Avast vs AVG: Which Antivirus is Better in 2026? (Windows & Mac)

Avast and AVG are two of the most recognised antivirus names in the world — and since Avast acquired AVG in 2016, they’ve shared the same parent company (Gen Digital) and much of the same security engine. So are they actually different products, or just the same thing in different packaging?

The answer is: mostly the same, but with meaningful differences in features, pricing, and target audience. Here’s a direct comparison.

The Key Thing to Know Upfront

Avast and AVG are sister products — they use the same core threat detection engine. In independent lab tests (AV-TEST, AV-Comparatives), they consistently score similarly because the underlying technology is largely identical.

The differences are in the feature set around the core engine — Avast tends to have more extras, while AVG keeps things simpler and often cheaper.

At a Glance

Avast — Overview

Avast is the larger and more feature-rich of the two brands. The free tier is one of the most comprehensive available — covering real-time malware protection, Wi-Fi network scanning, and basic web protection at no cost. Paid tiers add ransomware protection, a VPN, firewall, webcam shield, and more.

Avast has had some controversy — in 2020 it emerged that Avast was collecting and selling user browsing data through a subsidiary. The company shut down the data collection arm following the backlash and has since made privacy improvements. Worth knowing, but the core product remains effective.

Key features:

• Real-time malware and virus protection
• Wi-Fi network inspector
• Ransomware shield (paid)
• Webcam protection (paid)
• VPN (paid)
• Firewall (paid)
• Phishing and web protection
• Windows, Mac, Android, iOS

Mac support: ✅ Avast Security for Mac — free tier available, good Mac-specific features Pricing: Free / from ~£3/month (Premium)

AVG — Overview

AVG is the simpler, slightly cheaper sibling. The free tier covers the core antivirus essentials. Paid tiers add performance tools, online security extras, and a VPN. The feature set is less extensive than Avast but the interface is arguably cleaner and easier for less technical users.

AVG is particularly popular with home users and small businesses who want solid protection without complexity. The business product (AVG Business) is well-regarded for straightforward deployment and management.

Key features:

• Real-time malware and virus protection
• Wi-Fi network inspector
• Ransomware protection (paid)
• VPN (paid)
• Link scanner and email protection
• Performance optimisation tools
• Windows, Mac, Android, iOS

Mac support: ✅ AVG AntiVirus for Mac — free tier available Pricing: Free / from ~£2.50/month (Internet Security)

Head-to-Head

Detection Rates

Tie. Same core engine — both score comparably in independent tests. AV-TEST consistently rates both at or near the top for protection scores.

Free Tier

Avast wins. Avast’s free tier is more comprehensive — it includes the Wi-Fi inspector and more web protection features out of the box. AVG’s free tier covers the basics but less.

Features (Paid)

Avast wins. Avast paid plans include webcam protection and more comprehensive privacy tools that AVG doesn’t offer. If you want the full feature set, Avast is the better choice.

Simplicity

AVG wins. AVG’s interface is cleaner and less cluttered than Avast. For home users or small business owners who aren’t technically minded, AVG is easier to navigate.

Pricing

AVG wins. AVG is typically slightly cheaper than Avast at comparable tiers. For budget-conscious users, the saving adds up over a year.

Mac Support

Avast wins slightly. Both have Mac versions but Avast’s Mac product is more developed. That said, for dedicated Mac protection, specialist tools like Intego or Bitdefender are stronger.

Business Products

Avast wins. Avast Business has a more comprehensive management console and broader feature set than AVG Business. For businesses managing multiple devices, Avast Business is the better fit.

Privacy History

Neither is perfect. Avast’s 2020 data collection controversy is worth noting. Both are owned by Gen Digital — a large company with a broad portfolio of security brands (Norton, LifeLock, Avast, AVG, CCleaner). If privacy from your security vendor matters, Bitdefender or Malwarebytes are cleaner alternatives.

Avast

AVG

For Home Users

Choose Avast if: You want the most comprehensive free protection, or you’re paying for a full feature set including webcam protection and VPN.

Choose AVG if: You want simple, no-fuss protection at a slightly lower price. Good for less technical users who want it installed and forgotten about.

Consider alternatives if: Privacy from your security vendor matters — both are owned by Gen Digital which has a commercial data background. Bitdefender or Malwarebytes are stronger choices for privacy-conscious users.

For Small Businesses

Both have dedicated business products with centralised management consoles:

Avast Business — more features, better console, slightly pricier. Good for businesses wanting comprehensive endpoint protection with central management.

AVG Business — simpler, cheaper, easier to deploy. Good for very small businesses (1-10 devices) that want basic managed protection without complexity.

For businesses handling sensitive client data or with compliance requirements, Bitdefender GravityZone is a stronger choice than either — better detection rates, more comprehensive management, and a cleaner privacy record.

Quick Comparison

Our Verdict

For most home users, Avast edges ahead on features — the free tier is more generous and paid plans include extras like webcam protection that AVG lacks. For budget-conscious users who want simplicity, AVG is a perfectly solid choice.

For small businesses, Avast Business is the better managed solution — but for businesses with more than 10 devices or handling sensitive data, Bitdefender GravityZone or Malwarebytes for Teams are worth the step up.

Try Avast → Try AVG →

Last updated: May 2026. Pricing and features subject to change — always check vendor sites for current information.