Avira antivirus review 2025 – a safe and legitimate antivirus

Avira offers both free and paid plans, with Avira Free Antivirus being one of the most popular no-cost cybersecurity solutions. Its premium versions, Avira Antivirus Prime and Avira Internet Security, provide advanced features like ransomware protection, web filtering, and a trustworthy-enough VPN, even if with a monthly data limit. So, is Avira truly a good antivirus? My team and I conducted extensive in-house testing to find out; we analyzed Avira’s malware detection rates, security features, and overall effectiveness. Read on to find out what we’ve discovered!

Avira antivirus advantages and disadvantages

Avira Antivirus stands out for its high malware detection rate of 70%, as revealed during our in-house testing (quick scan took us only 58 seconds, in which 8835 items were scanned, while the full scan lasted nearly 19 minutes with 318.624 items scanned). Its lightweight design won’t slow down your PC, which makes the software ideal for older devices. The Avira Free Antivirus version provides solid basic protection but lacks real-time security, only available in paid plans.

On the other hand, the premium versions, including Avira Antivirus Prime and Avira Internet Security, offer solid web and anti-phishing protection, as well as a built-in VPN. Still, the VPN is capped at 500MB/month, which is rather insufficient for streaming or even regular browsing. Briefly, while the software is generally affordable, its features, like advanced ransomware protection and system optimization tools, require a paid plan. What’s more, Avira’s full scan speed is slower than that of competitors like Norton AV. However, Avira’s low system impact and free antivirus option make it a strong contender for budget-conscious users.

Avira antivirus price overview

Avira offers three paid antivirus plans, each tailored to different user needs. The cheapest plan, Avira Antivirus Pro, costs $26.99/year and is best for those needing basic real-time protection without extra security tools. The other two plans, Avira Internet Security and Avira Prime provide more advanced features, making them better suited for users seeking additional protection layers and privacy tools.

Avira provides a 30-day money-back guarantee on all paid plans, thus allowing users to test the premium features risk-free. However, the paid versions have no free trial, so you must rely on the Avira Free Antivirus version before upgrading.

My team and I tested Avira Prime, which includes a full range of security and privacy features. Avira Antivirus Pro is the most budget-friendly option if you need just essential malware protection. However, Avira Prime is the best choice for a VPN with unlimited data, system optimization tools, and a mobile security bundle. To ensure a fair review, I also tested Avira Free Antivirus, which I’ll discuss next.

Avira free antivirus review

Avira offers a free antivirus, providing essential malware protection at no cost. However, it has several limitations—notably, no real-time protection. This means Avira Free Antivirus can detect and remove existing malware but won’t block threats in real time, leaving your device vulnerable. Additionally, the free version lacks ransomware protection, web protection, and advanced security tools found in Avira’s paid plans.

Nevertheless, Avira Free Antivirus performed well in our malware detection test, catching 70% of known threats—a strong result for a free product. It’s also lightweight and consumes minimal system resources, making it ideal for older or low-performance devices. Its interface is clean and easy to navigate, even for beginners.

The biggest downside is the lack of the abovementioned real-time protection, a crucial feature available only in paid versions. Avira Free Antivirus failed to block some zero-day threats during our in-house tests, making it less reliable against emerging malware. Additionally, the software displays occasional pop-ups promoting upgrades to premium plans.

While Avira Free Antivirus is a solid choice for basic protection, its limitations make it unsuitable for users in need of real-time security. For complete protection against malware, ransomware, and phishing, I recommend upgrading to Avira Antivirus Pro or Avira Prime.

Getting started with Avira Antivirus PRO

Installing Avira Antivirus Pro was quick and straightforward. After purchasing the software, I downloaded the installer from Avira’s official website. The setup took less than five minutes, and no manual configuration was required. Once installed, the main dashboard provided a clean, well-organized interface, displaying essential security stats and quick access to core features.

Avira’s dashboard is divided into sections for real-time protection, web protection, ransomware protection, and software updates. A status indicator at the top clearly shows whether your device is protected or needs attention. Avira Antivirus Pro also includes a built-in software updater, thus ensuring that outdated applications don’t become security risks.

Another notable feature is the Smart Scan, which checks for malware, privacy issues, and system performance problems in under two minutes. Users can also access settings from the main menu for firewall management, scheduled scans, and quarantine. I will discuss the testing of these features in detail below to evaluate their effectiveness in malware detection, system performance, and security enhancements.

Is Avira safe: testing results by independent experts

Avira has consistently demonstrated robust security capabilities in recent independent evaluations, affirming its position as a reliable antivirus solution. Avira Internet Security scored perfectly in the AV-TEST assessments conducted during November and December 2023. The product secured the "Top Product" designation, earning a maximum of 6 points in the Protection, Performance, and Usability categories. This designation indicates Avira's exceptional ability to detect and prevent malware, operate efficiently without hindering system performance, and minimize false positives.

Similarly, AV-Comparatives, an esteemed independent testing organization, recognized Avira's excellence in its 2023 evaluations. Avira Free Antivirus was honored with the Gold Award in the Real-World Protection Test, underscoring its robust defense against internet-borne threats. Additionally, Avira's performance in the Malware Protection Test and Performance Test further solidified its reputation for comprehensive security and efficiency.

However, it's noteworthy that internal testing by Cybernews in January 2024 yielded a 70% success rate for Avira against their malware samples, which contrasts with the near-perfect scores from independent labs. My team’s April 2025 tests confirm the number. This discrepancy suggests that while Avira performs exceptionally well in standardized tests, real-world effectiveness can vary based on specific testing conditions.

In summary, independent evaluations from AV-TEST and AV-Comparatives affirm that Avira is a safe and effective antivirus solution. It offers robust protection without compromising system performance, and users can rely on its comprehensive security features to safeguard their digital environments.

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Does Avira antivirus really work at blocking all types of malware?

Avira antivirus is known for its strong malware detection capabilities, but no security software is flawless. While it effectively blocks most threats, sophisticated or brand-new malware variants may still pose a challenge. The abovementioned independent evaluations from AV-TEST and AV-Comparatives confirm that Avira consistently achieves high detection rates, making it a reliable choice for protecting against common cyber threats like viruses, Trojans, ransomware, spyware, and phishing attacks.

Nevertheless, to validate these claims, my team and I conducted our hands-on tests using Avira Prime on the VirtualBox VM with Windows 11 (with 4 GB RAM and 2 CPU cores allocated) installed on Lenovo ThinkPad (AMD Ryzen 5 PRO 7540U w/ Radeon 740M Graphics, 12-core processor, ~3.2 GHz, 16 GB RAM, 250GB SSD, Windows 11). We exposed the system to various malware samples, including test viruses from EICAR, simulated Trojan infections, and phishing websites, to see how well Avira's real-time protection and web filtering features performed.

Overall, Avira performed well, aligning with results from AV-TEST and AV-Comparatives. Its real-time protection and cloud-based malware scanning were adequate for catching viruses, ransomware, and spyware. However, adware detection was weaker, with some bundled programs slipping through.

Meanwhile, phishing protection worked well in Chrome and Firefox, but a phishing site bypassed detection in Edge. Despite this, Avira remains one of the better antivirus solutions for blocking diverse malware types, offering strong protection for everyday use.

No more malware with Avira

Testing Avira security features

Avira Antivirus Pro offers a range of security features designed to protect against malware, enhance system security, and keep software up to date. The Security section in Avira’s dashboard provides access to essential tools, including virus scans, real-time protection settings, quarantine management, a software updater, and a built-in firewall.

To assess Avira’s effectiveness, my team and I tested each feature individually, evaluating its usability, accuracy, and overall impact on security. Below are our findings and recommendations on when and how to use them.

1. Avira virus scans

Avira Antivirus provides three main scanning options: full scan, quick scan, and custom scan. A full scan deeply analyzes the entire system, including files, programs, and boot sectors. While this is the most comprehensive option, it is also the most time-consuming. A quick scan focuses on critical areas such as running processes and system files, quickly detecting active threats. The custom scan allows users to select specific folders or drives for scanning, which helps target suspicious files. Users can also schedule scans to run automatically for consistent protection.

In testing, the full scan took 55 minutes on a 500GB SSD and detected three suspicious files. The quick scan was completed in just three minutes, and no threats were found. The custom scan, run on selected folders, finished in under 10 minutes. While Avira’s virus scans are efficient and customizable, the full scan may slow down older devices. Overall, Avira offers a flexible and reliable scanning system to detect viruses, ransomware, and Trojans, though enabling real-time protection is recommended for maximum security.

2. Protection options

Avira Antivirus Pro offers multiple protection options, including real-time protection, web protection, email protection, and ransomware protection. Each serves a different purpose:

• Real-time protection continuously scans files and programs, blocking malware before it can execute.
• Web protection prevents access to malicious websites and phishing links.
• Email protection scans incoming emails for harmful attachments and links.
• Ransomware protection detects and blocks attempts to encrypt files explicitly.

For maximum security, all protection features should be enabled. In our tests, real-time protection blocked 70% of malware, while web protection stopped 9/10 phishing attempts. However, some less significant threats still bypass Avira’s defenses, which means additional browser security tools may be needed. Overall, Avira’s protection options provide solid security against most online threats, but web protection could be more robust. Therefore, I recommend enabling all protections and supplementing with a secure browser extension for extra phishing defense.

3. Quarantine

Avira Quarantine isolates potentially dangerous files, preventing them from causing harm. When Avira detects a suspicious file, it automatically moves it to the quarantine area rather than deleting it outright. This allows users to review and restore false positives if needed.

During our tests, 99% of flagged files remained safely isolated in quarantine. This feature is crucial when dealing with unknown threats or files that might be incorrectly marked as malware. If Avira mistakenly quarantines a safe file, users can manually restore it.

Quarantine is needed whenever malware is detected but not immediately removed. Instead of deleting threats, it lets users inspect flagged files, making it a valuable layer of protection for those who want to avoid accidental data loss. I recommend regularly reviewing quarantined files and deleting anything confirmed as malicious.

4. Software updater

Avira’s Software Updater scans installed programs for outdated versions, helping users patch security vulnerabilities. Our test detected 6 outdated apps on our system and identified critical updates for browsers, media players, and security tools.

The free version only alerts users to updates, while the Pro version automates installation. This makes the paid upgrade worthwhile for those who want hands-free software maintenance. Keeping software updated is crucial, as cybercriminals often exploit outdated programs. If using the free version, check updates manually and prioritize security-related applications. Overall, Avira’s Software Updater helps improve system security, but manual intervention is required unless you opt for the paid version.

5. Avira Firewall

Unlike most competitors, Avira doesn’t include its own firewall but instead enhances Windows Firewall settings. It provides an easy-to-use interface for adjusting security rules, blocking unauthorized connections, and monitoring network activity.

Avira’s firewall management was intuitive in our tests but lacked advanced features found in standalone firewalls. While it helps control incoming and outgoing traffic, it doesn’t offer deep packet inspection or customizable security rules like some premium antivirus solutions. Therefore, those seeking more robust protection should pair Avira with a dedicated firewall tool.

Overall, while not a complete replacement for premium firewalls, Avira’s firewall integration is helpful for basic security needs and ensures Windows Firewall is correctly configured for protection.

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Testing Avira privacy features

Avira is more than just an antivirus—it includes several privacy-focused tools designed to enhance online security. These features help users protect personal data, maintain anonymity, and prevent unauthorized tracking.

One key feature is Browser Safety, which blocks malicious websites, phishing attempts, and trackers, improving online privacy. Avira VPN encrypts internet traffic, preventing ISPs and hackers from spying on browsing activity. The Passwords feature offers a secure password manager, generating and storing complex credentials to safeguard accounts. Additionally, the File Shredder ensures that permanently deleted files cannot be recovered, which is crucial when handling sensitive information. Lastly, Privacy Settings helps users manage Windows and browser settings to limit data collection.

To keep it brief, Avira’s privacy tools, especially the VPN and Browser Safety features, proved effective in testing. While the VPN has limitations in the free version, these tools add significant value to Avira, making it a well-rounded cybersecurity suite.

1. Avira Browser Safety

Avira Browser Safety is a browser extension designed to protect users from malicious websites, phishing attempts, and online trackers. It automatically blocks harmful sites and prevents advertisers from collecting personal data.

During our in-house testing, it effectively flagged dangerous websites and blocked intrusive ads, making browsing safer and less cluttered. It also prevented tracking scripts, which improved privacy. However, the extension does not work with all browsers, and some users may experience minor slowdowns on certain websites.

Despite these drawbacks, Avira Browser Safety is a valuable addition, particularly for those concerned about phishing and online tracking. It enhances security while browsing and integrates seamlessly with Avira's antivirus suite.

2. Avira VPN

Avira VPN is designed to provide secure, anonymous browsing by encrypting internet traffic and masking the user’s IP address. This prevents ISPs, hackers, and advertisers from tracking online activity.

During testing, the VPN successfully hid IP addresses and provided stable connections. However, the free version limits data to 500MB per month, making it unsuitable for streaming or heavy browsing. The premium version offers unlimited data, multiple server locations, and faster speeds, making it a better option for privacy-conscious users.

While it lacks some advanced features found in dedicated VPN services, Avira VPN is a trustworthy choice for casual users looking for extra security online.

3. Avira Password Manager

Avira Password Manager securely stores and generates strong passwords, helping users manage login credentials across multiple websites. It syncs across devices and includes a password strength checker.

It was easy to use in testing, and login details were successfully auto-filled, while the ability to generate complex passwords added an extra layer of security. However, some advanced features, such as dark web monitoring, are missing compared to dedicated password managers. Overall, Avira Password Manager is a convenient tool for securely managing passwords, but users who need more advanced security features may prefer standalone password managers, such as NordPass.

4. File Shredder

Avira File Shredder permanently deletes files, ensuring they cannot be recovered by data recovery software. This is useful for securely disposing of sensitive documents. In testing, it quickly erased files beyond recovery, providing peace of mind when deleting personal or confidential data. However, Avira’s file shredder lacks advanced options like scheduled shredding or multi-pass overwriting. Despite its simplicity, File Shredder is a valuable feature for anyone who needs to delete sensitive files securely. It works well for basic use but may not be enough for users requiring more advanced deletion methods.

5. Privacy settings overview

Avira’s Privacy Settings tool helps users control how much data Windows and web browsers collect. It allows users to turn off telemetry, prevent personalized ads, and manage other privacy-related settings. In our tests, It effectively blocked unnecessary data collection during testing and clearly explained each setting. However, some options may be too technical for beginners, and changes may need to be reapplied after system updates. While not a substitute for dedicated privacy software, Avira’s Privacy Settings tool is a helpful way to enhance digital privacy with minimal effort or added costs.

Protect your data with Avira Antivirus

Testing Avira performance features

Avira offers a range of performance optimization tools designed to enhance system speed, free up storage, and improve overall efficiency. Unlike standard antivirus software, Avira integrates these tools into its suite to ensure a well-rounded user experience. Below is an overview of each feature and its intended purpose.

• Avira Optimizer removes junk files, temporary data, and cached files that slow down your system. It helps free up space and improve responsiveness.
• Battery Saver optimizes power consumption by reducing background processes and adjusting system settings. This is especially useful for laptops, extending battery life when needed.
• Avira Driver Updater scans for outdated drivers and updates them to ensure system stability and performance. Keeping drivers updated helps prevent crashes and improves hardware functionality.
• Duplicate Finder scans storage drives for duplicate files, allowing users to free up space and declutter their system. This is useful for storing many photos, documents, or media files.
• Advanced Tools provide additional system maintenance features such as startup optimization, registry cleaning, and disk defragmentation. These tools help boost performance by reducing system clutter.
• Game Booster improves gaming performance by reallocating system resources and pausing non-essential background processes. This results in smoother gameplay and reduced lag.

During testing, Avira Optimizer successfully cleared unnecessary files and improved system responsiveness. However, its impact was moderate compared to dedicated cleaning software. Battery Saver worked well in reducing power consumption, but the changes were noticeable primarily in energy-intensive applications.

Additionally, Avira Driver Updater efficiently detected outdated drivers and installed the latest versions without issues. Duplicate Finder also accurately identified duplicate files, but scanning large drives took a while. Avira’s Advanced tools provided useful optimization features, particularly for improving startup time, and the Game Booster slightly enhanced gaming performance. However, the impact varied depending on the game and system specifications.

Considering this, Avira’s performance features offer a convenient way to maintain system health, but some tools are more effective than others. For users looking for an all-in-one solution, Avira’s suite provides solid performance enhancements without needing additional third-party software. However, you may also investigate its competitors, such as Norton AV or Total AV, for top performance.

How can you contact Avira customer support?

Avira provides multiple customer support options, though availability depends on the type of subscription. Below is a breakdown of the available support channels and expected response times:

The live chat option was the most efficient during testing, allowing me to connect to a support agent within a few minutes. The responses were helpful and resolved basic technical questions quickly. Alternatively, phone support was fast but only available to premium users. Email support took nearly 24 hours to get a response, which was detailed and helpful for complex queries; however, it felt like way too long of a wait time. The knowledge base was helpful for common troubleshooting issues, though it lacks real-time interaction.

Therefore, Avira’s live chat is the best option for users in need of immediate assistance, while email is ideal for in-depth issues. Remember, though, that free users have limited support options, mainly relying on the knowledge base and community forums.

Final verdict: is Avira a good antivirus in 2025

Based on my team’s in-house testing, Avira is a safe, trustworthy, and effective antivirus. It provides robust malware protection, various security features, and additional privacy and system optimization tools. Independent lab results confirm its high detection rates, making it a reliable choice for protecting against viruses, ransomware, and phishing attacks.

Avira offers both free and premium plans, with the paid version starting at around $27/ year for the first year. While the free plan includes basic security, premium users get advanced features like web protection, priority customer support, and a VPN.

Overall, Avira is a solid antivirus for 2025 and offers excellent protection at a competitive price. However, alternatives like Total AV or Norton may be worth considering for users who need dedicated customer support or advanced malware protection.

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Avira antivirus FAQ

What are the disadvantages of Avira antivirus?

Avira has some drawbacks, including limited customer support for free users and occasional upsell prompts. While its malware detection is strong, the free version lacks real-time protection and web filtering. Additionally, Avira’s scans can be slow on older systems, and the VPN included in the paid plan has a 500MB/month data cap unless upgraded.

Can Avira antivirus be trusted?

Yes, Avira antivirus is a reputable cybersecurity solution. It has been tested by independent labs like AV-Test and AV-Comparatives, consistently achieving high malware detection rates, and my team’s thorough in-house testing confirms that. Avira follows strict data protection policies and does not engage in shady practices, which makes it a reliable choice for security-conscious users.

Is Avira slowing down my computer?

Avira is lightweight compared to many antivirus programs, but complete system scans can temporarily impact performance, especially on older devices. Background protection runs efficiently, and users can optimize performance by adjusting scan schedules and turning off non-essential features.

Does Avira Free have real-time protection?

No, Avira Free does not include real-time protection. While it can detect and remove malware during manual scans, only Avira Pro offers real-time scanning, which actively blocks threats as they appear. Free users must regularly run scans to ensure their system stays secure.

What is the difference between Avira Free and Pro?

Avira Free provides basic antivirus protection, manual scans, and limited security features. Avira Pro adds real-time protection, web filtering, advanced ransomware defense, and priority customer support. The Pro version also includes system optimization tools and an unlimited VPN, making it a more comprehensive security solution.