Avast Premium Security

Name: Avast Premium Security
Availability: InStock
Author: AVAST Software

Avast Premium Security is a paid antivirus suite from Gen Digital (which also owns AVG, Avira, and CCleaner). It scored 99.98% detection rate in AV-Comparatives testing. The suite includes real time scanning, a firewall, a sandbox for running suspicious files, and a webcam shield. It costs around $78 per year, though first-year discounts are common.

It runs on Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS, though the full feature set is Windows-only.

What it does

After installation, Avast runs in the background scanning downloads and web pages automatically. The Smart Scan from the main window checks for viruses, outdated software, weak passwords, and network problems in one pass. For a deeper check, go to Protection > Virus Scans > Full Virus Scan.

The firewall manages which applications can access the internet. It configures itself automatically for most apps, but you can manually set rules (Allow, Block, or Ask) per application in Protection > Firewall. The sandbox lets you right-click any suspicious file and run it in an isolated environment where it cannot touch your real system.

Ransomware Shield (Protection > Ransomware Shield) locks down folders like Documents and Photos so unauthorized programs cannot modify your files. The webcam shield blocks apps from accessing your camera unless you explicitly allow them. Wi-Fi Inspector scans your home network for router vulnerabilities and unknown devices.

Advantages

Near-perfect detection rates in independent lab tests
Sandbox for safely testing unknown files
Firewall and ransomware protection included
Works on Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS

Drawbacks

Higher annual cost than some competitors like Bitdefender
Can be heavy on system resources during full scans
Frequent upsell prompts for additional Gen Digital products
macOS and mobile versions lack many features available on Windows

Who it is for

If you want a single security suite that covers antivirus, firewall, and ransomware protection without piecing together separate tools, Avast Premium Security does the job. I find the sandbox particularly useful for testing downloaded files before committing to them. For a free alternative, Windows Defender has improved a lot, but it lacks the sandbox and webcam shield.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Avast Premium Security free?

Avast has a free version with basic antivirus, but Premium Security costs around $78/year and adds firewall, sandbox, webcam shield, and ransomware protection.

Does Avast slow down your computer?

Avast runs light in the background. Full system scans can use more resources temporarily, but you can schedule them for idle time.

What is the difference between Avast Free and Premium?

Free has basic antivirus scanning. Premium adds firewall, sandbox for testing suspicious files, webcam shield, ransomware protection, and Wi-Fi scanning.

Features & How-To Guide

#	Feature	How to use
1	Real-time protection 16	After installation, protection is enabled by default › Scans downloaded files and visited sites in the background › Settings › Protection › File Shield/Web Shield to configure.
2	Ransomware protection 11	Protection › Ransomware Shield › Add folders to protect (Documents/Pictures by default) › Blocks unauthorized file modifications.
3	Computer scanning 9	Main window › Run Smart Scan › Scans for viruses, outdated software, and network issues. Full Virus Scan: Protection › Virus Scans › Full Virus Scan.
4	Suspicious file sandbox execution	Protection › Sandbox › Drag a file or click Run App in Sandbox › The program runs in an isolated environment without system access.
5	Network firewall 5	Protection › Firewall › Enabled by default. Click an app in the list › Change the rule to Allow, Block, or Ask.
6	Webcam protection 2	Protection › Webcam Shield › Enable. Blocks apps trying to access the camera. Click an app to add it to the trusted list.
7	Email protection 3	Protection › Mail Shield › Scans incoming and outgoing emails › Detects malicious attachments and phishing links.
8	Browser stored password protection	Privacy › Password Protection › Monitors saved passwords in Chrome/Firefox/Edge › Blocks malware attempts to steal passwords.
9	Wi-Fi network scanning 3	Protection › Wi-Fi Inspector › Scans home network › Detects router vulnerabilities and connected devices.
10	Game and fullscreen mode	Settings › General › Do Not Disturb Mode › Enable › Blocks notifications and scheduled scans during games and presentations.