Avast has a confusing number of products, and people often ask two questions: is Avast actually good, and which version do I need? Here is a plain answer to both.
Is Avast good and safe?
Avast was founded in 1988 in Prague and is one of the oldest antivirus brands. It is regularly tested by independent labs, and its free antivirus is one of the most used in the world. Avast bought AVG in 2016, and in 2022 it joined NortonLifeLock; the group is now called Gen Digital, the company behind Norton, Avast and AVG.
It has not been perfect. In 2020 Avast closed its Jumpshot data business after reports that it sold browsing data, and in 2024 the US Federal Trade Commission fined Avast for it. Since then the company has changed its data practices. Searches like "Avast is a virus" or "Avast is malware" come from that story and from pop-ups in the free version; Avast itself is legitimate software, as long as you download it from avast.com or an official app store.
Avast products, one by one
Avast Free Antivirus
Real-time protection against viruses and malware, a Wi‑Fi Inspector that checks your network for weak points, and basic web protection. Good enough for many home PCs, with some upgrade pop-ups.
Avast Premium Security
Everything in the free version plus stronger protection: an advanced firewall, ransomware and webcam protection, a shield against fake websites and more. Available for Windows and Mac, and for several devices on multi-device plans.
Avast Ultimate
The full bundle: Premium Security together with Avast Premium VPN (SecureLine), Cleanup Premium and AntiTrack. Best if you want everything in one subscription.
Avast One and Avast One Essential
Avast One is the newer all-in-one app that combines antivirus, a VPN, data breach alerts and tune-up tools in one interface. Avast One Essential is the free version with basic protection and a limited VPN; paid Avast One plans remove the limits. If you are comparing Avast One vs Avast Antivirus: One is the modern all-in-one design, while the classic Free Antivirus and Premium Security focus on virus protection.
Avast Cleanup Premium
A tune-up tool that removes junk files, puts background apps to sleep and keeps drivers and software updated. Useful for older, slow PCs.
Avast Secure Browser
A free, Chrome-based web browser with a built-in ad blocker, anti-tracking and protection against fake websites.
Avast Premium VPN (formerly SecureLine VPN)
Avast's VPN on its own: encrypted connections, IP masking, servers in many countries, Double VPN, IP Rotation and an Ad Tracking Blocker, for Windows, Mac, Android and iPhone.
Which Avast should you choose?
- Basic home PC: Avast Free Antivirus or Avast One Essential.
- Online banking, shopping and kids at home: Avast Premium Security.
- Privacy, public Wi‑Fi and streaming: Avast Premium VPN.
- Everything at once: Avast Ultimate.
- Windows already has Microsoft Defender? A VPN like Avast Premium VPN adds the privacy layer that Defender does not have.
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Avast, SecureLine and the product names in this article are trademarks of their owners. arafatbin.com is independent and not connected to Avast.