AVG is renowned for its free antivirus, so why pay for Internet Security? Convenience. This suite handles core online security tasks, simplifying threat management. While no antivirus is foolproof, AVG Internet Security covers the essentials without overwhelming you with unnecessary features. Its suitability depends on your preference for simplicity.
AVG Internet Security Pricing and Plans
Upgrading from the free AVG to Internet Security offers initial savings. Here’s a breakdown:
Single-device plan (1 PC):
- $47 for the first year
- $78 per year thereafter
10-device plan (Multiple devices):
- $60 for the first year
- $100 per year thereafter
While AVG lacks family plans, multi-device subscriptions (supporting PC, Mac, Android, and iOS) can be shared. This makes the 10-device plan cost-effective, especially considering the prevalence of multiple devices per user.
AVG’s multidevice plans cost more, but you can share your device limit with others.
AVG emphasizes device coverage over extra features compared to competitors like Norton, which offers a VPN but only for five devices. Surprisingly, Avast, AVG’s owner, charges more for fewer devices. Retailers like Newegg and PCWorld’s software store often offer multi-year and smaller device plans for further savings.
Features of AVG Internet Security
Beyond the free version’s antivirus, firewall, web/email threat, and network protection, Internet Security adds:
- Password Protection: Safeguards browser-saved passwords.
- Webcam Protection: Prevents unauthorized webcam access.
- Ransomware Protection: Blocks unknown access to sensitive files.
- Enhanced Web Protection: Prevents malicious website redirects (DNS hijacking).
- Remote Access Protection: Thwarts attacks through Windows Remote Desktop Protocol.
This plan excludes VPN access (requiring an Ultimate subscription or separate AVG Secure VPN) and lacks a password manager or parental controls.
Key Features in Detail
Installation and Interface
Installation involves either upgrading the free version or installing directly after purchase. The dashboard is clean and logical, albeit dark. Bright green text highlights vital information, including PC status and key features. Launching scans is simple, with options for quick, deep, file/folder, boot-time, and USB/DVD scans. A performance scan requires a separate AVG TuneUp or Ultimate subscription. Dashboard tiles (Computer, Web & Email, Hacker Attacks, Personal Data) offer feature explanations and basic customization. Advanced settings, accessible via the Menu icon, allow granular control over privacy, data sharing, and password protection for settings. While the interface is user-friendly, persistent upsells for other AVG products can be intrusive.
AVG’s dashboard is fairly straightforward.
Virus, Malware, and Threat Protection
AVG Internet Security provides comprehensive real-time protection. It scans files, monitors app behavior, controls access to ransomware-prone folders (customizable), and screens emails for threats. Web protection includes scanning transmitted data, blocking malicious redirects, monitoring app traffic, securing browser-saved passwords, and preventing remote access attacks. AVG also notifies you of potential email address leaks from data breaches.
To stay protected, leave these antivirus protections on.
Scheduled smart scans are set monthly by default, but you can customize the frequency and depth. Manual scans (deep, file/folder, boot-time, USB/DVD) offer further control over scanning parameters and infected file handling.
Power users can customize scan settings.
Additional Features
The AVG Online Security browser extension enhances web protection by flagging suspicious sites and adding status badges to search results. The Data Shredder securely deletes files, folders, or drives. While effective for HDDs, it’s less suitable for SSDs due to potential lifespan reduction.
AVG’s browser extension verifies links in search results.
Customer Support
AVG offers support pages, forums, online chat, and phone support.
Updates and Maintenance
Updates are automatic but can be set to manual or reminder-based. A manual update check is also available.
Performance and Effectiveness
AVG consistently receives high ratings for antivirus and malware protection. It achieved perfect scores in recent AV-Test evaluations and near-perfect scores in AV-Comparatives’ real-world protection tests. While performance impact is generally minimal on typical PC tasks, heavier workloads, especially on budget systems, can experience a performance dip during scans. Some features, like Sensitive Data Shield, may exhibit inconsistencies in detection. Upselling within the paid version for features like Performance Scan can be frustrating.
AV-Comparatives’ real-world test results for July and August 2024.
AV-Comparatives’ malware test results for September 2024.
AVG Internet Security Performance Scan results (Oct 2024)
AVG Internet Security Performance Scan upsell (Oct 2024)
Conclusion
AVG Internet Security offers a compelling balance of robust protection, ease of use, and affordability. Despite the continued upselling, its comprehensive features and strong performance make it a worthwhile upgrade from the free version, especially for users seeking a simplified approach to online security.
