytical work, we formulate a set of criteria for an objective comparison of antiviruses and present the results of a comparison of the five most popular free antiviruses. The results of the comparison will allow users to objectively evaluate their capabilities and choose the best free antivirus for themselves.
It is worth noting that one of the main motives for choosing a free antivirus is the desire not to pay money for an antivirus. In this case, users should understand that free antiviruses in terms of functionality in most cases will be inferior to paid counterparts.
Methodology
For comparison, the five most popular antiviruses were selected:
- Avast! Free Antivirus (version 8.0.1483). Download
- Avira Free Antivirus (version 13.0.0.2678). Download
- AVG Anti-Virus Free (version 2013.0.3272). Download
- Bitdefender Antivirus Free (version 1.0.14.889). Download
- Microsoft Security Essentials (version 4.2.223.0). Download
The study was carried out in two stages. At the first stage, documentation and information materials on the manufacturer's website were analyzed for each of the products. As a result, a set of functions was formulated for each of the products and a list of criteria for comparison. At the second stage, all products were installed on a computer with the Windows 7 operating system, and the operation of a number of functions was tested - an anti-virus scanner and monitor, Internet protection, etc. Testing of the quality of protection and performance of antiviruses was not carried out.
As a result of the analysis, 34 parameters were selected for comparison. For convenience, all criteria have been divided into the following categories:
- general information
- Antivirus
- Internet protection
- original components
- Technical support
- Miscellaneous (features not included in the previous categories)
Comparison of antiviruses
First, let's give a table that shows the main parameters of antiviruses. In all subsequent tables, the functions of the presented components will be disclosed.
Table 1. Antivirus components
| Avast! Free Antivirus | Avira Free Antivirus | AVG Anti-Virus Free | Bitdefender Antivirus Free | ||
| Antivirus* | + | + | + | + | + |
| Anti-rootkit | + | + | + | + | + |
| Behavior Blocker | + | - | + | + | - |
| Web antivirus | + | + | + | + | - |
| Checking mail messages | + | - | + | - | - |
| + | - | - | - | - | |
| + | - | + | - | - |
* anti-virus scanner and anti-virus monitor;
Table 2. General information
| Avast! Free Antivirus | Avira Free Antivirus | AVG Anti-Virus Free | Bitdefender Antivirus Free | Microsoft Security Essentials | |
| Supported versions of Windows* | 2000, XP, Vista, 7, 8 | XP, Vista, 7 | XP, Vista, 7, 8 | XP (x86), Vista, 7, 8 | XP (x86), Vista, 7 |
| Products webpage | avast.com | avira.com | avg.com | bitdefender.com | windows.microsoft.com |
| Russified interface | + | + | + | - | + |
* unless otherwise specified, both 32-bit and 64-bit versions of operating systems are supported.
Table 3. Antivirus
| Avast! Free Antivirus | Avira Free Antivirus | AVG Anti-Virus Free | Bitdefender Antivirus Free | Microsoft Security Essentials | |
| Antivirus monitor (real time protection) |
+ | + | + | + | + |
| Anti-rootkit | + | +*** | + | + | + |
| Behavior Blocker | + | - | + | + | - |
| Heuristic analysis | + | + | + | + | + |
| Various scanning algorithms* | + | + | + | -** | + |
| Scheduled Scan | + | + | + | - | + |
| Pre-OS Scan | + | - | - | + | - |
| Cloud File Reputation System | + | - | + | - | - |
* express scan, full scan, custom scan;
** Only on-demand scanning of a selected directory or file is supported.
*** does not work on Windows XP x64.
Table 4. Internet security
| Avast! Free Antivirus | Avira Free Antivirus | AVG Anti-Virus Free | Bitdefender Antivirus Free | Microsoft Security Essentials | |
| Web antivirus | +* | + | + | + | - |
| Web filtering ** | + | - | - | - | - |
| Website and link reputation system | + | + | + | - | - |
| Anti-phishing | + | + | + | + | - |
| Anti-banner | + | - | - | - | - |
| Disable browser activity tracking | - | + | + | - | - |
| Checking messages via POP3, IMAP4, SMTP protocols | + | - | + | - | - |
| Checking files received via P2P and IM*** | + | - | - | - | - |
* implemented in the web screen and screen scripts;
** filtering by the "black" list of URLs;
*** verification of files received through "peer-to-peer" programs (P2P) from various trackers and through applications for "instant messaging" (ICQ, QIP, etc.).
Table 5. Original components
| Avast! Free Antivirus | Avira Free Antivirus | AVG Anti-Virus Free | Bitdefender Antivirus Free | Microsoft Security Essentials | |
| Finding and "closing" vulnerabilities | + | - | - | - | - |
| Automatic "sandbox" ("AutoSandbox") | + | - | - | - | - |
| Protection of personal information | - | - | + | - | - |
Table 6. Technical support
| Avast! Free Antivirus | Avira Free Antivirus | AVG Anti-Virus Free | Bitdefender Antivirus Free | Microsoft Security Essentials | |
| User's manual | + | + | + | + | - |
| Tech service request. support | + | - | - | - | + |
| Forum | + | + | + | + | + |
| Knowledge base | + | + | + | + | + |
| Video lessons | - | + | + | - | - |
| Creating a trace file for support | + | - | - | - | - |
Table 7. Other functions
| Avast! Free Antivirus | Avira Free Antivirus | AVG Anti-Virus Free | Bitdefender Antivirus Free | Microsoft Security Essentials | |
| Protecting antivirus settings with a password | + | + | - | - | - |
| Sending suspicious files to the server for additional verification from the user interface | + | + | - | - | +* |
| "Game Mode | + | + | + | + | - |
| Windows desktop gadget | + | - | + | - | - |
| Windows Optimization | - | - | +** | - | - |
| Remote access to other computers | + | - | - | - | - |
| Removing additional browsers panels |
+ | - | - | - | - |
* suspicious files are sent automatically;
** AVG Analyzer optimizes the registry, file system; AVG Accelerator increases the speed of web browsers; AVG Advisor formulates recommendations for fixing bugs in the OS.
conclusions
As can be seen from the comparison, free antiviruses provide only a basic level of protection. However, now it is not only a virus scanner and monitor. Most of the products reviewed include various components to protect users while browsing the Internet. Some products also offer security features that go beyond the boundaries of free products, such as "closing" vulnerabilities in applications (Avast! Free Antivirus), protection of personal data (AVG Anti-Virus Free). As a result, we can state that some free antiviruses are superior in functionality to some paid second-tier antiviruses.
Free antiviruses reacted quickly enough to the emergence of a new operating system Windows 8 and not only began to protect computers running it, but also changed its user interface in accordance with the style of this operating system (Avast! Free Antivirus, AVG Anti-Virus Free).
There is also a simplification of the user interface of antiviruses and an increase in attention to the convenience of their use. For example, in Avast! Free Antivirus finally has a single window with settings, which makes it easy for users to configure the antivirus. The quality of references and documentation is increasing. We see the ultimate implementation of user offloading in Bitdefender Antivirus Free, which does not contain settings for security components, does not require maintenance, and works on the “set it and forget it” principle.
By tradition, we do not give exact recommendations on which of the free antiviruses is definitely the best, but we provide users with information on the basis of which they can make their own choice. We also draw readers' attention to the fact that this study is analytical and shows the capabilities of the considered antiviruses. The answer to the question of how well these antiviruses perform their functions can only be obtained as a result of objective functional testing.
There are dozens of ambitious projects on the specialized software market, but there are truly iconic and legendary developments among them. Today we'll talk about which antivirus is better: avira or avast, in the process of narration, we will give a comparative description of the two antiviruses, highlight their strengths and weaknesses.
is a popular security software, the first version of which appeared back in 1986. Since that time, the system has seen a host of updates, the consistent implementation of which gave the project its modern look. The Czech company is responsible for the creation of the program.
Avira- one of the oldest antiviruses in the world, developed before the advent of the Internet. The main target audience of the intellectual product is large companies and organizations that need reliable storage of corporate information. But time passes, and the policy of developers has changed - now free distributions are available for home stationary platforms.
Comparison
In order to avoid suspicions of arbitrating one of the parties, we have developed our own evaluation criteria: appearance, protective qualities and system requirements. For ease of perception, we will divide the further narrative into several logical blocks.
Interface
Yes, here we can talk about some subjectivity of opinions, but for evaluation appearance There are several quality criteria:
In this nomination, the victory is given to the Czech development team.
Virus Protection
The gap in security level between the systems is minimal, but Avira is considered to be slightly more reliable. Her opponent often sins with false positives, which is not much better than skipping malware.
We give an imaginary point to Avira.
Protection area
The functionality of the Czech antivirus:
Features of Avira Free Antivirus:
In this confrontation, the advantage remains with Avast.
In its normal state, Avira practically does not consume system resources, but everything changes dramatically when checking the current platform. She literally sucks everything she can.
Avast does not have a good appetite and uses 17 times less RAM than the opponent. The CPU load is also 6 times lower than Avira.
Drawing conclusions
What can be concluded - Avast wins by a small margin, as its developers show more attention to detail. The main advantages of the Czech project are high optimization and low system load.
If you are looking for premium protection, check out our including Avast, AVG, Avira, ESET, and Norton (Symantec).
Additional Notes
Information about the product features has been obtained from the official websites of each vendor. If you believe we have stated something not correct, please , and we'll fix it immediately. Our intention is to offer a fair and fact-based comparison of each product.
For measuring the boot time we have used a free tool called BootRacer . We have tested Avira Free Antivirus 2016 (2016.0.7163) and Avast Free Antivirus 2016 (2016.11.1.2253) released on February 3, 2016. Both tests were performed on a Windows 7 Professional x64 computer with CPU Intel Core i7 @ 2.70GHz and 8 GB RAM.
For measuring the overall PC performance we have used a free tool called PassMark PerformanceTest which tests various areas including CPU, graphics, disk, and memory.
Written by Paul B.
My name is Paul and I love Avast since the Home Edition v4.8 (2008). I am recommending it to all my friends, but I realized they don't know how to use it. So I started this site in order to help others getting maximum from this awesome antivirus. Feel free to contact me via
Ivan | August 2, 2014, 14:03
Read - http://www.anti-malware.ru/compare/compare_free_antivirus_2013
Nikita Vatrushkin| May 21, 2014, 22:57
According to data from the Internet, Avast Free is a more serious antivirus, and free Avira, according to modern concepts of antivirus programs, is primitive. But Avast really spoils the software, including the OS installed on the computer, and without demand. I didn’t find an option in Avast so that I don’t even feel the software that has already been installed and has been working normally for years, on the contrary, it moves files to quarantine without permission, which in some cases damages programs and it becomes necessary to reinstall them.
Alex | May 21, 2014, 02:13
There was an experience of use of both antiviruses. Avast is very good for a free program. Avira - sieve.
Yuri | March 28, 2014, 19:58
All free antiviruses work without any guarantee and quality. Free cheese is in a mousetrap, and the full cost of Kaspersky in terms of a month of use will not ruin you: 80 rubles - for two computers. But the guaranteed quality of work, proprietary technical support and constant updating. I tried Avira at work - complete junk, skips viruses, does not update, constantly turns off and completely cuts down the computer several times almost daily.
Andrew | December 8, 2013, 20:22
Avira rules! There was Avira, then put Avast - horror. Games slow down. Deleted Avast and got my Avira back. Better Avira!
Alexander | April 1, 2012, 18:41
I have been using Avira for a long time, and then a friend asked me to install Avast, she praised it very much. I decided to put myself too. I had enough nerves for a month, the car slows down, I gored the launch in the sandbox. I returned to Avira, only paired it with Ad-Aware Free Internet Security.
Eugene | March 30, 2012, 22:27
There is also a free alternative in Russian to a paid one. This is the BitDiskFree program, it can be used as a reserve parachute in conjunction with another antivirus product.
Alexander | March 26, 2012, 09:59
In conjunction with, the choice of antivirus will not be fundamental.
Eugene | March 23, 2012, 19:37
After analyzing the open media on this subject (SOFT forums, computer magazines, computer sites), here is the result of testing free anti-virus products for 2011-2012:
- AVAST - 99.05% detection and neutralization of all threats.
- AVG - 91-85.53%.
- Microsoft Security - 72.74%.
- MalwareBytes - 64.7-78%.
- AVIRA - took one of the last places in testing...
P.S: The best is now considered free, configured for maximum security, American (it has Russian) COMODO Internet Security. It almost caught up with Kaspersky - under 100% (the result is 99.98%).
Sources:
www.computerbild.ru
www.comss.ru
www.anti-malwart.ru
www.softodrom.ru
www.softportal.com etc.
Nicholas| March 22, 2012, 00:18
The choice is only yours, since it makes no sense to advocate for any one of them, due to the fact that the main antivirus should be in the user's head. Avast is more popular, and while Selev doesn't really like it, it still works quite well. Yes, and it is removed quite simply - either by regular Windows tools, or you can simply run the Avast installer, and choose what you want to do in the installation menu (install, change or remove the program). So don't worry too much...
