Avast vs Kaspersky: Which is Better?
When choosing an antivirus, Avast and Kaspersky are two of the top contenders. Both provide excellent malware protection, but they differ in security features, performance, pricing, and user experience. Below is a comprehensive comparison to help you decide which one suits your needs.
1. Security Features
Avast:
✅ Real-time Protection – Detects and blocks malware, spyware, and ransomware.
✅ Behavior Shield – Monitors suspicious app behavior.
✅ Ransomware Protection – Prevents unauthorized access to files.
✅ Wi-Fi Inspector – Scans for vulnerabilities in networks.
✅ Sandbox Mode – Runs suspicious files in an isolated environment.
✅ Email and Web Protection – Blocks phishing attempts and malicious links.
✅ Firewall (Premium Version Only) – Monitors inbound and outbound network traffic.
Kaspersky:
✅ Real-time Malware Protection – Detects and removes viruses, ransomware, and spyware.
✅ Advanced Firewall – Provides network security against external attacks.
✅ Anti-Phishing & Anti-Spam – Blocks malicious emails and phishing websites.
✅ Safe Money – Protects online banking and transactions.
✅ Privacy Protection – Blocks webcam and microphone access to prevent spying.
✅ Parental Controls – Monitors and restricts children’s internet usage.
✅ VPN (Limited Free & Premium) – Encrypts online activity.
Winner: Kaspersky
Kaspersky offers stronger financial protection, parental controls, and webcam security, while Avast provides sandboxing and Wi-Fi scanning.
2. System Performance & Resource Usage
| Performance Factor | Avast | Kaspersky |
|---|---|---|
| Impact on System Speed | ✅ Low | ✅ Low |
| Full Scan Duration | 🚀 Fast | ⏳ Slightly Slower |
| Background Resource Usage | 📉 Moderate | 🔽 Very Low |
Winner: Kaspersky
Kaspersky is lighter on system resources compared to Avast, making it better for older or low-end PCs.
3. Malware Detection & Protection
| Test Type | Avast Detection Rate | Kaspersky Detection Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Real-time Threats | 99.8% | 99.9% |
| Zero-day Malware | 99.7% | 99.9% |
| Ransomware Attacks | 99.5% | 99.9% |
Kaspersky consistently outperforms Avast in independent malware detection tests.
Winner: Kaspersky
4. Pricing & Plans
| Plan | Avast Price (Per Year) | Kaspersky Price (Per Year) |
|---|---|---|
| Free Plan | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Basic Plan | $50 | $35 |
| Premium Plan | $70 | $50 |
| Ultimate Protection | $100 | $80 |
Winner: Kaspersky
Kaspersky offers better security at a lower price compared to Avast.
5. User Experience & Ease of Use
| Factor | Avast | Kaspersky |
|---|---|---|
| Installation Time | 🕒 Fast | 🚀 Faster |
| Interface Design | 👍 Simple & Clean | 🤩 Modern & Minimalist |
| Beginner-Friendly? | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
Winner: Kaspersky
Kaspersky has a modern, easy-to-use interface that is more intuitive than Avast.
6. Customer Support
| Support Type | Avast | Kaspersky |
|---|---|---|
| 24/7 Live Chat | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| Phone Support | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Email Support | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Community Forums | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
Winner: Kaspersky
Kaspersky provides 24/7 live chat support, while Avast does not.
Final Verdict: Which Antivirus is Better?
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Security Features | Kaspersky |
| System Performance | Kaspersky |
| Malware Protection | Kaspersky |
| Pricing | Kaspersky |
| User Experience | Kaspersky |
| Customer Support | Kaspersky |
🏆 Best Overall: Kaspersky
Kaspersky provides better security, lower resource usage, better malware detection, and better pricing, making it the superior choice.
🏆 Best for Additional Features: Avast
If you need features like sandboxing and Wi-Fi security scanning, Avast is a good choice.
Which One Should You Choose?
✅ Choose Avast if you want sandbox mode, a free firewall, and Wi-Fi scanning tools.
✅ Choose Kaspersky if you want better malware protection, banking security, and parental controls.
Let me know if you need more details! 😊