This functionality is something normally associated with so-called next generation anti-virus products.Īlso very welcome is the ransomware shield, which protects your files from being turned to porridge until you make a payment to get them back. Most interesting is the behaviour shield, which warns you if an application suddenly starts performing suspicious operations. The core protective shield modules are much as you'd expect, scanning files as they're opened, blocking dodgy web sites, and stopping dangerous incoming mail. Several steps are then presented to resolve these issues, including another opportunity to subscribe to Avast's cleanup tool. Smart Scan examines not only system security but also outdated software, browser add-ons, performance, and the rest of your network. This scan takes a while, but a handy percentage indicator shows progress as it runs. Simply select this, and the next time you reboot, your system is thoroughly scanned before Windows and any rootkits start up. For rootkit protection, there's the boot-time scan, which runs once at the next reboot.
These cover a full system scan and a more targeted scan examining specific folders. Several system scan types are also available. A popup then offers a network scan to make sure you begin securely. Your answer sets the rules for the in-built firewall. So, what do you actually get for your money? Despite initial misgivings, the answer is surprisingly good.Īfter a simple installation, Avast Premier immediately gets down to business by asking what kind of network you're connected to, private or public.
To be fair, dismissing the resultant adverts does give you the opportunity to try the basic versions on a trial basis, but that's hardly the point. This is poor form for a paid product calling itself “Premier”. The same is true of clicking Resolve when viewing supposed privacy issues, which asks you to subscribe to the AntiTrack service.Īvast Premium itself keeps flagging issues in the main interface that are only covered by these tools, leading to the conclusion that a part of the product is dedicated to driving extra sales. However, clicking the resolve button after the scan merely invites you to subscribe to Avast's cleanup tool for an annual fee. This scans for system junk, broken registry items, and programs that can eat resources. The performance section of Avast Premier contains Cleanup Premium. Speaking of toys, if you're always on the lookout for ways to speed up your laptop, AV system startup tools are always an intersting and useful addition.
Avast Premier could be an expensive product if you want all the toys, though the integrated password manager for Firefox is free. The stand alone password manager, for example, will cost you another £19.99/$24.99.
On the purchase page, you realise that some functions included for free in other products are bolt-on additions here.
£59.99/ US$69.99 for one PC and one year feels high considering what's not included. Here, find out more about Avast Premier 2019 and how it compares with the best antivirus for PC. Avast Premier 2019 is certainly user friendly, but we found that the additional cost for extra features and the ads on the mobile version prevented this from being a five star product.