Is Avast Premium Worth It? – Our Thoughts on Features, Plans and Pricing

The world is moving fast, and so is technology – just as technology improves rapidly, the need to beef up security on every device is also increased. The best time to do that was years ago – if you haven’t already, you should now. So let’s walk you through it.

Instead of suggesting many antivirus software for you to choose from, we’ll go straight to the point. In this article, we will briefly review Avast antivirus. With how great the free version of Avast antivirus is, one might wonder if Avast premium is worth it. You already get a lot of valuable features with the free version. What more could the paid version offer? Here’s your answer.

Is Avast Premium Worth It – 5 Features We Like, and 5 We Dislike

Yes, Avast premium is worth it if you need more security features and deeper levels of protection – otherwise, the free version provides sufficient security. Avast antivirus is one of the best antivirus software with a range of security levels for your browsing, network, emails, files, and more.

With 30 years on the market and almost 450 million users, Avast antivirus has become very popular and is trusted by professionals worldwide.

To better understand what this software offers and decide if Avast Premium is worth it, we need to review what both versions provide. The free version is cost-effective while providing the essentials along with some bonus features, including the secure browser and DND mode.

The paid version comes with the same, including sandbox, real site DNS protection, premium security firewall, webcam protection, sensitive data shield, data shredder, malware scanning options, and more.

Here are some Avast premium features we like and some we don’t;

1. Data Shredder (Like)

The majority are unaware that you can’t ordinarily delete a file from your computer completely – not even with shift + delete. Deleted files end up in your hard drive as data clusters, and they can be retrieved using specific tools.

Avast’s data shredder deletes files so that even if any tool recovers them, they will be useless. It randomly overwrites a file’s data before deleting it, making it meaningless data. This tool is a gem for those who want to resell their computers or wipe secret information.

• Additional Costs (Dislike)

Avast premium costs $69.99 for a single device and $89.99 for up to 10 devices. This should make it the cheaper option when compared to some of its competitors. However, some premium features are excluded from the subscription plan, and you would need to pay for them separately.

Some of these excluded features are; the Anti Track premium (costs $2.49 per month), Avast Cleanup premium (costs $2.99 monthly), and Avast SecureLine VPN (costs $2.99).

• Webcam Shield (Like)

Instead of putting a tape over your computer’s webcam to avoid being spied on, this feature offers you three tiers of protection.

When granting access to your webcam, Smart mode allows only trusted programs and requests permission for unknown programs, Strict mode requests permission for every app, and No Mercy Mode completely blocks the webcam.

• Adverts (Dislike)

While Avast’s UI can be user-friendly and easy to use/understand, you will constantly get adverts to upgrade to Avast Premium. If you think upgrading will solve this, think again. Avast will still bombard you with ads to purchase the other premium features that aren’t included in the premium subscription package.

• Sandbox (Like)

Avast’s sandbox allows you to execute or run programs that cannot be categorized as entirely unsafe without any effects on your computer. For example, if you download an untrusted program, you can drag and drop it in the sandbox to safely run it and see what it does.

After which, you can decide to keep or delete it after seeing what it does. However, it is essential to note that if the suspicious program requires an internet connection, it increases the risk of access to your information.

• Invasion (Dislike)

Millions of users currently enjoy using Avast antivirus – free and paid subscribers alike. However, they’ve had to put up with some annoying app features.

One such feature is how some of your default settings change once the app is installed. For example, your default browser will be switched to the Avast browser without your permission. You don’t have to be a control freak to dislike this feature.

• Password Protection (Like)

Avast’s password protection feature protects your passwords from being stolen from your browsers. It also provides you with a master password for safely logging into various sites and synchronizes data across your devices. You can install the Password Manager manually and configure it once to activate a master password.

• Pricing (Dislike)

Avast often comes across as cheaper than its competitors, but it’s worth looking at its pricing policy more closely. With Avast, you get a wide range of plans along with varying prices and services offered.

However, one should note that Avast uses regional price discrimination, which means that the prices differ depending on your location. Additionally, Avast requires payment per device for big business plans, which is quite expensive.

• Scanning (Like)

Avast offers premium users four types of scans to combat every kind of malware or virus at any stage. These include; a smart scan, full virus scan, boot-time scan, and Wi-Fi scan.

They have different timeframes and focus points. You can also customize a scan by picking the files to be scanned, scan priorities, and method of dealing with threats.

• Sluggish Scanning (Dislike)

It is important to note that Avast’s scanning process takes rather long and slows down the system during these scans. The antivirus is also said to have average malware protection that some say is worse than that of the built-in Windows Defender.

While Avast antivirus is an excellent option to protect your devices, there are cheaper options for a premium subscription and improved security. You get similar – maybe better – services at more affordable prices. Additionally, Avast’s unsettling reputation of selling/leaking user data is a good reason to rethink using the antivirus software.

Is Avast Antivirus Good for Windows 10?

Yes, Avast antivirus is good for Windows 10. It is safe and provides reasonable malware protection – although some might argue you’re better off with just Windows defender. The free plan is feature-packed, and you can also consider a wide range of subscription plans for the premium plan. They both come with a myriad of services and functions that provide good value.

Some of the most common issues faced with the antivirus include: sluggish scanning, upsell nagging, and heavy system impact during scans. Other recommended antivirus software that performs arguably better than Avast are Bitdefender, Norton, Malwarebytes, AVG, Comodo, Mcafee, Eset, and Kaspersky.

Is Avast AntiTrack Worth It?

Yes, Avast AntiTrack is worth it if your online privacy is a high priority for you. It contains several features and functions focused on protecting your browser fingerprint. One crucial feature that makes it successful is visible fingerprint randomization which changes the data reported by your browser once every hour, which changes your fingerprint completely.

It also clears cookies/browser traces, foils websites that track you, configures Windows to improve privacy, and detects tracking attempts. Some more noteworthy features of Avast AntiTrack include Active Do Not Track, Smart Scan, Cyber Capture, and Spyware Protection.

It is important to note that – like everything else – Avast AntiTrack is not all good. It supports Windows, macOS, and Android protection, but it works best with Windows and comes with limitations on the others.

Also, its privacy settings on Windows are unclear, and you can only see the tracker blocking in real-time on chrome. It supports other browsers, including Edge, Internet Explorer, Opera, and Firefox, but the tracker blocking is not visible in them.

Avast Free Vs Premium – Key Differences

The free plan for Avast antivirus comes with protection against viruses/spyware/ransomware/malware. It also comes with a password manager, performance scanner, shield only ransomware file reversal, scan scheduler, rescue disk (ISO built-in), and DND/game mode. It also includes separate free tools like an email scanner, URL screener, and secure browser.

The premium plan for Avast antivirus costs $50.28 – $69.48. It comes with everything in the free plan, including shields for ransomware/phishing/remote access/webcam/sensitive data, real site web protection, Wi-Fi intruder/vulnerability alerts, email security, password protection, file protection, remote access security, data shredder, sandbox, multi-device protection, scanning options, and network protection/firewall.

If you’re wondering if Avast premium is worth it, these feature differences will help you recognize what you do/don’t need and ultimately help you make the final decision.

How to Upgrade Avast To Premium for Free

To temporarily upgrade Avast to premium for free, you can use Avast’s recommendation program to earn premium features for free for some time. Simply tap the Earn Rewards button in the top bar menu of the app, share your recommendation codes to as many people as you can, and receive rewards after they install the app. You can also utilize the free trial period on some premium products.

There is currently no way to permanently/fully upgrade Avast to premium for free, but you can purchase the Avast premium security product from Avast.com or Amazon. To avoid getting scammed, it is essential to buy this product from a reputable site. You should also pay attention to the additional features like SecureLine VPN and Avast Cleanup Premium that require separate subscriptions.

How to Add A Device to My Avast Account

To add a device to your Avast Account, you can either use your activation code or sign in to the app. Your activation code can be found in the order confirmation email sent to you after purchasing Avast premium security.

To use the activation code;

1. Download Avast Premium Security for Windows/Avast Security for Mac/Avast Mobile Security from the Avast website or google play store/the app store
2. Next, on your Windows or Mac PC;
   1. Launch the app
   1. Tap Menu >> Enter activation code/Activate paid features
   1. Type in your activation code and click Enter/Activate to continue
3. On your Android phone;
   1. Click Scan Now >> Allow to give access to your device
   1. After the scan, tap Get complete protection
   1. Then click the menu/options icon in the top right corner and tap Already purchased? > Redeem an activation code
   1. Type in your activation code and click Use this code
4. On your iPhone/iPad;
   1. Tap Not now >> Allow to allow access
   1. Click Upgrade >> Already purchased? >> Enter Avast subscription code
   1. Type in the activation code and click OK

To sign in;

1. Download Avast Premium Security for Windows/Avast Security for Mac/Avast Mobile Security from the Avast website or Google Play Store/the app store
2. Next, on your Windows or Mac PC;
   1. Launch the app
   1. Tap Menu >> Sign in/Sign in to Avast account
   1. Type in your details and click Sign in to continue
3. On your Android phone;
   1. Click Scan Now >> Allow to give access to your device
   1. After the scan, tap Get complete protection
   1. Then click the menu/options icon in the top right corner and tap Already purchased? >> Restore from Avast account >> Email
   1. Type in your details and click Log in Avast account
4. On your iPhone/iPad;
   1. Tap Not now >> Allow to allow access
   1. Click Upgrade >> Already purchased? >> Sign in
   1. Type in your details and click Confirm >> OK
5. If you do not have an account with Avast, you can create one using the email you used to purchase the Avast premium security product

How to Add Files to Avast Safe List

To add files to Avast antivirus safe list;

1. Launch the Avast antivirus app
2. Tap Menu >> Settings >> General >> Exceptions >> Add exception (or Add advanced exception for precise and detailed exclusions)
3. You can either type the file path into the text box or click Browse to select a file
4. Then click Add exception to finish

To add files to Avast one safe list;

1. Launch the Avast One app
2. Tap Account >> Settings >> Exceptions >> Add an exception
3. You can either type the file path into the text box or click Browse to select a file
4. Then click Add to finish

Note that setting an exception is only recommended when you are sure that the files or websites to be excluded from scans are safe.

How to Revert Avast Back to Free Version

To revert Avast to the free version after an expired subscription;

1. Tap the search button in your Windows taskbar and type in Apps and features
2. Open it, locate Avast Premium Security and tap Uninstall
3. Follow the prompts, and when the Avast Premium Security Setup pops up, tap Switch to free antivirus
4. Tap Yes >> Restart computer to complete

To revert Avast to the free version after a free trial;

1. After the free trial period ends, a dialog box will appear. Simply tap Switch to free to revert
2. Restart your computer to complete

How to Override Avast

To override Avast and stop it from blocking websites or apps, you can temporarily disable Avast shield, temporarily disable the antivirus itself, add websites to the exception list or add apps to the allowed list.

To temporarily disable Avast shields;

1. Launch the Avast antivirus app
2. Tap Protection >> Core Shields
3. Toggle off the appropriate shield and select a duration
4. Tap OK to finish

To temporarily disable all Avast shields;

1. Locate the Avast icon in your Windows taskbar
2. Right-click it and tap Avast shields control
3. Select duration and tap OK to finish

To add websites/files to the exception list;

1. Launch the Avast antivirus app
2. Tap Menu >> Settings >> General >> Exceptions >> Add exception (or Add advanced exception for precise and detailed exclusions)
3. You can input the site URL or file path into the text box (or click Browse to select a file)
4. Then click Add exception to finish

To add allowed apps;

1. Launch the Avast antivirus app
2. Tap Menu >> Settings >> General >> Blocked & Allowed apps >> Allow app
3. Choose the app you want to allow or tap Select App Path to input the app’s location
4. Then click Add to finish

How Can I Tell If Avast Is Running?

To tell if Avast is running, you can check the protection status in the app. First, launch the app and select the Status tab in the left panel. The text “This computer is protected” on the Green status screen indicates Avast is running as it should.

If you see a Red or Yellow status screen, it indicates a critical or urgent issue that needs immediate attention. To fix this, click the relevant action indicated beneath the status. The action can be update, resolve, restart now, turn on or activate/reactivate.

What Is the Difference Between Avast Internet Security and Premier?

Avast internet security offers all the services included in the Avast pro plan along with added silent firewall and antispam features. In contrast, Avast premier provides all the services included in the Avast Free and Avast Internet Security plans with the addition of an ‘access anywhere’ service, a data shredder, an email scanner, and an automatic software updater.

Avast Internet security costs $30 for a year, $55 for two years, and $80 for three on a single device, while Avast premier costs $35 for a year, $70 for two years, and $105 for three on a single device. It is important to note that Avast Internet Security has some additional costs asides from the primary subscription.

After buying the subscription, you will notice that many of the features included in the plan require an upgrade to work.

Read also: Is Davinci Resolve Safe?

What Is the Difference Between Avast Pro and Premier?

Avast Pro comes with all the features included in the Avast free plan with the addition of the sandbox mode, data encryption, firewall, and password manager. Avast Premier comes with all the features included in the Avast pro plan with the addition of an automatic software updater, two-way firewall protection, webcam shield, ransomware shield, data shredder, and antispam email filter.

Conclusion

Is Avast Premium worth it? After considering your needs and what Avast offers, you can answer that yourself, and this article will make that easier. Avast premium FKA Avast premiere is designed to be the all-in-one shield/fix to every possible threat. It comes with other premium packages and features to choose from, but are they worth it? You decide.

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