Avast One review: Robust protection at a reasonable price… but with some compromises

In an era where digital threats are increasingly sophisticated, having a reliable antivirus solution is essential. Avast One stands out as a comprehensive option, offering robust protection against a variety of threats, including AI-generated scams and deepfakes. Its built-in AI assistant enhances security by analyzing texts, links, and images for suspicious content, all while maintaining a user-friendly interface and minimal impact on system resources.

Avast One review: Specs

  • Starting price: .99 per year
  • Operating systems: Windows, macOS, Android, iOS
  • Supported devices: 1-10 (Consumer) | 1-999 (Business)
  • Malware protection: Yes
  • Ransomware protection: Yes
  • Identity theft protection: Yes (Ultimate only)
  • Webcam protection: Yes
  • Parental controls: No (available separately)
  • VPN: Yes (Ultimate only)
  • Password manager: Yes
  • Cloud backup: Yes (Business only)
  • Firewall: Yes
  • Secure browser: Yes
  • Support: 24/7 email, chat, and telephone

Avast One review: Costs & what’s covered

Avast One offers a range of plans tailored to different needs. Consumers can access a free version that provides basic protection against viruses and malware. The Premium Security plan starts at for the first year, renewing at , while the Ultimate plan begins at and rises to 9 after the first year. For businesses, the Avast Essential Business Security plan starts at per device, with the Ultimate Business Security plan priced at for the first year and upon renewal.

Avast One review: Protection

Each plan offers varying levels of protection. The free version covers basic threats, while the Premium Security plan includes features like Wi-Fi protection and Mail Shield. Independent lab tests have rated Avast highly, confirming its effectiveness in malware detection and system performance.

Avast One review: Performance

Installation is straightforward across devices, and the software offers different scanning options, including Smart, Full, Targeted, and Boot-Time scans. In performance tests, Avast One demonstrated minimal impact on gaming experiences, maintaining high frame rates in popular titles like Cyberpunk 2077 and Forza Horizon 5.

Avast One review: Features

Beyond standard antivirus capabilities, Avast One includes innovative features such as the AI-powered Avast Assistant, which helps users identify potential scams. The Network Inspector scans for vulnerabilities in public networks, enhancing security for users on the go. However, certain features, including the VPN and identity theft protection, are locked behind higher-tier plans, which may deter some users.

Avast One review: Interface

The interface is clean and intuitive, making navigation effortless. However, the window size limitation may require scrolling to access all features, which could be improved for a more comprehensive view.

Avast One review: Support

Avast provides 24/7 support through various channels, including chat and phone. While the support system is efficient, the requirement to answer questions before initiating a chat may be less convenient compared to competitors that allow direct access to chat support.

Avast One review: Verdict

Avast One offers strong security and effective protection against modern threats, bolstered by excellent lab scores. Its standout features, like the AI assistant, enhance user experience. However, the paywall for critical features may lead some to consider alternatives like Bitdefender, which bundles more comprehensive options in its top-tier plans. For those prioritizing swift scanning and modern threat analysis, Avast One remains a formidable choice in the antivirus landscape.

Tech Optimizer
Avast One review: Robust protection at a reasonable price… but with some compromises