Are you searching for the best antivirus to safeguard you from online threats? How about one that runs your computer smoothly and manages to offer you protection, and privacy?
Our recommendation: McAfee
With so many antivirus products in the market, there is none that’s like McAfee. With over 18.9 billion devices protected on a consistent basis, McAfee’s ability to deal with malware attacks come unmatched! McAfee has a dedicated database that is adept to deal with all sorts of virus attacks whether they may be online or offline. To browse their programs, check out their programs here!
Perhaps, you have read various Avira reviews, but you are still unsure whether there are the right Avira products for you. You can click here to compare it with other top internet security software's.
So, why should you read this review? Unlike other reviews, we have not just done thorough research about the software, we have also tested it. We have used it in our systems and monitored its performance for an extended period.
If you are looking for an honest and unbiased review of the antivirus program, don’t fret—we got your back. Read this review to make an informed decision. In addition, if you want to check out another option next, look into our PC Matic reviews.
Avira Review – Will It Keep You 100% Protected?
What is Avira anti-virus, and is it capable of protecting your computer from all threats?
If you use your computer to access the internet, undeniably, you need an antivirus to protect it from virus attacks.
Nonetheless, you have to be careful while you choose an antivirus. Some antivirus programs will do a careless job in dealing with these threats. Before concluding that Avira is a top antivirus, we had to test it on several features.
For instance, we wanted to find out about its privacy tools, advanced browser extensions, among others. What of its malware scanning abilities? Will you be wasting your time and money by using Avira?
According to this Avira antivirus review, the software is easy to use and offers overall protection to your device.
Avira has been in operation since 1986 and has protected millions of users. It boasts an intuitive website that is easy to use even for people who aren’t very technologically savvy.
In terms of appearance, the software has a gray and white background. The menu is black and white and appears at the end of the left side. Across the top is the status banner. At the center of the window, you’ll find a big button that helps to launch the quick scan.
If you are a gaming enthusiast, or online banking works better for you, Avira is for you. It protects you from all threats, including infected websites, ransomware, and phishing attacks. Therefore, you can shop, enjoy your game, and carry out your banking with confidence. We also reviewed other top gaming antivirus software.
Additionally, it protects your identity from theft by third parties. Avira internet security ensures that your logins, searches, and location are kept out of the eye of third parties.
One of the downsides about Avira is that it signs you up automatically. Thus, you start getting email notifications even if you didn’t request it. Also, it only offers browser protection for Firefox and Chrome browsers.
Avira Security Features
Avira offers you many features that ensure your computer is protected from all threats while also protecting your data from theft.
But can you use Avira on your mobile phone?
Yes, you can use the Avira antivirus mobile app to keep your phone free from any virus attacks.
Avira works with the Windows Firewall. In addition, Avira anti-virus is compatible with Windows, Mac OS X, Android, and iOS devices.
For the iOS phone, Avira anti-virus ensures that your phone is safe when you are using Wi-Fi connections. It also identifies an identity breach. If there is a data breach and your online identity has been leaked, the app sends you a notification immediately to act accordingly.
Additionally, the iOS version of Avira anti-virus offers Siri protection. The app blocks Siri commands from logging on Apple’s servers.
Surveillance has become the order of the day nowadays. As such, you need to ensure that your data is protected from theft. The Phishing protection helps to block any malicious site from getting your data.
The APK version of the app scans your phone for viruses. It detects any system installed viruses and then removes them immediately.

Are you worried about the apps that contain your personal data? Well, you don’t have to worry when you have the Avira Android app. The app includes an app locker that uses a password to secure apps that have your personal data.
It also offers you protection from malware. The app provides real-time protection to ensure that all malware applications don’t run. It also ensures they don’t access your phone camera and mic without permission.
Both the iOS and APK versions of the software are lightweight and easy to use.
The security page of the software is where you launch the scans for viruses. The page also allows you to configure your antivirus protection options.
Note, if you are using the free version of Avira anti-virus, you only access system protection. When you try to enable Email protection, Ransomware protection, and Web protection, you are redirected to a page where you are requested to upgrade to Avira Prime.
If you decline the request, Avira offers you a 30-day Prime trial.
Avira's software updater also scans your apps for any outstanding security patches. Online criminals are on the lookout for security gaps in programs. When they get a patch, they exploit it to the fullest. The Software Updater scans and flags any patches on any of your plans so that you can take necessary action.
So, what other features does Avira suite offer?

Antivirus Scanner
When we put Avira to the test, we wanted to find out, “Is Avira safe?” Is it a reliable antivirus that you can use on your PC?
During the test, we used malware samples to establish the efficiency of the antivirus.
After running the test, we can confirm that the Avira virus scanner is one of the fastest and reliable scanning engines that you can get. It is capable of detecting all the malware samples and blocking them. It was also successful in detecting advanced ransomware samples.
What’s more? The software allows you to manage your scan using specific scans.
If you want to use the scanner to detect malware in your device, open the antivirus, go to scan, and then launch a full scan if you wish to scan the whole system. Alternatively, you can open the software, go to advanced settings, select scan, and custom scan if you want to choose what to scan.
For instance, you can run the local drive for custom scans, active process scan, rootkit scans, and external device scans.
Apart from the ability to manage your scans, Avira also offers you Avira’s Protection Cloud. Avira’s Protection Cloud uses cloud technology to scan suspicious files. If you were wondering what makes the Avira antivirus so powerful, now you know.
The cloud technology undergoes scanning from time to time. It is, therefore, a significant advantage for Avira to integrate cloud technology into its real-time scanning. It means it will be scanning for the latest malware and suspicious files.
So, should you trust the virus scanning by Avira?
According to our extensive test, you’ll be doing yourself a big favor by using Avira as your virus scanning of choice. You can conduct your online businesses without worrying about being attacked.

Avira Web Protection
The Avira Web Protection feature is only available in the paid edition of Avira. If you are using the free version, you have to upgrade to Avira Prime.
The Avira Web Protection feature protects your device from harmful web content that is categorized as malware, phishing, fraud, and spam.
How do you use the web protection feature?
First, click on the Avira icon to launch the user interface. When the interface is open, you will see a menu on the left. Go to the menu and click on security. After that, click on the protection options. When you get to the website protection feature, click the on/ off switch.
As it is evident, it doesn’t matter if you are a novice or not when you want to use the website protection feature. It is a simple process that only requires you to follow a few steps.
So, did we test the website protection feature of Avira? Were the results satisfactory?
After running the website protection feature, the results were a bit of a disappointment. The feature didn’t detect any phishing site. The most frustrating part was the fact that it didn’t detect even sites that impersonate significant sites such as Amazon, LinkedIn, etc.
If you are using the chrome browser and wish to get the best results, you may have to add the Avira’s Shopping browser extension.
Does using the website protection feature affect your internet downloading speed?
The website protection feature requires a cache to receive data sequences. After the scan, the data is sent to the browser safely at maximum speed. The website protection then works very fast and only has minimal effect on your downloading speed.
While caching data, website protection works at half speed until half of the download is done. After that, it works at full speed.

Device Optimization Tools
One of the most frustrating experiences while working with a device is low speed. It is demotivating when you have to wait for just one command to be executed.
The slow speed may be as a result of too much cache. The cache is important as it saves data from previous searches to make similar searches in the future faster. The device becomes more efficient in that particular search but may become slower when doing other things.
If you wish to optimize your device’s speed, you can clear the cache manually or use a cache cleaner app to perform system speedup using System Speedup Pro. System Speedup Pro is an outstanding PC maintenance application that not only tramples on the capabilities of competing security suites.
If your device slowing you up? Don’t worry because Avira has you covered. It allows you to download free apps for Mac, Android, and Windows that will help you in cleaning your device’s junk file, updating your drive, optimizing your startup and managing your battery usage. In our comparison here, you can see how it performs against other top antiviruses for Windows 10, or you can check what it is like for Mac in our reviews here.
During our testing, we wanted to find out how fast the Avira’s cleaner would work and if it would do a good job in dealing with junk documents.
In this aspect, Avira outdid itself.
First, it was done with the scan within a matter of seconds, which is faster than other cleaners available online. Also, the cleaner discovered a lot of junk that was clogging the PC’s system and causing it to slow down.
What’s more?
Apart from identifying the junk documents that are clogging up the system, the cleaner also flags off some files, it can also detect a USB virus and you have the option to choose whether you want them removed or not. After showing you files that are slowing down the system, you then have various options on how you can deal with the malicious programs.
For instance, you can decide to delete them entirely if they are no longer helpful to you. Alternatively, you can stop them from booting.
Avira helps in optimizing your speed whether you are using Avira for Mac, Windows, or Android.
Avira cleaner for Android is a one-touch button that helps you to free junk to optimize your phone’s speed. The app allows you to identify files in your phone that are taking so much space, draining the battery and causing the phone battery to overheat. After the cleanup, you are done with the ‘no memory’ pop-ups that frustrate you on your phone.
The optimizer for Mac is ideal when you want to free a few megabytes to Gigabytes of disc space. It clears junk files and cache that speeds up your Mac. Additionally, it helps in tracking removed items and freed up space.
The speed optimizer for windows is seamless and effortless to use. It helps to remove all clutter and optimizes startup for a faster boot. The bottom line has too many programs running at the same time may slow you down.
Avira cleaner assists in identifying programs that automatically run on start. You can either stop or postpone the progress, you don’t need to remove the programs that are slowing you down.
During the cleanup, Avira allows you to choose between two cleanup options. These include the standard and hyper boost options. Hyper boost option is so intense that it can speed up your PC’s boot time by several minutes.
However, it takes quite a while and may require the PC to restart a number of times. The best thing would be to use the hyper boost option after a lengthy period. Also, ensure you have enough free time for your computer to restart a number of times.

Avira VPN
Data surveillance has become the norm in the online world. Therefore, you must protect your data from leakages and hide your location from possible online exploits.
As such, Avira Phantom VPNs come in handy in helping to secure your connection. The virtual private network comes with several features and has servers in over 20 countries around the world. Most of the countries that host the servers are mostly in North America, and Europe. Others are China and Singapore.
Using the VPN is as simple as selecting the country you want and clicking the secure connection button that is green.
The VPN is available in either a free version or a paid-up version. For the free installation of Avira Phantom VPNs, you don’t have access to tech support. You also don’t enjoy some advanced features, and it caps your bandwidth at 500 MB per month. Apart from Avira antivirus, check out other antiviruses with VPN in this post.
The free VPN is available for all operating systems, including free VPN for Windows, Android, iOS, and Mac.
Alternatively, you can go for the unlimited data option that is available for prime users.
The bottom line is, Avira Phantom VPN enables you to connect securely, surf anonymously, and unblock websites.
How does Avira VPN make your life better?
The good antivirus and VPN software makes it possible to listen to your favorite music, irrespective of whether it is blocked on YouTube in your country. If the song is locked in your country, turn on the Avira VPN and choose a virtual location of choice, and you’ll be able to sing along to your favorite music.
Additionally, it comes in handy in helping you save money. Before you can pay for anything using your credit card, you can compare prices in different locations and select the best deals. Then, use the VPN to choose the said location and enjoy the best deals.
The VPN also helps you to circumvent internet censorship so that you can connect to your social network accounts even in locations where they have been blocked. With that, you can enjoy chatting with your friends on Facebook or any other social network that is blocked in your location.
Unlike other VPNs in the market that limit you on the number of devices you can protect, Avira Phantom VPN allows you to protect all your devices.
The VPN is free to use and has a strict no-logging policy. That means that the VPN doesn’t track your browsing data, and they cannot sell the same to third parties, including law enforcement and government.

Password Manager
One outstanding feature about the Avira password manager pro is that unlike other password managers, it is entirely web-based.
The password comes with an intuitive dashboard that makes it easy to use even for novice users. It uses a data breach tool, “have I been owned,” to check whether there has been a leak of any of your information online.
One downside with the Avira password manager is that you cannot upload images. This can be a big letdown, especially if you wish to upload vital documents for safekeeping.
Today, coming up with a password is hard enough; leave alone remembering one. Most passwords ask you for a minimum of 8 characters, and you should mix them with symbols and numbers. If you have more than one online account and you use different passwords for all of them, it might be a challenge remembering each one of them.
With the Avira Password Manager, you only need to remember one master password, and it will do the rest to save all of your login credentials.
For instance, it enables automatic logging into your online accounts. It comes up with unique and strong password and stores them.
If your online account is hacked, the password manager notifies you. The feature is available for Pro users. Another feature that Pro users enjoy is that the password manager checks for reused and weak credentials. Thus, you can revise the passwords for better protection of your data and identity.
Perhaps, you are wondering, is one master password safe?
Avira offers extra protection to safeguard your master password, ensuring nobody can compromise it. For example, it uses bank-grade encryption to ensure that all your logins are secure and inaccessible to exploits even from hackers.
Additionally, even Avira anti-virus doesn’t know your login credentials. It is only you who understands and can control your passwords. If you are using your phone, you can use the thumb or face recognition software to ensure only you have control to your data.
The 2-factor authentication process makes the log in more secure. When you request to log in, you’ll receive a security code through text. You can then enter the security code along with the master password.
The password manager is available on AppStore and Google Play. You can also enable the Avira extension on Chrome, Firefox, Opera, or Edge.

Avira Safe Shopping
Avira Safe Shopping is a free and discreet add-on that helps to secure your privacy and surfing.
You can add the extension to your browser of choice, including Chrome or Edge.
How do you benefit by using Avira Safe Shopping on your browser?
The add-on prevents browser hijacking from any quarters. Do you get annoyed with the many ads popping up while you are surfing? The Avira Safe Shopping takes care of them by blocking all infected and annoying ads.
It also helps you to find the best deals for commodities that you wish to buy. It also prevents companies from tracking you and blocks phishing and blocking websites.
Finally, the app comes in handy in helping you to detect unwanted apps in your downloads.
The best thing is that you can customize the browser security for your reference. You just need to switch the individual features on/off, and you are good to go. The extension on your browser will display the trackers on each page and the blocked ads.
Why should you use the Avira Safe Shopping extension?
For starters, it has a straightforward installation process, and you will be done with the installation within a short time. It is also useful in blocking sites, and it is simple to use for everyone. And you will be happy to save some cash while doing your online shopping.

Additional Features
Avira antivirus has many more features apart from the antivirus scan and optimization tools. These additional features include:
File Shredding: the file shredder feature enables you to remove files such that they are not accessible to hackers altogether.
Process manager: process manager is a useful feature that monitors all the running processes. It stops the unnecessary ones that might be slowing your device down.
File recovery: you don’t have to worry if you delete some files accidentally. Avira antivirus enables you to recover all the files that you delete by unwillingly.
Disk defragmenter: with a disk defragmenter, you can enhance the speed of your hard drives with better organization
Network traffic manager: the network traffic manager shows you which apps are connected to the internet and allows you to manage the connections. You can stop some apps from accessing the internet and only connect them back when necessary.
File encryption: this feature secures and protects all your files and folders using passwords
Game booster mode: the feature helps to optimize CPU usage and gaming performance
You won't experience any problems using these Avira’s additional features, as all of them are easy to use and come with an intuitive interface.
Avira Ease of Use and Setup
There is no shortage of antiviruses and antivirus reviews in the market today. Out of the many antiviruses, none can beat Avira in terms of ease of installation. You don’t need to be knowledgeable about installing software to install Avira antivirus.
Whether you are downloading it for Mac, Windows, Android, or iOS, you will be done with the installation within minutes. You only follow a few clicks, and you are good to go.
After installation, you’ll enjoy one of the most intuitive interfaces you can come across. Even if you are not tech-savvy, you will have an easy time running the antivirus scan, using the optimization features, among others.
However, there are so many additional features that they might be overwhelming for a novice. No need to panic as the essential features such as device optimization, antivirus scan are easily accessible. As you continue using the software, you will get used to other features.
We also love that the software is extremely lightweight. As such, you don’t have to worry about it, affecting the overall performance of your device. It also handles phishing attacks with ease, and it remains discrete in the background.
Avira Plans and Pricing
The software also allows you to protect multiple devices.
So which are the plans that Avira offers?

Free edition
Avira antivirus makes it possible for you to enjoy free protection for your device without paying using their Avira free product version. The free versions offered by Avira protects better than some other paid plans by other antiviruses.
What do you get with the Avira antivirus free edition?
- Browsing security
- Real-time protection
- Device optimization
- Phantom VPN
- Antivirus scanner
- Safe shopping browser
The Phantom VPN hides your location so that hackers and other internet users cannot track you. Avira boasts of over 20 servers worldwide so that you can choose your preferred location.
The Phantom VPN on the free edition of Avira antivirus has some downsides. For instance, you are limited to 500 MBs of free data each month. 500 MBs are very minimal, and barely enough for some Google searches in a day.
Additionally, with the free version, you are only allowed link to the nearest server. You are not allowed to use any other server from anywhere else in the world. What does that mean for you?
The VPN is going to be of minimal assistance in unblocking blocked content in your current location. For instance, if your favorite song is blocked on YouTube in your current location, Phantom VPN helps you to use another server in another location and use it to listen to the song. The feature is only available in paid Phantom VPN.
The Avira free security suite plan has a powerful antivirus engine, just like in the premium version. Therefore, you can be sure of optimal protection against malware. The cloud-based scanning feature makes Avira antivirus a top antivirus software that also protects against ransomware. Other antivirus software requires you to pay for their premium plan for you to enjoy ransomware protection.

Avira Antivirus Pro
The antivirus pro plan comes with all the features in the free version plus email protection and website protection.
It allows you to cover 1, 3, or 5 devices. Unlike in the free edition, the antivirus pro package includes customer support. If you experience any issues using the software, you can contact the support team via phone or email and get assistance.
If you go for this package, you will not enjoy protection on your online accounts and fixing your software flaws. You are also not assured of secure payments and credit cards.
How much do you pay for the package?
How much you will pay depends on the package’s duration and the number of devices you wish to connect. For example, you’ll pay $5.99 monthly to connect five devices.
Avira Internet Security
Avira Internet Security Suite package includes everything from the antivirus pro package, broken driver fixer, driver updater, password manager, and automatic software updater pro.
Unlike the pro package, this plan helps to connect your online accounts, automatically update your programs and drivers, fix your software flaws, among other functions.
It covers 1, 3, or 5 devices.
Avira Internet Security package costs $46.99 to cover one device for one year. If you wish to go monthly, you’ll pay $4.99 for a device per month.

Avira Prime
Avira Prime package includes all the features from the other premium packages but also includes:
- Advanced PC optimization
- VPN with unlimited data
The package covers a minimum of 5 devices, but you can also select the unlimited devices option. However, note that the unlimited devices refer to devices used in one household.
The Avira Prime package will be the best option if you are looking for a lightweight software with a wide range of features.
The plan will cost you $79.99 a year to cover five devices.
Avira Customer Support
Avira customer support is available in various ways, including phone support, email support, and knowledge base FAQ.
If you are using Avira’s free edition, free users can only browse the knowledge base FAQ. However, the questions and answers are entirely instrumental in helping you deal with any issues you may have.
Premium users have access to a toll-free number that you can use to ask your questions. Avira antivirus software reviews paint the support team as one of the best you can find. They are friendly and provide helpful solutions to your problems.
Premium users also have the option of contacting the support team via email. However, don’t expect the fastest response through emails. On the contrary, phone calls are quicker.
You can also contact the team if you have an issue that requires a refund. If the refund is approved, you can expect the payment in your account within a few days.


Conclusion
Should you trust Avira antivirus as a reliable and secure antivirus? We have offered an unbiased Avira review to help you make an informed decision.
Avira anti-virus is one of the best antiviruses you can find in the market. Unlike other antiviruses, you don’t need to be technologically savvy to install and use the software. You’ll be done with the installation with only a few clicks. The intuitive Avira interface makes it easy to use.
Additionally, the antivirus stands out due to the massive features that it offers. For instance, the Phantom VPN protects you from harmful companies, hackers, and other internet users. The device optimization, software updater, and password manager make Avira anti-virus stand out from the rest.
Our recommendation: McAfee
Although the product we talked about are notable in the market, it doesn’t come close to McAfee. McAfee is a leading antivirus company in the cybersecurity industry due to its unique line-up of programs catered to dealing with malware and antivirus attacks. No wonder over 18.9 billion devices are protected using McAfee! Check out their security programs here!
FAQs
1. Is Avira Free Antivirus any good?
Avira Antivirus blocked 99.3 percent of the latest malware and viruses in the most recent antivirus software testing session conducted by AV-Comparatives. These results are exceptional when compared to other anti-malware applications. True, the majority of antivirus software detects at least 97% of viruses and outdated apps which is quite good.
If you buy Avira Antivirus Pro, you receive all of the features included in the free version and the following features like internet security, Email security Customer service, browser safety, etc. On the other hand, Avira Antivirus Pros is $44.99 a year (or $4.99 per month) in the United States.
2. Which is better Avast or Avira?
Although Avast's free version is less feature-rich, Avira antivirus is a more robust piece of software in general. Not only will it function more efficiently, but it will also be more affordable and free of data collection scandals. Avast is a behemoth of an antivirus service, but it lacks the usability necessary to make it worthwhile.
3. Should I pay for Avira?
If improved ransomware and email scanning are a priority for you, the cost may be justified. If you must pay, I recommend Avira Prime, which will easily cover all of your PCs, phones, and tablets for even the most tech-obsessed families.
4. Which is better Avira or AVG?
While Avira anti-virus has a more comprehensive feature set and excellent malware protection, AVG offers more affordable pricing and higher customer satisfaction ratings from independent sources. Additionally, AVG's interface is more straightforward and user-friendly than Avira's.
5. Does Avira slow down computer?
Avira is a well-known antivirus software. I have used their product for years and it has never slowed down my computer. It's easy to use, doesn't take up much space, and is always protecting me from viruses.