Avira Antivirus Review (2023 Update): The Pros & Cons

Avira review: summary

Avira is ranked #7 out of 20 antivirus software.

Avira is one of the best antivirus of 2023. It has near-perfect anti-malware protection, a minimal impact on the speed of your PC, many important security features, and a great price.

However, Norton 360 Standard is more affordable than Avira Prime and has better test scores. On top of that, Norton includes features that Avira doesn’t have, like a dark web monitor, parental controls, and a privacy monitor.

So although Avira is great, Norton is even better.

• Malware protection: 90%. Avira averaged 5.90 out of 6 in the last 10 protection tests. It is excellent at detecting and removing malware.
• Speed impact: 85%. Avira averaged 5.85 out of 6 in the last 10 performance tests. So it has a minimal impact on your PC’s speed.
• Features: 80%. Avira offers anti-malware, anti-phishing, firewall, unlimited VPN, password manager, but misses others, like parental controls.
• Price: 85%. Avira offers more value for money than most antivirus software, but Norton and Kaspersky are even better.

Try it risk-free, thanks to the 30-day money-back guarantee.

Specification comparison

Below, we have compared Avira Prime to Norton 360 Standard. These are the most affordable products at each brand, which allow you to protect at least 1 PC with the core features:

• Anti-malware
• Anti-phishing (web protection)
• Firewall
• Password manager
• Unlimited VPN (no data limit)

Norton 360 is the best antivirus for Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS.

Click the links to compare the prices of the best antivirus software:

🥇 Norton Antivirus - The best of 2023
🥈 Bitdefender Antivirus
🥉 McAfee Antivirus

Or read our complete comparison of the best antivirus of 2023.

Test score comparison

We’ve compared the 10 most recent test scores of all antivirus brands. The tests were performed by AV-Test, the German anti-malware test lab. They use three factors:

• Protection (1-6): Antivirus protection against malware attacks.
• Performance (1-6): System slowdown caused by the antivirus.
• Usability (1-6): Frequency of false alarms and disruptions.

We used their results, and this formula, to calculate the final score:

Final Score = 60% Protection + 20% Performance + 20% Usability.

Brands not listed in the table haven’t participated in the analysis by AV-Test. This is usually not a good sign. Because most reputable brands, except Panda, ESET, and Sophos, partake in the test.

Click the links to compare the prices of the best antivirus software:

🥇 Norton Antivirus - The best of 2023
🥈 Bitdefender Antivirus
🥉 McAfee Antivirus

Or read our complete comparison of the best antivirus of 2023.

Price comparison

We’ve compared the prices of the top antivirus products for Windows. To make it a fair comparison, we looked at what it would cost us, to protect a Windows PC with the following essential features:

• Anti-malware
• Anti-phishing (web protection)
• Firewall
• Password manager
• Unlimited VPN (no data limit)

A few notes:

• Some brands are missing features, lowering their value for money.
• Prices are second-year prices in the USA, without first-year discounts.
• Prices are rounded up for readability (e.g., $99.99 becomes $100).

Brands have different prices outside the USA. See those on their website.

Click the links to compare the prices of the best antivirus software:

🥇 Norton Antivirus - The best of 2023
🥈 Bitdefender Antivirus
🥉 McAfee Antivirus

Or read our complete comparison of the best antivirus of 2023.

User reviews

We’ve compared the user reviews of all antivirus brands. We’ve used the scores and review count of TrustPilot, a leading user review platform. However, take these results with a grain of salt, as some brands actively attempt to increase their ratings.

Personally, we are wary of exceptionally high scores. Especially those by brands such as TotalAV, known for aggressive marketing and sales tactics.

We consider scores between 4.0 and 4.5 good and realistic. Higher scores are dubious, and lower scores indicate that the brand might have a poor product or customer service. McAfee’s scores, for instance, are worrying.

Click the links to compare the prices of the best antivirus software:

🥇 Norton Antivirus - The best of 2023
🥈 Bitdefender Antivirus
🥉 McAfee Antivirus

Or read our complete comparison of the best antivirus of 2023.

Product analysis

In the table below are the core products with their features and prices. 

The prices shown are from the USA. However, most brands have different prices (and currencies) in other regions. So visit the brand’s website to see the price in our country.

Click the links to compare the prices of the best antivirus software:

🥇 Norton Antivirus - The best of 2023
🥈 Bitdefender Antivirus
🥉 McAfee Antivirus

Or read our complete comparison of the best antivirus of 2023.

Avira antivirus review

Antivirus scanner

Avira boasts a potent cloud-based antivirus scanner, which analyzes files against an extensive malware database while also employing heuristics for zero-day threat identification.

The cloud-based approach ensures Avira’s advanced scanning tools do not hinder user devices. Avira’s technology is so effective that other antivirus vendors, such as TotalAV and Systweak, have licensed it.

In our testing, Avira identified all malware files, matching the performance of top competitors like Norton, Bitdefender, and McAfee. The full system scan took slightly over an hour, without causing any significant slowdown. We believe this is noteworthy.

Avira provides a range of scan options, including full system, quick, Smart Scan, rootkit, local drive, external device, and hard drive scans. We appreciate the Smart Scan feature, which addresses malware, network security, outdated software, privacy vulnerabilities, and device performance issues. Avira makes fixing these problems effortless by updating apps, eliminating junk files, and adjusting settings.

While specialized scans are beneficial for tech-savvy users seeking specific areas, we recommend most users utilize the full disk or Smart Scan tools. These options cover all areas at once, especially since advanced malware files can replicate themselves and hide in various parts of a system.

In conclusion, Avira’s anti-malware scanner ranks among the best on the market, offering fast and efficient scanning without compromising system performance. Its array of scan options, including the Smart Scan that assesses system vulnerabilities and performance concerns, ensures your device operates optimally.

Web protection

Avira’s Browser Safety add-on, compatible with Chrome, Firefox, and Opera, successfully obstructs phishing sites, ads, and trackers. It surpasses built-in protections of Chrome and Firefox and outshines uBlock Origin in ad-blocking on most tested websites.

However, Avira’s defense against exploits—web tools leveraging software flaws—leaves much to be desired. Detecting merely 12% of exploit attacks, it pales in comparison to Bitdefender’s 100% detection. Avira Browser Safety must bolster its anti-exploit prowess to truly excel, given its strong ad, tracker, and phishing site blocking capabilities.

Device optimization tools

Avira provides outstanding system enhancement instruments that are straightforward and bolster device performance. The primary features comprise a PC junk file cleaner, startup optimizer, driver updater, battery usage manager, and game booster.

The junk file cleaner identifies and eliminates unneeded files, while the startup optimizer pinpoints programs that decelerate start-up time and presents a Hyper Boost alternative for refining the boot process. In our view, Avira’s driver updater scans applications and informs users of outdated ones, essential for both performance and safety.

Regrettably, the battery usage manager falls short, merely offering a low energy mode without pinpointing specific apps or processes consuming battery life.

The gaming booster augments CPU output during gaming sessions by terminating background apps and fine-tuning network configurations. Nevertheless, Norton’s gaming booster surpasses Avira’s, as it reallocates system processes for optimal gaming efficacy.

In conclusion, we find Avira’s device optimization tools to be among the most sophisticated system refinement tools on the market. Their overall performance is praiseworthy, despite certain limitations.

VPN

Avira’s Phantom VPN delivers robust security, an extensive server network, swift speeds, and a strict no-logs policy. However, it falters in consistently accessing streaming platforms.

The Phantom VPN Pro, offering unlimited data, is included in Avira’s premium Prime package or can be purchased separately for $59.99/year. We believe the Prime subscription provides greater value for most users.

Key features of this VPN include unbreakable 256-bit AES encryption, adherence to a no-logging policy, DNS leak protection, and access to over 1,400 server locations in 30+ countries for Pro users. Additionally, it supports P2P file sharing and offers a kill switch for Windows users with the Pro version.

Phantom VPN boasts fast connection speeds, rivaling top standalone VPNs like ProtonVPN. It also supports unlimited simultaneous connections. However, we must note that it cannot be installed on routers, game consoles, or smart TVs.

Unfortunately, this VPN fails to work with popular streaming sites such as Netflix, Amazon Prime, or Disney+. On the other hand, it does support P2P traffic and is compatible with major torrenting clients.

In summary, Phantom VPN is a decent option, particularly as part of the Avira Prime package, but superior standalone VPN exist, like CyberGhost and NordVPN. It remains a solid choice for users seeking a user-friendly, secure, and fast VPN with a wide array of international server locations.

Password manager

Avira’s password manager excels in secure storage, user-friendly design, and robust security characteristics. In 2023, it stands among the top antivirus-integrated password managers. We appreciate its provision of unlimited password storage and synchronization in the free version, while paid plans offer enhanced features.

Notable elements include 256-bit AES encryption, biometric mobile access, two-factor authentication, password creation, automatic saving and filling, data breach tracking (Pro version), and password vault assessment (Pro version).

The password manager presents a tidy dashboard and browser extension compatible with Chrome, Firefox, Microsoft Edge, and Opera. However, the extension’s absence of a password generator is a notable drawback.

The mobile application, compatible with Android and iOS, efficiently integrates auto-fill and biometric login functionalities, seamlessly syncing logins across devices. The vault auditing instrument effectively organizes insecure logins to bolster overall vault security. Simultaneously, the data breach monitor delivers real-time updates on possible breaches.

Avira’s password manager falls short in supporting 2FA USB tokens, family password vault sharing, and live dark web monitoring. Nonetheless, this easy-to-use and secure solution remains an excellent choice, with most features available free of charge.

Additional features

Avira offers a range of features, including file encryption, file shredding, network traffic management, process oversight, disk defragmentation, file restoration, and Safe Shopping. While some are accessible on Windows and Mac, Avira’s centralization is convenient. The file shredder stands out, but Safe Shopping disappoints, providing lackluster deal suggestions.

Installation and user experience

Setting up and using Avira is a breeze. The installation takes under 10 minutes and demands minimal user input. Avira’s features are user-friendly, and scheduling scans is effortless. Avira provides a variety of scan options and remains lightweight, consuming 20-25% of CPU power during a full scan.

Users can continue using their PCs during scans without any slowdown. In conclusion, Avira caters to beginners while offering strong security and device optimization features. We appreciate its clear, concise, and professional approach.

Mobile app

The Avira mobile app works on Android and iOS, offering numerous features in a user-friendly interface. The antivirus scanner is fast and efficient, removing or quarantining all test malware files. Key features include web protection, device finder, camera/microphone security, permissions management, app locker, call blocking, VPN, password management, performance optimization, identity alerts, and Siri/iOS updater (iOS only).

Users appreciate the permissions manager and microphone protection for better control. The performance optimizer helps keep phones running smoothly, cleaning both internal and external storage. The anti-theft function works well, but is less accurate than Norton. Despite this, Avira’s mobile apps are packed with features for device security, privacy monitoring, and performance optimization.

Customer support

Avira has solid customer support. You can reach them through email, phone, or their online knowledge base. However, live chat is missing. Free users can only use the knowledge base, which has detailed answers for most issues.

Premium users have a toll-free number, available in 30+ countries from 9am–11pm CET. Other countries can call, but at local rates. We tried the phone support and received friendly, clear help after a short wait. Email support is also available for premium users. Responses take up to 24 hours, which could be faster.

Conclusion

Avira is a top antivirus option, with high malware detection, various security features, and an easy-to-use interface. It’s lightweight and doesn’t use much CPU power.

Avira has extra features like device optimization tools, a secure password manager, and an automatic software updater. The VPN is good, but not the best. Avira could improve by adding parental controls and better mobile anti-theft features like Norton.

In conclusion, Avira is a cost-effective antivirus with great features and a 60-day money-back guarantee for risk-free testing.

Click the links to compare the prices of the best antivirus software:

🥇 Norton Antivirus - The best of 2023
🥈 Bitdefender Antivirus
🥉 McAfee Antivirus

Or read our complete comparison of the best antivirus of 2023.

How do we test antivirus software?

The best antivirus software offer virus protection, identity theft protection, and privacy protection for Windows, macOS, and Android. Some also offer security features for iOS and Linus.

To evaluate which providers are worth your money, we run 11 tests:

> Test 1: Anti-malware protection test

We analyze antivirus software’s capability to detect and eliminate known and unknown malware, using heuristic analysis for behavior monitoring.

We conduct in-house tests and analyze those from labs like AV-Test, SE Labs, and AV-Comparatives to determine the best malware protection.

Malware includes adware, keyloggers, ransomware, rootkits, spyware, trojans, viruses, worms, and more. Other cyber threats, usually not classified as malware, are (zero-day) exploits, hacks, identity theft, phishing attacks, scams, and social engineering.

> Test 2: False positives test

False positives occur when antivirus software misidentifies legitimate software, files, or websites as malicious. We rely on AV-Test’s large-scale analysis of false positives in its usability test to guide our evaluations.

> Test 3: System performance test

We measure the CPU load during antivirus software system scans and consider AV-Test’s performance results on the slowdown caused by antivirus software when opening websites and handling software.

> Test 4: Firewall test

We evaluate two-way firewalls that filter incoming and outgoing data and allow users to set rules to regulate data streams. We use the ShieldsUP! test to determine if the antivirus software blocks all ports.

> Test 5: Password manager test

We assess password managers’ ability to create, store, and autofill secure passwords, as well as additional features like two-factor authentication and biometric login.

> Test 6: Virtual Private Network (VPN) test

We evaluate built-in VPNs on their security, privacy, speed, compatibility with streaming services, unlimited data access, and support for peer-to-peer networks and torrent clients.

> Test 7: Parental control test

We examine parental control features, such as screen time rules, website/app blocking, and real-world location tracking. We test these features on a device and attempt to circumvent them, checking if the activity is accurately reported in the parental control admin.

> Test 8: Anti-phishing protection test

We evaluate antivirus browser extensions that block phishing sites by installing them and attempting to visit dangerous URLs.

> Test 9: Ransomware protection test

We assess security suites’ ability to prevent data encryption through exploit prevention and behavioral detection during ransomware attacks.

> Test 10: Bonus features test

We test any additional cybersecurity tools such as:

• Ad Blocker
• Anti-theft
• Dark web monitoring (identity protection)
• Email protection
• File encryption
• File shredder
• Gaming mode
• Microphone protection
• PC maintenance features
• Secure browser (hardened browser to protect your online banking)
• Secure cloud storage (cloud backup)
• Spam filter
• Startup optimizer
• Tune up tools
• Virtual keyboard
• Webcam protection

> Test 11: Operating system and multiple devices test

Operating system and multiple devices: We test antivirus software on Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS devices and award bonus points for unlimited device protection.

> Test 12: Ownership and reputation test

We analyze the trustworthiness of antivirus companies, especially concerning customer data. We read press releases, news articles, and privacy policies to determine their reputation.

Sources and tools

Below are the sources and tools we’ve used to test the antivirus software:

• Apple Platform Security
• AV-Comparatives Consumer
• AV-Test Android
• AV-Test macOS
• AV-Test Windows
• GRC Firewall Test
• Microsoft Defender
• SpeedTest VPN
• Trustpilot Security Software

Click the links to compare the prices of the best antivirus software:

🥇 Norton Antivirus - The best of 2023
🥈 Bitdefender Antivirus
🥉 McAfee Antivirus

Or read our complete comparison of the best antivirus of 2023.

Frequently Asked Questions

Below are the most frequently asked questions.