AVG Antivirus for Mac: A Comprehensive Review

In this digital age, having a reliable antivirus program is crucial to safeguard your Mac against malware and other online threats. One such product that fits the bill is AVG Antivirus for Mac. As a free version, it offers impressive features and protection without compromising on performance.

Sales Pitch and Subscription Options

Free products typically try to convince you to upgrade to the paid edition, so I didn’t mind the sales pitch in this case. Unfortunately, resolving any of the advanced issues would have necessitated an upgrade to the paid flavor of AVG, a prospect that costs $2.49 per month for a one-year subscription, $2.39 a month for a two-year subscription, or $2.29 a month for a three-year subscription, albeit with a generous 60-day trial offer.

Scanning and Malware Detection

Running the scan on my Mac uncovered no malware, but AVG did highlight three “advanced” issues: two folders vulnerable to ransomware, my network not being monitored for threats, and my system being vulnerable to fake websites through DNS hijacking. The live scan first checks to make sure that your virus definitions are up to date. Then it scans your folders and files for viruses and malware and finally lets you know whether it discovered any malicious content.

Design and Features

The dashboard for AVG Antivirus is cleanly designed with just the information you need to ensure that the program is doing its job. An auto-update feature keeps AVG up to date with the latest virus definitions to combat any new threats lurking about. Running in the background, the program’s Resident Shield tool checks out every file you open or save to make sure there's no hidden malware inside.

Automatic Scanning and Removal

AVG can scan applications and files on your Mac for potential threats and automatically remove them. This feature ensures that your system remains protected from various types of malware.

Real-time and On-demand Scanning

Designed to block viruses and spyware, AVG offers real-time and on-demand scanning to prevent malware from infecting your Mac. This means you can rest assured that your computer is protected against threats at all times.

Though so many antivirus and security products charge annual subscriptions, there are still free options out there with little or no strings attached. For a free program, AVG covers all the bases, blocking viruses and malware from websites, downloads, and email attachments. If you're happy to pay, there are plenty of options – see our Best Antivirus for Mac round up – but, for now, AVG Antivirus for Mac is an excellent choice for those on a budget.

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