Avast Free Antivirus
avast.com
What it is
Avast Free Antivirus provides antivirus protection and is now part of the Avast One app. Its free protection detects, blocks, and removes malware, including viruses, adware, spyware, and Trojans, with real-time detection and PC scanning. Web Guard helps block scam websites, phishing links in email, and malicious downloads. On PC, File Shield scans files as they are added or opened, while Behavior Shield warns about suspicious app behavior. Mail Shield flags potentially malicious email attachments, and Ransomware Shield helps stop untrusted applications from changing or encrypting personal files. Network Inspector helps protect Wi-Fi networks from intruders; Firewall monitors traffic to help block malicious intrusions. Hack Alerts notify users if Avast detects that email passwords appeared in a leak or hack, while Avast Assistant offers guidance on whether online messages or offers may be scams. The free plan costs nothing for 1 device. Avast specifies Windows 7 or later and macOS 10.14 or later; automatic updates require internet access. Protection can continue indefinitely after activation, though the app may prompt for reactivation after 12 months.
Spec sheet
- Platforms
- The page lists availability for PC, Mac, Android, and iOS.Read 11 Oct 2026 · avast.com
- Free plan
- YesRead 22 Sep 2026 · avast.com
- Support
- Avast directs users to its Support Center for additional FAQs.Read 11 Oct 2026 · avast.com
- AI scam guidance
- Avast Assistant offers guidance on whether online messages or offers may be scams.Read 11 Oct 2026 · avast.com
- Breach alerts
- Hack Alerts notify users if Avast detects that their email passwords were part of a leak or hack.Read 11 Oct 2026 · avast.com
- Device limit
- 1Read 22 Sep 2026 · avast.com
- Email and ransomware protection
- Mail Shield alerts users to potentially malicious email attachments, and Ransomware Shield helps prevent untrusted applications from changing or encrypting personal files.Read 11 Oct 2026 · avast.com
- File and behavior shields
- File Shield scans files added to or opened on the PC, while Behavior Shield alerts users to suspicious app behavior.Read 11 Oct 2026 · avast.com
- Free use limit
- The free antivirus can be used indefinitely after activation, but the app may prompt for reactivation after 12 months.Read 11 Oct 2026 · avast.com
- Malware protection
- The free antivirus detects, blocks, and removes malware including viruses, adware, spyware, and Trojans.Read 11 Oct 2026 · avast.com
- Network protection
- Network Inspector helps protect Wi-Fi networks from hackers and intruders, and Firewall monitors network traffic to help block malicious intrusions.Read 11 Oct 2026 · avast.com
- Product identity
- Avast Free Antivirus is now part of the Avast One app.Read 11 Oct 2026 · avast.com
- Protection scope
- antivirusRead 22 Sep 2026 · avast.com
- Ransomware protection
- YesRead 22 Sep 2026 · avast.com
- Real-time protection
- It detects and blocks malware in real time and scans the PC to remove viruses and other malware.Read 11 Oct 2026 · avast.com
- Requirements
- The page specifies Windows 7 or later and macOS 10.14 or later requirements, and says devices need internet access for automatic updates.Read 11 Oct 2026 · avast.com
- Security testing
- Avast lists 2025 test results including 100% detection of real-world threat samples in the AV-Test Home User Protection Test.Read 11 Oct 2026 · avast.com
- Supported platforms
- Windows,macOS,Android,iOSRead 22 Sep 2026 · avast.com
- Web protection
- Web Guard helps block scam websites, phishing links in emails, and malicious downloads.Read 11 Oct 2026 · avast.com
Plans and prices
Strong points and limits
Strong points
- Detects, blocks, and removes several malware types
- Real-time detection and PC scanning
- Includes web, email, and ransomware shields
- Hack Alerts flag detected password leaks
- Free plan covers one device
Limits
- Free plan is limited to one device
- May prompt for reactivation after 12 months
- Automatic updates require internet access
- Windows 7 or later and macOS 10.14 or later specified
Who it suits
It suits people seeking antivirus protection on Windows, macOS, Android, or iOS, with a free plan for one device. Windows and macOS users should check the listed minimum versions and note the possible reactivation prompt after 12 months.
Verdict
Avast Free Antivirus combines malware protection with web, email, network, and ransomware safeguards. Its listed free plan covers one device, and the product page specifies operating-system requirements and activation conditions.
Where Specifiction places it
- Antivirus software#29 of 1208.4