Aura Antivirus vs. Avast 2024: Does the Popular Freemium Antivirus Outperform Aura?

Whether you need strong protection against identity theft to keep your sensitive data safe, comprehensive malware defense for your everyday digital activities, or an affordable option to secure multiple devices, both Aura Antivirus and Avast offer unique benefits. But in this head-to-head matchup, we scored Avast slightly higher.

In this review, we will cover the details of their features, pricing, and performance based on independent tests. We will help you determine which software — Aura Antivirus or Avast — best fits your specific security needs, as they are among the best antivirus programs.

Aura Antivirus vs. Avast review at a glance

Aura Antivirus and Avast are both leaders in the antivirus market, but they serve different needs and preferences based on their feature sets and pricing structures.

Aura, from the makers of Aura Identity Theft, excels at comprehensive digital protection. Aura Antivirus includes advanced security features like a virtual private network (VPN), ad blocker, password manager, identity theft insurance, and financial fraud protection in addition to real-time antivirus protection and automatic malware quarantine. It’s ideal for those who need extra security layers against cyber threats and want to stay safe online.

Avast also offers advanced security tools like a VPN, data breach alerts, and saved password protection, but it really shines with its antivirus protection features. To keep your personal data and devices safe, Avast includes enhanced network security, firewall protection, device optimization tools, and privacy tools, to name just a few. Avast is a strong choice for anyone looking for an all-encompassing security solution that covers a wide range of cyber threats.

• Aura Antivirus: Best for comprehensive cybersecurity
• Avast: Best for robust antivirus protection

Aura Antivirus vs. Avast compared

Star rating	4.3 AllAboutCookies writers and editors score products based on a number of objective features as well as our expert editorial assessment. Our partners do not influence how we rate products.	5.0 AllAboutCookies writers and editors score products based on a number of objective features as well as our expert editorial assessment. Our partners do not influence how we rate products.
Starting price	$35.99/first yr	Free to $23.88/first yr
Max number of protected devices	Up to 10	Up to 30
Malware scans	Manual	Manual and scheduled
Real-time protection
Phishing protection
Ransomware protection
24/7 customer support
Compatibility	Windows, macOS, Android	Windows, macOS, Android, iOS
Learn more	Get Aura Antivirus Read Aura Antivirus Review	Get Avast Read Avast Review

Aura pros and cons

Aura can protect up to 10 devices, and offers reliable malware scanning. It has bonus features like a password manager and an ad blocker that help keep you safe when online.

Avast pros and cons

Avast has a lot of the standard features you find in antivirus software: malware scans, phishing protection, and ransomware protection. It also adds webcam defense and has a driver updater.

Which is the better value?

Avast is not only extremely affordable, but its free plan is quite good. Aura still offers great value to consumers, but Avast is extraordinary.

		Our Pick
Price range	$35.99-$59.99/first yr	Free-$119.88/yr (first year only)
Best value plan	Antivirus Plus for $47.99/first yr	Gold plan (individual) for $53.88/first yr
Money-back guarantee	Yes — 60 days	Yes — 30 days
Learn more	Get Aura Antivirus Read Aura Antivirus Review	Get Avast Read Avast Review

When evaluating the cost-effectiveness of Aura Antivirus and Avast, it's critical to align your specific security needs and budget. Aura Antivirus's plans start at $3 per month (billed annually) for the basic Antivirus plan, which offers solid protection for up to three devices, including real-time malware protection and a VPN. The Antivirus Plus plan, at $5 per month (billed annually), extends coverage to five devices and includes a password manager, making it a great choice for individuals or small households.

Avast offers its Gold plan at an economical rate of $53.88/first yr, so it is an excellent option for individuals needing advanced security features, including a VPN and ransomware protection. The 30-day money-back guarantee allows users to evaluate its services risk-free, ensuring it meets their security needs. Note that both Aura and Avast provide multiple premium plan options, and while Avast has a free version, its capabilities are limited.

Both Aura and Avast design their solutions to meet diverse security requirements, offering different levels of protection based on user needs. Whether protecting a single device or a multi-device household, each antivirus protects you with security capabilities while offering multiple plan options to select the one that matches your budget while balancing features and cost.

Aura Antivirus vs. Avast: features

		Our Pick
Manual and scheduled scans	Yes, manual
Real-time protection
Phishing protection
Ransomware protection
Firewall
Parental controls	Not included
Password manager
VPN
Ad blocker
Device optimization tools
Learn more	Get Aura Antivirus Read Aura Antivirus Review	Get Avast Read Avast Review

Aura Antivirus and Avast both offer a solid base of essential features like real-time protection and defenses against ransomware and various computer viruses, which are critical for any user looking to safeguard their digital life. They also offer degrees of scam protection to help protect you from phishing. But like any service, they cater to different needs with their additional features.

Avast bolsters online safety through its powerful ad blocker, which curtails distracting and potentially harmful ads, resulting in a more streamlined browsing environment. It also enhances email security by identifying phishing emails aimed at extracting sensitive data. Avast's suite of tools, including a robust firewall and device optimization features, makes it an excellent choice for users who frequent public Wi-Fi or require efficient device performance. The firewall is particularly crucial, providing a necessary barrier against unauthorized intrusions and data breaches that are prevalent on unprotected networks.

In contrast, Aura Antivirus provides strong identity protection features, making it suitable for families or individuals managing multiple online accounts. With a VPN and password manager, Aura simplifies handling online activities while ensuring robust security against identity theft. Additionally, Aura offers $1 million in identity theft insurance as well as dark web monitoring to enhance security measures, which is especially valuable for those concerned about online threats to personal information.

​​Choosing the right antivirus software directly impacts protecting your personal information, financial data, and overall digital security. Whether you must safeguard your family's sensitive data to protect them from identity theft, need comprehensive malware protection, or seek a cost-effective solution for multiple devices, Aura Antivirus and Avast provide distinct advantages. Both solutions are effective when you and your family need antivirus protection.

Aura Antivirus vs. Avast: test results

Third-party testing is an essential benchmark for evaluating antivirus software. It impartially assesses its efficacy in detecting and preventing malware, phishing attacks, and potentially unwanted apps (PUAs). Organizations like AV-TEST conduct comprehensive evaluations, providing a detailed look at how software performs against industry standards.

Unfortunately, Aura has not submitted its data for AV-TEST, which leaves a gap in comparative data against established metrics. However, the EICAR test, designed specifically for safely simulating malware threats, helps fill some of this gap by checking antivirus responsiveness without the risks associated with real malware.

Aura Antivirus vs. Avast malware protection scores

		Our Pick
AV-TEST Windows score	N/A	18/18
AV-TEST macOS score	N/A	18/18
AV-TEST Android score	N/A	18/18
EICAR score	3/5	5/5
Learn more	Get Aura Antivirus Read Aura Antivirus Review	Get Avast Read Avast Review

In the EICAR test results, Avast achieves a score of 5/5, affirming its solid defense capabilities in simulated environments, including malware and phishing threats. This perfect score underscores Avast's reliability in safeguarding users from diverse online threats in real time.

On the other hand, while commendable, Aura's EICAR score of 3/5 highlights a shortfall in phishing protection, crucial for guarding against identity theft and fraud. This lower performance, coupled with the absence of AV-TEST results, suggests that while Aura can handle basic threats well, users might need additional precautions for comprehensive online security.

Aura Antivirus vs. Avast: compatibility and customer support

	Our Pick
Windows
macOS
Android
iOS
Browser extensions	Yes — Chrome, Firefox, Edge	Yes — Chrome, Firefox, Avast Secure Browser, Opera
24/7 customer support		No (available with additional support plans)
Customer support options	Phone, live chat, online guides, Help Center	Phone, live chat, email, Knowledge Base, forums
Learn more	Get Aura Antivirus Read Aura Antivirus Review	Get Avast Read Avast Review

Both Aura Antivirus and Avast offer reliable compatibility across a wide range of devices, including Windows, macOS, and Android, enabling users to secure multiple devices within their digital environment. Aura features an intuitive interface, simplifying the navigation and management of security settings. Its browser extensions for Chrome, Firefox, and Edge enhance usability by embedding security within the browsing experience.

Avast also boasts a user-friendly interface, with additional browser extension support for Avast Secure Browser and Opera, broadening its functionality beyond standard platforms. However, some users find Avast's extensive features and settings overwhelming, particularly those less familiar with technology who may need assistance in locating specific features or adjusting settings.

Aura offers comprehensive customer support via 24/7 phone support, live chat, email, and a detailed Help Center. Avast's standard support includes live chat, email, and an extensive Knowledge Base. For round-the-clock support, Avast users must subscribe to premium plans like Simple Fix, Complex Fix, or Total Care, which provide varying levels of support from basic software setup to advanced hardware configuration and malware removal.

FAQs

Aura Antivirus vs. Avast: Which is better?

Choosing between Aura Antivirus and Avast depends largely on your specific needs and what you prioritize in a cybersecurity suite.

Aura Antivirus excels with its comprehensive protection for families and superior features for managing multiple devices, making it the go-to choice for those looking for strong malware protection and secure browsing.

However, Avast provides comprehensive coverage with its extensive malware defense and additional tools like VPN and system optimization, making it suitable for individuals seeking a well-rounded security solution.

Ready to secure your digital activities with the right antivirus solution? Explore other options among the best antivirus programs to find the one that fits your lifestyle and meets your security needs.

Aura Antivirus vs. Avast alternatives

If neither Aura Antivirus nor Avast aligns perfectly with your cybersecurity needs, consider exploring these alternative antivirus programs we’ve tested. Each offers unique benefits and features that might be the perfect fit for your digital protection requirements.

Pro tip: To ensure your device remains secure, consider running an antivirus scan to determine the effectiveness of your current antivirus solution.

• TotalAV: TotalAV excels with a user-friendly interface and high malware detection rates, offering robust defenses against a variety of cyber threats. It boosts device efficiency by clearing unnecessary files and includes privacy-enhancing features to secure online activities.

  Get TotalAV | Read Our TotalAV Review

• McAfee: Celebrated for its comprehensive feature set, McAfee excels in securing both large households and business environments. It incorporates everything from advanced vulnerability scans to a robust personal firewall. Coupled with identity theft protection, it’s adaptable for a diverse range of users who demand top-tier security solutions.
  
  Get McAfee | Read Our McAfee Review

• Bitdefender: Known for its robust defenses against ransomware and real-time data protection, Bitdefender offers multiple layers of security. Its suite includes features such as webcam protection and parental controls, making it a comprehensive solution for protecting against complex cyber threats.
  
  Get Bitdefender | Read Our Bitdefender Review