Used AVG AntiVirus for Mac? Share your experience and help other users.
Key Details of AVG AntiVirus
- Detects and removes malware, spyware, and viruses. Scans email attachments and downloads
- User-friendly interface, easy navigation, and simple setup process
- Highly recommended for basic antivirus protection for personal use
Editors’ Review
AVG AntiVirus for Mac helps keep your Mac free of viruses and running smoothly. Through its intuitive interface, this app lets you manage your security settings and run scans at any time to ensure complete protection.
Pros
Scanning options: With AVG AntiVirus for Mac, you can either complete a full scan of your computer, or you can select a file or files to scan independently. This saves you time and lets you avoid repeating scans of the same items over and over again. There are also several options on the Preferences page that allow you to customize your scanning further, including the option to scan for Potentially Unwanted Programs (PUPs) that you may have unintentionally downloaded.
Real-time protection: Real-time Protection detects and eliminates new threats in real time, so once you've cleaned off your machine, you won't have to worry about new infections taking hold. This feature can be turned on and off as you see fit.
Lightweight nature: AVG AntiVirus for Mac doesn’t slow down your system during normal use, even when Real-time Protection is enabled. This makes it particularly useful for users who rely on their Macs for heavy multitasking or performance-intensive tasks. Additionally, AVG offers frequent updates to its virus definitions, which ensures your system is protected against the latest threats.
Cons
Slow scans: In testing, a full scan of our Macbook Air took over an hour and returned a result of no threats detected. This seemed long for a relatively small machine without any issues. But once you've completed a full scan once, you won't need to repeat it often.
Lacks advanced features: AVG AntiVirus doesn’t have any advanced features such as web protection or phishing prevention, which some other antivirus programs include even in their free versions. This means you may need additional tools to safeguard against internet-based threats. Moreover, while the Real-time Protection feature is effective, it occasionally flags safe files or programs as suspicious, which can be frustrating for some users.
When comparing AVG AntiVirus for Mac to similar free antivirus tools, its simplicity and core functionality stand out. However, alternatives like Avast Free Antivirus provide additional features, such as a built-in VPN and comprehensive web protection, at no cost.
Meanwhile, Sophos Home Free offers better parental controls and phishing detection, which AVG lacks. While AVG performs well in detecting and removing viruses, its slower scan times and limited feature set may make it less appealing for users seeking more comprehensive solutions.
Bottom Line
AVG AntiVirus is a good free tool for protecting your computer from a wide range of external threats. The file scan option lets you choose exactly what you want to scan, and Real-time Protection safeguards against new threats.
While its slower scan speeds and lack of advanced features might leave some users looking elsewhere, AVG remains a reliable choice for anyone seeking straightforward, no-frills protection for their Mac.
What’s new in version 20.10.3157
- Expanded password protection.
- Support for beta versions of browsers: Chrome, Edge, Firefox, AVG Secure Browser
- Improved Rescue Disk feature
- Enhanced Rescue Disk performance and .DLL file cleanup.
- Routine bug fixes for enhanced strength and reliability.
Used AVG AntiVirus for Mac? Share your experience and help other users.