Independent lab results41 of 45
Protection features25 of 25
Price12 of 20
Refunds and security5 of 10
antivirus product · Gen Digital Inc.
Avast
Free Windows antivirus with real-time protection, plus Premium Security with a firewall, Ransomware Shield and Rescue Disk.
In short
- Avast Free Antivirus, part of the Avast One app, costs nothing and blocks malware in real time2.
- Premium Security costs $49.08 for the first year on one Windows PC, then $77.99 a year1.
- Premium Security adds an advanced firewall, Ransomware Shield and Rescue Disk1.
- Refunds are available within 30 days of purchase or of each renewal1.
- In February 2024 the FTC announced an order banning Avast from selling browsing data for advertising, with a $16.5 million payment4.
Avast suits people who want a free Windows antivirus with real-time protection. Premium Security adds a firewall, ransomware protection and a rescue disk for $49.08 in the first year1. The catch is the $77.99 renewal and the 2024 FTC order over selling users' browsing data1,4.
Best for: People who want a free Windows antivirus with real-time protection.
Where the points come from
Independent lab results 41 of 45 points
| Rule | What is published | Points |
|---|---|---|
| AV-TEST score | 18 of 18AV-TEST, July and August 2026: 18 of 18 (Avast Free Antivirus 26.6).5 | 15 / 15 |
| AV-Comparatives award | ADVANCED+AV-Comparatives, February to May 2026: ADVANCED+ (Avast).6 | 15 / 15 |
| AV-Comparatives protection rate | 99.3%AV-Comparatives, February to May 2026: 99.3% (Avast).6 | 11 / 15 |
Protection features 25 of 25 points
| Rule | What is published | Points |
|---|---|---|
| Systems covered | Windows, macOS, Android, iOSPremium Security is sold for Windows PC, Mac, Android and iPhone or iPad1. | 8 / 8 |
| Firewall | YesPremium Security includes an advanced firewall that stops unauthorized access1. | 5 / 5 |
| Ransomware protection | YesRansomware Shield stops untrusted apps from modifying, deleting or encrypting your files1. | 5 / 5 |
| Rescue or offline scan | YesRescue Disk boots the PC from a CD or USB drive to scan it1,2. | 4 / 4 |
| Browser protection | YesWeb Guard blocks scam websites and phishing links1. | 3 / 3 |
Price 12 of 20 points
| Rule | What is published | Points |
|---|---|---|
| Free edition with real-time protection | YesAvast Free Antivirus blocks malware in real time at no cost2. | 8 / 8 |
| First-year price | $49.08/yrPremium Security, 1 Windows PC, first year1. | 2 / 6 |
| Price from the second year | $77.99/yrPremium Security, 1 Windows PC, renews at $77.99 a year1. | 2 / 6 |
Refunds and security 5 of 10 points
| Rule | What is published | Points |
|---|---|---|
| 30-day refund | Yes30-day money-back guarantee; refunds within 30 days of purchase or renewal1. | 5 / 5 |
| SOC 2 Type II or ISO 27001 | Not published | 0 / 5 |
The rule behind each line: how we score antivirus products.
Plans and prices
As the vendor lists them, before tax. Prices are in US dollars unless the plan shows euros; the points use US dollars, with euros converted at the ECB rate.
| Plan | Price as listed | Per month | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Free Antivirus1 Windows PC | Free2 | $0 | Part of the Avast One app |
| Premium Security, 1 PC1 Windows PC plus 1 mobile device | $49.08 first year1 | $4.09 | Renews at $77.99/year |
| Premium Security, 10 devices10 devices | $69.48 first year1 | $5.79 | Renews at $99.99/year |
| Ultimate, 1 PC1 Windows PC plus 1 mobile device | $49.08 first year3 | $4.09 | Renews at $109.99/year |
| Ultimate, 10 devices10 devices | $69.48 first year3 | $5.79 | Renews at $139.99/year |
First-year prices are discounted. Premium Security for one PC renews at $77.99 a year, charged at the then-current price1.
Strengths
Concerns on record
- The FTC says Avast sold browsing data through its Jumpshot subsidiary while claiming to block tracking; its 2024 order bans this and requires $16.5 million4.
Other antivirus products
- 1
BitdefenderPeople who want a capable free edition or a cheap first year94/100$24.99/yrfirst-year price - 2
Microsoft Defender AntivirusWindows users who want protection without buying anything88/100$0first-year price - 3KasperskyBuyers outside the United States who want a firewall in the cheapest plan84/100$49.99/yrfirst-year price
- 5
NortonPeople who want a firewall and cloud backup in one paid app77/100$29.99/yrfirst-year price
Sources
- Avast Premium Security | Online Security — Up to 10 Devices, Avast (Gen Digital). Accessed 8 Oct 2026.
- Download Free Antivirus Software | Avast 2026 PC Protection, Avast (Gen Digital). Accessed 8 Oct 2026.
- Avast Store | Browse Products, Check Prices, Buy Now, Avast (Gen Digital). Accessed 8 Oct 2026.
- FTC Order Will Ban Avast from Selling Browsing Data for Advertising Purposes, Require It to Pay $16.5 Million Over Charges the Firm Sold Browsing Data After Claiming Its Products Would Block Online Tracking, Federal Trade Commission. Accessed 8 Oct 2026.
- Test antivirus software for Windows 11 - August 2026, AV-TEST. Accessed 8 Oct 2026.
- Real-World Protection Test February-May 2026, AV-Comparatives. Accessed 8 Oct 2026.
Website: www.avast.com · Markdown version · We are not affiliated with Gen Digital Inc..