Avast or Sophos, which is a better option when it comes to choosing a reliable Antivirus Software in 2022? Go through this ultimate comparison Avast VS Sophos Antivirus and make the right decision!
When it comes to choosing PC Security Software, a lot of freebies are available in the market & some options with great offers and discounts. However, we don’t recommend using a Free Antivirus Solution, since it lacks the advanced features required to provide users with round-the-clock protection.
Hence, spending a few bucks a month can bring you to complete peace of mind. Most of the premium Internet Security Utilities don’t just provide excellent malware protection, but also offer a variety of perks in the form of Password Manager, File Shredder, Parental Controls & more, that have become an absolute necessity these days.
In today’s guide, we will pit Avast & Sophos against each other and tell you which Antivirus Software is worthwhile.
IN A HURRY? Read & Find Out Which Utility Beats The Other In Different Categories!
WINNER: Avast All thanks to Avast’s advanced set of features & comprehensive protection against all sorts of digital threats, that helped the utility to excel in Round 1.
WINNER: Avast Unbiased test results from reputable independent labs suggest that Avast is better than Sophos antivirus when it comes to detecting & eliminating multiple kinds of threats.
WINNER: Tie Both the security software offers a straightforward & intuitive dashboard, with easy-to-navigate buttons, packed in appealing themes.
WINNER: Sophos Although Avast does offer a plethora of pricing models, Sophos certainly allows you to cover more devices at much lower rates than Avast Antivirus. So, we have a clear winner!
WINNER: Avast Observing the ratings from independent sources, Avast users are certainly most satisfied when it comes to getting technical support & help. |
Avast VS Sophos Antivirus : Setting Up A Fight
The unbiased comparison is conducted on multiple aspects of the services, including Features, Malware Protection, User-Friendliness, Pricing, Support & Customer Satisfaction. You can find below the Pros & Cons of both the security solutions to help you decide while choosing the right antivirus software between Avast Antivirus VS Sophos Antivirus.
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FEATURES
Both the antivirus software offers a wide variety of tools and features to safeguard your digital life. The only difference between them is how these functionalities are bundled in the respective packages. So, let’s take a look at what Avast & Sophos have to offer:
| Parameters | Avast | Sophos |
|---|---|---|
| SCANNING | ||
| Real-time Antivirus | YES | YES |
| Manual Virus Scanning | YES | YES |
| USB Virus Scan | YES | YES |
| Registry Startup Scan | YES | YES |
| Auto Virus Scanning | YES | YES |
| Scheduled Scans | YES | YES |
| PROTECTION | ||
| Anti-Spyware | YES | YES |
| Anti-Worm | YES | YES |
| Anti-Trojan | YES | YES |
| Anti-Rootkit | YES | YES |
| Anti-Phishing | YES | YES |
| Anti-Spam | YES | NO |
| Email Protection | YES | NO |
| Adware Protection | YES | YES |
| COMPATIBILITY | ||
| Windows | YES | YES |
| Mac | YES | YES |
| Android | YES | YES |
| iPhone | YES | YES |
| EXTRA FEATURES | ||
| Personal Firewall | YES | NO |
| Parental Controls | NO | YES |
| VPN | YES | NO |
| Performance & Speed | NO | NO |
| Safe Browsing | YES | NO |
| Gamer Mode | YES | NO |
| SUPPORT | ||
| Phone | NO | YES |
| YES | YES | |
| Ticket System | YES | YES |
| Live Chat | YES | YES |
| Money Back Guarantee | YES | YES |
| Packages |
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With Avast, you certainly have lots of packages to choose from. The company’s high-end version, Avast Ultimate, offers all the functionalities in an affordable package.
Round 1 = FeaturesPoint For: Avast All thanks to Avast’s advanced set of features & comprehensive protection against all sorts of digital threats, that helped the utility to excel in Round 1.
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MUST-READ: How To Protect Your Computer From Malware Threats?
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MALWARE PROTECTION
Comprehensive protection is one of the most important aspects of an antivirus software. A good PC Security Solution is the one that can keep your device away from new and existing threats. If a security software fails in this category, we think the product is probably not worth the cost. Additionally, a great security solution is the one that doesn’t wrongly block clean files and URLs. In layman terms, the security suite doesn’t indicate ‘False Alarms’.
According to the AV-Test Institute and AV-Comparatives (Independent Testing Institutes) Lab Test Results, Avast did extremely well with a perfect score of 6 out of 6 for Protection and 5.5 out of 6 for Performance. And, recorded an excellent score of 756 out 758 test samples blocked during the testing.
On the other hand, Sophos didn’t take part in both the evaluations. This indicates poor capabilities of Malware Defense and in contradiction, Avast earned a great score in both assessments.
Round 2 = Malware ProtectionPoint For: Avast Unbiased test results from reputable independent labs suggests that Avast is better than Sophos antivirus when it comes to detecting & eliminating multiple kinds of threats.
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Must-Read: How to Fix Avast Not Opening on Windows 10?
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USER-FRIENDLINESS
A good antivirus is the one that proffers a straightforward interface and easy to use for both novice and advanced users. Without further ado, let’s take a look at Avast and Sophos dashboard. Firstly, we’ll start with Avast:
Avast has an intuitive and easy to navigate interface, available in both modern and dark themes and can easily be used by all kinds of computer users. It provides an easy-to-understand rail on the left side of the dashboard with options, including: Status, Protection, Privacy and Performance. Additionally, you can access the Settings from the side panel to alter the options.
Talking about Sophos Antivirus, the software is designed within a color theme of Grey and Blue which gives a minimalistic feel to the user. On the main screen, you’ll find options: Scan Computer and My Activity. The Internet Security Solution is mainly managed through its web-based dashboard, from where you can manage almost every aspect of your security. These options include: Antivirus Protection, Web Protection, Ransomware Protection, Privacy Protection and so on.
Round 3 = User-FriendlinessPoint For: Both Avast & Sophos Antivirus (Tie) Both the security software offers straightforward & intuitive dashboard, with easy to navigate buttons, packed in appealing themes.
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PRICING
Price is another important factor you need to consider when choosing the right antivirus software for your device. Well, there’s no denying the fact that when you invest in a PC Security Solution, you are not just purchasing the utility but an ease-of-mind, that your digital life is in safe hands. So, let’s take a look at the pricing models of both the utilities:
| Models – Avast | Price |
| Avast Free Antivirus | Free |
| Avast Internet Security | $5/Month |
| Avast Premier | $5.83/Month |
| Avast Ultimate | $10/Month |
| Models – Sophos | Price |
| Sophos Home | Free |
| Sophos Premium | Covers up to 10 systems for $60 per year |
Round 4 = PricingPoint For: Sophos Although Avast does offer a plethora of pricing models, Sophos certainly allows you to cover more devices at much lower rates than Avast Antivirus. So, we have a clear winner!
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Must-Read: Windows Defender VS Avast: Which One Is Better for You
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SUPPORT & CUSTOMER SATISFACTION
Avast offers direct support for their premium customers in the form of Ticket System. Additionally, they run a dedicated Knowledge Base section on their website, where they help users know about their product in detail. You can find multiple how-to’s and Troubleshooting articles to resolve your basic queries related to the usage of the product.
Talking about the customer satisfaction, Consumeraffairs.org is a reputable website that allots star ratings to products, based on several criteria. According to the website, Avast holds a ‘3-Star Rating’. On the other hand, Sophos rating is not available.
Talking about Sophos Technical Assistance, the company offers a Live Chat option to help you resolve your queries as soon as possible. They even cover detailed articles, guides and updates related to their product line, so that both their existing and new users are always updated. Additionally, you can connect on their Twitter account.
Round 5 = Support & Customer SatisfactionPoint For: Observing the ratings from independent sources, Avast users are certainly most satisfied when it comes to getting technical support & help.
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PROS & CONS: Avast Antivirus VS Sophos Antivirus
Listed down are the advantages & disadvantages that comes with Avast Antivirus.
Pros
- Provides tons of extra flashy tools.
- Highly compatible with multiple operating systems.
- Performed well in independent lab test results.
- Provides free protection for Mobile users.
- Easy to download and use.
Cons
- Has been involved in a data leak.
Let’s check out some of the major benefits & downsides that arrive with Sophos Antivirus.
Pros
- Easy to use dashboard.
- Parental web filtering option.
- AI threat detection feature.
- Remote security management.
- Protection against all kinds of threats.
Cons
- Lack of lab test results.
- Full scan takes longer than usual.
Final Thoughts: Avast Antivirus VS Sophos Antivirus
In depth comparison leads to the conclusion that Avast is certainly a better choice than Sophos in a variety of parameters. Avast Antivirus not only provides tons of advanced protection features, but it has also earned fantastic scores and ratings when it comes to performance and malware protection evaluations conducted by independent testing labs. Sophos, on the other hand, didn’t participate in the recent tests, which indicates its poor capabilities to safeguard devices.
EDITOR’S CHOICE – Best Antivirus For 2023Although both the security solutions bring their own set of perks, if you are looking for more powerful software that can provide 360-degree protection using an easy-to-use interface, then use none other than Systweak Antivirus. It’s an award-winning security utility, which has earned VB100 Virus Certification for four consecutive years. The Internet Security Tool provides a real-time protection against new and existing threats. It even offers the following set of advanced functionalities:
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Frequently Asked Questions: Avast VS Sophos Antivirus
Q1. What Is Better Than Avast?
Systweak Antivirus of Windows is certainly a better choice when it comes to providing robust protection against new and existing threats. It even offers an ad-blocker extension – StopAllAds, to provide users with safe and smooth browsing experience.
Q2. Is Sophos A Good Antivirus?
For novice and beginners, Sophos is undoubtedly a great choice. However, for getting all-round protection for your device, go for Avast or choose from these Top Antivirus Software
Q3. Which Is Better Sophos Or Avast?
Based on our comparison, Avast has shown a great performance when it comes to providing top notch protection, advanced features set, user-friendliness or customer satisfaction. The only category when Sophos has an edge is their Pricing Models, as the product can cover up to 10 devices at much lower rates when compared to Avast Antivirus.
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