Avast antivirus has a complete array of features included in a simple package. Its malware engine scored an impressive score during my tests, and its web protection was effective in identifying websites that were phishing, and getting past Chrome and Firefox’s default detection systems. Its performance scanner did a good job of keeping its impact on the speed of your system to an absolute minimum. In fact, Avast’s performance scanning was more efficient in reducing the use of CPU than any other program I tested.

Besides the malware protection and performance scan, Avast offers a host of other tools. Avast One is the only one that offers a VPN as well as photo vaults, as well as a tool to monitor data breaches. The www.alvieprimaryschool.org.uk/what-is-craigslist/ security toolkit also comes with an application sandbox and the ability to scan routers for weaknesses.

Avast offers a complete support site with a knowledge base for when you run into problems. The search function makes finding the answers to frequently asked questions easy. If you can’t find the answer you can use the Avast forum is a solid source for assistance from other users.

Although Avast claims it no longer sells user data, its history of doing this is fresh in the minds of many consumers. In January 2020, PCMag and Motherboard revealed that Avast sold the location and other details of its users to third parties via its Jumpshot subsidiary. Avast has stopped this practice and asks for users to choose whether they want to participate when installing its antivirus software for desktops. Its privacy policy states that data from consumers is “stripped and separated from its owner” before being shared with third party.