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Avira Antivirus Prime Review (2024 Update): The Pros & Cons
By Tibor Moes / Updated: November 2023 / Rating: 5 of 5
Avira Antivirus Prime 2024: Review Summary
Avira is ranked #7 of 28 antivirus brands.
Avira Antivirus Prime is one of the best antivirus programs. It has perfect anti-malware protection, no impact on the speed of your PC, all the security features you need, and a great design.
Buy it if you want excellent protection and intuitive design. You will get anti-malware, anti-phishing, a password manager, and a VPN. On top of that, Avira finally includes an excellent firewall.
Alternatively, you could consider Norton 360 Deluxe. For about the same price, it includes a few extra features like a privacy monitor, parental controls, and a dark web monitor.
- Malware protection: 100%. Avira detected and removed all of the 1,200 malware samples in our test.
- Speed impact: 100%. Avira’s anti-malware engine is lightweight and did not slow down our test PC.
- Features: 100%. Avira Prime includes anti-malware, anti-phishing, firewall, VPN, password manager, and more.
- Price: 90%. Avira has a great price. But at Norton, you’ll get a few more features for the same amount of money.
Thanks to the 60-day return policy, you can try it risk-free.
Ranking | #7 of 28 |
Anti-malware | ✅ |
Anti-phishing | ✅ |
Firewall | ✅ |
Password Manager | ✅ |
Unlimited VPN | ✅ |
Operating systems | Windows, macOS, iOS, Android |
🔥 Discount | Save 70% on Avira 🔥 |
Avira Antivirus Prime 2024: Full Review
Avira is ranked #7 of the 28 best antivirus of 2024.
We put Avira through its paces and were really impressed. It caught every nasty virus we threw at it, scoring a perfect 100%. Surfing the web felt safe too, thanks to its top-notch online security. Its password tool is just as good as dedicated ones you’d pay extra for.
But what really sets Avira apart is its free plan. It’s the best we’ve seen, and the paid plans offer bang for your buck. Overall, Avira offers strong protection and great value.
Anti-malware
We tested Avira’s anti-malware features and can vouch for its effectiveness. Its cloud-based scanner breezed through our tests, identifying 100% of malware without bogging down our devices. Even big names like McAfee slightly slowed us down during tests, but not Avira.
What really caught our eye was the Smart Scan. It did more than just find malware; it also flagged privacy risks and system hiccups in a single sweep. It pointed out 14 privacy settings that needed attention and even found junk files and outdated apps.
For those who know their way around tech, Avira offers specialized scans like rootkit and external device scans. But most people will be more than covered by the full disk or Smart Scan options.
In short, Avira offers a robust, quick, and efficient anti-malware solution. From general to specific scans, it’s geared to both tech novices and pros.
Anti-phishing
We tried out Avira’s Browser Safety extension on multiple fronts: phishing, ads, and exploit attacks. Good news first: it excelled in blocking phishing sites and ads, even outperforming Chrome and Firefox’s built-in features. When we pitted it against uBlock Origin, a well-known ad blocker, Avira still came out ahead in most cases.
But it wasn’t all sunshine and rainbows. We were let down by its ability to fend off exploit attacks. While Bitdefender caught 100% of these tricky intrusions, Avira only managed to detect about 10%.
So, while Avira’s Browser Safety is strong in blocking phishing and ads, its weak spot is definitely exploit protection. We’d like to see improvements there to make it a truly all-around secure choice.
Firewall
Avira’s firewall monitors data flowing in and out of your device via algorithmic rules. Optionally, you can set specific rules per app, determining which apps can access the internet.
There is also intruder prevention. A feature that will stop hackers from getting data out of your device. You can manage how these attacks are handled in the firewall’s settings.
Password manager
We tested Avira’s password manager and found it to be a standout, even when compared to some standalone options. It’s generous too, offering unlimited password storage in its free version, which is rare to see. Avira makes it easy to switch between mobile and desktop with seamless syncing.
Security-wise, it’s top-notch with 256-bit AES encryption, biometric login on mobile, and two-factor authentication. It also features handy tools like auto-save and auto-fill for your logins.
On the flip side, we did notice one missing feature. While there’s a password generator in the desktop app, it’s absent from the browser extension. This would be really useful for creating new, strong passwords on the fly.
Overall, it’s a comprehensive and user-friendly tool. From solid encryption to ease of use, Avira’s password manager covers almost all the bases.
VPN
We took Avira’s Phantom VPN for a spin and came away mostly pleased. Speed-wise, it held up well, only reducing our connection by about 25-30%. For basic activities like browsing, gaming, and downloading, it’s more than adequate.
Security is tight, featuring 256-bit AES encryption and a strict no-logs policy. Plus, it offers DNS leak protection. If you go for the Pro version, you also get a kill switch that cuts your internet if the VPN drops.
For those into torrenting, you’ll be glad to know that P2P is supported. This sets it apart from some other antivirus-bundled VPNs that don’t allow torrenting at all.
However, there are some downsides. It didn’t perform well in bypassing geo-restrictions on popular streaming platforms like Netflix and Amazon Prime. Moreover, it’s not as versatile as standalone options like ExpressVPN, which can be installed on routers and smart TVs. And the data limit on lower-tier plans is just 500 MB, which is quite limited.
So, is it worth it? If you’re going for Avira’s Prime package, the VPN is a nice add-on. But for dedicated streaming or complete household protection, you might want to look elsewhere.
Other security features
Device optimization tools
We dug into Avira’s device optimization tools and came out impressed. The junk file cleaner alone freed up over 1GB of space on our test systems. It even lets you review flagged files before you delete them. This feature is as effective as TotalAV’s cleaner, which is saying a lot.
Startup optimizer
The optimizer cuts down on boot time by managing startup programs, and even offers a Hyper Boost for those struggling with slow boot times.
Driver updater
The driver updater scans your software, nudging you to update for better security and performance.
Game booster
For gamers, Avira’s game booster is effective, reducing lag and improving CPU performance. Though it’s not quite as advanced as Norton’s, it’s definitely a solid tool.
Battery manager
The battery manager is basic, only offering a low-power mode. It could benefit from a feature to identify power-hungry apps or processes, which it currently lacks.
As for other features, Avira offers a range, from file encryption and shredding to network and process management. The file shredder worked flawlessly in our tests, securely erasing files beyond recovery.
However, the Safe Shopping browser extension didn’t shine. It offered irrelevant product alternatives and rarely found better deals.
Overall, Avira’s extra features are mostly hits with a few misses. They add solid value, especially for users looking to optimize system performance and secure their data.
Mobile app
We tested Avira’s mobile apps on both Android and iOS and were largely pleased with the experience. The Android antivirus scan was quick, taking under 5 minutes, and impressively caught 100% of our test malware. Feature-wise, the app is stacked. It includes everything from web protection and call blocking to a full-fledged VPN and even Siri protection for iOS users.
The permissions manager stood out for us, helping to easily manage app permissions. The performance optimizer was another highlight, noticeably speeding up our test phone. The anti-theft feature, while functional, didn’t match up to Norton’s pinpoint accuracy.
Customer support
When it comes to customer support, Avira does a solid job. The telephone support was helpful and efficient, and the online knowledge base is extensive. The downside? No live chat and limited options for free users. Email support exists for premium users, but the response could be quicker.
Plans and pricing
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.
Plan description
We evaluated Avira’s four plans—Free Security, Antivirus Pro, Internet Security, and Prime. Each comes with a 60-day money-back guarantee. Here’s the quick rundown:
Free Security: Best in the free category, offering robust antivirus and ransomware protection. Includes a limited VPN with 500 MB data per month. No email or phone support. Great for basic protection.
Antivirus Pro: Priced at $26.99/year, this plan offers a few more features like email protection and advanced ransomware safeguards. We don’t find it adds enough value for the money, especially when you have access to only limited customer support.
Internet Security: Costs $34.99/year, adding a premium password manager and a software updater to the Pro features. While good, we believe users can find better deals by combining Avira Free with standalone password managers.
Prime: At $59.99/year, this is Avira’s best value. It covers up to 5 devices, includes all previous features plus a full-fledged VPN, PC optimization tools, and VIP support. However, it doesn’t offer as many features as Norton 360’s premium plans.
Our take: Avira Free is excellent for no-cost protection, but for comprehensive coverage, Avira Prime offers the best value. It’s competitively priced and covers multiple devices, although it lacks some features like parental controls found in other suites like Norton 360.
Test score comparison
Next to our own anti-malware tests, we analyze those by AV-Test. We’ve compared the results of the 10 most recent tests for Windows 10. 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.
Source: AV-Test.
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 single Windows PC with the most 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.
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.
Source: TrustPilot.
Company Profile
Avira is owned by Gen (NASDAQ: GEN).
Gen is a global technology company specializing in Cyber Safety. With a mission to enable people to navigate the digital world securely and privately, the company serves as an umbrella for several respected brands in the cybersecurity industry. These brands leverage cutting-edge AI technology and in-depth data analytics to safeguard over 500 million users across 150 countries.
The company operates dual headquarters, one in Tempe, Arizona, United States, and the other in Prague, Czech Republic. Gen’s portfolio includes:
- Norton, a leading Cyber Safety brand offering award-winning device protection and online privacy solutions.
- Avast, recognized for its advanced threat detection network, which employs machine learning and artificial intelligence to provide top-notch digital security and privacy.
- LifeLock, a pioneer in identity theft protection in the U.S., equipped with dedicated Identity Restoration Specialists.
- Avira, known for providing free security tools and has received accolades from various industry experts.
- AVG, focusing on a wide array of software security needs including internet security, performance optimization, and data control.
- ReputationDefender, specializing in online reputation management to ensure fair and accurate online representation.
- CCleaner, a leader in system optimization software, widely used for both individual and corporate needs.
By uniting these brands, Gen aims to address the critical cybersecurity challenges that society faces today and anticipates for the future.
How we test antivirus software
Below we describe how we run our tests. For even more details, visit our blog posts on how we test antivirus software.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Anti-phishing protection test
We evaluate antivirus browser extensions that block phishing sites by installing them and attempting to visit dangerous URLs.
Ransomware protection test
We assess security suites’ ability to prevent data encryption through exploit prevention and behavioral detection during ransomware attacks.
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
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
Frequently Asked Questions
Below are the most frequently asked questions.
Is Avira a good antivirus program?
Avira is ranked #7 of 28 antivirus programs. The ranking is based on its protection, performance, price, and features. Find the best protection in our comparison of the best antivirus of 2024.
How do we test antivirus software?
We analyze the protection from malware, the performance impact on a PC, and the number of false positives. On top of that, we test various security features such as the firewall, password manager, VPN, and more.
Author: Tibor Moes
Founder & Chief Editor at SoftwareLab
Tibor has tested 39 antivirus programs and 30 VPN services, and holds a Cybersecurity Graduate Certificate from Stanford University.
He uses Norton to protect his devices, CyberGhost for his privacy, and Dashlane for his passwords.