Avast vs AVG: Which Antivirus Is Better?

Updated 7 November 2026 · Standard formula, shown below

Avast and AVG are two of the most widely used free antivirus programs, and since 2016 they have been owned by the same company, Gen Digital (formerly Avast). For most home users, the core protection is nearly identical, so the choice comes down to interface preferences, extra features, and system impact. This article compares both in depth so you can decide which one fits your needs.

Background: One Company, Two Brands

Avast was founded in Prague in 1988 and AVG (Anti-Virus Guard) in the Czech Republic in 1991. Both grew into global brands with free tiers supported by paid upgrades. In 2016, Avast acquired AVG, and in 2022 the combined company rebranded as Gen Digital, which also owns NortonLifeLock. Despite the merger, Avast and AVG remain separate products with their own user interfaces, marketing, and some distinct tools. They share the same virus definitions and detection engine, which means a file flagged by one is almost always flagged by the other.

How They Work: Shared Engine, Different Shell

Both Avast and AVG use the same core antivirus engine, which includes real-time file scanning, behavior monitoring, and web/email protection. The main difference is the user interface and how features are presented. Avast has a more modern, colorful dashboard with a “Smart Scan” that checks for malware, outdated software, and network issues. AVG’s interface is simpler and more traditional, with clear tiles for each protection module. Under the hood, both rely on cloud-based threat intelligence and regular definition updates, so detection rates in independent tests are similar.

Feature Comparison: What You Get for Free

The free versions of both programs cover essential protection, but there are differences in extras. Here is a breakdown of what each free tier includes:

Real-time scanning: Both offer continuous file, email, and web protection.
Ransomware protection: Both include basic folder shielding, but Avast’s free version has a dedicated ransomware shield that lets you protect specific folders.
Wi-Fi security: Avast’s free version includes a Wi-Fi inspector that scans your network for vulnerabilities; AVG’s free version has a similar network scanner but it is less prominent.
Password manager: Avast includes a basic password manager in its free tier; AVG does not (it’s in the paid version).
VPN: Both offer limited free VPN data (around 5 GB per week), but the full VPN is paid.
Performance impact: Independent tests (like AV-Comparatives) have shown both have low system impact, but Avast tends to use slightly more RAM due to its richer interface.

Common Problems and Misconceptions

A frequent misconception is that Avast and AVG are the same because they are owned by the same company. While they share the same detection engine, they are separate products with different codebases and user interfaces. Another common issue is that both have been criticized for data collection practices. In 2020, Avast was fined by the Czech data protection authority for selling user browsing data to third parties through its subsidiary Jumpshot. AVG, being part of the same company, was also implicated. Both now have more transparent privacy policies, but users who are privacy-conscious should review what data is collected and how to opt out. Another problem is that both programs can be aggressive with pop-up notifications urging you to upgrade to paid versions, which many users find annoying.

How to Choose: Which One Should You Install?

If you are deciding between the two, consider the following:

Interface preference: Try both for a few days. Avast’s dashboard is more visually complex, while AVG is cleaner and simpler.
Extra features: If you want a free password manager or a dedicated ransomware folder shield, Avast is the better choice. If you prefer a lighter, more straightforward antivirus, AVG may feel less cluttered.
System resources: On older or low-spec machines, AVG generally uses slightly less memory and CPU during scans.
Privacy: Both have similar data collection practices; check their privacy policies and disable any optional data sharing in settings.
Paid upgrades: Both have paid tiers with more features (like advanced ransomware protection, firewall, and unlimited VPN). The paid versions are comparable, so choose based on price and interface.

Performance and System Impact

Independent lab tests (e.g., AV-Comparatives, AV-Test) consistently show that both Avast and AVG have low false-positive rates and high detection rates. In terms of speed, AVG often scores slightly better in file copying and application installation benchmarks because it has a lighter user interface. However, the difference is usually within a few percent and not noticeable in everyday use. Both offer a “Gaming Mode” or “Silent Mode” that suppresses notifications and delays updates while you are in full-screen apps, which is useful for gamers.

Safety and Privacy: What You Need to Know

Both Avast and AVG are safe to use and provide solid protection against malware, phishing, and ransomware. However, the 2020 data scandal raised concerns. Gen Digital has since shut down Jumpshot and updated its privacy policies to be more transparent. Still, both free versions collect anonymized data about your browsing and scanning history to improve detection. You can opt out of most data sharing in the settings menu. If you are extremely privacy-conscious, you might consider a paid antivirus with a no-logging policy or a lightweight open-source alternative like ClamWin, though that lacks real-time protection.

Alternatives to Consider

If you are not sold on Avast or AVG, there are other reputable free antivirus options. Microsoft Defender is built into Windows 10 and 11 and offers solid protection with no extra install. Bitdefender Antivirus Free is highly rated and very light on system resources. Kaspersky Free (where available) also scores well in independent tests, though it has faced geopolitical scrutiny. For users who want a paid solution with more features, Norton 360 and Bitdefender Total Security are popular choices. Ultimately, the best antivirus is one that you keep updated and that doesn’t slow down your computer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is AVG owned by Avast?

Yes, AVG was acquired by Avast in 2016, and the combined company is now called Gen Digital. They share the same parent company and use the same virus detection engine, but they operate as separate products with different interfaces and some unique features.

Can I run Avast and AVG at the same time?

It is not recommended. Running two antivirus programs simultaneously can cause conflicts, slow down your system, and lead to false positives. Since they share the same engine, running both provides no extra protection and can cause instability.

Which one uses less RAM?

AVG generally uses slightly less RAM and CPU than Avast because its interface is more minimal. However, the difference is small and may not be noticeable on modern computers with 8 GB or more of RAM.

Do Avast and AVG have the same detection rate?

Yes, because they use the same virus definitions and scanning engine. Independent tests show nearly identical detection rates, so the choice between them should be based on features and interface rather than protection level.

Are Avast and AVG safe to use after the data scandal?

Yes, they are safe to use. The data collection practices were changed after the Jumpshot incident, and Gen Digital has updated its privacy policies. You can also disable optional data sharing in the settings to minimize what is collected.

What is the best free antivirus in 2024?

There is no single “best” because it depends on your needs. Microsoft Defender is a solid built-in option, Bitdefender Free is lightweight, and Avast/AVG offer more features. Check independent test results and choose one that you find easy to use.

Method: the standard formula for this calculation, rounded as each result states. See how the calculators work or report an error.