Aura Antivirus vs. AVG 2024: Identity Protection vs. Bargain Security

Aura brings its digital security knowledge to its antivirus, but does it outweigh AVG’s budget-friendly perfect protection scores?
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Best for Integrated ID Theft Protection

4.9
Editorial Rating
Learn More
On Aura Antivirus's website

Antivirus Software
Aura Antivirus
Save up to 53% per year
  • Anti-ransomware, spyware, adware, worms, trojan, and rootkits protection
  • Real-time protection scans, phishing and scam site prevention, and ability to quickly isolate dangerous files
  • Choice between 3 plans, all of which include a VPN, Safe Browsing, and 24/7 customer support
  • No third-party testing is available

Best for Free Antivirus Protection

4.8
Editorial Rating
Learn More
On AVG's website

All-In-One
AVG
  • Award-winning antivirus, malware, and ransomware protection for up to 10 devices
  • Includes webcam protection, safe browsing and email, automatic updates, and 24/7 protection
  • Suite of protection benefits including a secure VPN, anti-tracking capabilities, safeguards against phishing sites, and more
  • Various scanning options may be confusing to some people

Aura and AVG both offer strong antivirus protection. Depending on your needs, you may like the identity theft protection that comes with Aura or the budget-friendly security provided by AVG. Both have a good number of features and functionality, but you’ll have to look at them side by side to figure out which is the best antivirus software for you.

In this article
Aura Antivirus vs. AVG review at a glance
Aura Antivirus vs. AVG: prices
Aura Antivirus vs. AVG: features
Aura Antivirus vs. AVG: test results
Aura Antivirus vs. AVG: compatibility and customer support
Aura Antivirus vs. AVG FAQs
Aura Antivirus vs. AVG: Which is better?

Aura Antivirus vs. AVG review at a glance

Antivirus software protects you by stopping malicious files from infecting your device. Aura integrates its identity theft protection knowledge into its antivirus, which makes it a powerful tool for anyone wanting to combine those two services.

AVG offers free antivirus software as its baseline service, with upgrades available if you want more protection. Both services have a variety of features and upgrade options that may be exactly what you’re looking for in an antivirus.

  • Aura Antivirus: Best for integrated identity theft protection
  • AVG: Best for free antivirus

Aura Antivirus vs. AVG compared

Starting price $35.99/first yr $46.68/first yr for 1 device
Free version
Max number of protected devices 10 10
24/7 customer support
Compatibility Android, Windows, macOS iOS, Android, Windows, macOS
Real-time protection
Phishing protection
Ransomware protection
Learn more Get Aura Antivirus

Read Aura Antivirus Review

Get AVG

Read AVG Review

Aura Antivirus vs. AVG: prices

Our Pick
Price range $35.99 - $59.99/first yr $24.99–$59.88/first yr
Best value plan Antivirus Plus plan for $47.99/first yr AVG Internet Security plan for $59.88/first yr for 10 devices
Money-back guarantee Yes — 60 days Yes — 30 days
Learn more Get Aura Antivirus

Read Aura Antivirus Review

Get AVG

Read AVG Review

Because identity theft protection features can take some time to show results, Aura offers a 60-day refund window if you don’t like its services. It shouldn’t take this long to figure out if its antivirus works for you, so we appreciate the generosity in extending its money-back guarantee on this product.

AVG offers a 30-day money-back guarantee, but it also offers a free tier of its antivirus software. You can download and use the free version for as long as you like. If you decide to upgrade, the 30-day refund window begins.

Both platforms offer affordable monthly subscription prices across all tiers. The additional features that come with the higher-priced plans, like identity theft insurance with Aura or anti-phishing protection from AVG, are worth the upgrade.

Winner: AVG. While we love both products, AVG does offer a legit free antivirus solution.

Aura Antivirus vs. AVG: features

Our Pick
Manual and scheduled scans
Real-time protection
Phishing protection
Ransomware protection
Firewall
Parental controls
Password manager
VPN
Ad blocker
Device optimization tools
Learn more Get Aura Antivirus

Read Aura Antivirus Review

Get AVG

Read AVG Review

Aura offers a few more features than AVG. Even though AVG touts a firewall, Aura counters that with a password manager and an ad blocker, both of which are necessary pieces in your security stack.

Aura Antivirus overview of security steps taken
Aura Antivirus advanced security steps

While Aura does have a separate set of parental controls, they aren’t included as features in the antivirus packages. If you want them, you’ll need to purchase them separately. AVG doesn’t offer any additional software that includes parental control features.

AVG settings in the dashboard open on the Ransomware protection tab.
AVG advanced security features

While both services offer strong and useful features, the inclusion of a virtual private network (VPN), password manager, and identity theft protection means that Aura can help you save money by bundling several services into one.

Winner: Aura. It includes more advanced security features, like identity theft protection, which can save you money on bundled services.

Aura Antivirus vs. AVG: test results

Third-party testing is important with cybersecurity products to make sure that the antivirus scans work. Independent third-party sites like AV-TEST and AV-Comparatives run antivirus products through the gambit to verify that nothing is getting through. These tests are voluntary, and cybersecurity companies can choose to submit products to these sites for testing. The lack of results doesn’t mean the product isn’t effective, it just means it hasn’t been submitted for a test.

We also do some independent testing with EICAR, a series of malware and phishing simulations that mimic the real thing. Using EICAR in our testing gives us firsthand experience with each of these products, allowing us to see if we get the same results as the large third-party test sites. The more you throw at antivirus programs, the more certain you can be of their security.

Aura Antivirus vs. AVG malware protection scores

Our Pick
AV-TEST Windows score N/A 18/18
AV-TEST macOS score N/A 18/18
AV-TEST Android score N/A 18/18
EICAR score 3/5 4/5
Learn more Get Aura Antivirus

Read Aura Antivirus Review

Get AVG

Read AVG Review

*AV-TEST scores are from the most recent round of testing.
Windows was last tested in February 2024, macOS in December 2023, and Android in March 2024.

Unfortunately, Aura has yet to submit itself to testing with either of the two major sites. So our only evaluation of its effectiveness is our own EICAR testing. Our results revealed that one of the categories, compressed malware, didn’t register either a pass or a fail. We did find that Aura failed to block a sophisticated phishing attempt, though. All in all, these EICAR testing scores aren't bad for Aura.

AVG, on the other hand, has been around a long time and is no stranger to testing. AVG received three perfect scores for three different operating systems: Windows, macOS, and Android, in addition to doing well in EICAR testing. The only place it faltered in the EICAR tests was with its ability to block sophisticated phishing attempts. Otherwise, it had fantastic scores.

Winner: AVG. Not only does it have verified third-party testing scores, but it also performed better in EICAR testing.

Aura Antivirus vs. AVG: compatibility and customer support

Windows
macOS
Android
iOS
Browser extensions Yes — Chrome, Firefox, Edge Yes — Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Opera
24/7 customer support
Customer support options Phone, live chat, Help Center, online guides Email, forums, online guides
Learn more Get Aura Antivirus

Read Aura Antivirus Review

Get AVG

Read AVG Review

Both programs are easy to use and have decent compatibility. We were surprised that Aura doesn’t support iOS. Neither service supports a Safari browser, which is strange because it’s pretty popular. This means iPhone users will be left out if they choose Aura and won’t have the browser protection feature if they choose AVG.

Another lackluster discovery was AVG's support options. Aura offers phone and chat support, while AVG only offers email as the avenue to connect with an agent. Hopefully, you won’t run into an issue that you need resolved immediately because you may have to wait for that assistance.

Winner: Tie. AVG supports iOS, while Aura doesn’t. But Aura has an easy-to-navigate Help Center and offers chat support and 24/7 phone support, whereas AVG only has email as a direct contact method.

Aura Antivirus vs. AVG FAQs


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Is Aura Antivirus good?

Yes, Aura Antivirus is good. It’s under the reputable Aura product umbrella and has great reviews. We wish it submitted itself to independent third-party testing. Since it’s a fairly new product, we hope it will be submitted to AV-TEST or AV-Comparatives soon.


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Which antivirus is better than AVG?

If an antivirus program is better than AVG, it’s because the features suit you better. AVG antivirus has top protection scores across the board. Products like Norton 360 offer better customer support and more features but cost a lot more.


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What are Aura’s pros and cons?

Aura’s pros and cons are based on its features. We’re confident that its usability and protection are sound. If you’re looking for a firewall or included parental control software, then another service like Norton 360 might suit you better.


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Does Aura remove malware?

Yes, Aura has the ability to remove malware threats. It will either automatically quarantine and delete the files or offer you the ability to delete quarantined files after they’re found.

Aura Antivirus vs. AVG: Which is better?

AVG edged ahead a little bit in price and testing scores, which means it won more categories in this comparison. It offers a free version and has high third-party testing scores, making it an affordable, trustworthy option for antivirus software.

Trusted Protection by 435 Million Users Worldwide
4.8
Editorial Rating
Learn More
On AVG's website
All-In-One
AVG
  • Award-winning antivirus, malware, and ransomware protection for up to 10 devices
  • Includes webcam protection, safe browsing and email, automatic updates, and 24/7 protection
  • Suite of protection benefits including a secure VPN, anti-tracking capabilities, safeguards against phishing sites, and more
  • Various scanning options may be confusing to some people

But that doesn’t mean Aura Antivirus isn’t also a fantastic choice. Depending on your needs, Aura’s additional security features may make it a more cost-effective option if you want to bundle your online security suites.

Multiple Threat Protection with $1M Identity Theft Insurance
4.9
Editorial Rating
Learn More
On Aura Antivirus's website
Antivirus Software
Aura Antivirus
Save up to 53% per year
  • Anti-ransomware, spyware, adware, worms, trojan, and rootkits protection
  • Real-time protection scans, phishing and scam site prevention, and ability to quickly isolate dangerous files
  • Choice between 3 plans, all of which include a VPN, Safe Browsing, and 24/7 customer support
  • No third-party testing is available

Whatever you decide, you need antivirus protection on your computer. The internet is full of cyber threats like malware, viruses, trojans, and other unpleasant things. Keeping yourself protected is so much easier than trying to clean up an attack after it happens.

Aura Antivirus vs. AVG alternatives

If you’re looking for the best antivirus software and aren’t interested in Aura or AVG, we have some additional suggestions below. Whether you’re looking for all the bells and whistles or another reputable free antivirus program, the suggestions below have a lot of options.

  • Norton 360: Norton offers a variety of security features, from a virtual private network and parental controls to identity theft protection. Since there are so many options, there’s likely a Norton product that fits your needs.

    Get Norton 360 | Read Our Norton 360 Review

  • McAfee: McAfee has been around a long time and it shows. Whether you’re looking for simple security or a robust online security suite with a variety of features, it has a plan for you.

    Get McAfee | Read Our McAfee Review

  • Avast: Avast offers an extremely robust free product, but its premium service is where it really shines. Whether you want reliable antivirus without breaking your budget or an impressive security stack for a low price, Avast has you covered.

    Get Avast | Read Our Avast Review

Comprehensive Protection With Database Updates Every 3 Hours
4.4
Editorial Rating
Learn More
On Surfshark AntiVirus's website
Antivirus Software
Surfshark AntiVirus
Up to 80% off + 2 months free
  • Powerful app that offers 24/7 virus and malware protection that won’t hog your CPU or RAM
  • Includes webcam protection, fully customizable security, full or quick scans, and more
  • Compatible with Windows, Mac, and Android on unlimited devices
  • No standalone antivirus plan

Author Details
Mary is a seasoned cybersecurity writer with over seven years of experience. With a B.S. in Liberal Arts from Clarion University and an M.F.A. in Creative Writing from Point Park University, she educates audiences on scams, antivirus software, and more. Her passion lies in educating audiences on helpful ways to protect their data.