Written by Ria du Plessis - Web Developer Updated on August 12 , 2021 |
When it comes to antivirus solutions, you’ll want one that gives you the entire package. You don’t merely want malware removal, but you need to defend your apps and devices from hacking and malicious content. In this Sophos vs. Avast comparison, we’ll run you through what each brand contains so you can see if it’ll suit your needs.
| Our verdict on overall best antivirus program is Avast Antivirus |
Sophos Pros | Avast Pros |
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Sophos Cons | Avast Cons |
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It’s a tough decision when comparing Sophos vs. Avast. Both have a stunning user interface that’s easy to use, and they provide basic antivirus solutions. You can upgrade to the paid packages in both instances, and that’s where you’ll see the real difference.
Avast steps in with plenty more features than Sophos. For instance, upgrading gives you access to a VPN, secure game mode, cleanup tools, anti-tracking, and a robust firewall. It also boosts your computer for improved performance, which is excellent for online games and resource-hungry applications.
Sure, you’ll pay more for these services, but you’ll have true value for your money.
| Overall winner: Avast |
Feature | Sophos | Avast |
Virus Scanner | Yes | Yes |
Threat Protection | Yes | Yes |
Malware Removal | Yes | Yes |
Phishing Detection | Yes | Yes |
Spyware Protection | Yes | Yes |
Ransomware Protection | Yes | Yes |
Cloud Backup | Yes | Yes |
Firewall | No | Yes |
VPN | Yes (separately) | Yes |
Browser Protection | Yes | Yes |
Webcam Protection | Yes | Yes |
Password Manager | No | Yes |
Identity Theft Protection | Yes | Yes (separately) |
Parental Control | Yes | No |
Safe Banking | Yes | Yes |
Performance Optimization | No | Yes |
Cleaning Tools | No | Yes |
File Shredder | No | Yes |
Game Mode | No | Yes |
Mobile App | Yes | Yes |
When comparing antivirus solutions, you should always compare the basic and advanced features to see what the brands bring to the table. While the above table gives you a quick overview, a detailed discussion presents a better picture.
Let’s start our evaluation with Avast Free Antivirus. As with most standard packages, your devices will receive protection from most malware and viruses on the web. However, the advanced tools you’re looking for are hidden in the subscription packages.
Avast Premium Security offers additional defense against ransomware, it’ll stop you from accessing bad, fake websites. There’s also an advanced password manager to safeguard your digital keys.
When you purchase Avast Premier, you’ll gain webcam protection to prevent anyone from spying on you.
Avast Ultimate provides you with a SecureLine VPN, a Cleanup Premium that improves system performance by removing bloatware and junk files, and a Password Premium that adds more tools to warn you when your codes have leaked online.
Sophos only offers a free version that does the same as Avast’s version and a Home Premium version.
The paid version gives you more advanced malware functions, machine learning software to defend you against new attacks, an extra layer of security for ransomware, and banking safety so that no one steals your details.
Sophos and Avast both provide VPNs, but there’s one key difference; while Avast offers it as part of its antivirus package, Sophos has a separate VPN product. Avast takes the win for having more features available.
Sophos Features;
Avast Features;
| Best for antivirus features: Avast |
When it comes to the malware threats, Avast and Sophos appear to tie for defeating most malware.
To be sure which antivirus solution is the best option when looking at malware protection, we looked at AV-test results.
Avast Results;
Sophos Results;
Both Avast and Sophos detected all malware samples in the test. When it comes to malware detection capabilities, these two antivirus solutions are pretty tied.
| Best for malware protection: Avast |
When we wanted to determine which antivirus solution is best when it comes to system performance, we looked at third-party testing, done by AV-Test.
Avast Results;
Sophos Results;
Avast scored 6 out of 6 while Sophos scored 5.5 out of 6. This means that Sophos had a more significant impact on system resources.
| Best for system performance: Avast |
Package | Price | Devices | Top features |
Sophos Home Free | Free | 3 | Core real-time protection, parental controls, remote control |
Sophos Home Premium | $59.99 per year | 10 | Malware removal, ransomware security, safe banking, identity protection |
Avast Free Antivirus | Free | Unlimited | Wi-Fi security, antivirus, anti-malware, anti-ransomware |
Avast Premium Security | $89.99 per year | 10 | Safe online shopping, firewall, webcam protection, file shredder, auto-updater |
Avast Ultimate Security | $119.99 per year | 10 | Cleanup Premium, SecureLine VPN, AntiTrack |
As you can see, Sophos is the more affordable alternative when compared to both of Avast’s paid packages. However, you’ll be paying for better quality and more functions with Avast. So while Sophos has the better price, Avast delivers more value.
| Best Price: Sophos |
Another factor worth considering in our Sophos vs. Avast comparison is the user interface and ease of access to the top tools. It’s one thing to have the best antivirus solution, but it doesn’t help if you struggle to use the program.
Let’s take a quick look to see which one is friendlier on the eyes and hands.
Sophos has a clean, minimalistic design where all the primary tools are listed on the top menu. It has soft colors that are pleasing to behold, and you’ll easily find the functions you need. You simply click on a menu item, and it will open a fresh set of options in the central pane. Some buttons will take you to the web interface.
Sophos Interface;
Avast has a similar design with a darker theme. It separates its menu into three categories, namely, Protection, Privacy, and Performance. All the tools you’ll need are hidden in these tabs, making them more user-friendly to deal with. You can also select the top option to see the status of your computer.
Avast Interface;
When it comes to an outright winner, we’re going to choose Avast. There’s hardly a moment when you’re redirected to a web interface, and you can manage everything from the platform.
| Most user-friendly provider: Avast |
If you’re having any issues with your product, it helps to have someone in the company that can assist you. A more significant benefit is having as many contact options as possible and receiving a fast response.
While Avast and Sophos both offer customer support, let’s see which one beats the other.
Sophos lets you contact the support team via email, online chat, and web forms.
Avast also offers customer support via email, online chat, and web forms, except it adds a phone line that’s only available in English. With Sophos, you need to specifically log into your account before you can request assistance.
| Best customer support: Avast |
Avast and Sophos are almost identical. They have interfaces that have similar designs, showcasing the top functions that open to more tools.
However, Sophos sends you to a web portal while Avast sticks to the desktop app. This makes Avast more user-friendly.
If the free version doesn’t provide enough protection and you don’t have a high budget, then Sophos is the more affordable option. The problem is that you’ll miss out on a lot of functions merely to keep costs down. In this light, we recommend paying a bit more for Avast to get more for your buck.
