The company was acquired in 2016 by a rival antivirus company, Avast, so both applications share certain similarities and features. Nevertheless, as a standalone product, AVG continues to delight customers around the world with its near-perfect test scores against malware and viruses, internet security features, its simple interface and its great value for money.

Platform and Devices Accessibility

Though AVG doesn’t offer iPhone or iPad cybersecurity plans, it does have plans targeting PCs, Macs, and Android devices. For AVG to work on a PC you need to have Windows 7, 8, or 10 installed, for Mac you need OS X 10.10 If you’re using Android, you’ll need Android 5.0 or above. Unfortunately, AVG doesn’t offer iOS protection.

User Experience

AVG has everything we’re looking for in an antivirus solution in terms of ease of use. Whether you’re using a free or paid version of its cybersecurity products, the interface is extremely easy to understand and navigate.

AVG also gives you a significant degree of customizability. For example, you can choose which files you want to give extra protection against ransomware, and which apps can access device files or the internet.

For beginners, this amount of choice can become overwhelming. In general, AVG’s automatic antivirus settings err on the side of caution to keep your device and browsing safe.

Plans and Rates

• For PCs, AVG offers three cybersecurity routes: a free product, AVG Internet Security and AVG Ultimate. AVG Antivirus Free includes virus, spyware, malware and ransomware protection, real-time security updates, scans and blocks unsafe attachments and downloads.
• AVG Internet Security starts at $79.99 per year and comes with additional features such as webcam protection, a personal firewall, safe web browsing and a ransomware shield that lets you choose which apps can access which files.
• AVG Ultimate starts at $99.99 a year and includes a PC tune-up to improve your performance, the ability to manage all of your PCs security and tune-up from one screen and has the (free) Mac and Android apps bundled in as well.
• Finally, starting at just $61.59 per year, AVG Internet Security Business Edition protects your small business’ network, email, and PCs and online browsing experience by alerting you to threats in real-time and blocking hackers from reaching sensitive data.

Payment Methods

As is the case with many antivirus solutions, you can pay for your AVG plan with credit card or through PayPal.

Customer Service

Premium Tech Support is available from AVG, but at a cost. For unlimited calls all year you’ll have to pay $199 a year as well as a $99 setup – a fairly steep price for a service that other antivirus solutions include free in their cybersecurity plans.

That said, if you do decide to purchase Premium Tech Support you’ll receive extraordinary customer support around the clock.

If you prefer not to opt for the paid plan, AVG has a tech support form system in place for paid or trial products. Once you’ve selected your specific product in the form, entered your contact information and described your problem, you’ll be given a choice of contacting customer service by phone or chat.

As with AVG’s Premium Tech Support service, here too you’ll be assisted by experts that are usually able to help you resolve whatever issue you’re having in no time. The ticketing system is complemented by an active community forum, where community members and AVG or Avast moderators often have the answer to the technical problem you’re experiencing.

Conclusion

AVG proves its mettle against hackers and most of the ransomware, malware, and viruses they try to attack your devices with. The fact that AVG’s midrange plan protects an unlimited number of devices is really a game-changer, as is the amount of customization you get with the midrange and higher-tier plans.

Though the company did change hands in 2016, AVG’s new bosses at Avast seem to be taking the product seriously, and AVG continues to use cutting-edge technology to keep the latest threats at bay. If affordability, reliability, and ease-of-use is what you’re after, AVG’s antivirus products should be in your scope.