Avira antivirus is a German multinational company largely recognized for its extensive free version. While Avira does also provide paid subscriptions, its free antivirus software remains its most popular. The Avira name was launched in 2006, yet the software has origins that date back all the way to the mid-1980s. Avira has over 100 million customers, making it the sixth most popular antivirus software program according to OPSWAT.

Pros

• Free version is great value with opportunity to upgrade for reasonably yearly rate
• Performed very well in independent studies especially regarding virus and malware detection
• Supports a variety of different devices, including Mac and PC as well as Android and iOS smartphones

Cons

• Only supports Chrome and Firefox browsers
• Average rating when detecting email phishing scams

Avira Protects You From…

Avira notes on its website that every second someone is impacted by identity theft. As a result, they offer protection from dangerous malware and spyware that attempts to wreck your personal identity.

Avira has performed very well in many independent studies which is impressive because you are getting quality antivirus protection for no cost at all (unless you upgrade to a paid version, still reasonably priced).

While Avira does also check your email and other online accounts associated with it, the one area it has not performed exceptionally well in independent studies is with anti phishing. For elderly users who may be especially susceptible to these scams, Avira may not be the best option.

Avira delivers instantaneous results and seeks to keep all of your devices fast and clean. Aside from having limited browser support (Chrome and Firefox only), the antivirus software supports Mac, PC, Android and iOS devices. For Chrome and Firefox, get a more secure web browsing experience with private and anonymous VPN security.

The discrete VPN security not only enables you to browse the internet privately (your IP address is not exposed) but also blocks you from millions of harmful websites. The private security extends to phones, including the aforementioned Android and iOS compatibility. It also locks personal information stored on phones, even if the device is stolen.

Users may also remotely manage and secure their devices, offering complete control over the performance, defense and privacy of said devices. Avira Connect will remotely install and manage the security of all your devices from one dashboard.

Devices/Operating Systems Avira Supports

Avira is compatible with Windows, Mac, Android and iOS. However, it only protects browsers related to Chrome and Firefox. There is no browser protection for Microsoft Explorer or lesser known internet browsers.

As for Windows, Avira supports versions 7, 8 and 10 (any edition, 32-bit or 64-bit). It recommends an Intel Pentium 4/AMD Athlon 64 or above processor. Also 2 GB of RAM and 2 GB of free hard disk space.

Avira only provides customer support with its paid subscriptions (more information, below). You will not get any support with its free version.

Installation & Performance

The installation of Avira is middle of the road. Since the most popular download is the free version, there is a few delays compared to some of the paid subscriptions out there, yet install times are still reasonable. The install process is straightforward and gets you through the necessary steps.

Again, because the primary version of Avira is free, the scan is slower and does bog down computer performance compared to some of the paid versions out there. But if you are willing to be patient, many consider the slower scans a small price to pay for a free antivirus software program.

Avira also is aggressive in their up-selling methods. Expect to have a fair share of pop-ups and offers trying to get you to upgrade to the paid subscription.

Price

Avira offers the popular free version along with two paid subscriptions. The Free Security Suite includes Avira antivirus software along with a software updater and VPN. Meanwhile, the Avira Internet Security Suite ($51 per year) and Prime Antivirus suite ($113 per year) are also available.

The Avira Internet Security Suite provides more tools and detailed scans than the free version. You will also not be pestered by annoying pop-up ads and get all the essentials of a quality antivirus platform. The Internet Security Suite also includes Software Updater Pro and customer support.

The Prime subscription provides the most tools of any of the packages with VIP customer support and all the premium tools to keep your PC or Mac completely safe.

Conclusion

It is hard to beat anything that is free, especially when it performs very well. Avira has done exceptionally well in independent studies, so its value is nearly unmatched. It is a foreign antivirus software provider, which may turn some off — but it is difficult to find a better free antivirus software platform on the market.

Avira antivirus is largely recognized for its extensive free version. Avira has also done exceptionally well in independent studies, so its value is nearly unmatched.