Is AVG Good for Low-End Devices? Performance Review

In 2025, one of the most pressing concerns for users of budget smartphones and PCs is whether heavy antivirus software will slow down their device. AVG Antivirus, a popular choice among many, promises strong protection against malware, ransomware, and other digital threats. But, how does AVG perform on low-end devices like older Android smartphones or budget Windows PCs?

In this review, we’ll dive into AVG’s performance on low-end devices, its system impact, and whether it’s a viable option for users with limited hardware resources.

What Defines Low-End Devices?

Before we explore AVG’s performance, it’s important to define what we mean by low-end devices. These typically refer to:

• Low-End Android Smartphones: Devices with less than 3GB of RAM, entry-level processors, and older Android versions (Android 9 or below).

• Budget Windows PCs: Computers with 4GB of RAM or less, basic processors (such as Intel Celeron or AMD A-series), and minimal storage (32GB to 128GB).

These devices are designed for basic tasks like browsing, texting, and light app usage. They don’t typically have the resources to run resource-heavy applications without potential slowdowns.

AVG Antivirus System Impact on Low-End Devices

1. Installation and Setup

Installing AVG Antivirus on low-end devices is relatively straightforward. The AVG Android app is lightweight and easy to install from the Google Play Store, and the AVG Windows software is similarly user-friendly.

On both platforms, you’ll be asked to grant necessary permissions for real-time protection and scans. The setup doesn’t seem to cause significant slowdowns or errors on low-end devices. However, you may notice that older devices take a little longer to complete the installation process due to their limited processing power.

2. Performance During Regular Use

One of the key areas we’ll examine is whether AVG impacts device performance while it’s running. To assess this, we look at CPU and memory usage as well as the device’s responsiveness during daily tasks.

• On Android: After installing AVG, users on low-end Android smartphones might experience slight slowdowns, especially when launching apps or multitasking. AVG runs background scans to detect threats, and although the app is optimized for Android, older devices might struggle to handle the added system load, particularly if you’re running other apps simultaneously.

• On Windows PCs: AVG can cause some slowdowns on low-end PCs with minimal RAM and processing power. The program’s background scanning and real-time protection, while crucial, might lead to delays in opening apps or sluggishness when browsing the web. Users with just 4GB of RAM will notice a slight performance dip, especially if they have multiple browser tabs open or are running several programs simultaneously.

3. Impact on Battery Life

For mobile devices, battery life is another concern. AVG Antivirus does use some battery resources for its real-time protection, scanning, and cloud-based updates. On low-end Android smartphones, you may notice a shortened battery life when AVG is running, especially if the phone is already struggling with performance. This is more pronounced on older devices with weaker battery capacities.

However, the battery drain isn’t excessive, and if you tweak settings (such as reducing the frequency of scans or using battery-saving modes), you can manage it without too much inconvenience.

4. Memory and Storage Usage

• On Android: AVG Antivirus uses between 60MB to 100MB of storage space on your Android device, depending on the version. While this is not particularly large, it could still be noticeable on devices with limited internal storage (such as 32GB or less). AVG also uses some RAM to run background processes, which can impact performance on devices with 2GB or less.

• On Windows: AVG typically uses between 200MB and 300MB of storage space, depending on the version and any additional features installed. While this is manageable on most modern devices, low-end PCs with limited storage (32GB or 64GB) may experience some slowdown as AVG runs background processes. RAM consumption can reach 200MB to 300MB during active scanning, which may affect performance on PCs with 4GB of RAM or less.

How to Optimize AVG on Low-End Devices

If you’re using AVG Antivirus on a low-end device and notice slowdowns, there are a few ways to optimize its performance:

1. Adjust Scan Settings: Set AVG to perform scans during off-hours or when you’re not using your device. Reduce the frequency of scans to avoid constant system usage.

2. Enable Battery Saver Mode: On Android, use Battery Saver mode to reduce the impact of AVG on your battery life.

3. Limit Background Processes: In the AVG app’s settings, turn off some background processes or reduce the number of active features to conserve system resources.

4. Use AVG’s TuneUp Features: AVG comes with built-in performance optimization tools. Use the Performance Optimizer to clear cache files, uninstall unnecessary apps, and disable system processes that may be taking up memory.

Is AVG Antivirus a Good Choice for Low-End Devices?

AVG Antivirus is generally a good choice for low-end devices when considering its comprehensive protection features. However, users should be aware that:

• Performance Impact: AVG may slow down low-end devices, particularly when running multiple apps or doing resource-heavy tasks. However, the slowdowns are manageable and can be mitigated with tweaks to the settings.

• Battery Life: The app has a moderate impact on battery life, but this can be minimized by using battery saver settings.

• Overall Protection: The trade-off for a slight performance decrease is the robust protection AVG provides against malware, ransomware, and other online threats, which is crucial for any device.

For users with budget smartphones or entry-level PCs, AVG’s free version should be sufficient to provide essential protection. However, those seeking enhanced features (like advanced privacy tools, VPN, and multi-device protection) may want to consider upgrading to the paid version.

Conclusion

In 2025, AVG Antivirus remains a strong option for users with low-end Android devices and budget PCs. While there may be slight performance impacts, the security benefits it offers, especially against modern threats like ransomware and phishing, outweigh the occasional slowdown. By adjusting settings and using optimization tools, you can maintain strong protection without compromising too much on performance.