Avast Review 2026: 100% Detection Free (But Can You Trust It?)

Avast Free Antivirus has been a household name for over three decades, protecting millions of Windows users without charging a cent. But after a 2020 privacy scandal where Avast sold user browsing data through its subsidiary Jumpshot, can you still trust this free security software?

We tested Avast Free Antivirus and Premium Security for three months across multiple devices to answer the critical questions: Does the free version provide adequate protection in 2026? Is upgrading to Premium worth the cost? And most importantly—has Avast truly reformed after betraying user trust?

Quick Verdict

Avast delivers legitimate protection—both the free and paid versions scored 100% malware detection in October 2025 AV-TEST evaluations. The free tier provides real-time protection, ransomware shield, and network security that rivals many paid antiviruses.

However, the 2020 Jumpshot scandal casts a long shadow. While Avast shut down the data-selling subsidiary and paid $16.5 million in FTC settlements, trust has been damaged. The company has since implemented stronger privacy protections and earned TrustArc certification, but skepticism remains justified.

Bottom line: If you need free antivirus and can accept Avast’s troubled history, the protection quality is excellent. If privacy is your top concern or you’re paying anyway, Bitdefender offers comparable protection with a cleaner ethical record.

Protection Test Results

Avast consistently performs well in independent laboratory tests, demonstrating that “free” doesn’t mean inferior protection.

AV-TEST Scores (Windows 11, October 2025)

Testing Avast Free Antivirus versions 25.8 & 25.9 during September-October 2025:

Category	Score	Details
Protection	6/6	100% against 0-day malware attacks (266 samples)
		100% against widespread malware (20,755 samples)
Performance	5.5/6	Minimal system slowdown during scans
Usability	6/6	Zero false positives, no legitimate software blocked

Avast achieved 17.5/18 total points, earning AV-TEST’s “TOP PRODUCT” award (requires 17.5+).

AV-Comparatives Results (2025)

Anti-Phishing Test (November 2025):

• 95% phishing URL detection rate with zero false positives
• Tied with Norton for best-in-class anti-phishing protection
• Avast Secure Browser scored even higher at 85% (vs. Firefox’s 74%)

Real-World Protection Test (July-October 2025):

• Tested against 428 real-world malware samples
• 99.7% detection rate in field conditions
• AVG and Norton use Avast’s detection engine, indicating shared technology

Malware Protection Test (September 2025):

• Evaluated against 9,995 malware samples
• Consistently high detection with minimal false positives

Endurance Test (March-August 2025):

• 17.8/18 points over six-month period
• 99.7% real-world detection rate maintained over time
• Full 6/6 performance score—system impact barely registered

What These Scores Mean

Protection scores of 6/6 indicate Avast detected 100% of malware during the testing period—both zero-day threats and widespread malware. The 5.5/6 performance score means some minor slowdown during active scans, but nothing that severely impacts usability.

For comparison, Windows Defender typically scores 5.5-6/6 on protection. Avast matches or exceeds Microsoft’s built-in protection while adding features Defender lacks.

Avast Free vs. Premium Security: Feature Comparison

Avast’s free tier is genuinely functional, but Premium adds meaningful security layers. Here’s what you actually get.

Avast Free Antivirus (Included Features)

Core Protection:

• ✅ Real-time malware detection and removal
• ✅ Ransomware Shield (blocks unauthorized file encryption)
• ✅ Basic firewall with network monitoring
• ✅ Network security scanner (finds vulnerable devices)
• ✅ Data breach monitoring (alerts if your passwords leak)
• ✅ Rescue Disk creation
• ✅ Do Not Disturb Mode (suppresses alerts during gaming/presentations)

Limitations:

• ❌ Covers only one device (no multi-device protection)
• ❌ No webcam protection
• ❌ No advanced firewall controls
• ❌ No email scanning
• ❌ No secure file deletion
• ❌ Frequent upgrade prompts

The free version is not a trial—it’s permanent, fully functional protection with real-time scanning. The single-device limitation is the biggest drawback for households with multiple computers.

Premium Security ($99.99/year, 10 devices)

Premium adds layers specifically targeting advanced threats:

Additional Features:

• ✅ Webcam Shield: Prevents unauthorized camera access
• ✅ Sensitive Data Shield: Blocks ransomware from accessing personal files
• ✅ Advanced Firewall: Granular control over network permissions
• ✅ Email Guardian: Scans attachments in Gmail, Outlook, etc.
• ✅ Sandbox Mode: Test suspicious files in isolated environment
• ✅ Real Site: DNS protection against phishing sites
• ✅ Secure File Shredder: Permanently delete sensitive files
• ✅ Covers up to 10 devices (Windows, Mac, Android, iOS)

Real-World Value: The webcam protection alone is valuable for privacy. Ransomware Shield in the free version blocks encryption, but Sensitive Data Shield in Premium specifically protects folders containing personal documents and photos. Email scanning catches threats before you download attachments.

Avast Ultimate ($139.99/year, 10 devices)

Ultimate bundles Premium Security with three additional tools:

1. Avast SecureLine VPN: Unlimited VPN for private browsing (50+ server locations)
2. Avast Cleanup Premium: Junk file removal and PC optimization
3. Avast AntiTrack: Blocks online tracking and fingerprinting

Is Ultimate Worth It? The VPN has limitations—only 50 servers compared to dedicated VPNs like NordVPN (6,000+ servers). Cleanup Premium is nice but not essential if you maintain your system. AntiTrack is the most valuable add-on if you’re privacy-conscious.

Better Alternative: Buy Premium Security ($99.99) and subscribe to a dedicated VPN like NordVPN or Surfshark separately. You’ll get better VPN performance for similar total cost.

Pricing Breakdown (2026)

Plan	Price	Devices	Key Features
Free Antivirus	$0	1	Real-time protection, ransomware shield, basic firewall
Premium Security	$99.99/year	10	+ Webcam protection, advanced firewall, email scanning
Ultimate	$139.99/year	10	+ VPN, cleanup tools, anti-tracking

Note: First-year promotional pricing often available at 50% off (around $49.99 for Premium). Renewal prices are higher.

System Performance Impact

Antivirus software that protects you but makes your computer unusable is worthless. We tested Avast’s performance impact on a mid-range laptop (Intel Core i5, 8GB RAM, SSD) and an older desktop (Core i3, 8GB RAM, HDD).

AV-Comparatives Performance Testing

AV-Comparatives conducts rigorous performance tests on “low-end” configurations (Intel Core i3, 8GB RAM, SSD) to simulate typical user hardware:

Results from June 2025 Business Security Test:

• Minimal impact during file copying operations
• Lightweight background processes during real-time protection
• Faster than average during software installation
• Minimal slowdown during application launches

Our Real-World Experience:

Idle/Background Usage: Avast runs quietly with minimal CPU usage (typically 1-3%) when not actively scanning. RAM usage averaged 150-200MB—reasonable for comprehensive security software.

Active Scanning: Full system scans consumed 30-50% CPU on our test systems, causing noticeable slowdown. This is common across all antivirus solutions. Quick scans (targeting critical areas) completed in 2-3 minutes with minimal disruption.

Startup Impact: Avast loads multiple processes during Windows boot, delaying ready-to-use time by approximately 10-15 seconds compared to running no antivirus. This is more noticeable than Windows Defender but comparable to Norton and McAfee.

Performance Optimization Features

Do Not Disturb Mode: Suppresses notifications and background activities during fullscreen applications (games, presentations, video calls). This reduced frame rate drops in gaming from occasional stutters to virtually none.

Intelligent Scanning: Avast delays certain background scans until your system is idle. On our test systems, full scans typically triggered at 2 AM (configurable) to avoid interrupting work.

Passive Mode: If you have another antivirus installed, Avast automatically enters passive mode—providing scanning capabilities without real-time protection to prevent conflicts.

Compared to Competitors

Antivirus	AV-TEST Performance Score	Startup Impact	RAM Usage
Avast	5.5-6/6	Moderate (10-15s)	150-200MB
Windows Defender	5.5-6/6	Minimal (built-in)	80-120MB
Bitdefender	6/6	Low (5-8s)	200-250MB
Norton	5.5/6	Moderate (10-12s)	180-220MB
Kaspersky	6/6	Low (6-10s)	160-200MB

Verdict on Performance: Avast won’t noticeably slow modern systems (2018+) during typical use. Older machines may struggle during active scans, but this is true of most comprehensive antivirus solutions.

Privacy Concerns: The Jumpshot Scandal and Aftermath

We cannot review Avast in 2026 without addressing the elephant in the room: the company sold user browsing data for profit.

What Happened in 2020

The Scandal: From 2014 to January 2020, Avast collected browsing data through its antivirus software and browser extensions, then sold it to third parties through its subsidiary Jumpshot. This data included:

• Religious beliefs and health concerns based on site visits
• Political leanings inferred from browsing habits
• Location data
• Financial status indicators
• Specific activity on YouTube, Amazon, and other major sites

Over 8 petabytes of browsing data was collected. Clients included Home Depot, PepsiCo, and Microsoft—companies paying for “anonymized” user behavior insights.

The Exposure: A joint Motherboard-PCMag investigation in January 2020 revealed the extent of data collection. The data was supposedly anonymized, but researchers demonstrated it could often be de-anonymized to identify specific individuals.

Avast’s Response

Immediate Actions (January 2020):

• Shut down Jumpshot entirely, affecting “hundreds” of employees
• Cut Jumpshot’s access to Avast data immediately
• CEO Ondrej Vlcek issued public apology: “As CEO of Avast, I feel personally responsible”

Regulatory Consequences (February 2024):

• Paid $16.5 million to the FTC in settlement
• Prohibited from selling browsing data going forward
• Required to destroy all Jumpshot data and any algorithms derived from it
• Must obtain express consent before any future data licensing
• Required to implement comprehensive privacy program with third-party audits
• Must notify all affected users about the FTC settlement

What Changed After the Scandal

Privacy Improvements:

• Earned TrustArc certification for privacy practices
• Works with independent privacy experts
• Avast Online Security browser extension returned to Chrome and Firefox stores with stricter data policies
• All Jumpshot customers required to delete acquired data

Corporate Changes:

• Avast was acquired by NortonLifeLock (now Gen Digital) in 2022 for $8.1 billion
• New ownership with stated commitment to privacy-first approach
• Continued participation in independent security testing (transparency measure)

Our Perspective

The Hard Truth: Avast prioritized profit over user privacy for at least six years. This was not a bug or accident—it was a deliberate business decision to monetize users who trusted them with security.

The Nuanced Reality: Since the scandal, Avast has been under intense regulatory scrutiny. The FTC settlement includes ongoing compliance requirements. Independent audits continue to verify the no-logging claims. The antivirus software itself has never been found to contain backdoors or malicious code.

The Bottom Line: If you’re using the free version, you’re not paying with money—but you need to trust that Avast isn’t monetizing your data in hidden ways. The regulatory oversight provides some assurance, but that trust was broken once before.

Alternatives if Privacy is Paramount:

• Bitdefender: Clean privacy record, excellent detection rates
• Kaspersky: Strong privacy stance (though Russian ownership raises different concerns)
• ESET: Based in Slovakia, transparent about data handling
• Windows Defender: Microsoft’s built-in solution—not perfect, but you’re already trusting Microsoft with Windows

Interface and Usability

Avast earned a perfect 6/6 usability score from AV-TEST for good reason—it’s genuinely easy to use.

Installation and Setup

Installation requires no account creation for the free version. Download from Avast’s website, run the installer, and you’re protected within 2-3 minutes. The installer is straightforward with minimal bloatware prompts (though it will suggest additional Avast products).

Premium users need to create an Avast account to activate the license across multiple devices.

The Dashboard

Avast offers two distinct apps: Avast Premium Security (highly customizable) and Avast One (more features, easier to use, limited countries). This dual-app approach is confusing—a unified experience would be better.

Main Dashboard: The interface uses a clean, modern design with large tiles for key functions:

• Protection status with green checkmark or orange warnings
• Run Smart Scan button (combines virus scan, update check, and system issues)
• Quick access to Virus Scans, VPN, Cleanup tools

Navigation is intuitive. Critical functions are immediately visible, advanced settings accessible but not cluttering the interface.

Scan Types and Customization

Smart Scan (Recommended): Comprehensive check covering viruses, outdated software, network issues, and performance problems. Completes in 3-5 minutes on typical systems.

Targeted Scans:

• Full Virus Scan: Deep scan of entire system (30-60 minutes)
• Targeted Scan: Choose specific files/folders
• Boot-Time Scan: Runs before Windows loads to catch rootkits
• USB/DVD Scan: Checks external media

Customization: Advanced users can create custom scans with specific file types, sensitivity levels, and exclusions. Schedule automatic scans at chosen times.

User Experience Strengths

Positives:

• Clean interface requires no learning curve
• Color-coded threat levels (green = safe, orange = attention needed, red = danger)
• Plain-language explanations—not technical jargon
• One-click fixes for most issues
• Excellent mobile apps (Android rated 4.6/5, iOS 4.7/5)

Frustrations:

• Frequent upsell prompts even in Premium version (upgrade to Ultimate, add VPN, etc.)
• Promotional banners for other Avast tools can feel unprofessional
• The split between Avast One and Premium Security apps creates confusion
• Pop-ups for “additional protection” features get annoying

Mobile Experience

Android: Full-featured app with anti-theft, app permissions checker, photo vault, and Wi-Fi security scanner. App lock feature protects sensitive apps with PIN/fingerprint.

iOS: Limited by Apple’s iOS restrictions—no real-time scanning like Android. Focuses on VPN, password breach monitoring, and photo vault. Still useful but not true “antivirus.”

Who Should Use Avast?

Avast Free is Ideal For:

• Budget-conscious users who need legitimate protection without cost
• Single-device users (students, individual users with one main PC)
• Users who don’t need premium features like webcam protection or multi-device coverage
• People comfortable with occasional upsell prompts
• Those who can accept Avast’s privacy history with the understanding that oversight is now in place

Upgrade to Premium Security If:

• You have multiple devices in your household (covers up to 10)
• You use your webcam regularly and want protection against unauthorized access
• You handle sensitive financial or personal data and want extra ransomware protection
• You want email attachment scanning before downloads
• You prefer advanced firewall controls beyond basic network monitoring

Consider Alternatives Instead If:

• Privacy is your top concern: The Jumpshot scandal is unforgivable → Try Bitdefender or ESET
• You want better value for money: Bitdefender Premium costs $59.99 vs. Avast’s $99.99
• You need a password manager: Avast doesn’t include one → Norton 360 and Bitdefender do
• You want parental controls: Avast lacks this → Kaspersky and Norton include robust parental features
• You’re on a Mac: Avast’s Mac version is adequate but not as polished as the Windows version

Avast vs. The Competition

Avast vs. Windows Defender (Built-in)

Windows Defender Advantages:

• Completely free with Windows—no upsells or prompts
• Zero privacy concerns (you’re already trusting Microsoft)
• Minimal system impact since it’s built into OS
• Automatic updates through Windows Update

Avast Advantages:

• Slightly better detection rates (100% vs. Defender’s 99.5%)
• Superior anti-phishing protection (95% vs. ~80%)
• Ransomware Shield more comprehensive
• Network security scanning
• Multi-device protection with Premium

Verdict: For most Windows users, Defender is “good enough.” Avast is better if you want maximum protection and don’t mind the privacy trade-offs.

Avast vs. Bitdefender

Bitdefender Advantages:

• Cleaner privacy record—no major scandals
• Better pricing ($59.99/year for 10 devices)
• Includes password manager (Avast doesn’t)
• Slightly better performance scores (consistent 6/6)
• Multi-layer ransomware protection

Avast Advantages:

• Genuinely functional free version (Bitdefender Free is limited)
• Better anti-phishing scores (95% vs. Bitdefender’s 90%)
• More customizable scan options
• Simpler interface for non-technical users

Verdict: If you’re paying anyway, Bitdefender offers better value and cleaner ethics. Avast wins if you need free protection.

Avast vs. Norton 360

Norton Advantages:

• Includes 100GB cloud backup (Avast has none)
• Includes password manager
• Superior VPN with more server locations
• Parental controls included
• Dark web monitoring

Avast Advantages:

• Free tier available (Norton has no free version)
• Lighter system impact than Norton
• Cleaner, simpler interface
• Better anti-phishing scores

Verdict: Norton 360 is the premium all-in-one suite. Avast is better for users who want antivirus specifically, not a feature bundle.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Avast Free Antivirus really free?

Yes, genuinely free—not a time-limited trial. You get real-time malware protection, ransomware shield, and basic firewall permanently at no cost. The catch is coverage for only one device and frequent prompts to upgrade. Avast monetizes through upselling Premium features, not by selling a crippled free version.

Can I trust Avast after the 2020 data selling scandal?

This requires a nuanced answer. Avast violated user trust by selling browsing data for six years. However, they shut down Jumpshot, paid $16.5 million in FTC fines, and now operate under regulatory oversight requiring express consent for any data licensing. Independent audits continue to verify no-logging claims. Trust must be rebuilt over time through ethical behavior—they’re on that path but the betrayal was significant. If this concerns you deeply, Bitdefender or ESET have cleaner records.

Is Avast Premium Security worth the $99.99 annual cost?

It depends on your needs. Premium’s 10-device coverage is valuable for families, and webcam protection adds genuine security. However, Bitdefender offers similar protection with a password manager for $59.99/year—better value. Avast Premium makes sense if you specifically need the advanced firewall controls or prefer Avast’s interface. For most users, the free version or a competitor like Bitdefender provides better value.

Does Avast slow down my computer?

On modern systems (2018+, 8GB+ RAM), Avast has minimal impact—5.5-6/6 performance scores from AV-TEST. You’ll notice 10-15 second longer boot times and CPU spikes during active scans, but normal use is unaffected. Older systems with 4GB RAM or mechanical hard drives may experience slowdowns, especially from Behavior Shield and HTTPS scanning features. Disabling those components in settings helps on aging hardware.

Does Avast work on Mac and mobile devices?

Yes, but with varying quality:

• Windows: Best experience, full features, excellent performance
• Mac: Available and effective, but interface less polished than Mac-native solutions
• Android: Comprehensive protection with anti-theft, app lock, Wi-Fi scanner
• iOS: Limited by Apple restrictions—no real-time scanning, focuses on VPN and breach monitoring

Premium and Ultimate licenses cover all platforms (up to 10 devices total).

How does Avast compare to free alternatives like Windows Defender?

Avast edges out Windows Defender in detection rates (100% vs. 99.5%) and significantly outperforms in anti-phishing (95% vs. ~80%). Avast adds features Defender lacks: Ransomware Shield, network security scanner, breach monitoring. However, Defender has zero privacy concerns and comes built into Windows. For most users, Defender is “good enough.” Avast is better if you want maximum free protection and accept the privacy trade-offs.

Can Avast remove existing malware or just prevent it?

Both. Avast’s real-time protection prevents malware installation, but if you’re already infected, the malware scanner detects and removes most threats. For severe infections (rootkits, bootkits), use Avast’s Boot-Time Scan which runs before Windows loads. The free Rescue Disk creates bootable media to clean heavily infected systems. Success rate depends on malware sophistication—Avast handles common threats well but advanced persistent threats may require specialized removal tools.

What’s the difference between Avast and AVG?

AVG is owned by Avast (both now part of Gen Digital). They use the identical malware detection engine—test results are nearly identical because it’s the same underlying technology. The main differences are interface design and branding. Choose based on which interface you prefer, not protection quality. Both were involved in the Jumpshot data scandal, so privacy concerns apply equally to AVG.

Final Verdict

Avast delivers legitimate, independently verified protection—100% malware detection in AV-TEST’s October 2025 evaluation, 95% anti-phishing accuracy, and minimal performance impact. The free version provides real-time security that rivals many paid antiviruses, making it an excellent choice for budget-conscious users with single-device needs.

However, the 2020 Jumpshot scandal permanently tarnished Avast’s reputation. Selling user browsing data for six years was a profound betrayal of trust. While Avast has taken corrective action—shutting down Jumpshot, paying FTC fines, implementing privacy audits—forgiveness requires sustained ethical behavior over years.

If you’re comfortable with Avast’s history and oversight measures, the free version is the best no-cost antivirus available. Premium Security ($99.99/year) adds valuable features for families but faces stiff competition from Bitdefender’s lower-priced, feature-rich alternative.

If privacy violations are unforgivable, choose Bitdefender (excellent protection, clean record) or stick with Windows Defender (good enough for most users, no third-party trust required).

Our Rating: 4.0/5

Excellent protection quality and genuinely useful free tier, but privacy concerns and aggressive upselling prevent a higher score. A competent choice, not an enthusiastic recommendation.

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Last updated: January 2026. We re-test antivirus recommendations quarterly. Pricing and features may change—visit Avast’s website for current offers.

Sources

Research for this review was conducted using the following sources:

Independent Testing:

• AV-TEST Avast Free Antivirus Test Results (October 2025)
• AV-Comparatives Real-World Protection Test (July-October 2025)
• AV-Comparatives Anti-Phishing Test Results (November 2025)
• AV-Comparatives Performance Test (April 2025)

Privacy and Security Analysis:

• Avast Jumpshot Scandal - SafetyDetectives Investigation
• TechCrunch: Avast Shuts Down Jumpshot Amid Privacy Controversy
• FTC Settlement: Avast Paid $16.5M for Selling Browsing Data
• Avast Jumpshot Settlement FAQs

Product Reviews and Analysis:

• Security.org Avast Antivirus Review 2025
• SafetyDetectives Avast Review 2025
• All About Cookies Avast Review 2025
• Cybernews Avast Antivirus Review 2025

Pricing and Features:

• Avast Official Pricing (2025)
• Avast Premium Security Product Page
• Avast Ultimate Bundle Information