What is Avira?
Avira is one of the most experienced, and most trusted, antivirus solutions on the market. They offer a completely free version, so there is no excuse why you cannot protect your device.
The free version of Avira is available for Windows PC or Mac, and provides detection and removal of malware and ransomware attacks. There is never any obligation to, but if you want to take advantage of more advanced features, then you can always upgrade to a paid version.
These paid versions offer mobile protection, and multi-device protection, however only on the top tier plan. This makes Avira a great option for any individual, however if you a couple, family or organization, there might be better options on the market for you.
Avira
What popular features do you get with Avira?
- Password manager
- Windows, Mac, Android and iOS
- Free version
- Real-time protection
- Removes spyware and malware
- Multiple plans available
- Home network security
- Automatic updates
- Easy to use interface
- Lots of ancillary utilities
Who is Avira ideal for?
Avira focuses on making antivirus software accessible and easy to use for any of us. They have a very easy account creation and sign-up process, a completely free version, and you do not even need to download any software.
Particularly for the individual only looking to protect a single device, Avira offers a great way to protect yourself for free, with the option to upgrade to a paid version if you need some extra features. If you are looking at protecting multiple devices, there are some other options on the market which might be most cost-effective for you.
Pros and Cons
- Avira is incredibly accurate at identifying and removing files and programs that are a threat on your device.
- You have the ability to download the program, or simply access the antivirus protection through its web-based program.
- When researching and exploring their solutions, Avira does a great job of explaining each feature in layman’s terms, so you know exactly what the program will be doing on your device.
- They offer one of the most extensive free versions on the market. It is not just a trial period, but a completely free version which includes many features.
- Only their top tier plan includes multi-device protection, so if you have multiple devices, this is your only option, and only covers up to five devices.
- Avira does not automatically schedule scans to occur in the background. Some of their features, such as browser protection, will occur automatically, but virus scans have to be run manually.
- If downloading the program to your device, it can take up a lot of room, with each scan adding a new scan file, which can use up a lot of your disk space.
People like you also researched
Here are some products we think might be a good fit based on what people like you viewed.
TotalAV
- Significant first year savings
- Real-time protection
- Removes spyware and malware
- Multiple plans available
McAfee
- Password manager
- Identity protection
- Advanced firewall tools
- Multiple plans available
Norton
- Real-time protection
- Removes spyware and malware
- Advanced firewall tools
- Provides protection for Windows, Mac, iOS and Android
How much does Avira cost?
*based on information provided by the vendor. Actual cost may vary.
Avira offers a range of plans, which will be suitable for a lot of us, but are certainly not as extensive as some other companies.
Where they stand themselves apart however is with their free version. Rather then a free trial period, you can use the Avira Free Security plan ongoing, without paying anything, or even providing a credit card. This plan will provide you with detection and removal of malware and ransomware in real-time.
For greater protection, you will need to sign up for a paid version of their software. Their basic plan is Avira Antivirus Pro. This will only cover a single device, and in addition to real-time malware and ransomware protection, you will get browser protection, blocking infected and fake websites, and protecting you from phishing attacks. This plan will set you back $21.99 per year.
For a few extra dollars per year – a total of $28.99 – you can opt for their Avira Internet Security Suite. In addition to the previous inclusions, you will also get access to a password manager and a software and driver updater. These features will automatically log you into all your accounts using strong, unique passwords, and automatically update to protect you from new threats.
The top level of protection is Avira Prime, and includes a raft of new features, such as an unlimited, encrypted VPN, device cleaner, premium mobile app and access to VIP customer service. You will also be able to protect up to five devices, for an annual fee of $54.99.
Customer Support is available at Avira
Avira offers a varying level of customer service which is dependent on your purchased plan.
If you are using the free version, or the two lower levels of paid software, your only place to turn in time of need is their website, which offers a contact form, as well as help guides. These are quite diverse and extensive, and offer a search function, but if you try and contact their chat or phone support, you will be asked to purchase a higher subscription.
If you are on their Avira Prime plan, you will have access to their customer support team through phone or chat, and given the limited access, you will rarely be waiting long for them to answer.
Conclusion
Avira provides a solid option for the general user who is looking at protecting their device. If you are unsure, or just want simply protection from malware and ransomware, Avira provides a great way to have that for free.
If you are wanting more extensive coverage, or are wanting to protect multiple devices, Avira might not be the best option for you. The only multi-device plan is relatively expensive for what it offers, so while it is still a great solution, it might be worth shopping around.
