All About Cookies is an independent, advertising-supported website. Some of the offers that appear on this site are from third-party advertisers from which All About Cookies receives compensation. This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site (including, for example, the order in which they appear).
All About Cookies does not include all financial or credit offers that might be available to consumers nor do we include all companies or all available products. Information is accurate as of the publishing date and has not been provided or endorsed by the advertiser.
The All About Cookies editorial team strives to provide accurate, in-depth information and reviews to help you, our reader, make online privacy decisions with confidence. Here's what you can expect from us:
Avast offers a range of antivirus solutions, ranging from free to customizable paid plans. You can mix and match features with add-on premium tools. There is an option for everyone, catering to their unique needs.
For a straightforward option, Avast Premium Security covers all of the necessary protections to keep your data and devices secure. However, Avast Free is a good choice for those who are not yet ready to invest in premium antivirus protection.
Continue reading to discover more about the various Avast plans and the customization options available.
/images/2023/01/20/logo-avast.png){kind=logo}
Consistently perfect third-party test results, verifying comprehensive antivirus, ransomware, and malware protection
Includes advanced security features like a VPN, firewall, data breach alerts, privacy tools, device optimization, and more
Maintains a full suite of features for Mac users, unlike many other antivirus options
Avast is one of the more expensive antivirus choices because it includes a robust cybersecurity suite. However, it offers antivirus protection for free and options to personalize which features you want to include in your plan. This can help reduce the overall cost.
| Avast Free Antivirus | Avast Premium Security | Avast Ultimate | |
| Starting price | Free | Starts at $49.08/first yr | Starts at $49.08/first yr |
| # devices supported | 1 | 10 | 10 |
| Manual and auto scan | |||
| Ransomware protection | |||
| Firewall | |||
| Phishing protection | |||
| Webcam protection | |||
| Tracker blocker | |||
| Performance optimization tools | |||
| Unlimited VPN | |||
| Details | View plan | View plan | View plan |
Avast has three main plans. The free service provides real-time protection from malware, ransomware, and other digital threats. The primary drawback of the free plan is that it only covers one device.
The Premium Security plan is valuable because it can cover one or 10 devices per account, which is suitable for most households. Premium also features privacy enhancements, including the advanced firewall and webcam protection. Phishing protection is also included, so you don't fall for sophisticated scams.
Finally, Avast Ultimate provides several enhanced security and privacy features including an unlimited virtual private network (VPN), a tracker blocker, and tools to optimize your device's performance.
Consistently perfect third-party test results, verifying comprehensive antivirus, ransomware, and malware protection
Includes advanced security features like a VPN, firewall, data breach alerts, privacy tools, device optimization, and more
Maintains a full suite of features for Mac users, unlike many other antivirus options
All Avast antivirus plans increase online security by blocking malware and other online threats. The upgraded plans can provide more device coverage and additional security tools. Some of the main features that make Avast valuable include:
In addition, Avast offers several add-on tools. You can select options tailored to your specific security and privacy needs. For example, you may find the Avast BreachGuard worth it if you want to protect your data from breaches.
Avast is only one of the best antivirus software programs we've tested. If Avast doesn't quite meet your needs, consider the following Avast alternatives.
| Antivirus |  TotalAV |
 Aura Antivirus |
 Norton 360 |
 Surfshark Antivirus |
| Best for | Best web protection | Best online identity protection | Best overall antivirus software | Best value |
| Starting price | $19.00/first yr | $35.99/first yr | $29.99/first yr | $2.49/mo |
| Features | Zero-day scans, anti-phishing, ransomware protection, password manager, ad blocker, TotalVPN | Antivirus protection, VPN, password manager, security for multiple devices | Antivirus, malware, ransomware, and hacking protection, cloud backup, password manager, Norton Secure VPN | Antivirus protection, Surfshark VPN, private search engine, data leak alerts, ad blocker |
| Learn more | Get TotalAV | Get Aura | Get Norton360 Antivirus | Get Surfshark Antivirus |
You can pay for Avast with any major credit card, including Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover. You can also choose to complete payment with PayPal.
Avast does have a completely free antivirus program. It contains all the essential features to protect your device against online threats. However, it covers only one device. If you need more device coverage or protection, consider upgrading to a premium Avast plan.
It's worth paying for antivirus software like Avast if you need to protect multiple devices or want premium security features like identity protection. However, the free basic Avast plan is capable of essential antivirus protection.
It's a tight matchup between McAfee vs. Avast. McAfee may be a better option if you want additional features like parental controls and a password manager. Avast is still a great option if you want a strong antivirus product.
It depends. Avast is a better choice if you want a free antivirus solution. However, you may prefer Norton if you want a variety of features like a cloud backup, password manager, or parental controls.
Avast is worth it for people who want to customize their antivirus software. Don't get us wrong. The free Avast software is ace. It's easy to use and perfectly effective for basic protection on a single device. But even with firewall and ransomware protection, it's not a complete security suite.
What's cool about Avast is that personalizing your coverage is easier and less expensive than top competitors. There are several premium Avast plans available, and you can choose add-ons for tools your plan doesn't include. We personally use Avast. Our experience, paired with Avast's testing performance, makes it an easy recommendation.
Consistently perfect third-party test results, verifying comprehensive antivirus, ransomware, and malware protection
Includes advanced security features like a VPN, firewall, data breach alerts, privacy tools, device optimization, and more
Maintains a full suite of features for Mac users, unlike many other antivirus options
/images/2023/03/24/best-antivirus-for-iphone.png)
/images/2024/03/05/how_to_tell_if_someone_is_remotely_accessing_your_computer.jpg)
/images/2025/12/17/moonlock_review.jpg)
/images/2023/11/10/best_antivirus_black_friday_deals.png)
/images/2025/09/30/is_norton_360_antivirus_worth_it_.jpg)
/images/2025/08/16/guardio_price.jpg)
/images/2025/07/19/is_mcafee_worth_it_.jpg)
/images/2025/06/16/new_malware_alert_notification_on_the_smart_phone..jpg)
/authors/sara-nguyen-allaboutcookies-author.jpg){kind=small}
/authors/rebecca-white-headshot.jpg){kind=small}
/images/2023/01/20/logo-avast.png){kind=logo}
/authors/sara-nguyen-allaboutcookies-author.jpg)
