Avast is a multi-platform antivirus software with a free version that resembles some premium tiers on other products. There are apps for Windows and MacOS as well as a browser app for Chrome with ad blocking, identity masking, and anti-phishing features. The apps guide you through the setup process, and the interface is clean and easy to navigate. Android users get free antivirus, while those on iOS can install the Avast app for limited no-cost features like Wi-Fi scanning and a secure photo vault.
Users on Avast’s free tier can run manual and scheduled device scans for malware and quarantine any potentially unwanted programs (PUPs), either across your device and backups or targeted at specific files or external storage. The software will also scan files and emails stored locally on your device, scan your network for vulnerabilities, and monitor app data usage and traffic. Web shield also protects your device from malware in real time.
The biggest features that require an upgrade to a premium account, which starts at $3 per month, are ransomware shielding and Wi-Fi security alerts. Otherwise, Avast is a solid choice for users who want extra features and granular control over their antivirus protection at no cost.
Note that Avast has come under fire for selling user data and recently reached a $16.5 million settlement with the Federal Trade Commission.
Avast features: Scans device for viruses and malware | Multi-platform | Scan scheduling | Option to scan entire system or specific files, folders, or external storage | Email scanning on local device | Network scanning | App traffic monitoring | Browser extension to protect web activity
