Avira vs. Avast: Top-class antivirus programs – with differences in the details

With the ever-increasing threats on the Internet, a reliable virus scanner is essential to protect personal and professional data. Avira and Avast are among the most popular options in this category.

1. The most important functions at a glance

2. User-friendliness

3. Price: What subscription versions are available?

4. Support

5. Conclusion: Avast or Avira?

According to the providers, both guarantee comprehensive protection against viruses and malware, but which software really does what it advertises? We looked at both antivirus programs and compared them in terms of features, user-friendliness and price-performance ratio.

The most important functions at a glance

Avast’s free offering is already very comprehensive and offers comprehensive antivirus protection. It blocks the biggest threats, including ransomware. If you want to protect other devices on your network, the integrated network scanner can help.

The paid Avast Premium subscription also offers DNS protection to reduce phishing attempts. You can also use the Avast Sandbox to check unknown software in an isolated test mode.

There are also privacy features, including a webcam blocker, the ability to encrypt files, and a deletion program to completely remove sensitive files. Avast Ultimate also offers a VPN, a password manager, and a file cleaning tool to remove junk files.

Avira has both free and paid security products in various subscription options. The flagship product is Avira Prime, which gives subscribers full access to the entire suite of Avira premium products, including Avira Antivirus Pro.

Avira subscribers also get access to a PC cleaner called System Speedup Pro, which removes temporary files and speeds up your computer, and a software scanner that updates outdated and vulnerable apps.

To ensure greater anonymity when surfing the Internet, you also have your own VPN called Phantom VPN at your disposal. The range of functions is supplemented by a password manager and Avira Privacy Pal. With the latter, you can check various PC and browser settings and remove cookies. There is also a mobile app for users of Android and iOS devices.

User-friendliness

Avast scores with quick setup and an intuitive user interface. The tool has one of the easiest-to-use antivirus clients with an attractive color scheme. With only four categories, most of Avast’s features are fairly easy to find.

Each feature has a short description explaining what it does. You can also customize the dashboard to your liking. However, keep in mind that Avast displays a lot of advertisements for paid features in its free version.

Avira can also be installed and set up in just a few minutes. While the software interface seemed a bit overloaded in previous versions, the manufacturers have made major improvements here. The clear user interface offers many customization options and thus makes it easy to get started.

Price: What subscription versions are available?

There are three different Avast subscriptions, all of which are available for macOS, Windows, but also iOS and Android. The free version, Avast Free Antivirus, detects and blocks viruses and malware in real time and offers a browser extension with a tracking blocker.

For a wider range of functions, you should invest in Avast Premium Security. The subscription currently costs 45 dollars for the first year for one device, or 59.88 dollars for use on a maximum of ten devices.

New to the program is Avast One, which gives you access to all of Avast’s security features, including a VPN and an advanced firewall. You can use Avast One Silver on up to three devices for 35.88 dollars per year, while Avast One Gold costs 77.88 dollars and is available for a maximum of ten devices. There is also a free basic version of Avast One.

Avira also offers free virus protection with Avira Free Security. This includes a VPN (500 MB per month) and a PC cleaner. The paid Avira Antivirus Pro, on the other hand, costs 20.95 dollars for one device in the first year, 59.95 dollars for three devices and 69.95 dollars for five devices.

Avira Antivirus Pro is part of the complete Avira Prime package, which gives you access to all premium features. The all-in-one package is priced at 59.95 dollars for the first year for up to five devices. If you want to use the software on a maximum of 25 devices, you have to pay 134.95 dollars per year.

Support

When it comes to customer support, Avira is more convincing. At Avast, direct support is reserved exclusively for premium customers and is only available via the contact form.

Users of the free version, on the other h and, have no way of opening a support ticket. However, you can use the support center, where you will find an “Academy for Online Threats”, an FAQ section and a forum.

Direct email and telephone support is only available with paid subscriptions from Avira. To use this, you must first register to verify your subscription. However, you will look in vain for a live chat with both providers.

Avira offers a detailed knowledge base with helpful instructions in several languages ​​on its website. There is also an FAQ section that answers questions about common problems.

You can also ask questions in the community forum, where employees are also active. In addition, you can Avira YouTube channel where you will find helpful tutorials.

Conclusion: Avast or Avira?

Both Avast and Avira are robust security solutions, each with its own strengths. Avast impresses with a user-friendly interface and a wide range of features offered in different subscriptions.

Particularly noteworthy is the comprehensive protection provided by additional tools such as the sandbox and a webcam blocker. The ability to customize the dashboard is also a plus, although the free version is somewhat marred by frequent advertisements for paid features.

Avira also offers a comprehensive protection package that includes not only virus protection but also tools such as the system cleaner Speedup Pro and Privacy Pal. Access to these functions is available in paid subscriptions such as Avira Prime.

Avira’s support is also a bit more accessible, with an extensive knowledge base and an active community forum. In addition, you can only reach Avast’s customer service via the contact form.

Antivirus programs compared: Our test winners promise the highest level of security

Ultimately, the choice between Avast and Avira depends on your specific needs and preferences. Both solutions offer effective protection against digital threats. However, if high-quality customer support is important to you, you should lean towards Avira.

Are the prices of Avast and Avira too high for you and basic protection is enough for you? Then you should take a look at our comparison of the best free antivirus programs.

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