AVG is renowned for its free antivirus software, but the AVG Internet Security suite, a paid version, offers enhanced convenience and comprehensive protection. This is particularly useful for those who find keeping up with online threats overwhelming.
AVG Internet Security aims to handle major security elements without overloading users with unnecessary features, prioritizing simplicity and ease of use.
Upgrading to AVG Internet Security provides additional features beyond the free antivirus, firewall, and network protection. These include safeguards for browser-stored passwords, webcam protection, sensitive data access alerts, DNS hijacking prevention, and remote desktop protocol attack protection. However, it does not include a VPN, password manager, or parental controls, which are available in other subscriptions.
The cost of AVG Internet Security varies. For a single PC, it’s $47 for the first year and $76 annually thereafter. For multiple devices, it’s $60 for the first year and $100 per year afterward.
Multi-device plans support PCs, Macs, Android, and iOS devices, allowing users to share the subscription with family members. Compared to competitors like Norton and Avast, AVG offers more devices but fewer features for the price.
The installation of AVG Internet Security is straightforward, and its user interface is clean but dark-themed. The dashboard highlights essential features and statuses, with easy access to various scans including smart, deep, file or folder, boot-time, and USB/DVD scans. Customization options allow users to tweak settings and add protections as needed.
AVG Internet Security offers robust real-time protection by scanning new files, checking apps for unusual behavior, controlling access to folders, and monitoring web traffic. It also protects against remote access attacks and keeps tabs on email breaches, notifying users if their email appears in a data leak.
Scheduled and manual scans can be customized, allowing users to adjust the depth and frequency of scans. This ensures comprehensive protection tailored to individual needs. Additional features like the browser extension flag unknown sites and add safety badges to search results, while the data shredder securely deletes files from hard drives.
Customer support includes online chat, phone support, support pages, and forums. Users can access technical assistance and troubleshooting resources easily. Updates for virus definitions and the software itself run automatically, though manual updates are also an option.
Performance-wise, AVG Internet Security excels in antivirus and malware protection, detecting 100% of threats in recent tests by AV-Test and AV-Comparatives. However, it struggles slightly with advanced threats like malicious scripts.
In performance tests, AVG had minimal impact on typical PC tasks but caused a noticeable dip during system scans on budget laptops.
Despite offering comprehensive protection, AVG Internet Security continues to push upsells for additional products like AVG TuneUp. This can be frustrating for users who expect an ad-free experience after paying for the software. Nonetheless, AVG Internet Security remains a solid choice for those seeking reliable, hands-off online security.
AVG Internet Security is an excellent option for users who prioritize convenience and comprehensive protection without a high price tag.
While the free version is strong, the paid version’s additional features and user-friendly interface make it worth considering, despite the annoyance of continued upsells. It offers great performance and ease of use, making it a top recommendation for hands-off online security.
