About Avast
Avast Free Antivirus protects 400+ million users with real-time malware detection, web shield, email shield, and Wi-Fi network scanning. The free version provides core protection, while paid plans add ransomware shield, firewall, and VPN. Now merged with Norton (Gen Digital).
What's Great
- ✓Free tier provides genuinely solid core malware protection
- ✓400M+ user base means extensive threat intelligence network
- ✓Wi-Fi network scanner identifies vulnerable connected devices
- ✓Web and email shields block phishing and malicious downloads
- ✓Now backed by Gen Digital (Norton) for stronger infrastructure
Watch Out For
- !Past privacy controversies over selling anonymized user browsing data
- !Free version includes aggressive upselling notifications
- !Paid features overlap significantly with Norton's own products
- !Can slow down system performance during full scans
Common Use Cases
1
Budget user wanting free real-time antivirus protection on a Windows PC
2
Home user scanning Wi-Fi network for unsecured connected devices
3
Student needing basic malware protection without a paid subscription
Pricing Model
Freemium
Free plan available. Paid plans unlock advanced features and higher limits.
Category
Free Antivirus
Free antivirus options with basic malware protection.
Tags
avastfree antivirusmalware protectionweb shieldwifi scanner