With over 350,000 new malicious programs and potentially unwanted applications being detected every day, it is painfully obvious that your PC needs really good protection. However, choosing the best security product in 2020 is easier said than done. From time-proved classical antiviruses to newfangled security suits, there are so many options on today’s market that it can be really difficult to decide what will work better for you. Here is our dilemma — Kaspersky or Avast. Which is the best?
Avast has been one of the most recommended antivirus software in the world for a very long time. Having hundreds of millions of users, it continues to win more and more hearts. But what about Kaspersky? It is also one of the most popular security products on the globe, which fanbase is still increasing. It seems we have opponents of equal size. Therefore, we are in for a great battle!
We are starting the Avast vs. Kaspersky competition to find out which antivirus is better. To make sure our judging is fear, we are going to test Kaspersky and Avast in several ways. We will evaluate the main features of both antiviruses to help you make a decision.
Contents
Kaspersky or Avast: which is better?
Protection
Kaspersky
Having one of the most progressive anti-malware engines on the cybersecurity software market, Kaspersky constantly improves its product. In the AV-Test evaluation, Kaspersky showed a 6/6 score. Moreover, AV-Comparatives gave the antivirus a maximum score too. However, in the zero-day attack test, the result wasn’t stable with 98% and 100% from month to month.
Avast
Avast also shows great outcomes. In the AV-Test and AV-Comparatives tests, it earned the same scores as Kaspersky. However, in the zero-day protection test, Avast worked slightly more effective: it demonstrated a 99% protection rate for almost a year.
Decision
Although the lab tests show almost the same results, Avast looks a little better, thanks to its more consistent performance in the zero-day protection test.
Pricing
Kaspersky
Like many similar products, Kaspersky offers three antivirus suits. The cost of the most high-priced Total Security package with a discount is just $15 more than the cost of basic Kaspersky Anti-Virus.
Avast
Avast also provides three packages, including its well-known free version. The prices vary widely: for example, you need to pay $69.99 if you want to use Avast Premium Security Single-Device for a year. Surprisingly, it’s less than the Kaspersky Security solution but more than if you buy Kaspersky at a discount.
Decision
We love Kaspersky more in this round. Although Avast allows users to upload its free version, Kaspersky has a bit more winning pricing strategy.
Usability
Kaspersky
Kaspersky is easy to navigate as everything in its interface is at hand. While running in the background, it doesn’t use a lot of resources. However, there is one disadvantage: it takes up to 20 minutes to install Kaspersky. We think that it is too long for such a top product.
Avast
Avast shows similar results. Thanks to its amazing automatic mode, it slows down the performance of your computer just a little bit. Plus, the installation takes only ten minutes.
Decision
Avast gets a trophy in this round, but once again, both antiviruses have pretty similar results
Customer support
Kaspersky
Kaspersky offers only a few alternatives when it comes to customer support. Actually, there is no direct support. Although you can ask questions via social networks, there is no phone customer support. Moreover, there is no live chat, either.
Avast
Actually, Avast isn’t much better, however, it has a knowledge base and support forum that can help solve basic issues. Although you can send your questions, the procedure is a bit tricky as you need to answer several questions yourself before sending your request. Avast Total Care provides direct support at an additional cost.
Decision
Custom service from both Avast and Kaspersky is pretty good, however, direct options are far from perfect. In this round, we have no winner.
Who is our winner?
This comparison closes our Avast vs Kaspersky battle. In summary, both antiviruses showed great results. However, if you are looking for a more cross-functional, and user-friendly antivirus, Avast will be better.