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Antivirus Software review
Avast logo

Avast review

Best free all-in-one app

Well-known free antivirus inside the Avast One app, with paid upgrades for a VPN and more. Windows users who want free protection beyond the built-in tools and are comfortable reviewing privacy settings. We rank it #9 of 10 in our antivirus software comparison, with an editorial score of 7.9 out of 10.

Updated By the ChoosyOwl editorial teamHow we rank
7.9/10
Our editorial score

Avast scores well on Protection features for a free product and on Independent testing presence because it is routinely included in lab tests. It scores lowest on Privacy & trust because of the 2024 FTC order over browsing-data sales through its former subsidiary Jumpshot, and loses points on Performance impact & ease of use for upgrade prompts in the free version.

How we score antivirus software

Visit site (Avast, opens in a new tab)

Quick facts

Our rank#9 of 10
Best forBest free all-in-one app
PlatformsWindows, macOS, Android, iOS
Extras (varies by plan)VPN, scam and identity tools on paid plans; check plan
Facts checkedNovember 14, 2026

Details are general and can change. Check current plans, prices and terms on the Avast site. See the Avast company profile in our brand directory.

Overview

Avast is one of the most widely used free antivirus brands and is part of Gen Digital, the company that also owns Norton and AVG. Its free antivirus now sits inside the Avast One app, with free versions for Windows, macOS, Android and iOS. Paid upgrades add features such as Premium Security, a VPN and identity tools.

Avast is routinely included in independent lab tests; check AV-TEST and AV-Comparatives for current results.

On privacy: In June 2024 the US Federal Trade Commission finalized an order that bans Avast from selling or licensing web browsing data for advertising purposes. The FTC alleged that Avast sold browsing data through its subsidiary Jumpshot after claiming its software would block third-party tracking. The order also requires Avast to pay $16.5 million, which the FTC said is expected to be used for consumer refunds (per the FTC's June 27, 2024 announcement). Review Avast's current privacy settings and data-sharing options after you install it.

Pros and cons

Pros

  • Capable free protection
  • Routinely tested by independent labs
  • Easy upgrade path to paid plans

Cons

  • Upgrade prompts in the free version
  • 2024 FTC order over past browsing-data sales
  • Extras require paid plans

Key features

  • Free antivirus in the Avast One app
  • Free versions for Windows, macOS, Android and iOS
  • Paid upgrades with a VPN and Premium Security
  • Web protection and scam alerts

Who Avast is for

A good fit if

Windows users who want free protection beyond the built-in tools and are comfortable reviewing privacy settings.

Look elsewhere if

Anyone for whom a provider's past data-sharing history is a dealbreaker.

How we scored Avast

Avast scores well on Protection features for a free product and on Independent testing presence because it is routinely included in lab tests. It scores lowest on Privacy & trust because of the 2024 FTC order over browsing-data sales through its former subsidiary Jumpshot, and loses points on Performance impact & ease of use for upgrade prompts in the free version.

Our antivirus software score weighs protection features (30%), independent testing presence (20%), extras & value transparency (20%), performance impact & ease of use (15%), privacy & trust (15%). See the methodology.

Avast alternatives

  1. #1
    Bitdefender logo

    Bitdefender

    Best overall

    Strong, lightweight protection with a regular presence in independent lab tests.

    • Real-time malware, web and ransomware protection
    • Apps for Windows, macOS, Android and iOS
    • VPN and password manager on some plans
    • Free antivirus edition for Windows
    9.4/10
    Editorial score
    Visit site (Bitdefender, opens in a new tab) Read review
  2. #2
    Norton 360 logo

    Norton 360

    Best for identity protection

    Feature-packed security suite with identity monitoring options for US customers.

    • Real-time malware, web protection and firewall
    • VPN and password manager on most plans
    • Dark web monitoring; LifeLock features on some US plans
    • Parental controls and cloud backup (Windows) on some plans
    9.2/10
    Editorial score
    Visit site (Norton 360, opens in a new tab) Read review
  3. #3
    Mc

    McAfee

    Best for households

    Long-running consumer suite with identity monitoring and scam-protection tools.

    • Malware and web protection
    • VPN included on many plans
    • Identity monitoring features
    • Scam-detection tools on some plans
    8.8/10
    Editorial score
    Visit site (McAfee, opens in a new tab) Read review

Head-to-head

See all 10 antivirus suites compared

Avast FAQ

Is Avast Free Antivirus really free?

Yes. Avast offers free antivirus protection, now inside the Avast One app, supported by prompts to upgrade. Extras such as the VPN require a paid plan.

Is Avast safe to use after the FTC case?

In June 2024 the FTC finalized an order banning Avast from selling or licensing web browsing data for advertising purposes, after alleging that it sold browsing data through its subsidiary Jumpshot. Review Avast's current privacy policy and settings and decide whether you are comfortable with them.

Are Avast and Norton the same company?

Avast, Norton and AVG are all part of Gen Digital, but they are sold as separate products with different plans and apps.

Sources and fact check

We checked the facts on this page against Avast's own website on .