Avast Free Antivirus vs Avast One

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.

Avast One is a security suite for Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS, with its protection scope described as complete security. Listed features include ransomware protection, junk cleanup, a startup manager, scheduled maintenance, and built-in ad blocking. The product supports cross-device sync, Chrome Store extensions, and a Chromium browser engine. Windows support covers Windows 10 and 11, and the device limit is 30. Avast One has a free plan. The Silver Device Protection module costs $2.99 a month and adds device-protection features. Gold costs $6.99 a month and includes expanded security, privacy, and performance features. Platinum costs $9.99 a month and is described as the broadest listed protection tier. The listed pricing note says paid from $2.99/mo, while another listed paid-from amount is 65.99 /yr. The maker is headquartered in Prague, Czech Republic, and was founded in 1988.