- May 26, 2014
- 1,051
Avast! Free Antivirus is mainly compared to Avira Free Antivirus and AVG Free Antivirus. However, it's unique free collection of features are very pleasing to have, and its compatibility mode allows it to be installed just as an on-demand scanner.
User Interface (5 points)
avast! has a nice and efficient UI and not that metro I hate. Settings aren't as confusing as ESET NOD32 Antivirus 7 and is more customizable than AVG Antivirus Free. I have to give the edge to Avast! here for full points. User Interface: 5 out of 5 points
Protection (10 points)
avast! doesn't do too bad in lab tests, but AV-Comparatives usually rates it in the middle (-1 point). Dennis Tech Labs rates Avast! just one notch below ESET, earning it a very high AA rating, only a handful of points would boost it to AAA, best rating. However, it's still stellar compared to AVG, which barely managed above negative points and earned a C rating!
Honorable Mention: Avast! Hardened Mode is an awesome addition to the antivirus and blocks any unknown files. It's reccommended to turn it on. (+2 bonus points for great Hardened Mode)
Protection: 9 out of 10 points +2 bonus points (11 out of 10 points)
Detection (8 points)
avast's detection is about vendor level, neither high nor low (-1 point), but is very good compared to other free AV. Signature updates are about once per day, with a lady speaking. Detection: 7 out of 8 points
Performance (8 points)
Avast hardly has any performance impact, it doesn't increase startup time at all and mail shield doesn't slow down mail downloading in any way. Full marks, pass! Performance: 8 out of 8 points
Total Points Possible: 31 points
Total Points Earned: 29 points
*Chromatinfish's Choice*
Levels:
Dismal: 0-6 points
Poor: 7-10 points
Fair: 11-16 points
Good: 17-22 points
Very Good: 23-27 points
Chromatinfish's Choice: 28-31 points
User Interface (5 points)
avast! has a nice and efficient UI and not that metro I hate. Settings aren't as confusing as ESET NOD32 Antivirus 7 and is more customizable than AVG Antivirus Free. I have to give the edge to Avast! here for full points. User Interface: 5 out of 5 points
Protection (10 points)
avast! doesn't do too bad in lab tests, but AV-Comparatives usually rates it in the middle (-1 point). Dennis Tech Labs rates Avast! just one notch below ESET, earning it a very high AA rating, only a handful of points would boost it to AAA, best rating. However, it's still stellar compared to AVG, which barely managed above negative points and earned a C rating!
Honorable Mention: Avast! Hardened Mode is an awesome addition to the antivirus and blocks any unknown files. It's reccommended to turn it on. (+2 bonus points for great Hardened Mode)
Protection: 9 out of 10 points +2 bonus points (11 out of 10 points)
Detection (8 points)
avast's detection is about vendor level, neither high nor low (-1 point), but is very good compared to other free AV. Signature updates are about once per day, with a lady speaking. Detection: 7 out of 8 points
Performance (8 points)
Avast hardly has any performance impact, it doesn't increase startup time at all and mail shield doesn't slow down mail downloading in any way. Full marks, pass! Performance: 8 out of 8 points
Total Points Possible: 31 points
Total Points Earned: 29 points
*Chromatinfish's Choice*
Levels:
Dismal: 0-6 points
Poor: 7-10 points
Fair: 11-16 points
Good: 17-22 points
Very Good: 23-27 points
Chromatinfish's Choice: 28-31 points
