Avast free vs. Kaspersky and Paid Protection vs Free Protection

[BigBooyaw]

I have run Avast on my desktop for many years.  But, on my laptop, I have ran Kasperksy Pure.  Due to Kaspersksy bogging down my system when it runs, and due to the renewal fee is super high, I am changing antivirus protection to Avast free edition like I have on my desktop.  I am not a computer guru, so I just want to get some opinions/insight on if I will really be giving up substantial security on my laptop.   If anyone has used Kaspersky in the past and has switched over to Avast free version, I would really like to get your input, and the input of anyone on paid protection vs free protection?  Does it really matter if you have paid security?

My Desktop/Window XP Protection:  Avast Free Antivirus, Super Antispyware, Glary Utilities
My Laptop/Windows 7 Protection:  Kaspersky Pure 3, Super Antispyware, Glary Utilities
Internet Provider/Internet Connection:  Comcast Xfinity Wireless/Router Connection

[Para-Noid]

Here is an overview of avast products http://www.avast.com/compare-antivirus
Take a look at the various signatures to see what we use. Not everyone uses the exact same set-up.
You will find a myriad of different set-ups. 

[BigBooyaw]

Thanks for the reply. 

[Para-Noid]

I wished I could have helped you more but there are many considerations involved is selecting an anti-virus.
As far as opinions go around here about the only recommendation you will get is "avast". 

[BigBooyaw]

Thanks for your input.   I have used Avast for many years on my desktop with only one visit to the computer shop for a virus that damaged me hard drive about 2 years ago.  And, now I have loaded Avast on my laptop. 

[Theblob]

after perusing various independent test sites (gotta be careful cause some of them only test products on default settings, and these vary with each AV), it turns out that

Avast & Kasper have equivalent proactive performance (good heuristic & behavior blocking. apparently. that's also the hardest thing to test properly though)

Kasper VASTLY outclasses Avast when it comes to reactive performance (removal/disinfection. especially malware & rootkits. Butdefender & Kasper are the only top notch disinfectors out there). there again proactive is my priority since prevention better than cure

both are ergonomic & have decent amount custom settings, though Kasper is even more customizable & Avast more user-friendly

Kasper is WAY less buggy (especially when it comes to custom settings, Kasper takes them into account, Avast sometimes does not)

Kasper is more intrusive (does it install its own "legit" rootkit? it appears to install all over the place & even uses a cache system that bloats up the HDD. seems like they've gone the Norton way, not good)

Kasper's behavior blocker (System Watch) is a resource hog that slows down PC over time,  Avast is more stable & FAR lighter on resources. that alone is enough to ward me off Kasper

Kasper has a EXTREMELY complex registration system (they use some kinda double registration: activation code + licence, aint that redundant? why not use just licence file? stupid russkies)

and last but not least Avast Free is (sort of) free, Kasper only stays free for 30 days


so there you go