The term "VB 100" Refers to the definitive test performed by Virus Bulletin, the leading independent anti-virus publication since 1989. Virus Bulletin tests anti-malware products free of charge and, unlike other certification schemes, does not allow re-testing.

Antivirus Comparisons

There are over 60 antivirus software applications available, and that’s only counting antivirus software from legitimate manufacturers. And while each manufacturer claims theirs is the best antivirus software with the best overall efficacy and speed, two in particular get a lot of attention. AVG and avast! antivirus are two of the most popular antivirus software applications for a number of reasons, foremost of which being that they both start with the letters AV are both effective and free. AVG and avast! are almost always the #1 and #2 most popular downloaded applications on download.com, each more than doubling the third most popular download in any given week.

So are avast! and AVG the best free antivirus applications available? Are they better than paid antivirus software? Which is better?

Let's take a head-to-head look at AVG vs. avast!, by the numbers:

AVG (Anti-Virus Guard) is a rock-solid antivirus software with tons of features. The free antivirus software isn’t just the most popular security application – it’s also very effective. AVG competes with the big players (Symantec, McAfee) and has consistently high detection and removal rates. AVG combines all the right features and delivers on the most important aspect: security. The antivirus software continues to add innovative new features that make the software more effective and easier to use.

avast! (Anti-Virus Advanced Set, also a nautical word for “stop!”) is a strong security solution with an avid user base and multiple layers of protection. The antivirus software’s detection rates are right up there with the best, and the software keeps getting better. avast! antivirus is comprehensive in scope and easy to use. With core antivirus and anti-spyware engines and specific shields for email, internet, P2P, IM and networks, avast! has you covered from all the major threats. 

Bitdefender Antivirus Plus is a proven solution that protects against the constant onslaught of viruses and malware. Over time, the software has performed extremely well on third-party protection and repair tests, is easy to use and has solid customer support. Bitdefender Antivirus Plus combines superb protection and repair with a user-friendly interface to help protect you from even the nastiest of malware.

So which one’s better?

In general, AVG. However, with remarkably similar detection rates, removal effectiveness and system impact, it’s not a matter of one being unmistakably superior to the other. We can recommend both AVG and avast! as two of the best antivirus software applications. More than just being popular, avast! and AVG compete on performance, protection and price.

See our individual reviews of Bitdefender, avast!, and AVG for more details, or see how they compare with over 20 of the best antivirus software programs.