Is AVG owned by Avast? This is a question that a lot of people find themselves asking, especially in today’s digital world where internet security is paramount. You may have come across these two names when looking for the best antivirus software, or perhaps you already have one of their products installed on your device. Regardless of how you stumbled upon the names, one thing is for sure – AVG and Avast are two of the most recognizable names in the cybersecurity industry.
But what makes AVG and Avast so popular among consumers? For starters, they both offer robust security protection for devices ranging from smartphones to PCs. But beyond that, there’s a lot more to their success. Both companies have been around for over a decade, during which time they have built a solid reputation for delivering quality products that offer comprehensive threat detection and removal. And here’s the icing on the cake – AVG and Avast are sister companies, with Avast being the parent company that acquired AVG in 2016.
Now, you might be wondering what this acquisition means for users of AVG and Avast products. Does it change anything? Should you switch to one of the other companies? These are valid questions, and they will be thoroughly addressed as we explore the ins and outs of AVG and Avast’s relationship. So buckle up and join me on this thrilling ride as we delve into the world of internet security and answer the question – is AVG owned by Avast?
Relationship between AVG and Avast
It’s no secret that AVG and Avast are two of the most popular antivirus software in the market. However, what most people don’t know is that Avast Software acquired AVG Technologies in 2016.
The move was seen as a strategic one by Avast, which sought to expand its user base by integrating AVG’s vast network of users. The acquisition also positioned Avast as a leader in the competitive antivirus market.
What does the merger mean for AVG and Avast users?
- AVG and Avast operate independently, with each developing its products and services. The merger did not change that.
- The two companies share threat intelligence to improve the effectiveness of their products.
- AVG and Avast continue to offer their products under their brand name. However, there might be some integration between the two products in the future.
Why did Avast acquire AVG?
With the increase in cybercrimes and threats, antivirus software has become an essential tool for many individuals and organizations. However, the market is highly competitive, with several players offering different forms of protection.
By acquiring AVG, Avast expanded its market share and user base, making it a significant player in the industry. It also allowed Avast to expand its product portfolio through the addition of AVG’s products, which were complementary to its existing products.
The Verdict
The acquisition of AVG by Avast has transformed the antivirus industry. The two companies continue to thrive, offering reliable antivirus software and related services to their users. So, the next time you see AVG and Avast mentioned in the same sentence, remember they are both independent companies under the same ownership.
| AVG | Avast |
|---|---|
| Founded in 1991 in the Czech Republic | Founded in 1988 in the Czech Republic |
| Acquired by Avast in 2016 | Acquired AVG Technologies in 2016 |
| Offer antivirus software for Windows, Mac, and Android devices | Offer antivirus software for Windows, Mac, and Android devices |
| Headquartered in Prague, Czech Republic | Headquartered in Prague, Czech Republic |
Both AVG and Avast have a rich history in providing antivirus software and related services to their users. As a user, you can choose either product with confidence, knowing that both companies have dedicated teams working to improve their software and protect you from threats.
History of AVG and Avast
The two antivirus software companies, AVG (Anti-Virus Guard) and Avast, have been operating in the market for decades and have been protecting millions of users worldwide from various cyber attacks. Both AVG and Avast offer free and paid versions of their software, with additional features like anti-spyware, firewall, and identity theft protection.
- History of AVG: AVG Technologies, a Czech-based company, was established in 1990 by Jan Gritzbach and Tomas Hofer. The company’s first product was the Anti-Virus Guard (AVG), which became the flagship product of the company. AVG has been focused on antivirus software for home and business users. In 2016, AVG was acquired by Avast Software for $1.3 billion.
- History of Avast: Avast Software, a Czech-based cybersecurity company, was founded in 1988 by Pavel Baudis and Eduard Kucera. Avast initially developed security software for the Czech market, but the company later expanded globally. Avast has been focused on developing and selling security software for both businesses and consumers. In July 2016, Avast Software acquired AVG Technologies for $1.3 billion, making it the largest security software deal in history.
The merger brings together two of the most recognized players in the cybersecurity space, with more than 400 million users and 40% of the market share. The newly combined company will offer an extensive portfolio of security solutions, including antivirus software, identity protection, and secure browsing options.
The primary goal of this merger is to provide better protection, with the latest advanced security features, to the users. Both companies have gained significant market share in the cybersecurity industry, and with their extensive knowledge and expertise, and their combined resources and talent, they are poised to stay at the forefront of the industry.
| Company | Founded | Headquarters | Acquired By | Acquisition Amount |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AVG Technologies | 1990 | Amsterdam, Netherlands | Avast Software | $1.3 billion |
| Avast Software | 1988 | Prague, Czech Republic | N/A | N/A |
Overall, the merger of AVG and Avast has brought two of the biggest antivirus companies together, providing more resources and expertise to combat the ever-evolving world of cybersecurity threats.
AVG and Avast’s Market Share
AVG and Avast are two popular antivirus software with a considerable share in the market. Understanding their share in the market can help us analyze their impact and influence on the industry.
- In 2016, Avast acquired AVG for $1.3 billion, creating a merged entity with a larger market share. As of 2021, the combined market share of Avast and AVG is estimated to be around 21%.
- Avast Antivirus is currently the more popular software compared to AVG. According to data from Statista, Avast has around 27% of the market share, while AVG has around 8%.
- The market share of both Avast and AVG is expected to increase with the growing need for cybersecurity. As more people use digital devices to perform tasks, the risk of cyber threats increases, leading to higher demand for antivirus software.
It is also worth noting that the market share of antivirus software varies by region. Avast, for example, has a higher market share in Europe compared to AVG. On the other hand, AVG has a larger market share in the US compared to Avast.
The table below shows the global market share of antivirus software as of April 2021:
| Antivirus Software | Market Share |
|---|---|
| Microsoft | 32.6% |
| Avast | 27.4% |
| McAfee | 7.7% |
| AVG | 7.5% |
| Bitdefender | 6.8% |
| Others | 18% |
Overall, despite being under the same management, Avast and AVG retain separate identity and market share. However, their combined market share is a significant part of the antivirus industry, making them major players in the market.
Features of AVG and Avast’s Antivirus Programs
AVG and Avast are two of the most prominent names in the antivirus industry. Both companies offer a wide range of antivirus programs that cater to the needs of both individual users and businesses. In this article, we will take a closer look at the features of AVG and Avast’s antivirus programs.
AVG’s Antivirus Programs
- Real-Time Protection: AVG’s antivirus programs offer real-time protection that scans files and web pages before opening them to prevent any potential threats.
- Ransomware Protection: AVG’s antivirus programs are equipped with ransomware protection that prevents any unauthorized access to your files.
- Email Protection: AVG’s antivirus programs scan your emails for any suspicious attachments or links that may contain malware.
Avast’s Antivirus Programs
Avast’s antivirus programs are known for their advanced features that offer a high level of protection against online threats. Some of the key features of Avast’s antivirus programs are:
- Sandboxing: Avast’s antivirus programs use sandboxing technology to isolate suspicious files and applications from the rest of your system.
- Firewall: Avast’s antivirus programs offer a two-way firewall that monitors incoming and outgoing traffic to prevent any unauthorized access.
- Behavioral Analysis: Avast’s antivirus programs use behavioral analysis to detect any potential threats based on their actions rather than their signatures.
AVG vs Avast: Which Antivirus Program Should You Choose?
When it comes to choosing between AVG and Avast’s antivirus programs, it mainly depends on your specific needs. AVG’s antivirus programs are known for their user-friendly interface and affordable pricing, making them an excellent choice for individual users. On the other hand, Avast’s antivirus programs offer advanced features that provide a higher level of protection, making them a better choice for businesses and tech-savvy users.
| AVG | Avast | |
|---|---|---|
| Real-Time Protection | ✓ | ✓ |
| Ransomware Protection | ✓ | ✓ |
| Email Protection | ✓ | ✓ |
| Sandboxing | x | ✓ |
| Firewall | x | ✓ |
| Behavioral Analysis | x | ✓ |
In conclusion, both AVG and Avast’s antivirus programs offer a high level of protection against online threats. However, depending on your specific needs, one may be a better choice than the other. We recommend doing your research and comparing the features of both before making a decision.
Comparison of AVG and Avast’s Performance
AVG and Avast are both leading antivirus software providers that offer similar features, including real-time protection, threat detection, and removal. However, when it comes to performance, there are a few differences that set them apart. In this article, we will compare the performance of AVG and Avast and help you choose the one that suits your needs.
AVG and Avast’s System Impact
- AVG has a minimal system impact and can run smoothly on most devices without slowing them down. It uses fewer resources and has a smaller installation size, making it an excellent choice for slower and older devices.
- Avast, on the other hand, has a higher system impact compared to AVG. It requires more resources and may slow down some lower-end devices. However, it provides better protection against advanced threats, making it a good option for high-end devices.
- In terms of system impact, AVG seems to be the winner. It provides decent protection without slowing down your device.
AVG and Avast’s Detection Rate
Both AVG and Avast use advanced algorithms and machine learning techniques to detect and remove threats. However, Avast’s detection rate is slightly higher compared to AVG. Avast’s advanced Artificial Intelligence technology enables it to detect and remove advanced threats, including zero-day attacks.
AVG and Avast’s User Interface
AVG and Avast both have a user-friendly interface that is easy to navigate. AVG’s interface is modern and straightforward, making it easy to use even for inexperienced users. Avast’s interface is also user-friendly but has more advanced features, making it better suited for experienced users.
AVG and Avast’s Pricing and Features
AVG and Avast offer both free and premium versions of their software. The free versions come with basic features, while the premium versions offer more advanced features such as email protection, website scanning, and firewall protection. AVG’s premium version is slightly cheaper compared to Avast’s premium version, making it more affordable for budget-conscious users.
| Feature | AVG Price | Avast Price |
|---|---|---|
| Email Protection | $69.99/year | $89.99/year |
| Website Scanning | $69.99/year | $89.99/year |
| Firewall Protection | $69.99/year | $129.99/year |
In terms of pricing, AVG seems to be more affordable, but Avast offers more advanced features that may be worth the extra cost for some users.
In conclusion, both AVG and Avast are excellent antivirus software providers that offer similar features. However, their performance differs slightly in terms of system impact, detection rate, user interface, and pricing. Choose the one that suits your needs and preferences.
Customer Satisfaction with AVG and Avast
As two of the most popular antivirus software brands available today, AVG and Avast have amassed large followings of loyal customers. But how do these customers feel about their experiences using these programs?
According to a survey conducted by PCMag, AVG and Avast received similar scores for customer satisfaction, with AVG slightly edging out Avast with a score of 8.4 out of 10 compared to Avast’s score of 8.3 out of 10. Both brands were highly praised for their ease of use and effectiveness in protecting against malware, with customers noting that the programs had little impact on their computer’s performance.
When it came to customer support, AVG had a slight advantage with its phone support being rated slightly higher than Avast’s. However, both brands were noted for their helpful online support resources, with customers reporting that they were able to quickly find answers to their questions and resolve any issues they had with the software.
Advantages and Disadvantages of AVG and Avast
- AVG Pros: Easy to use, effective protection against malware, good phone support.
- AVG Cons: Can be resource-heavy at times, some customer complaints about pop-up ads.
- Avast Pros: Easy to use, effective protection against malware, free option available.
- Avast Cons: Some customer complaints about pop-ups and upsells, occasional performance issues.
Comparing Features and Pricing
When it comes to features and pricing, there are some key differences between AVG and Avast that may influence a customer’s decision.
AVG offers a free version of its antivirus software, as well as several paid options ranging from $69.99 for Internet Security to $99.99 for Ultimate. These paid versions include additional features such as a firewall, anti-spam filtering, and a file shredder.
Avast also offers a free version of its antivirus software, as well as several paid options ranging from $59.99 for Internet Security to $99.99 for Premier. Like AVG, these paid versions include additional features such as a firewall and anti-spam filtering, but also offer unique tools such as a webcam shield and ransomware protection.
| Software Features | AVG | Avast |
|---|---|---|
| Antivirus Protection | X | X |
| Firewall | X | X |
| Anti-Spam Filtering | X | X |
| Webcam Shield | X | |
| Ransomware Protection | X | |
| File Shredder | X |
Ultimately, the decision between AVG and Avast will come down to personal preference and which software better suits an individual’s needs. Both brands offer strong antivirus protection and have plenty of features to satisfy most users.
Future plans for AVG and Avast integration
As of July 2016, Avast Software acquired AVG Technologies for $1.3 billion. Since then, Avast and AVG have been working towards integrating their products and services, while still maintaining their individual brands. Here are some of the future plans for AVG and Avast integration:
- Avast and AVG will continue to offer their respective antivirus products under their own brand names.
- The development teams of both Avast and AVG will work together to enhance the features of their products.
- Existing AVG users will have the opportunity to upgrade to Avast antivirus products if they choose to do so.
Apart from these immediate plans, Avast and AVG are also looking at long-term strategies for further integration and growth.
One such strategy is to create a unified dashboard for Avast and AVG users. This dashboard would allow users to manage both their Avast and AVG products in one place, instead of having to switch between different interfaces. This integration would be particularly beneficial for business users who may have multiple licenses for antivirus software.
Another approach is to leverage the combined resources of Avast and AVG to increase their market share. As of 2020, Avast has over 400 million users and is one of the largest antivirus providers in the world. By integrating AVG’s technology, Avast hopes to expand its reach and become an even more dominant player in the cybersecurity industry.
Overall, the integration of AVG and Avast is a promising development for both consumers and businesses alike. By combining their strengths and resources, the two companies can create products and services that are even more effective at protecting users from cyber threats.
| Pros for AVG and Avast integration | Cons for AVG and Avast integration |
|---|---|
| Increased market share | Possible brand confusion for consumers |
| Combined development efforts to improve product features | Possible job redundancies for employees of both companies |
| Opportunity for cross-selling and upselling to existing customers | Integration could take longer than anticipated, causing delays in development |
Despite these potential drawbacks, the future looks bright for AVG and Avast as they work towards greater integration and growth in the cybersecurity industry.
Is AVG Owned by Avast: FAQs
Q: Is Avast free antivirus the same as AVG?
A: No, Avast and AVG are two separate antivirus software providers. While both companies are now owned by the same parent company, their products remain unique and distinct from each other.
Q: Are AVG and Avast the same company?
A: Yes, both AVG and Avast are owned by the same parent company, called Avast Software s.r.o. Since the acquisition of AVG in 2016, Avast has become the largest consumer security company in the world.
Q: What happened to AVG?
A: In 2016, AVG was acquired by Avast Software s.r.o. As a result, AVG is now part of the Avast family of security products.
Q: Are AVG and Avast products compatible with each other?
A: Yes, AVG and Avast products are compatible with each other and can be used together without any issues.
Q: Will AVG antivirus be discontinued now that it is owned by Avast?
A: No, AVG antivirus will continue to be developed and supported under the ownership of Avast Software s.r.o. As of now, there are no plans to discontinue the AVG brand.
Q: Is Avast better than AVG?
A: Avast and AVG are both highly respected antivirus providers and the choice between them often comes down to user preference. Both products offer comparable features and protection levels, and it’s ultimately up to the individual user to decide which one is best for them.
Q: Can I get AVG and Avast for free?
A: Yes, both AVG and Avast offer free versions of their antivirus software. These free versions provide basic protection against viruses and malware and are suitable for most users.
Closing Thoughts: Thank You for Visiting
Thank you for taking the time to read this article about whether AVG is owned by Avast. As we’ve seen, AVG was indeed acquired by Avast Software s.r.o. in 2016, and both companies are now part of the same family of security products. While the specifics of their partnership may differ, both AVG and Avast continue to offer high-quality antivirus solutions for consumers worldwide. We hope you found this article helpful, and we invite you to visit again soon for more informative content.