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AVG AntiVirus (2016)

Neil J. Rubenking
 & Neil J. Rubenking Principal Writer, Security

Our team tests, rates, and reviews more than 1,500 products each year to help you make better buying decisions and get more from technology.

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65 EXPERTS
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In addition to all the features of AVG's free offering, the latest version of AVG AntiVirus adds an online shield and file encryption. The free edition is excellent, and will be a fine choice for most. - AVG AntiVirus (2016)
3.5 Good

The Bottom Line

In addition to all the features of AVG's free offering, the latest version of AVG AntiVirus adds an online shield and file encryption. The free edition is excellent, and will be a fine choice for most.

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Pros & Cons

    • Good scores in antivirus lab tests and our tests.
    • Data Safe encryption for sensitive files.
    • Online Shield blocks Web threats.
    • PC tuneup.
    • Website rating.
    • Do Not Track.
    • File shredder.
    • PC tuneup component shuts down after one-day free trial.
    • Components not found in free edition don't merit the price.

AVG AntiVirus (2016) Specs

OS Compatibility: Windows 10
OS Compatibility: Windows 7
OS Compatibility: Windows 8
OS Compatibility: Windows Vista
OS Compatibility: Windows XP
Tech Support: FAQs
Tech Support: forums
Tech Support: online help ticket
Tech Support: remote remediation
Type: Business
Type: Personal
Type: Professional
All Specs

AVG's free antivirus product is only for personal use. If you want AVG protection for your business, you'll have to spring for the non-free AVG AntiVirus ($39.99 per year; $54.99 for three licenses). With this product, you get all the features of the free edition plus Online Shield and Data Safe. This product is a good choice for a business setting, but for individuals the free edition is a better deal.

AVG's distinctive color-and-circle user interface lets you see at a glance how much protection you have and whether it's working correctly. The dark-hued main window features five panels: Computer, Web, Identity, Email, and Firewall. A circle in each panel shines a happy green when all's well security-wise, but changes to orange or red if there's a problem. In this product, the first four circles are complete, meaning you've got all available protection in that area. Firewall isn't available in the standalone antivirus, so that circle remains gray.

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Final Thoughts

In addition to all the features of AVG's free offering, the latest version of AVG AntiVirus adds an online shield and file encryption. The free edition is excellent, and will be a fine choice for most. - AVG AntiVirus (2016)

AVG AntiVirus (2016)

3.5 Good

In addition to all the features of AVG's free offering, the latest version of AVG AntiVirus adds an online shield and file encryption. The free edition is excellent, and will be a fine choice for most.

Get It Now

Buy It Now

About Our Expert

Neil J. Rubenking

Neil J. Rubenking

Principal Writer, Security

My Experience

When the IBM PC was new, I served as the president of the San Francisco PC User Group for three years. That’s how I met PCMag’s editorial team, who brought me on board in 1986. In the years since that fateful meeting, I’ve become PCMag’s expert on security, privacy, and identity protection, putting antivirus tools, security suites, and all kinds of security software through their paces.

Before my current security gig, I supplied PCMag readers with tips and solutions on using popular applications, operating systems, and programming languages in my "User to User" and "Ask Neil" columns, which began in 1990 and ran for almost 20 years. Along the way, I wrote more than 40 utility articles, as well as Delphi Programming for Dummies and six other books covering DOS, Windows, and programming. I also reviewed thousands of products of all kinds, ranging from early Sierra Online adventure games to AOL’s precursor Q-Link.

In the early 2000s, I turned my focus to security and the growing antivirus industry. After years of working with antivirus, I’m known throughout the security industry as an expert on evaluating antivirus tools. I serve as an advisory board member for the Anti-Malware Testing Standards Organization (AMTSO), an international nonprofit group dedicated to coordinating and improving testing of anti-malware solutions.

The Technology I Use

Much of the testing I do, particularly testing with real-world ransomware, is just plain dangerous. To perform such tests safely, I sequester them inside virtual machines managed by VMWare Workstation. For cross-platform testing, I use a MacBook Air, a Google Pixel 4, and a 6th-generation iPad.

I rely on my Delphi coding skills to create and maintain small applications. These include programs to check whether an antivirus correctly handled the malware it detected, launch dangerous URLs and record the security program’s reaction, and analyze the malware that I collect for use in testing. I also wrote a tiny browser and text editor for use in testing security apps that have predefined reactions for known products.

I do my writing and research on a Dell OptiPlex desktop, relying on Microsoft Word (my fingers know all the shortcuts). Many of my articles include charts and analysis; Excel is my go-to for those. When work hours end, though, I escape the bounds of Microsoft and Windows. There’s an iPhone in my pocket, I relax with my oversized iPad, and my Kindle Oasis is always loaded with the best science fiction and fantasy.

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