On this page17 sections
- Ratings and complaints
- AVG vs. competitors
- Pricing
- Step by step
- AVG legitimacy and licensing
- AVG pricing and renewal costs
- AVG Free vs Internet Security vs Ultimate
- Introduction
- How AVG Works
- Stand Out Features
- AVG vs Avast: What is the Difference?
- AVG vs Avast: what’s the difference?
- AVG complaints and how to avoid problems
- How to cancel AVG and get a refund
- What customers say
- Alternatives
- FAQ
AVG's free Windows app scored 6 out of 6 for protection, performance and usability in AV-TEST's April, June and August 2026 rounds, and AV-Comparatives named AVG a 2025 Top-Rated Product. It is a legitimate antivirus brand, owned by Avast since 2016 and part of Gen Digital since the 2022 Avast and NortonLifeLock merger. AVG Internet Security costs $39.99 for the first year on one PC, then $79.99, and Ultimate costs $59.88 for 10 devices, then $149.99. Choose AVG for a free or low-cost first year, but plan for the renewal price and expect upgrade prompts in the free app.
Your options
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TotalAV This company pays BestGuide when you connect with it through our site. Verified partners are scored on our partner verification program and can be listed first. Payment never changes what we report about fees, terms or complaints. Alternative People who want an easy antivirus app across several phones and computers and will manage the renewal date themselves.
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Webroot This company pays BestGuide when you connect with it through our site. Verified partners are scored on our partner verification program and can be listed first. Payment never changes what we report about fees, terms or complaints. Alternative People with older or slower PCs who want light, low-maintenance antivirus across a few devices and will manage renewal themselves.
- Owner
- Gen Digital Inc., which also owns Avast, Norton, LifeLock and Avira; Avast agreed to buy AVG for $1.3 billion in 20166
- Free version
- AVG AntiVirus Free for Windows, plus free apps for Mac and Android1
- Internet Security price
- 1 PC or 1 Mac: $39.99 first year, renews at $79.99; 10 devices: $59.99 first year, renews at $109.99 (as listed October 2026)1
- Ultimate price
- 10 devices: $59.88 first year, renews at $149.99; adds AVG Secure VPN and TuneUp2
- Free trial
- 30 days of Internet Security on a PC with no credit card needed1
- Refund window
- 30 days for annual plans and each annual renewal; 14 days for a first monthly charge3
- Lab results
- AV-TEST August 2026: 6 protection, 6 performance, 6 usability for AVG Antivirus Free 26.6 and 26.74
Pros
- Free antivirus with no time limit
- 18 of 18 at AV-TEST in the last three Windows rounds of 2026
- AV-Comparatives 2025 Top-Rated Product and Gold award for performance
- Internet Security trial for 30 days without a payment card
- Ultimate covers 10 devices with a VPN
Cons
- Renewal price is double the first year on the 1-PC plan
- Free app shows frequent upgrade prompts
- Ultimate renews at $149.99, high for a bundle
- Shares an owner and engine with Avast, which was the subject of a 2024 FTC privacy order
Best for: Windows users who want a free antivirus with strong lab results, or a cheap first year of protection for one PC or a 10-device household.
Skip it if: You want stable pricing year to year or an app without upgrade ads; the free Microsoft Defender may be enough.
AVG vs. competitors
| Company | First year | Renews at | Devices | Money-back | AV-TEST Aug 2026 (protection, performance, usability) | Next step |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AVG Internet Security | $39.99 | $79.99 | 1 PC | 30 days | 6, 6, 6 (AVG Antivirus Free) | |
| Avast Premium Security | $49.08 | $77.99 | 1 PC plus 1 mobile | 30 days | 6, 6, 6 (Avast Free Antivirus) | Visit site |
| Avira Internet Security | Not published on the plan page | $70.99 list price | 1 | 60 days | 6, 6, 6 | Visit site |
| Microsoft Defender Antivirus | Free, built into Windows | Free | Each Windows PC | Not applicable | 6, 5.5, 6 |
Antivirus software we reviewed
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AVG This review BestGuide rating: 4.7 out of 5. Set by our editorial team from published factors such as cost, credentials, reputation, customer experience, services and guarantees. Verified partners are scored on our partner verification program and can be listed first; they are always labeled BestGuide Partner. Best for: Windows users who want a free antivirus with strong lab results, or a cheap first year of protection for one PC or a 10-device household. -
TotalAV This company pays BestGuide when you connect with it through our site. Verified partners are scored on our partner verification program and can be listed first. Payment never changes what we report about fees, terms or complaints. BestGuide rating: 4.8 out of 5. Set by our editorial team from published factors such as cost, credentials, reputation, customer experience, services and guarantees. Verified partners are scored on our partner verification program and can be listed first; they are always labeled BestGuide Partner. Best for: People who want an easy antivirus app across several phones and computers and will manage the renewal date themselves. -
Webroot This company pays BestGuide when you connect with it through our site. Verified partners are scored on our partner verification program and can be listed first. Payment never changes what we report about fees, terms or complaints. BestGuide rating: 4.7 out of 5. Set by our editorial team from published factors such as cost, credentials, reputation, customer experience, services and guarantees. Verified partners are scored on our partner verification program and can be listed first; they are always labeled BestGuide Partner. Best for: People with older or slower PCs who want light, low-maintenance antivirus across a few devices and will manage renewal themselves. -
Malwarebytes This company pays BestGuide when you connect with it through our site. Verified partners are scored on our partner verification program and can be listed first. Payment never changes what we report about fees, terms or complaints. BestGuide rating: 4.6 out of 5. Set by our editorial team from published factors such as cost, credentials, reputation, customer experience, services and guarantees. Verified partners are scored on our partner verification program and can be listed first; they are always labeled BestGuide Partner. Best for: People who want light, well-tested antivirus with web scam blocking, or a free second-opinion scanner to clean up an infected PC. -
PC Matic This company pays BestGuide when you connect with it through our site. Verified partners are scored on our partner verification program and can be listed first. Payment never changes what we report about fees, terms or complaints. BestGuide rating: 4.5 out of 5. Set by our editorial team from published factors such as cost, credentials, reputation, customer experience, services and guarantees. Verified partners are scored on our partner verification program and can be listed first; they are always labeled BestGuide Partner. Best for: People who mainly use well-known programs and want inexpensive, low-maintenance protection on several devices. -
ESET This company pays BestGuide when you connect with it through our site. Verified partners are scored on our partner verification program and can be listed first. Payment never changes what we report about fees, terms or complaints. BestGuide rating: 4.4 out of 5. Set by our editorial team from published factors such as cost, credentials, reputation, customer experience, services and guarantees. Verified partners are scored on our partner verification program and can be listed first; they are always labeled BestGuide Partner. Best for: People who want proven antivirus that stays light on older or lower-powered computers, without paying for a large bundle. -
Trend Micro Best for: Families who want scam protection and parental controls across many devices, including Chromebooks. -
Intego This company pays BestGuide when you connect with it through our site. Verified partners are scored on our partner verification program and can be listed first. Payment never changes what we report about fees, terms or complaints. BestGuide rating: 4.3 out of 5. Set by our editorial team from published factors such as cost, credentials, reputation, customer experience, services and guarantees. Verified partners are scored on our partner verification program and can be listed first; they are always labeled BestGuide Partner. Best for: Mac owners who want a native antivirus and firewall in one app, especially families covering several Macs.
AVG pricing at a glance
AVG plans, as listed October 20261
| Plan | Devices | First year | Renews at | What it adds |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AntiVirus Free | 1 device per install | $0 | $0 | Real-time scanning of files, downloads and links, plus a performance scan |
| Internet Security | 1 Windows PC or 1 Mac | $39.99 | $79.99 a year | Enhanced Firewall, webcam protection, fake website blocking, ransomware protection |
| Internet Security | 10 devices | $59.99 | $109.99 a year | Same, across Windows, Mac, Android and iOS |
| Ultimate | 10 devices | $59.88 | $149.99 a year | Internet Security plus AVG Secure VPN and TuneUp |
First-year prices are promotional and plans renew automatically at the higher price.
AVG, step by step
Install the free app or trial
Download AVG AntiVirus Free, or start a 30-day Internet Security trial on a PC with no card required.
Run the first scan
The first full scan takes the longest; after that, the shields run in the background and check files, downloads, links and email attachments.
Upgrade if needed
Internet Security adds a firewall and webcam protection; Ultimate adds a VPN and TuneUp across 10 devices.
Manage renewal
Paid plans renew automatically at the full price. Cancel renewal in AVG MyAccount under My Subscriptions before the billing date if you don't want another year.
Request a refund in time
Annual charges can be refunded within 30 days, a first monthly charge within 14 days.
AVG legitimacy and licensing
Yes. AVG was founded in the Czech Republic in the early 1990s, Avast agreed to buy it for $1.3 billion in July 2016, and both brands became part of Gen Digital after Avast merged with NortonLifeLock in September 2022. AVG’s free Windows app scored 6 out of 6 for protection, performance and usability in AV-TEST’s April, June and August 2026 rounds, and AV-Comparatives gave AVG a 2025 Top-Rated Product award.
Because AVG shares a parent and engine with Avast, it is worth knowing that the FTC’s 2024 order against Avast banned it from selling browsing data for advertising. Download AVG only from avg.com or an official app store, and treat emails or pop-ups about an AVG renewal or refund with caution, since tech support scammers copy the brand.
AVG pricing and renewal costs
AVG AntiVirus Free costs nothing. AVG Internet Security is $39.99 for the first year on one Windows PC or one Mac, then $79.99 a year; the 10-device plan is $59.99, then $109.99. AVG Ultimate, which adds AVG Secure VPN and TuneUp, is $59.88 for the first year on 10 devices and then $149.99.
Budget for the renewal price, not the promotion. If you only need one PC protected, a second year of Internet Security costs $79.99, while the built-in Microsoft Defender costs nothing.
AVG Free vs Internet Security vs Ultimate
The free app uses the same scanning engine as the paid plans and scans files, downloads and links in real time. Internet Security adds an Enhanced Firewall, webcam protection, Ransomware. Malware that locks or encrypts your files and demands payment to release them. Compare antivirus software protection and blocking of fake shopping and banking sites. Ultimate bundles Internet Security with AVG Secure VPN and the TuneUp cleanup tool for up to 10 devices.
If you mostly want a VPN, compare Ultimate’s $149.99 renewal with a standalone VPN plus the free antivirus.
Introduction
In the crowded world of cybersecurity, few names are as recognizable as AVG. Known primarily for its robust free offerings, AVG has been a staple on home computers for decades. But does a legacy name translate to modern protection against sophisticated ransomware and zero-day threats? In this comprehensive AVG Review, we dive deep into the software’s capabilities, performance impact, and value proposition to help you decide if it is the right shield for your digital life.
Security is no longer just about blocking viruses; it is about privacy, identity protection, and system optimization. AVG promises all of this, packaged in a user-friendly interface. Whether you are considering the free version or looking to upgrade to AVG Internet Security, understanding the nuances of their protection engine is vital.
How AVG Works
AVG (Anti-Virus Guard) operates on a multi-layered security model designed to catch threats before they can damage your system. At its core, the software utilizes a massive, cloud-based threat-detection network. Because AVG is owned by Gen Digital (the same parent company as Avast, Norton, and Avira), it benefits from one of the largest Malware. Any software designed to harm a device or steal data, including viruses, spyware and ransomware. Compare antivirus software databases in the world.
When you install AVG, it integrates deeply into your operating system to monitor file activity in real-time. The primary engine uses traditional signature matching to identify known malware. However, since new threats emerge daily, AVG also employs heuristic analysis and behavioral monitoring. This means the software looks for suspicious code patterns or programs behaving badly, such as an unknown app trying to modify your system files or encrypt your documents—and stops them, even if there is no specific virus signature for that threat yet.
One of the key mechanisms discussed in this AVG Review is the “CyberCapture” feature. When AVG encounters a file it doesn’t recognize, it isolates the file and sends it to the AVG Threat Labs for immediate analysis. If the file is malicious, a cure is pushed out to all AVG users worldwide, often within minutes. This community-driven protection creates a formidable defense network.
Stand Out Features
While compiling this AVG Review, we tested several features that distinguish AVG from its competitors.
Enhanced Firewall
Unlike many basic antivirus programs that rely on the Windows Firewall, AVG Internet Security includes its own robust firewall. It monitors both incoming and outgoing traffic, allowing you to control exactly how your apps connect to the internet. This is crucial for preventing hackers from accessing your PC via open ports and stopping malware from sending your private data out to a remote server.
Ransomware Protection
Ransomware is one of the most devastating threats today. AVG’s Ransomware Protection allows you to designate specific folders (like Documents or Photos) as “protected”. No unauthorized application is allowed to change, delete, or encrypt files in these folders. You can white-list your trusted apps (like Microsoft Word), ensuring that if a ransomware infection does occur, your most precious memories and critical documents remain untouched.
Web and Email Shields
AVG actively scans email attachments and blocks unsafe links and downloads. The Web Shield works in the background while you browse, steering you away from Phishing. Fake emails, texts or websites that try to trick you into giving up passwords or payment details. Compare antivirus software sites designed to steal your credit card information or login credentials. This proactive approach stops threats before they even reach your hard drive.
Sensitive Data Shield
Available in premium tiers, this feature specifically scans your computer for .pdf, .doc, and .xls files containing sensitive data like social security numbers or tax information. It then offers to “seal” these files, meaning only you can access them, preventing spyware from scraping your personal data.
AVG vs Avast: What is the Difference?
A common point of confusion is the relationship between AVG vs Avast. In 2016, Avast acquired AVG. Today, they are essentially siblings under the Gen Digital umbrella. They share the exact same malware detection engine and threat database. If you run a scan with both, you will likely get identical detection results. The primary difference lies in the user interface and the specific packaging of extra utility tools. AVG tends to have a darker, more streamlined interface, while Avast often gamifies the experience slightly more. Ultimately, the choice between them comes down to aesthetic preference rather than security capability.
What customers say about AVG
Recurring themes across the review sites and complaint records listed above, not individual quotes.
Common praise
- Quiet background protection with little slowdown
- Easy installation and a clear interface
- Long-time users report years of use without infections
- Free version covers the basics without a time limit
Common complaints
- Frequent ads and pop-ups pushing paid upgrades
- Renewal charges at a higher price than the first year
- Difficulty cancelling or getting a refund
- Extra tools that some users feel slow the computer or add clutter
AVG vs Avast: what’s the difference?
They are sister brands under Gen Digital, use the same detection technology and post near identical lab scores; both won AV-Comparatives’ 2025 Gold award for performance. The differences are the interface, how the bundles are packaged and price. AVG Internet Security for one PC is $39.99 the first year and $79.99 after; Avast Premium Security is $49.08 the first year on a PC plus a phone and $77.99 after. Running both at once adds nothing.
AVG complaints and how to avoid problems
AVG has a 4.5 out of 5 Trustpilot score from 48,462 reviews, with 7% one star. The most common complaints are pop-ups pushing paid upgrades, renewals charged at a higher price than expected and trouble getting refunds. The BBB rates parent Gen Digital A+, with 908 complaints in three years across all of its brands.
Note your renewal date at purchase, cancel auto-renewal in AVG MyAccount if you aren’t sure you want another year, and request any refund within 30 days of an annual charge. If you can’t resolve a charge you did not authorize, dispute it with your card issuer.
How to cancel AVG and get a refund
Sign in to AVG MyAccount, open My Subscriptions and choose Cancel Renewal or Manage Subscriptions before your billing date. Annual subscriptions and each annual renewal qualify for a full refund if requested within 30 days of the charge. A first monthly charge qualifies within 14 days; later monthly charges don’t. If you bought through an app store or retailer, ask that seller for the refund. Uninstalling AVG does not stop billing.
Alternatives to AVG
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Microsoft Defender Antivirus
Free, already installed on Windows and without upgrade ads; a reasonable choice if you only need malware protection.
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Same owner and engine; its first-year Premium Security plan covers a PC plus a phone.
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Another Gen Digital brand with a 60-day refund window and a Prime plan for up to 25 devices.
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Covers 5 devices with a VPN and a 60-day refund window if you want a full suite from the same parent.
Next steps
AVG reviews
Written by readers, read by our moderators, never edited by the company.
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Frequently asked questions
Is AVG antivirus safe to use?
Yes. AVG is a long-running brand owned by Gen Digital, and its free app scored 6 out of 6 for protection in AV-TEST's August 2026 Windows test. Download it only from avg.com or an official app store.
Is AVG really free?
AVG AntiVirus Free has no time limit and needs no payment card. It shows upgrade prompts, and the extra features such as the firewall and webcam protection require a paid plan.
How much does AVG cost per year?
Internet Security is $39.99 for the first year on one PC or Mac and renews at $79.99. The 10-device plan is $59.99, then $109.99, and Ultimate is $59.88, then $149.99 (as listed October 2026).
Does AVG slow down your computer?
AVG scored 6 out of 6 for performance in AV-TEST's April, June and August 2026 rounds and won AV-Comparatives' 2025 Gold award for performance. The first full scan is the heaviest.
Who owns AVG?
Gen Digital Inc., which also owns Avast, Norton, LifeLock and Avira. Avast bought AVG in 2016 and merged with NortonLifeLock in 2022.
Is AVG the same as Avast?
Same owner and detection technology, different apps and bundles. Lab scores are almost identical, so pick on price and features.
Does AVG remove malware already on my PC?
Yes, the free and paid apps scan for and remove malware, and a full scan is the place to start. For a badly infected PC, Microsoft's free offline scan in Windows Security is another option.
Is AVG better than Windows Defender?
In AV-TEST's August 2026 round, both scored 6 for protection; AVG scored 6 for performance and Defender 5.5. Defender has no upsells, while AVG's paid plans add a firewall, webcam protection and, on Ultimate, a VPN.
How do I cancel AVG and get a refund?
Cancel renewal in AVG MyAccount under My Subscriptions, and request a refund within 30 days of an annual charge or 14 days of a first monthly charge.
Does AVG have a free trial?
AVG offers 30 days of Internet Security on a PC with no credit card needed, as listed October 2026.
Sources (12)
Facts on this page come from company websites, government agencies and regulators, checked on the dates shown. Editorial standards
- AVG: Internet Security (accessed October 12, 2026)
- AVG: Ultimate (accessed October 12, 2026)
- AVG: Cancellation and refund policy (accessed October 12, 2026)
- AV-TEST: AVG test results, Windows (accessed October 12, 2026)
- AV-Comparatives: Consumer Summary Report 2025 (accessed October 12, 2026)
- Gen Digital newsroom: Avast announces agreement to acquire AVG for $1.3B (July 7, 2016) (accessed October 12, 2026)
- SEC: Gen Digital Inc. Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2022 (accessed October 12, 2026)
- Trustpilot: AVG reviews (accessed October 12, 2026)
- BBB: Gen Digital Inc. (accessed October 12, 2026)
- FTC: FTC finalizes order with Avast banning it from selling or licensing web browsing data for advertising (accessed October 12, 2026)
- Avast: Compare antivirus plans (accessed October 12, 2026)
- AV-TEST: Windows 11 home users, August 2026 (accessed October 12, 2026)
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