Avira Free Security vs ClamAV
Avira Free Security
avira.comClamAV
clamav.netSide by side
| Figure | Avira Free Security | ClamAV |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | Free | Free |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Free trial | Yes | — |
| Open source | — | Yes |
| Windows | Yes | Yes |
| macOS | Yes | Yes |
| Linux | — | Yes |
| iOS | Yes | — |
| Android | Yes | — |
| API | Yes | Yes |
| Self-hosted | — | Yes |
| Plans published | 2 | 2 |
| Spec score · Antivirus for Mac | 9.0 (#2) | 8.9 (#4) |
| Spec score · Antivirus software | 8.9 (#16) | 8.8 (#20) |
| Company headquarters | Avira is headquartered in Tettnang, Baden-Württemberg, Germany. | Cisco is headquartered in San Jose, California, United States. |
| Company legal name | Crunchbase lists the legal entity as Avira Operations GmbH & Co. KG. | Crunchbase lists the maker's legal name as Cisco Systems, Inc. |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| License | Avira software is proprietary, licensed rather than sold, and its agreement prohibits copying, modification, redistribution and reverse engineering. | ClamAV is licensed under the GNU General Public License version 2. |
| Protection scope | internet security | antivirus |
| Purpose | Avira Free Security is a free all-in-one solution for internet security, online privacy, and device performance. | ClamAV is an open-source antivirus engine used for email and web scanning and endpoint security. |
| Supported platforms | Windows,macOS,Android,iOS | GNU/Linux,FreeBSD,macOS,Windows |
| System requirements | Avira Free Security supports Windows 7 SP1 through Windows 11, needs a 1 GHz processor, 2 GB RAM on Windows 10/11 and 1.8 GB free disk space. | The recommended minimum is 3 GiB of RAM, a 2.0 GHz CPU, and 5 GiB of free disk space. |
Plans
In their own words
Avira Free Security
Avira Free Security is an internet security product for Windows, macOS, Android and iOS, with a free plan priced at free. Its cloud-based real-time protection monitors a device and analyzes suspicious files in Avira’s Protection Cloud. Smart Scan checks for security, privacy and performance issues, including malware, network threats, outdated software, tracking cookies and unnecessary files.
A browser safety extension blocks unsafe and phishing sites and malicious downloads, and includes ad blocking and anti-tracking. The free VPN allows 500 MB of data per month. Windows users also get a software updater for programs and drivers, privacy settings and tune-up tools; the Mac version includes a junk cleaner. The Android app includes antivirus protection, a VPN with 100 MB of data per day, and storage and performance tools. The iOS app includes a VPN and protection features. A password manager and ransomware protection are listed; parental controls are not.
ClamAV
ClamAV is a free, open-source antivirus engine for email and web scanning and endpoint security tasks. It provides a multi-threaded daemon, a command-line scanner and a tool for automated virus database updates. The database receives updates multiple times per day, and the updater supports scripted updates and digital signatures. ClamAV scans standard mail formats and many archive, executable and document formats, including MS Office, HTML, RTF and PDF. A Milter interface supports Sendmail. On modern Linux versions, ClamOnAcc can scan files when accessed, with an option to block access until scanning finishes. Signed signature databases limit execution to trusted definitions. The project lists GNU/Linux, FreeBSD, macOS and Windows as regularly tested platforms, and official Docker images are available for Alpine Linux and Debian Linux. ClamAV is an engine and associated tools, not a traditional antivirus or endpoint security suite. Recommended minimum resources are 3 GiB RAM, a 2.0 GHz CPU and 5 GiB of free disk space. The project does not guarantee extraction of every version or variant of supported formats.