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Antivirus Software review
AVG logo

AVG review

Best free antivirus

Free antivirus on every major platform, with paid Internet Security and Ultimate plans. People who want free antivirus on a PC, Mac or phone, with the option to upgrade later. We rank it #8 of 10 in our antivirus software comparison, with an editorial score of 8.0 out of 10.

Updated By the ChoosyOwl editorial teamHow we rank
8.0/10
Our editorial score

AVG scores well on Protection features for a free product, with free antivirus for Windows, Mac, Android and iOS, and AVG products have appeared in independent lab testing (Independent testing presence); check the latest lab reports. It loses points on Extras & value transparency because the VPN, TuneUp and other tools are sold in paid tiers, and on Performance impact & ease of use for upgrade prompts in the free version.

How we score antivirus software

Visit site (AVG, opens in a new tab)

Quick facts

Our rank#8 of 10
Best forBest free antivirus
PlatformsWindows, macOS, Android, iOS
Extras (varies by plan)VPN, TuneUp, AntiTrack in paid plans; check plan
Facts checkedNovember 14, 2026

Details are general and can change. Check current plans, prices and terms on the AVG site. See the AVG company profile in our brand directory.

Overview

AVG offers AntiVirus FREE for Windows, plus free security apps for Mac, Android and iPhone or iPad. Paid AVG Internet Security adds features such as webcam and ransomware protection, and AVG Ultimate bundles Internet Security with AVG Secure VPN, TuneUp and AntiTrack.

AVG is part of Gen Digital, the company that also owns Norton and Avast. Check AV-TEST and AV-Comparatives for current lab results.

The free version shows prompts to upgrade. Paid plans renew automatically, so check the renewal terms on the site.

Pros and cons

Pros

  • Capable free protection on every major platform
  • Simple, lightweight interface
  • Clear upgrade path to paid plans

Cons

  • Upgrade prompts in the free version
  • VPN and tune-up tools cost extra
  • Plan lineup overlaps with sister brand Avast

Key features

  • AntiVirus FREE for Windows
  • Free apps for Mac, Android and iOS
  • Webcam and ransomware protection in Internet Security
  • Ultimate bundle with VPN, TuneUp and AntiTrack

Who AVG is for

A good fit if

People who want free antivirus on a PC, Mac or phone, with the option to upgrade later.

Look elsewhere if

Anyone who wants a free product with no upgrade prompts at all.

How we scored AVG

AVG scores well on Protection features for a free product, with free antivirus for Windows, Mac, Android and iOS, and AVG products have appeared in independent lab testing (Independent testing presence); check the latest lab reports. It loses points on Extras & value transparency because the VPN, TuneUp and other tools are sold in paid tiers, and on Performance impact & ease of use for upgrade prompts in the free version.

Our antivirus software score weighs protection features (30%), independent testing presence (20%), extras & value transparency (20%), performance impact & ease of use (15%), privacy & trust (15%). See the methodology.

AVG alternatives

  1. #1
    Bitdefender logo

    Bitdefender

    Best overall

    Strong, lightweight protection with a regular presence in independent lab tests.

    • Real-time malware, web and ransomware protection
    • Apps for Windows, macOS, Android and iOS
    • VPN and password manager on some plans
    • Free antivirus edition for Windows
    9.4/10
    Editorial score
    Visit site (Bitdefender, opens in a new tab) Read review
  2. #2
    Norton 360 logo

    Norton 360

    Best for identity protection

    Feature-packed security suite with identity monitoring options for US customers.

    • Real-time malware, web protection and firewall
    • VPN and password manager on most plans
    • Dark web monitoring; LifeLock features on some US plans
    • Parental controls and cloud backup (Windows) on some plans
    9.2/10
    Editorial score
    Visit site (Norton 360, opens in a new tab) Read review
  3. #3
    Mc

    McAfee

    Best for households

    Long-running consumer suite with identity monitoring and scam-protection tools.

    • Malware and web protection
    • VPN included on many plans
    • Identity monitoring features
    • Scam-detection tools on some plans
    8.8/10
    Editorial score
    Visit site (McAfee, opens in a new tab) Read review

See all 10 antivirus suites compared

AVG FAQ

Is AVG AntiVirus FREE really free?

Yes. AVG AntiVirus FREE provides antivirus protection at no cost, supported by prompts to upgrade. Paid plans add more protection features and extras.

Are AVG and Avast the same company?

AVG says it is part of Gen, the company formally named Gen Digital, which also owns Avast and Norton. The products are sold separately with their own apps and plans.

Does AVG include a VPN?

AVG Secure VPN is sold separately or as part of AVG Ultimate. Check the current plan contents on the site.

Sources and fact check

We checked the facts on this page against AVG's own website on .