Avira Antivirus Review Avira offers a robust antivirus scanner that operates on the cloud, along with a variety of high-quality security tools for Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS users. This comprehensive package is offered at an exceptional value. During my testing, Avira’s anti-malware engine displayed exceptional performance by effectively blocking and removing all of my malware samples, including viruses, spyware, and ransomware.
In today’s digital age, protecting your devices and personal information from online threats is more important than ever. That’s where antivirus software comes in, and Avira is one of the top names in the industry. In this comprehensive review, we’ll take a close look at Avira Antivirus and break down everything you need to know – from pricing and plans to features, pros, and cons. By the end of this review, you’ll have a clear understanding of whether Avira is the right choice for keeping your devices safe and secure in 2024 and beyond. So, let’s get started!
Avira Antivirus Review
Avira Antivirus is currently one of the most popular and reliable antivirus software available on the market. What sets this antivirus software apart is its simplicity, extensive range of features, and the availability of a free version that allows users to test it out without any cost. Additionally, Avira has consistently achieved high scores in independent testing, which reinforces its reputation as one of the most secure antivirus solutions.
Our own in-house tests also confirm its exceptional malware detection rates and continuous real-time protection. However, considering the abundance of other excellent antivirus products, you may wonder if Avira Antivirus is worth your consideration. Fortunately, we will thoroughly examine all its features, security ratings, and performance in this comprehensive Avira antivirus review.
Avira Antivirus Key Informations
| Rating: | |
| Overall rank: | #8 out of #25 |
| Price: | From $30.99/year |
| Free version: | Yes |
| Platforms: | Windows, Mac, Android, iOS |
| Coupons: | Avira coupon 43% OFF |
Avira Antivirus pros and cons
Pros
Cons
Avira antivirus Full review
Avira provides top-notch protection against malware, a diverse selection of helpful additional features, and a user-friendly dashboard, all at an affordable price. The malware scanner offered by Avira achieves flawless 100% detection rates for malware, while its web protection is highly effective in detecting and blocking online threats. Additionally, its password manager is on par with standalone password managers available in the market. Furthermore, Avira offers one of the most impressive free plans available, along with competitively priced premium plans that deliver greater value compared to other antivirus software options.
Avira antivirus is a well-regarded and widely-used software that guarantees the security of your device. Now, let’s take a brief look at the key points covered in this review:
Security
Avira antivirus is a reliable solution for protecting your device from malware threats. With its advanced features and cutting-edge technology, you can rest assured that your device will be fully safeguarded against all types of malicious attacks. Avira provides the highest level of protection against viruses, Trojans, spyware, adware, ransomware, and other malware threats. Its real-time scanning feature ensures that all files and applications on your device are continuously monitored for any suspicious activity. Moreover, it also offers additional features such as web protection and email protection to enhance your overall security posture.
Features
Avira offers a comprehensive range of security features that are available in both the free version and premium plans. Some of the key features included in the free version include real-time scanning for malware, protection against phishing attacks, and a VPN (Virtual Private Network) with limited data usage. Premium plans unlock additional features like advanced ransomware protection, device optimization tools, and unlimited VPN data usage. The extensive list of security features provided by Avira ensures that users can choose a plan that meets their specific needs and provides maximum protection against online threats.
Performance
Avira offers a range of paid subscription plans that include specific features for optimizing your device performance. These features can help boost the speed and efficiency of your device, making it run smoother and faster. The subscription plans also provide advanced security features, such as real-time protection against malware and phishing attacks, to keep your device safe from online threats. In addition, Avira’s customer support team is available 24/7 to assist you with any technical issues or questions you may have.
Pricing
Avira provides a range of subscription plans, including both paid and free options. For those looking for comprehensive coverage, the Avira Prime plan is an excellent choice. This plan ensures protection for both your computer and mobile devices. It includes features like antivirus software, VPN access, system optimization tools, and more. Along with the paid plans, Avira also offers a free plan that provides basic security features to keep your device safe from malware attacks. Regardless of which plan you choose, Avira’s commitment to providing top-notch security solutions remains unwavering.
Ease of use
Avira’s setup process is user-friendly and caters to both novice and experienced antivirus users. The interface is easy to navigate, making it an excellent choice for users who are not tech-savvy. The app’s simplicity extends across different operating systems, ensuring that it can be used seamlessly on a wide range of devices. Avira’s streamlined design ensures that all the features are easily accessible, allowing users to scan their systems for viruses or malware with just a few clicks. Overall, Avira’s straightforward setup process and user-friendly interface make it an excellent antivirus option for anyone looking for a simple yet effective solution to secure their devices.
Is Avira Antivirus safe?
Avira antivirus is a highly secure and reliable software that offers outstanding protection for your device against malware and other online threats. Since its introduction to the antivirus software market, Avira has consistently maintained its reputation as one of the most trusted and dependable providers of anti-malware solutions. Independent lab testing further supports the notion of how reliable this provider is. The most recent AV-Test reports score Avira with a perfect score in the protection, performance, and usability fields.
In summary, independent testing has shown that Avira is indeed a reliable anti-malware software that effectively safeguards your device and data against both newly discovered and familiar malware risks. Nonetheless, we conducted our own tests to further evaluate this software. In our testing process, we deliberately exposed Avira to 10 malicious files to gauge its ability to detect and eliminate them. The outcome mirrored the findings of independent labs – Avira successfully detected and removed 9 out of the 10 files we intentionally introduced, demonstrating its exceptional level of security protection.
Avira security features
Avira provides all the essential features required to protect your device from malicious software threats. The functionality of the free antivirus version is slightly restricted, therefore, if you desire access to the complete set of features, you will need to purchase a subscription for the paid antivirus.
These are a few of the prominent security features offered by this antivirus software.
- Virus scanner: custom scan options to find malware threats in your device.
- Real-time protection: enabled by default and continuously scans your device for threats.
- Quarantine: secure holding location of any infected files.
- Software updater: scans your device for outdated and risky apps.
- Firewall: meant for managing Windows firewall through the Avira app.
Antivirus scanner
There are two scan options available for you to choose from: a full scan, quick scans, and smart scans.
Quick scan: The scanning feature examines the areas of your device that are most susceptible to attacks. Similar to other highly-rated antivirus programs, this option may not be the most effective for detecting malware threats.
Full scan: The scan option offered will thoroughly examine your entire device and is known for its high level of reliability in detecting malware threats. In our testing, the scan took approximately 35 minutes and successfully detected 90% of the identified malware threats. However, it should be noted that this scanning option does have a significant impact on the device’s performance, utilizing anywhere from 54% to 86% of the CPU.
Smart scan : This option is ideal for identifying privacy or performance concerns, outdated apps, and network threats. However, it may not be as dependable as the full scan when it comes to detecting malware.
There is also a category called “Manage scans” available. This section enables you to monitor the scans that have already been conducted on your device. Furthermore, this tab offers the option to schedule personalized scans. All you need to do is choose the folders you wish to scan for malware and specify whether the scan should occur daily, weekly, or monthly.
Real-time protection
Avira Antivirus provides Real-time protection against malware in all its versions. This functionality oversees and examines all the files you interact with, including those you access or copy, to inform you about their safety or potential infection. If a suspicious file is detected, Avira Antivirus will prevent it from making any modifications to your device and will display a notification accordingly.
Currently, there are three additional choices available in the Security section, but they can only be enabled with one of the premium versions of Avira. Let’s determine if they justify their cost or not, as this is the main purpose of this Avira review.
Web protection
By keeping this feature enabled, Avira can effectively safeguard against various threats such as phishing, spam, and browser hijackers. In the event that you come across any suspicious activity while browsing, Avira will promptly intercept and neutralize the threat. I strongly recommend keeping this feature activated at all times since even seemingly secure websites can occasionally become infected.
Email protection
One important feature provided is the protection from viruses found in attachments. It is crucial to always remember to never open email attachments sent by unfamiliar individuals. Nevertheless, there is still a possibility that even your friend may unintentionally send you an infected file, particularly if they do not have a reliable antivirus program installed.
Ransomware protection
If you are unfamiliar with ransomware, it is strongly advised to avoid encountering it. In simple terms, ransomware is a malicious program that encrypts your files and demands payment in order to regain access to them. Ransomware can be transmitted through links and attachments in emails and chat messages, but it can also be inadvertently downloaded from infected websites.
Fortunately, Avira Antivirus has the capability to identify ransomware before it becomes active, thus safeguarding your device from being completely locked down. It is important to note that numerous tests have demonstrated Avira’s exceptional reliability in defending against such threats. This antivirus software consistently updates its virus database, enabling it to detect even the most recent varieties of ransomware.
Quarantine
When Avira detects a file as a threat, it will encrypt and transfer it to the quarantine folder. This prevents any further harm to your device from the potentially infected file. To completely remove the file from both the quarantine folder and your computer or smartphone, you must manually delete it. Otherwise, Avira Antivirus will keep it stored there indefinitely. However, if you are absolutely certain that the file is safe (as Avira has been known to occasionally generate false positives), you can restore it to its original location. To ensure that Avira does not target it again, you should designate it as an exception and exclude it from future scans.
Software updater
The software updater is a feature of Avira Antivirus software that requires payment. It performs a scan of your system to identify outdated applications and provides recommendations for updates. It is important to note that even if you are using Avira Free Security Suite, the software updater will still notify you about potentially risky programs. However, it is worth mentioning that the free version of Avira’s software updater does not have the capability to upgrade old applications. To have your updates performed automatically, you will need to purchase one of the premium packages offered by Avira.
Investing in the paid version of Avira Antivirus provides an added advantage of being able to keep your programs up-to-date. This feature greatly decreases the likelihood of encountering infections or security breaches.
Firewall
Avira Antivirus includes a firewall feature in all its versions. However, it does not provide an extra firewall; instead, Avira allows you to control your Windows firewall within its application. Although this feature may appear insignificant initially, it can be quite useful. This is because Avira’s user interface is highly intuitive and user-friendly, eliminating the need to navigate through the Windows Security tab to toggle your firewall on or off.
Avira bonus features
If you are still unsure about whether Avira is suitable for you, consider examining the additional features it offers, which are listed below.
- VPN: encrypts your data for secure and anonymous browsing
- Password manager: secure vault for all your credential information.
- Safe Shopping: browser extension to block trackers and malicious ads.
- File Shredder: a secure way to remove files forever.
- Privacy settings: customized settings to prevent Microsoft from collecting your data.
- Avira Crypto: feature meant for easy and secure crypto mining.
Spoiler alert: you can find a lot of them on the free version of Avira Antivirus, too.
Phantom VPN
Avira Free Security offers a free VPN as one of its intriguing features. This VPN is both fast and user-friendly, allowing you to effortlessly connect to the closest server with just a single click.
Regrettably, the monthly data allowance is restricted to a meager 500MB. While this can be useful in emergency scenarios, it will not suffice for regular usage. To ensure adequate data availability for daily use, it is advisable to upgrade your Avira software. Furthermore, the free version of Avira Phantom VPN does not provide the option to select a specific location when connecting to a different server. Instead, it automatically connects you to the nearest available server.
Password Manager
Once you have completed the installation process, you will discover that Avira Free Security includes a complimentary extension known as Avira Password Manager. This password manager proves to be extremely useful if you are tired of the hassle of managing your login details for multiple accounts. All you need to do is remember one master password, and Avira will take care of the rest by automatically filling in the required information.
Moreover, this extension has the ability to generate strong and reliable passwords for your new accounts and synchronize your credentials across all of your devices. It also offers the option to enable two-factor authentication for added security. However, it is important to note that this password manager does not track information for form filling purposes. Avira Password Manager is fully compatible with Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Microsoft Edge, and Opera.
Safe Shopping
Avira Safe Shopping is an additional browser extension that is included with Avira Free Security. It can be useful for online shoppers as it assists in avoiding fraudulent websites and tracking devices. In addition to providing safety, Safe Shopping also serves as a valuable tool for comparing prices by displaying the best available deals for your desired purchase. However, currently, this extension is only compatible with Google Chrome, Edge, and Opera. Hopefully, Avira will eventually release Safe Shopping for all other web browsers.
File Shredder
Are you aware that even when you erase a sensitive file from your computer, it can still be retrieved by hackers? To avoid this situation, Avira Antivirus offers a file shredder feature. This feature is available in all versions of Avira, including the free one. All you need to do is drag and drop the file you wish to permanently delete, and the shredder will handle the rest. Keep in mind that this action is irreversible, so make sure to choose carefully as you will not be able to recover the deleted file.
Privacy Settings
At this location, you have the option to apply either the suggested or personalized privacy configurations to your device. In essence, this will serve as a barrier against Microsoft’s collection and utilization of your personal data.
The suggested configurations prevent ad tracking, deactivate location tracking, and ensure the privacy of your activity. You have the freedom to enable or disable these settings whenever you please. Additionally, you have the option to personalize your privacy settings. This will provide you with an expanded array of information that you can conceal, such as your search history.
Avira Crypto
Avira Crypto is a newly introduced function that allows users to mine the Ethereum (ETH) cryptocurrency during periods of computer inactivity. This feature is an addition to Norton’s Crypto tool, which is not unexpected given that Avira was acquired by NortonLifeLock in 2020. Users have the choice to enable or disable this feature. It operates by enabling users to mine Ethereum and collect their earnings in an integrated Avira Crypto wallet. However, it’s important to note that there is a 15% mining fee applied to whatever amount is earned.
Furthermore, if you reside in a country where Ethereum is prohibited, there is a possibility that the antivirus package may not include the mining feature. This feature is available to all Avira users, including those using the free version, in the US, UK, and Canada on Windows operating systems. In summary, Avira Crypto is designed for users who have an interest in or wish to learn about mining. However, if this feature is unnecessary for you, it can easily be enabled or disabled through the Avira Crypto dashboard.
Avira Performance Features
Proper utilization of Avira could greatly enhance the efficiency of your device. Within this section of the Avira Antivirus review, we will examine the “Performance” tab to discover the functions that can potentially extend your battery life.
Optimizer
Avira’s optimizer effectively declutters your device by identifying and removing any superfluous files and cookies. Consequently, you can experience significantly improved computer speed, particularly if you have been neglecting its spring cleaning for an extended period of time.
Battery Saver
Over time, you may observe that the battery life of your laptop or smartphone gradually decreases. Fortunately, Avira Antivirus offers a solution to this issue. With Avira’s battery saver feature, you can extend your battery life by making small adjustments. When enabled, it reduces screen brightness, shuts down unnecessary applications, prevents updates from occurring, and blocks push notifications as well as location tracking.
Driver Updater
Keeping your drivers up to date is crucial in order to prevent potential hacker attacks. Fortunately, Avira’s driver updater simplifies the process of checking each driver individually by providing an easy solution. Simply click on the “Scan” button, and Avira will display which drivers are currently vulnerable.
After that, you have the option to easily update all of them simultaneously. It came as a pleasant surprise to discover that even the free version of Avira provides this service. Isn’t it wonderful?
Duplicate Finder
The Avira tool is designed to scan your device for duplicate files and remove any unnecessary copies that it finds. Upon testing this feature, I discovered that it successfully identified several identical files. However, it is important to note that the duplicate finder offered by Avira is only available as part of their paid packages, namely Avira Pro, Avira Internet Security, or Avira Prime. Therefore, in order to access this feature, you will need to upgrade your software to one of these subscriptions.
Advanced Tools
The various functions found in this tab will enhance your computer’s startup time by 25%. To achieve more efficient performance, you will require the assistance of Startup Guard, Startup Time Notifier, and Hyper Boost.
How much does Avira antivirus Price?
Avira offers a variety of plans for you to choose from, although there is room for improvement in terms of device coverage. They even have a free plan that provides essential features to enhance your computer’s security, and it includes the password manager and safe shopping extension.
Avira Plans and Pricing
Avira has 4 plans available:
- Free Security.
- Antivirus Pro.
- Internet Security.
- Prime.
The best plan is Prime, a feature-rich plan that covers up to 5 devices for a very reasonable price. I’m not a big fan of the Antivirus Pro and Internet Security plans, especially because they only cover a single device each by default (you can get plans covering up to 5 devices, but these cost a lot more). All of Avira’s plans come with a 60-day money-back guarantee.
| Avira Antivirus Free | Avira Antivirus Pro | Avira Internet Security | Avira Prime | |
| Price | $0.00 | From $30.99 | From $40.99 | From $59.99 |
| Devices | 1 | 1 | 1 | 5 |
| Platforms | Windows, macOS | Windows, macOS | Windows | Windows, macOS, Android, iOS |
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| VPN | (500MB/monthly) |
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If you are interested in having features such as unlimited VPN usage, web protection, ransomware protection, and premium mobile apps, it may be worth considering purchasing one of the complete subscription packages. Nonetheless, it is important to note that the operating system coverage varies. For instance, Avira Internet Security is not compatible with macOS devices.
Avira Prime is the only plan that includes mobile security. It is the most feature-rich and expensive option, especially when compared to other top-rated antivirus programs like TotalAV or Bitdefender. It’s important to note that Avira offers an additional option for American users called Avira Antivirus Pro.
This version is available for both Windows and Mac devices and is the least expensive of the three paid options. It serves as a good budget choice for those who want protection without any additional frills. Furthermore, all paid subscription plans come with a generous 60-day money-back guarantee.
How to download Avira?
Go to the Avira antivirus website.
- Pick your subscription plan from the list.
- Fill in all payment details.
- Download the Avira antivirus app and follow the installation instructions.
- Log in to your account and run your first scan.
Easy Use Interface Environment and setup
Let me tell you a little something about Avira. It is by far one of the most user-friendly software that I have ever used, and trust me, I have tried many. This program conveniently organizes everything you require into four main tabs: Status, Security, Privacy, and Performance. Once you select the tab you need, everything becomes self-explanatory. Virus scans, VPN access, file shredding capabilities, and all other features are just a click away.
Installing Avira is extremely easy. Just click on “Next” a few times, and you’re good to go. The installation duration can vary depending on your device. In my case, it took approximately 4-5 minutes for Avira to complete the installation on my computer. However, it may take less time.
Avira Antivirus mobile app
To ensure the security of your smartphone, Avira offers comprehensive coverage. You have the option to acquire the Avira Antivirus app from either Google Play for Android or the App Store for iOS. Once downloaded, you can either utilize the free version or log in to your Avira account if you have purchased an Avira suite for multiple devices.
Although the mobile version of Avira provides similar functionalities as its desktop counterpart, it offers a few exclusive benefits that make it stand out. One of these perks is the Anti-Theft feature, which not only tracks the location of your device but also allows you to erase its data in the event of theft or loss. Additionally, it enables you to secure your applications with a PIN code, preventing unauthorized access by strangers.
Furthermore, Avira mobile displays the permissions granted to your phone’s applications. With Avira’s assistance, you can set passwords for confidential apps and scan your network for any unwanted devices, such as your neighbor’s laptop. Moreover, there are two paid features available – microphone protection and camera protection. These features enable you to manage the apps that have access to your camera and microphone.
24*7/*365 Live Customer Support
| 24/7 live chat | |
| (paid subscription only) |
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| Phone line | (paid subscription only) |
| Guides or articles | |
In our previous evaluation of Avira Antivirus, we extensively discussed the program’s performance and functionality. However, it is essential to consider customer support as a crucial factor when selecting anti-malware software. Firstly, it should be noted that Avira Free does not provide any technical support. Consequently, users may need to rely on Avira’s knowledge base or their own internet search skills to address any issues they encounter.
Fortunately, all paid versions of Avira include customer support. Users have the option to either email or call the support team. Opting for a phone call may be preferable as waiting for an email reply from an agent could take several days. Additionally, customers who opt for Avira Prime (the most expensive edition) are granted the privilege of a toll-free number, which serves as a pleasant bonus.
Is Avira a good antivirus?
Avira is renowned for being one of the most secure and dependable antivirus solutions available in the market. It consistently achieves the highest malware detection rates and boasts a lightweight design. Apart from its impressive capabilities, Avira also includes additional features such as a VPN and a password manager.
What sets Avira apart is its well-developed free version, which utilizes the same top-notch malware detection software as the paid edition. However, it should be noted that the VPN and password manager have certain limitations. Even some of the paid plans come with restricted feature versions. Therefore, if you desire the complete antivirus package, investing in Avira Antivirus Pro – their most comprehensive and expensive plan – would be necessary.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Avira a good antivirus?
Indeed, Avira is considered to be one of the most excellent antivirus options available. Even its free version provides outstanding virus protection. Nevertheless, if you desire a secure browsing experience, it is advisable to consider upgrading to Avira Pro.
Which is better, Avira or Avast?
Although Avast’s paid versions may have more features than Avira Antivirus, both Avira and Avast have similar virus detection results. However, it is important to note that in early 2020, Avast was discovered selling customers’ browsing data to third parties. Therefore, it would be a safer choice to stick with Avira.
Is Avira Antivirus safe?
Certainly, Avira Antivirus has received numerous accolades for its reliability as an anti-malware solution. It consistently performs exceptionally well in tests assessing virus detection and removal. When compared to other prominent anti-malware software, Avira ranks among the top alongside popular security programs such as Avast. Furthermore, the developers of Avira continuously strive to enhance the software’s resistance against the latest hacking attempts and security breaches.
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Bottom Line
Avira offers an internet security suite that is reasonably priced and boasts an exceptional anti-malware engine. It also includes a wide range of useful additional features and can be used on all devices and operating systems. During my testing, Avira successfully detected 100% of the malware without causing any slowdown to my computer. Additionally, its system optimization tools are among the most impressive I have ever tested.
I particularly appreciate Avira’s secure password manager and find the VPN to be quite decent. However, it should be noted that Avira’s web protection does not match up to the standards set by Norton or Bitdefender. On a positive note, Avira offers one of the best free plans available in the market, and their Avira Prime package is cost-effective, providing comprehensive cybersecurity protection for up to 5 devices. Furthermore, each purchase is backed by a risk-free 60-day money-back guarantee from Avira.