Today, modern technology is moving at a fast pace and, an improving number of segments of our lives are being transported into the digital realm. For example, you no longer have to leave the comfort of your home to purchase the stuff you want. It can be sent to your doorstep, if it is a physical object, or even streamed to you live, removing the need for physical delivery altogether. However, just as you would ensure that your home is protected and safe, you need to make sure that you and your family are safe online.
There are various internet security suites out there aimed at home users, which is why TechNinjaPro has decided to compare the two of the most well-known internet security suites on the market: Kaspersky and Avast. Both are popular brands of antivirus. They serve hundreds of millions of customers all over the world. The question is, which antivirus is best?
Malware comes in many forms, rootkits, Trojan horses, bots, worms, bugs, viruses, spyware, adware, ransomware, etc. Similarly, the number of malware attacks is significant and has been on the rise over the years. It is true that you can restrict the chances of malware infection by following best practices. For example, by regularly updating the operating system, apps, and plugins, eliminating unrequited software, using strong passwords, reading emails carefully to stop phishing attacks, using a protected wifi connection may not provide you complete malware protection and recovery choices.
Therefore the importance of a reliable, subscription-based antivirus suite cannot be stressed enough in this modern world where almost all our actions are somehow connected to the internet. Kaspersky and Avast both protect you from online threats on internet-enabled devices. Yet, both have some debate surrounding them. Avast has recently come under fire for gathering and selling user information, and some privacy enthusiasts are worried about the links between Kaspersky and the Russian government.
In this blog, TechNinjaPro will put each antivirus up against one another to see which one comes out on top. TechNinjaPro will look at performance, features, and the protection they can provide against malware and online threats.
Overview of Kaspersky vs. Avast
Avast
Avast is a leading antivirus firm that is popular for the most well-liked on the market. It provides a basic free version and three different paid versions that are more advanced. Avast is compatible with both Mac and Windows: Here are the three different versions of Avast:
Avast Free Version
Basic antivirus software provides simple coverage. It does not cost anything, but it does lack advanced security features.
1. Avast Internet Security
The first version of Avast antivirus is Avast Internet Security. This version provides more advanced data security. Here are some useful features:
- A two-way firewall for constant malware protection.
- A real site feature that takes you only to a good website, avoiding any potential fake DNS routing.
- An email filter to stop spam and malicious emails.
- A feature called Sandbox Mode to safely open any suspicious applications and files.
2. Avast Premier
Avast Premier takes the internet security choice to the next level. This version keeps all the features but also includes
- An anti-spying webcam protection tool
- Automatic software updates
3. Avast Ultimate
Avast Ultimate is the most premium version. It has all the security features that the company has to offer. It provides a cleanup feature that helps improve the system’s performance by removing any unnecessary files. Avast Ultimate also provides VPN features to browse over the different internet networks with total anonymity safely.
Avast Security for Mac
If you use Mac, you can utilize Avast through this antivirus option specially designed for Mac. The Mac version of Avast offers a vulnerability scanner, more comprehensive ransomware attack protection, and a tool that alerts you to wifi intruders.
Kaspersky
Kaspersky is also a popular security provider that provides various antivirus solutions. Its free version offers basic security and malware protection and four different paid version for more advanced protection. Here are the different versions of Kaspersky:
1. Kaspersky Free version
This free version provides a basic set of antivirus security features and malware protection. This version is only available for Windows.
2. Kaspersky Antivirus
Kaspersky antivirus is the paid version that provides an advanced level of security that can protect your devices against any threat. It has the following features:
- Multi-layered ransomware protection
- A vulnerability scanner that checks any area that might leave your device open for attack.
- A silent mode features for you not to get any distractions while streaming.
3. Kaspersky Internet Security
This paid version takes the security to a more advanced level. You get all of the quality security but with the addition of these features:
- An email filer for blocking malicious and spam mail
- Two-way firewall feature
- A browser features that provide advanced financial protection for any transactions.
- A VPN feature with limited use
Available for Mac, Windows, and Smartphones.
4. Kaspersky Total Security
This version provides you all the security features mentioned above as well as the addition of some more features:
- A file encryption feature
- A useful password manager
- An efficient file shredding features
- A parental control feature
5. Kaspersky Security Cloud
This version includes every security feature listed above. Kaspersky Security Cloud also provides a more customized user experience through its adaptive technology. This version allows you to select between family and personal versions to suit your requirements.
Kaspersky vs. Avast Features
Malware Security
Avast antivirus has a perfect malware scanner that provides real-time anti-malware protection. This feature is built around the most extensive threat detection network to detect, remove, and block malware attacks. It will automatically update with the newest anti-malware versions to stay updated with the latest malware trends. Avast antivirus also helps detect any suspicious activity in browser add-ons and any types of browser threats. It is very complicated to find fault in Avast malware protection.
Kaspersky also provides advanced malware protection through its automatic threat scanner that continuously scans your system. If any malware is detected, Kaspersky will automatically remove it. It will also help block any potential malware attacks. Kaspersky antivirus keeps its malware protection updated to ensure your system is always secure. This can also be used in Android and iOS smartphones.
So, which antivirus comes out on top? Both Kaspersky and Avast provide complete malware security, so it is hard to find a clear winner.
Free Virus Protection
To do a Kaspersky vs. Avast comparison, TechNinjaPro will focus on the free offering from each provider. Free virus protection is what most users need for basic security.
Avast free antivirus provides core protection capabilities with its robust anti-malware protection. Some features you get in free antivirus include excellent anti-phishing protection, an efficient ransomware shield, a network security scanner, and email and website threat detection. For a free antivirus version, you get a protection range from Avast antivirus.
In terms of its core abilities, Kaspersky also ranks well for its free antivirus protection offering. As we already mentioned above, the malware detection features are perfect.
You will get a limited virtual private network and password manager as extra features. The free version of Kaspersky does not offer phishing protection without accepting their data-sharing agreement. Both antivirus providers provide good antivirus protection.
Overall, Avast seems to rank top in their free version as you get more advanced security.
VPN
Kaspersky provides a virtual private network secure connection to offer total online privacy. This VPN allows you to access content globally, no matter where you are. Kaspersky also improves your internet browsing speed and can stop hackers from accessing your information online. This is a powerful VPN feature that can run on up to five devices at the same time.
Kaspersky VPN is available as a subscription tool, but it is also included in their antivirus products to a limited extend.
Avast also provides a virtual private network called a SecureLine VPN to encrypt your internet connection easily. This virtual private network offers privacy, a safe connection, access to global content, and fast internet browsing. The Avast VPN feature is available as a free trial or as a subscription product.
While both Avast and Kaspersky provide perfect VPN tools, the best has to go to Kaspersky. Even though it is limited, having a VPN include in your free antivirus version is an excellent bonus feature.
Performance Speed
Your virus protection tool should keep your system safe and secure, but it should also allow it to work at the finest speed. The product should limit the number of assets it uses to run to keep your system from experiencing any delays. With this in mind, TechNinjaPro has done a Kaspersky vs. Avast performance comparison.
The following categories should be considered to perform an analysis of system performance:
- Will your system slow down when busy sites are accessed?
- Download speed
- Launching speed of apps
- Installation speed of apps
- Speed of file transferring and copying
With each of these categories in mind, Kaspersky seems to outperform Avast slightly. Yet, there is another feature to take into consideration.
Avast provides a cleanup premium feature to boost the performance of your device. This can be used to improve the speed of your device and get rid of any junk files.
Avast also provides a battery saver to get the most out of your device’s battery life and driver updater for automatic updates for improved system performance. These are some key performance features that Kaspersky does not meet.
Internet Security
Avast has a practical private browser feature. It will improve your browsing speed while keeping you safe online. It secures browser blocks any ads, which improves site speed. Advanced security features are also integrated into the secure browser to keep your information online safer. This can stop hackers and intruders from stealing your data, force sites to use encryption, and block malicious websites.
Then there is also your personal information that the Avast internet security keeps safe. It helps stop third parties from tracking you, sites from identifying you and monitoring your passwords and login information.
Kaspersky provides internet security that will improve your internet browsing experience. This can work on a PC, mobile device, or Mac. First, the software blocks viruses and attacks. Internet Security helps to prevent online trackers from accessing your private data. It also uses updated encryption to make online transactions safer.
Some other benefits include protecting your webcam, a child safety feature for browsing, and a login protection feature.
Undoubtedly, both Kaspersky and Avast take their internet browsing security seriously. Avast does help to improve browsing speed which is a bonus, while Kaspersky has that VPN. It is a hard category to hand over to a winner, but TechNinjaPro would recommend Avast in terms of its browsing security.
Ease of Use
The user interface is another concern for excellent antivirus software. It should be easy to use and manage. Let’s consider the different Kaspersky vs. Avast interface choices. Avast has an informative and organized interface. It is easy with big buttons, precise statistics and easy navigation. You do not have to think much when using this software. However, the free version has loads of ads popping up, which can be very irritating.
Kaspersky also has a user-friendly interface. When you open Kaspersky, all the different choices and security features are laid out and easy to access. There is the possibility for personalization here which is always a bonus for a program like this.
Kaspersky takes the lead here because of its personalization options and lack of unwanted ads.
Pricing
You could have the perfect software available, but nobody will be interested in using it if the price is not reasonable. This is an essential feature of antivirus software because there are so many good free choices available.
In terms of affordability, Avast is on the top. You get exceptional value for money with their products.
Customer Satisfaction
Customer satisfaction is another critical factor that plays an essential role in improving the product’s value. Happy clients indicate the company keeps on improving its services and resolves complaints on time.
According to a review collection site Better Business Bureau, Avast has an excellent A+ rating while Kaspersky has a poor F rating. On the app store, Kaspersky has a rating of 2.5 stars compared to a 3. star rating of Avast. In comparison, Avast is the winner.
Technical Customer Support
To help resolve any potential client issues, both businesses have a broad range of instruments. TechNinjaPro is talking about FAQ sections, knowledge bases, and of course, direct help. On the official Kaspersky site, you will find user guides on purchasing a license, working with antivirus, and security tips. There is a FAQ section that can help you take care of everything, along with a how-to videos section.
With Kaspersky, users can rely on high-quality phone support and live chat. The professional support agent is another big pro for the Kaspersky customer service. Avast’s knowledgebase and how-to section are very similar to what Kaspersky has to offer. It has live agent support that is always ready and helpful.
When it comes to customer support, Kaspersky and Avast are on par with each other. Avast does not have a live chat, but it has a much more active support group, which is more important.
Conclusion
The Kaspersky vs. Avast comparison has been complicated, as both software choices provide many unique and powerful features. The selection usually depends on the type of use you are interested in. You could be looking for perfect free antivirus software, an updated security option, a perfect VPN, or a performance-improving program. With each of these categories, different options may apply.
With all concerns in place, TechNinjaPro would have to rank Avast antivirus as the best option.
Avast has a broad range of features that will help to improve security and system performance. Avast remains a more well-liked option and provides excellent value.