Avast antivirus provides a full set of features that are packed into a compact my blog package. The malware engine received an outstanding score in my tests and its web protection was effective in identifying sites that were phishing that slipped through Chrome and Firefox’s default detection systems. The performance scanner did an excellent job of keeping its impact on the system’s performance to a minimum. In fact Avast’s performance scan proved more efficient in decreasing the CPU use than any other program I tested.

Avast also offers a range of other tools. Avast One is the only one that provides the VPN, a photo vault, and an instrument for monitoring data breaches. Its security toolkit includes a sandbox for running applications and a router scanner to check for vulnerabilities.

If you encounter problems, the support website of Avast provides a complete knowledge base. Its search function makes it easy to find answers to frequently asked questions. If you’re unable to find the answer, Avast’s forums is a great source to get help from other users.

While Avast says it no more sells user information however, the fact that it has done so is still fresh in the minds of many users. In January 2020, PCMag and Motherboard revealed that Avast sold the location and other information of its users to third parties via its Jumpshot subsidiary. Avast has ended this practice and asks for users to sign up when installing its desktop antivirus software. The privacy policy of the company says that data from consumers is “stripped and separated from its owner” before being shared with third-party.