Avast vs Kaspersky Comparison – Which Antivirus is Best?

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Hi, planning to buy new antivirus software for your new PC? Well, you also facing a genuine dilemma of choosing between Kaspersky and Avast? In that case, you should not worry at all, as in this article we have carried an in-depth comparison report of the 2 programs, so it won’t be any difficulty or you won’t find your self in this dilemma of not being able to choose among the 2. As you can simply go through the article and have a clear understanding of what both of the programs have to offer and hence how they are different from each other. Based on that understanding you can choose the one which suits you the best in terms of providing protection.

So, Let’s get going.

If we focus on the current world scenario, internet users are booming at a very high rate. It is mainly because of all the merits they offer, it can get your simple works like booking a ticket to really hectic work like finding a job done within a few clicks. In this internet driven world, where more than 90% of the population is using it on a daily basis. They are vulnerable to get infected by many types of online threats and malware. Hence this is where the antivirus programs are responsible. They tend to block off all the malware and viruses attacking your system while you are on the internet.

Kaspersky and Avast. General dilemma consists of one thinking which software will be beneficial to him/her in the longer run. Since they both tend to offer a lot to their customers. Therefore, they may lack a couple of things or may excel with each other in some things, Which might make them a bit different from each other. Hence, the detailed comparison for the same is carried out, Making it easier for readers to decide between the 2 Antivirus Software.

Did you read my latest post? Norton vs Avast, If not check from our reviews page.

Plans Offered – Kaspersky vs Avast

The list below explains about products offered by the companies for home users.

Kaspersky Security Suites:

  • Kaspersky Free version. Available to people at no cost. (Windows Only).
  • The Second one is Kaspersky Anti-Virus. (Windows Only).
  • The Internet Security version. Kaspersky Internet Security. (Mac and Windows).
  • Then comes the Total Security version. Kaspersky Total Security. (Mac and Windows).
  • Virus Scanner. (Mac Only).
  • The pro version of the Virus Scanner. Virus Scanner Pro. (Mac Only).

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The Avast Antivirus  Suites:

  • The free version. Avast free antivirus (Windows Only)
  • The professional version of the software known as Avast Pro antivirus (Windows Only)
  • Premier version  is also available and known as Avast Premier (Windows Only)
  • The internet security specified version. Avast Internet Security (Windows Only)
  • The ultimate version of the software. Avast Ultimate (Windows Only)
  • Pro version specialized for Mac. Avast Security Pro (Macintosh Only)
  • And last is security version also specific to Mac. Avast Security (Macintosh Only)

Therefore, the above list provides readers with the availability of all antivirus software. Provided by the 2 companies for home users.

Pre-Comparison Result (Short Verdict):

Note: This section of the article is for those who want to skip the effort of reading an in-depth comparison report of the 2 antiviruses and directly know the end result.

As per the research, Kaspersky is slightly better than Avast. Although they offer similar security features and provide users with almost the same type of tools, hence Avast provides more no. of version as a separate option for its customers than Kaspersky. Also, as per the Lab test reports Kaspersky excels from Avast in the impact on the system performance test section with a very minute difference and ties with Avast in the protection category making it the winner of the battle with a close call.

It is recommended to kindly read the full comparison report for in-depth knowledge of what both the software has to offer before opting for any one of them.

Check Other Antivirus Comparisons:

A detailed description of everything included in Kaspersky’s Security Packages:

Kaspersky is also an Antivirus software that attained its name in the field because of the end results it provided in protecting users. The company provides its users with many versions to choose from according to their needs. Hence the detailed description of those versions are as follows:

Kaspersky Free:

The freeware by Kaspersky provides basic protection against different types of malware such as trojans, worms, viruses, and ransomware. But you won’t be finding any type of advanced protection services and utility tools present there in the software.

Kaspersky Anti-Virus:

This is the level up version after Kaspersky free. It provides you with protection against all kind of threats followed by multi-layered ransomware protection, complete web-browsing protection, a vulnerability scanner, and a Gaming mode which tend to subside app notifications and messages. Therefore, providing less distractive gaming.

Note: 

A single subscription provides protection for a single PC. Although there is an option to add up more PCs that can be done with an additional cost.

Kaspersky Internet Security:

This is the next Level up version provided by the company. It contains all the feature present there in the previous version and, in addition, contains firewall utility, a hardened web browser, and a limited parental control module.

On top of that, it also contains protection against webcam/microphone spying.

Note:

The software is compatible with PC, Mac, and smartphone. One can choose protection for more than one device at additional charges.

Kaspersky Total Security:

This is the high-end version of antivirus offered by the company. It consists of all the features included that in the internet security version followed by the Password management tool, the Data Shredder utility and an encryption tool. It also offers an inbuilt a complete parental control module and a useful backup utility tool that is responsible for an automatic backup copy of your files and data.

Kaspersky Security Cloud:

The newest addition to the antivirus family by Kaspersky. The security cloud is another High-end version offered by the company. This software consists of all the features Total Security version has to offer. In addition, it provides users with patented adaptive technology to which company claims that it is capable of adjusting your security settings automatically, and advises you in regards to the same based on your activities.

This particular version comes in 2 packages, Family and Personal. The one and the only difference between the 2 is Family version offers protection for up to 20 PCs, Macs, and smartphones and as of Personal version, it provides protection for 1 PC. Therefore, the family version is priced at 149.99 dollars a year whereas, the personal is priced at more or less the same as Kaspersky Total Security with a cost tag of 89.99 dollars per year for 3 licenses and 99.99 dollars a year for 5 licenses.

Note:

All the premium version provided by Kaspersky are compatible with Mac, Windows, and Smartphones except for the Anti-Virus Suite provided by the company.

Therefore, the Above context explains everything about all the available suites by Kaspersky.

A detailed description of everything included in Avast Security Suites:

Avast antivirus software is one of the most profound and famous antivirus software out there in the market. Therefore, it tends to provide a lot of options to the user in order to select the one which suits them better. Hence, those are stated above, readers can refer to the context stated above. Therefore all the things which the stated version of the software has to offer are as follows:

Avast Free Antivirus:

The free version of Avast offers a lot of features in the freeware market. In simpler words, it is one of the most feature-rich antivirus available in the market. The Antivirus Offers a lot of handy features such as WIFI inspector, A limited software updater, An unlimited use password vault, and a game mode. Although the free version also includes web and email-based threat detectors. Also one can simply make use of Avast’s free Rescue Disk to remove deep-rooted malware.

But there are extra features that lack the software and hence, are limited to only a month’s time period. Therefore, in order for you to be on the safe side, it is recommended to opt for the paid version.

Avast Pro Antivirus:

Avast Antivirus Pro includes all the features from the free version. As well as more features like sandbox technology which allows you to test suspicious files in a separate environment. A Real Site feature which prevents hackers to redirect you to unsafe pages. And moreover premium in-product support.

Avast Premier Antivirus:

In this version, users get the file shredder feature, an automatic updater, and webcam spying protection. Hence is a bit more advanced than the pro version.

Avast Internet Security Antivirus:

This particular software carries forward all the features available in the pro version. As well as tends to add a firewall, An extra layer of Ransome protection and anti-spam filters. which tends to block spam emails and messages.

Avast Ultimate Antivirus:

This software in particular packs everything that the company has to offer. It consists of everything explained and inputted in the above-stated software. Although, apart from it, the software offers clean-up utility, an unlimited VPN, and a premium version of Avast’s password manager.

Avast Security Antivirus:

The security version of the Avast antivirus is specialized and is created for Mac users which they can tend to download from the official site for free. Since it is a similar version of the software available that on Windows and hence contains the same features.

Avast Security Pro Antivirus:

The Security Pro version consists of ransomware protection elements and other additional features in it. Hence, this version is specifically dedicated to Mac users.

Kaspersky vs Avast (in terms of providing better protection):

Both of the 2 programs are considered to be really good Antiviruses. It is possible because of the protection, features, and utility tools the two ware provides. Since there is a growing number of internet users day by day, threats are also increasing at a faster rate. Therefore, both the software should be able to keep up the mark of providing nominal features for the protection of an individual from such threats.

Therefore, the tests were held by AV-Test and AV-Comparatives. In order to check how well an Antivirus is against such increasing threats. Since these are the software responsible for an individual’s internet security and safety.

Note: The tests were carried out on a standard PC as well as a High-end PC.

AV-Test (Tests):

The most recent test by AV-Tests was conducted in the month of January and February 2018. Kaspersky and Avast, both took participation in the test. They were tested against 228  samples of zero-day malware and 4,887 samples of widespread malware.

Kaspersky bagged the perfect score of 6/6 by AV experts in the “Protection” category by giving out an impressive 100% protection rate in both the months. Whereas Avast showed the same results and also attained a perfect 6/6 score by AV experts in the “Protection” category as well.

Note: Keep in mind that this test was held on a Windows 7 operating system.

And for the test results of the same test held on Windows 10, in November and December 2017 both of them once again were rewarded with a perfect score of 6/6 by AV experts. As of Kaspersky’s results, it showed a flawless protection rate of 100% against widespread malware in both the months, But when it was tested against zero-day malware it results were slightly off with a protection rate of  98.9% in November and 100% in the month of December.

On the other hand, Avast score remained the same meaning it was perfect throughout the test, except for one which was slightly lower with a protection rate of 99.9% against widespread malware in the month of November 2017.

AV-Comparatives (Tests):

AV-Comparatives also conducted 2 test. Malware Protection Test and Real-World Protection Test which was conducted over the course of five months starting from July to November 2017.

As for the recent Real-World Protection test, Kaspersky and Avast both of them participated in this test as well.

Where Kaspersky attained a topmost “ADVANCED+” award. Due to their near-perfect protection score of 99.7% while returning a low false-positive score of 2. And for the Avast, it was also awarded highest “ADVANCED+” award in the test because of its high protection rate of 99.6% and also it returned a low false-positive score of 11.

Therefore, For the result of Malware Protection Test held in September 2017, Both Kaspersky and Avast were awarded the topmost “ADVANCED+” award. It is because both of them showed near perfect protection rates of 99.99% with 9 false positives and 99.96% with 10 false positives respectively.

Therefore, looking at the result it can be stated that both Kaspersky and Avast are pretty good in terms of protection. But as of results, Both of them were able to keep up with one another and hence almost showed the same results. Hence, based on the study and test both of the programs are concluded to be equal in terms of providing protection, therefore settling this test category with a tie.

Kaspersky vs Avast (in terms of impact on system):

Lately, It has been a serious concern of an individual in past times as antivirus tend to consume most of the CPU performance. It is because they tend to run in the background so the process of Real-Time scanning can be carried out. Although, it is important for the sake of safety and security from online threats.

Therefore, for an antivirus to prove that it is pretty stable and reliable it should simply imply a less strain on PC because the heavy strains can lead to unexpected pauses and hang in a system. Which can be pretty annoying sometimes.

Therefore, tests were conducted by independent labs in order to carry out the result of how the 2 software fared in a particular category. By carrying out a couple of activities like launching popular websites, downloading and installing, commonly used applications, copying of files, and more.

Note: The tests were carried out on a standard PC as well as a High-end PC.

Kaspersky’s impact Test:

As for the test results which was carried out on Kaspersky. The Antivirus once again got a 6/6 rating in AV-Test whereas a top-end “ADVANCED+” award in AV-Comparatives Test with a low impact score of 8.1 in the “performance” category as well, proving Kaspersky to be a pretty lightweight antivirus too.

Below are the test reports for Kaspersky in “Performance” Category (AV-Test).

Below are the test reports for Kaspersky in “Performance” Category (AV-Comparatives).

Avast’s Impact Test:

And here’s the result when Avast was tested in regards to the same. Avast wasn’t able to keep up with Kaspersky although received an impressive rate of 5.5/6.

Below are the test reports for Avast in “Performance” Category (AV-Test).

And as for the AV-Comparatives performance test. Avast received an “ADVANCED+” rating although its impact score was slightly higher at 8.9, in comparison to that of Kaspersky.

Below are the test reports for Avast in “Performance” Category (AV-Comparatives).

Note: These tests were conducted on the Windows 7  OS in the month of January and February 2018. Whereas, the same tests were also held on Windows 10 and hence the outcome or the result of the tests were exactly the same.

As for the conclusion of the test, Kaspersky again managed to show a slightly better score than Avast. Although both of them proved to be pretty stable software, And hence was almost able to keep up with each other, but for the result, Kaspersky is the winning contender of the “Performance” category.

Kaspersky vs Avast (Whose price is more valuable):

Almost both companies resulted in attaining a good score and hence proved themselves to provide optimal protection and safety. But the same might not be the case when it comes to price tags. As in this section, we’ll be stating the assigned prices of each software version provided by both companies. Hence making it easier for readers to choose the one which suits them best.

Kaspersky Antivirus Suites Pricing:

  • Kaspersky Anti-Virus:

The Kaspersky Anti-Virus is priced at 29.99 dollars a year for 3 PCs protection.

  • Kaspersky Internet Security:

The Internet security version is priced at 39.99 dollars for a year subscription for 3PCs.

  • Kaspersky Total Security:

The full-fledged version offered by Kaspersky is priced at 49.99 dollars a year for the protection of up to 5 PCs.

  • Kaspersky Security Cloud:

This particular version come in 2 packages. Family and Personal. The one and the only difference between the 2 is Family version offers protection for up to 20 PCs, Macs, and smartphones. And as of Personal version, it provides protection for 1 PC. Therefore, the family version is priced at 149.99 dollars a year. Whereas the personal is priced at more or less the same as Kaspersky Total Security. With a cost tag of 89.99 dollars per year for 3 licenses and 99.99 dollars a year for 5 licenses.

Therefore, the context stated above tells the readers about the prices available for all different type of Kaspersky software on a different platform.

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Avast Antivirus Software Pricing:

  • The Avast Pro Antivirus:

The price of this software is set to be 49.99 dollars for a year subscription.

  • Avast Internet security:

The Avast Internet security is priced at 47.99 dollars for 1-year subscription and 87.99 dollars for 2-year subscription.

  • The Avast Premier:

The premier membership for 1 year cost 55.99 dollars and the 2 years one costs at 111.99 dollars.

  • Avast Ultimate:

The ultimate only consist of a 1-year membership plan which is set to be priced at 119.99 dollars a year.

  • Avast Security for Mac:

This software is priced at 47.99 dollars a year.

Therefore, the context stated above tells the readers about the prices available for all different type of Avast software on a different platform.

The Real Winner in 2020?

A basic requirement for one who uses the internet on daily basis is of a premium antivirus software, As they tend to provide individuals with security and safety from online threats and for the 2 Antivirus software discussed in this article, both Kaspersky and Avast proved to meet our needs. Although, the comparison is for people to understand what all they have to offer and how they differ from each other and to opt the one which suits them the best based on their needs.

Hence, the conclusion is that both of the Antivirus software is very well functioning. And, are pretty successful in protecting the individual from online threats and malicious ware as well as are pretty stable when it comes to background performing. But as of the result of the comparison between the 2. Kaspersky excels, Because of its streamlined features as well as prices and options available for all the customers. Although they were keeping themselves neck to neck with each other in the battle, for the results, Kaspersky excelled with minute rates.

Note: Avast tends to provide more options for versions than Kaspersky.

Therefore, Kaspersky is the recommended contender of this head to head comparison Kaspersky and Avast, because of the low prices of the software version and features provided by it as well as the result it showed during the tests.

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