Alternatives to AVG
Avast's sibling brand
AVG ranks #7 of 9 in Antivirus software, with an Alt Score of 78. It is proprietary, freemium from £59.99/year (AVG Internet Security) and available on Windows, macOS, Android and iOS. 9 of 10 checklist rows are verified against a public source.
Home users and families who want straightforward malware and online-threat protection for Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS devices, from casual users wanting free basic security to those needing multi-device coverage.
AVG AntiVirus Free provides real-time malware detection, web and email threat protection, and basic ransomware shielding on one device at no cost. Paid tiers (AVG Internet Security, AVG Ultimate) add a firewall, webcam protection, hardened banking/payment protection, and advanced ransomware defense across up to 10 devices. AVG Ultimate bundles in a VPN, a tracker/AntiTrack privacy tool, and TuneUp performance optimization.
Users download and install the AVG app on each device, after which it runs background and on-demand scans while a real-time shield continuously monitors files, downloads, and websites for threats. Alerts and one-tap actions in the app let users quarantine or remove detected risks, with paid plans layering on additional protections like the firewall and VPN.
Why people leave AVG
Dashed reasons are sourced facts; the rest are opinions. Vendors can dispute.
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Ranked alternatives
Ordered by Alt Score. Click any score to see the breakdown.
Feature comparison
Rows come from the Antivirus software checklist (14 rows). Human-verified cells only. ? means the value has not been verified.
| Antivirus software checklist | AVG | Bitdefender | Avast | ESET | Malwarebytes | Microsoft Defender |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pricing model | ||||||
| Starts at | ||||||
| License | ||||||
| Platforms | ||||||
| Independent lab scores (AV-TEST) | ||||||
| Real-time protection | ||||||
| Ransomware protection | ||||||
| Performance impact | ||||||
| Free tier | ||||||
| No data selling | ||||||
| Web protection | ||||||
| Cross-platform | ||||||
| Firewall included | ||||||
| Ad-free experience |
Every fact and feature listed for AVG is verified against its own pages. Each alternative is sourced on its own page.
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License Proprietary verified 2026-07-10
a non-exclusive and non-transferable license to use each solution you purchase or otherwise properly acquire
https://www.avg.com/en-us/subscription -
Starts at £59.99/year (AVG Internet Security) verified 2026-07-10
AVG Internet Security 1 Mac 1 year £59.99 £69.99
https://www.avg.com/en-gb/pricing-changes -
Pricing model Freemium verified 2026-07-10
Download AVG AntiVirus Free for real-time protection against viruses, infected emails, scam websites, and more
https://www.avg.com/en-ww/free-antivirus-download -
Platforms Windows, macOS, Android, iOS verified 2026-07-10
Also available for Mac, Android, and iOS
https://www.avg.com/en-ww/free-antivirus-download -
Status active verified 2026-07-10
2026-07-16
https://www.avg.com/en-gb/pricing-changes -
Real-time protection Yes verified 2026-07-10
real-time protection against viruses, infected emails, scam websites, and more
https://www.avg.com/en-ww/free-antivirus-download -
Ransomware protection Yes verified 2026-07-10
Find and deal with ransomware, spyware, viruses, and more.
https://www.avg.com/en-us/internet-security -
Performance impact Yes verified 2026-07-10
AVG AntiVirus Free is a lightweight antivirus tool that's been specially designed to protect your PC without slowing it down.
https://www.avg.com/en-us/windows-10-antivirus -
Free tier Yes verified 2026-07-10
Download AVG AntiVirus Free for real-time protection against viruses, infected emails, scam websites, and more
https://www.avg.com/en-ww/free-antivirus-download -
No data selling Partial verified 2026-07-10
Qualified statement ('directly identifies you').
As a matter of general practice, we do not sell information that directly identifies you, like your name, address, or email.
https://www.avg.com/en-us/do-not-sell -
Web protection Yes verified 2026-07-10
Protect your PC against unsafe emails, website links, and downloads
https://www.avg.com/en-us/internet-security -
Cross-platform Yes verified 2026-07-10
Also available for Mac, Android, and iOS
https://www.avg.com/en-ww/free-antivirus-download -
Firewall included Partial verified 2026-07-10
Firewall in paid Internet Security, not the free tier.
An Enhanced Firewall that secures your entire network to prevent anyone from gaining unwanted access
https://www.avg.com/en-us/internet-security -
Ad-free experience Partial verified 2026-07-10
We give you the choice between the free ad-supported experience or the pro ad-free experience.
https://support.avg.com/SupportArticleView?l=en&urlname=avg-antivirus-notifications-ads
FAQ
Yes. Bitdefender, Avast and Malwarebytes have a free tier or are fully free. Free-tier limits in the comparison table are verified and dated.
ClamAV — every license claim links its source.