Avast Free Vs Paid: Should You Upgrade to Premium?

In today's technological world, we need some defensive mechanisms for all devices. With the change in time, many malware, viruses, and Trojans have come into existence, threatening your personal information. To counter this, several antivirus companies have come up with solutions to protect your privacy online.

Avast is one of those leading brands that provide the best-in-class security solutions in the market. Avast comes in two different types: Avast Free edition & Avast Paid, but which one stands out and can offer better security to our computer?

Is installing their free version enough to counter viruses and malware attacks? If you're considering buying antivirus software but are unsure whether to go for a free or premium plan, read on. Here, we have compared Avast free vs paid to choose among them.

An Introduction to Avast Free Antivirus

Founded in 1988, Avast is a leading brand providing the best security packages in the market. The most popular Avast Free Antivirus has a handful of features designed to provide maximum protection against cyber threats.

The best part about their free version is that it comes without cost. Hence, you can try their services before committing to their paid products. Avast even claims that its free version is much better than the free versions of other antivirus programs. However, there are a few advanced security features that you will miss when you compare the Avast free version with the paid Premium solution.

Avast Free Antivirus Usage Stats and Popularity

Over the last 32 years, Avast has gained over 200 million users from all over the world. AV-Comparatives has also ranked Avast's Free as one of the most popular security providers in North America, South America, and Europe.

The rankings and popularity stats have come from a study conducted by AV-Comparatives. Their study has stated how people's access to the internet is changing. Hence, people are becoming more aware of the dangers of cyber threats.

Features of the Avast Free Antivirus

• Compatible with most of the operating systems available out there.
• DND mode
• Beginner-friendly user interface.
• Offers Real-time protection
• Basic Firewall protection
• Multiple scanning options are available.
• Regular updates keep your system up to date.

What's More in Avast's Arsenal of Security Packages?

That's not all! Avast has three different premium packages to offer. As you move up the ladder, you will get more features and better protection against viruses, malware, and Trojans. Let's have a look at some of Avast's packages here:

Avast Premium Security

Avast Premium Security has a set of features that you won't get in the free version. Safezone, process virtualization, and Sandbox are among the ones you get in their premium security package.

Free Antivirus provides only a decent security level, but Avast Premium Security provides you with some additional defensive mechanisms.

Avast Ultimate Suite

Specifically built for businesses and big firms, the Avast Ultimate suite includes features of both the free and premium internet security packages. It also has some additional tools like SecureLine VPN, Cleanup Premium, and AntiTrack Premium.

Avast One

Avast launched Avast One, combining Antivirus, VPN, security, privacy, and performance features in an all-in-one suite. Both free and paid versions of Avast One are available.

However, the free version, Avast One Basic, has limited features. The premium versions -  Avast One Silver and Avast One Gold include advanced security, privacy, and performance features. Learn more in this Avast One Review.

Their latest offering, Avast One Platinum, available only in the US, includes all the features of Avast One Gold, along with the addition of identity protection services and unlimited support.

Avast Free Vs Paid: Common Features

Both Avast free and Premium packages are different. However, there are still several similarities between them. Here's a few of them:

Real-time Protection

Avast's free and Premium package can run real-time scans for viruses, malware, and Trojans.

Firewall Protection

Firewall protection is a necessary module for any antivirus. It scans incoming and outgoing connections and blocks any potential threat.

Network Inspector

A Network Inspector (previously Wi-Fi Inspector) is available in both the free and premium packages. It can scan for devices on your networks with weak points.

Multiple Scanning Options

Both Avast's free and Premium plans have various scanning options to offer. It includes:

Avast One doesn't include the Mail Shield feature.

DND Mode

Both Avast Free and Premium packages have a built-in DND (Do Not Disturb) specifically built to prevent pop-ups while any program is in full-screen mode.

Ransomware Protection

Ransomware Shield prevents your data and other sensitive files from being encrypted by attacks. Hence, this feature scans and automatically secures folders that might contain personal data and lets you decide which other folders you would like to protect against untrusted applications.

Mail Inbox Tracking

Infected emails play a significant role in phishing attacks. To counter this, Avast Free includes a built-in mail inbox tracking system that keeps an eye on your mail inbox and blocks the spam or phishing emails you receive.

Software Updater

Avast free version includes the Software Updater module. The basic function of this module is to scan your system and update old versions of the software. Hence, it prevents the exploitation of any known vulnerability in the old versions.

Avast Free Vs Paid: Feature Differences

Avast's free version is enough to protect your computer from the most prevalent viruses. Avast Free version provides a lot of features as compared to other competitors. However, when it comes to protecting your data and online privacy, you should consider their paid packages. There are several differences that you'll find between Avast Free Vs. Paid. Let's have a look at some of them as follows:

Fake Website Protection

Avast Premium Security has a built-in defensive shield that detects and protects you from suspicious websites trying to steal your information. However, you won't get this phishing protection feature in its free version.

Sandbox

There's a Sandbox available in Avast Premium that creates a separate space to run suspicious apps. By doing so, Avast Premium Security protects your device from any harm.

Webcam Spying Prevention

Thousands of spyware attacks take place every year. As a solution to the rising threat, Avast's Webcam Shield feature prevents unauthorized access to your webcam.

Delete Shredded Files

Avast Premium Security comes with the ability to delete shredded files. Hence, it ensures that no one recovers or misuses those files. Please note that this feature is not available in Avast One.

Browser Shield

Browser Shield is a privacy feature available in Avast Premium Security that protects passwords stored in your Web browsers (Chrome, Firefox, Microsoft Edge, and Avast Secure Browser).

Advanced Firewall Protection

Avast Premium Security subscribers can take advantage of the additional premium features included in the package. These include

• Leak Protection

Enabling this feature when you are connected to the public network is recommended. Leak Protection prevents confidential data leakage (like login credentials and email addresses) from your computer to the network.

• Port Scan Alerts

Defend yourself against port scanning attacks with this feature. With this age-old technique, hackers seek ways to access your network and steal sensitive data.

When the feature is turned on, the Firewall will notify you if cybercriminals are trying to scan your devices for open ports. The feature works when it finds that you are connected to a vulnerable network.

• ARP Spoofing Alerts
  

As the name suggests, the Firewall will alert you of any Address Resolution Protocol (ARP) spoofing attacks when this feature is enabled. It is a man-in-the-middle attack where the hacker sends fraudulent ARP messages on a network. The feature, too, works when you are on an unprotected network.

Avast Ultimate Suite Vs. Avast Premium Security

While Avast Premium Security lacks a couple of advanced security features, Avast Ultimate Suite reduces the gap by providing additional security features. Let's have a look at what Avast Ultimate Suite has to offer:

SecureLine VPN

Avast Ultimate Suite does feature a VPN to encrypt your browser for risk-free browsing. The VPN keeps your IP address and private information safe from hackers trying to steal your information.

Cleanup Premium

The Avast Cleanup Premium module helps you to remove the system and browser junk files. It works automatically to keep your system fast and responsive. The cleanup module is similar to Advanced SystemCare Pro. Read our in-depth Avast Cleanup Premium Review.

You can also read our Advanced SystemCare Pro review and compare it with Avast Cleanup Premium.

AntiTrack Premium

Anti-tracking software from Avast protects you from being tracked online, protects your identity while browsing online, prevents targeted ads, and keeps your Windows operating system private.

Avast Premium Security Vs. Avast One

Avast One has all the features of Avast Premium Security. In addition, Avast One includes features like Driver Updater, Web Hijack Guard, Data Breach Monitoring, Avast SecureLine VPN, and Cleanup Premium. Let's have a look at the major features:

Driver Updater

Avast One includes the Driver Updater feature. Driver Updater will scan and update the latest drivers. In this way, you can speed up your PC performance. It is a paid feature.

Protection against DNS Hijacking

In Avast One, you can prevent DNS Hijacking via the Web Hijack Guard feature. It is a paid feature, and you will have to subscribe to one of their premium plans to avail of this feature.

Data Breach Monitoring

Protect yourself from data breaches in real time with the Data Breach Monitoring feature. You can check and monitor data breaches for compromised passwords, if any. Depending on your Avast One subscription plan, you can monitor 5 or 30 email addresses.

Avast Free Antivirus Vs. Avast One

Avast One has many features, even in its free version, but they are limited. Apart from the antivirus protection found in Avast Free Antivirus, you will get comprehensive security, privacy, and performance features in Avast One.

Who Should Buy Avast's Paid Versions?

Avast's free version offers the basic protection a device should have. Avast Free is good for you if you are an advanced user with good surfing habits. However, if you need more protection features like Firewall, Browsing protection, etc., it would be beneficial to opt for Avast paid packages. They offer three different paid packages, but which one should you choose?

It depends on your needs. For example, if you want protection for your personal computer, opting for their Premium Security package would be better. It would be enough to provide the automated protection that your device needs.

On the other hand, do you store a lot of business and financial information on your device? Or do you travel often and access public WiFi for work and payments? In such cases, you can avail yourself of Avast Ultimate Suite. It has enough features and tools to protect you from hackers trying to steal your information.

If you want all-around protection, you can go with Avast One. Avast One has all the tools to protect your devices in one convenient suite.

Paid Protection Pricing Plans

Avast Premium Security

Avast Premium Security supports both single devices and multiple devices. It comes with some decent security features that could be enough to protect your personal computer. Avast Premium Security will cost you around USD 80 for one year that supports only one device.

On the other hand, if you want to use it for multiple devices, it will cost you around USD 100 per year and support up to 10 multi-OS devices. It includes all the features of Avast Free and premium security features.

However, there is no need to panic about high retail prices. You can always save up to 70% Off using Avast Premium Security coupon codes.

Avast Ultimate Suite

Avast Ultimate Suite isn't only a package but a bundle of all of Avast's security packages. It provides the utmost advanced security to the devices. If you have some confidential information stored, then it could be the best option to protect your information from hackers.

You can avail Avast Ultimate Suite at just USD 109.99 a year to support only one PC. If you want security for multiple devices, you'll need to pay some extra money. You'll find similar features in Avast Ultimate Suite to get a Premium Security package but packed with some additional features. Besides, you can also save big using our Avast Ultimate coupons.

Avast One

Avast One is available for free and also includes three Premium plans - Avast One Silver, Avast One Gold, and Avast One Platinum. In Avast One Silver (Individual), you can protect three devices with a single account, costing you USD 79.99 yearly. You can opt for Avast One Silver (Family) to protect more devices (upto 30 devices), costing USD 129.99 a year.

You can try the free version of Avast One, i.e., Avast One, before planning to buy an Avast One subscription.

Avast One is currently available for download in some regions only - the US, CA, UK, AU, Austria, France, Germany, Switzerland, and Ireland.

You can check the official website for the latest prices on Avast products.

Avast Free Vs Paid: Final Words

Once you use Avast, you'll hardly find any issues in their security solutions. As a customer, you always expect the best protection from any antivirus solution. Hence, Avast will not disappoint you in any aspect.

Compared to the competitors, Avast is a bit more expensive. However, looking at their massive customer base, it is evident that they are ready to pay for their services because of their unbeatable security solutions. Luckily, our readers can get Avast Paid versions at a lower price. Hence, If you're not satisfied with your current antivirus software services, then you should give Avast a try.