AVG Antivirus: Comprehensive Review and Performance Tests (2026)

AVG Antivirus Features Explained: Real-Time Protection, VPN, and More

Core protection

• Malware engine: Signature + cloud-based reputation and heuristics for near real-time detection of viruses, trojans, worms, and other malware.
• Real‑Time / Behavior Shield: On-access scanning and behavior analysis that monitors processes and files for suspicious activity and blocks threats immediately (helps against zero‑day threats).
• On‑demand scans: Quick/Smart scans and full deep scans with scheduled scan options.

Web & email protection

• Web Protection / Fake Website Shield: Blocks phishing sites, malicious links and dangerous downloads in browsers.
• Email Shield: Scans attachments and incoming/outgoing email for malware and phishing content.

Ransomware & privacy safeguards

• Ransomware Protection / Sensitive Data Shield: Prevents unauthorized apps from changing or encrypting protected folders and blocks access to sensitive files.
• Webcam Protection: Blocks apps from accessing your webcam without permission.
• Anti‑tracking / AntiTrack (premium): Limits trackers and fingerprinting for more private browsing (packaged as a separate tool in some plans).

Network & firewall

• Advanced firewall (Internet Security and up): Two‑way firewall to control inbound/outbound traffic and block unauthorized access.
• Network Inspector / Wi‑Fi Guard: Scans your local network for insecure devices or unknown connections and warns on unsafe Wi‑Fi.

VPN & online privacy

• AVG Secure VPN (paid or included in top tier): Encrypts network traffic, masks your IP address, and helps secure connections on public Wi‑Fi. Sold separately or bundled in AVG Ultimate. Note: VPN is a separate product from the core AV engine.

Account & identity tools

• Hack Alerts / Dark Web Monitoring: Notifies if registered email appears in known breaches (often limited to few addresses without add‑ons).
• Password protection / Sensitive Data Shield: Prevents apps from accessing stored passwords and sensitive files (not a full password manager).

Extras & utilities

• TuneUp / Performance tools (premium): Junk removal, startup optimization, and device performance improvements.
• Data Shredder & Rescue Disk: Secure file deletion and a bootable rescue tool for recovering heavily infected systems.
• Do Not Disturb / Silent Mode: Suppresses notifications during full‑screen apps (games, presentations).

Platform coverage & packaging

• Platforms: Windows, macOS, Android, iOS (feature set varies by OS).
• Editions: Free (basic malware, web/email shields), Internet Security (adds firewall, ransomware/webcam protection), Ultimate (adds VPN, TuneUp, AntiTrack). Licenses typically cover multiple devices (plans up to 10 devices).

Strengths & limitations (brief)

• Strengths: Strong core detection, comprehensive extra tools, usable free tier.
• Limitations: Many premium features split into separate apps; some extras overlap with dedicated tools; VPN sold separately or limited to top tier.

If you want, I can summarize which features are included in each AVG plan (Free / Internet Security / Ultimate) and list approximate 2026 pricing.