Avast is among the most popular antivirus programs for PCs. It provides protection against ransomware as well as other malware such as bots, spyware and Trojans. It also provides many useful tools, like a password manager, as well as VPN. It also has a feature called Device Lock that can help you locate lost devices and keep your data secure from insecure access. It uses a behavioral heuristic analyzer to spot new threats and run an entire system scan in only one click.

However the program's protection against This Site malware isn't 100% and takes time to complete the system scans. This makes it not the best choice for busy users. The program's heuristic analysis isn't as advanced as top software and may result in false positives. Sandbox technology in the program isn't as effective as those of other competitors, however, it works well enough to keep the majority of malware out of your computer.

Despite these limitations, it provides solid protection for files, Wi-Fi, and ransomware. You can customize your settings and add additional exceptions to scanning rules, while the application's Scan Central and Online Security web extensions make it simple to locate and manage all of your protective features.

Upgrading to one of Avast's paid subscriptions gives you many additional features that include a heuristic scanner that runs your files in an isolated environment to catch more sophisticated threats, as well as privacy advisors that help you adjust your settings on Facebook, Reddit, Twitter and other sites to safeguard your privacy. You'll also get a PC speed increase, a secure web browser, and a password manager.