Avast Premium Security builds upon the company’s highly-regarded free antivirus software, offering enhanced protection for your PC. This focused approach can be advantageous for users primarily concerned with PC security and willing to select their own VPN and password manager. While Avast Premium Security offers robust protection, some buggy features prevent it from truly excelling amongst competitors.
What Does Avast Premium Security Offer?
Avast Premium Security enhances the already impressive free antivirus and firewall, providing comprehensive protection against a wide range of online threats. This includes malware, ransomware, network intrusions, vulnerable applications, malicious websites and downloads, webcam hijacking, DNS hijacking, remote desktop protocol attacks, and unauthorized access to sensitive files. It also allows users to run programs and browse in isolated environments for added security. A secure file deletion utility is also included.
Avast Premium Security comparison chart
Notably, Avast Premium Security does not include VPN access, password management, or parental controls. These require separate subscriptions or alternative solutions.
Avast Premium Security Pricing
Avast offers discounted pricing for the first year, followed by standard rates. Subscriptions purchased directly from Avast include a 30-day money-back guarantee and automatic renewal.
- Single-device plan (1 PC): $51 for the first year, $78 per year thereafter.
- 10-device plan (Multiple devices): $70 for the first year, $100 per year thereafter.
Premium Security includes Family Sharing, allowing users to share their device limit with other accounts. The software is compatible with PC, macOS, Android, and iOS devices. Cost-effective multi-device licenses may be available through third-party retailers like Newegg.
Key Features of Avast Premium Security
Installation and User Interface
Installation is straightforward, prompting an initial PC scan upon completion. The interface is clean and intuitive, albeit with a dark theme. Features are logically categorized and easily accessible through a left-hand navigation bar. Clear labeling and descriptions enhance usability. The Status screen provides an overview of PC protection and quick access to Smart Scan. The Protection screen houses the majority of features, offering granular control over scan settings. Upsells for other Avast services are neatly contained within a dedicated “More apps” section. Menu options are readily available for quick adjustments.
Avast Premium Security Status screen
Virus, Malware, and Threat Protection
Avast provides continuous real-time protection, monitoring for both local and online threats. It scans for unusual application behavior, scrutinizes files, filters email attachments, restricts webcam access, and safeguards folders against ransomware. Online, it scans websites for malware, prevents redirects to fraudulent sites, monitors network traffic, protects browser passwords, and blocks unauthorized remote connection attempts. Hack Alerts notify users if their registered email address is involved in a data breach.
Avast Premium Security hack alerts
Scheduled scans are not automatically configured and require creating a custom scan. Manual scan options include Smart Scan, Full Virus Scan, Targeted Scan, Boot-Time Scan, and custom scans. The firewall replaces Windows Defender’s firewall, providing enhanced control over network traffic. Ransomware Shield offers additional protection for vulnerable folders.
Avast Premium Security Ransomware Shield
Additional Features
- Bank Mode: Provides a virtualized environment for secure browsing in Chrome, Edge, or Firefox.
- Browser Extensions: Offers an extension for enhanced online security and privacy.
- Data Shredder: Securely deletes files, folders, or entire drives.
- Sandbox: Allows running untrusted applications in an isolated environment.
- Sensitive Data Shield: Identifies and protects sensitive files.
Avast Premium Security Bank Mode
Customer Support and Updates
Avast offers customer support via website, forums, phone, email, and chat. Virus definitions and application updates are automatic by default but can be adjusted.
Performance
Avast consistently performs well in independent security tests, demonstrating high detection rates for malware and zero-day attacks. While generally having minimal impact on system performance, resource usage can increase during full scans and when using Microsoft Office applications.
Conclusion
Avast Premium Security provides solid PC protection, building on the strengths of the free version. Its focused approach caters to users primarily concerned with PC security. However, the absence of integrated VPN and password management, coupled with some buggy features, may deter users seeking a more comprehensive security suite.
