Avira — More (and Better) Free Features

Web Safety can be used for blocking ads and trackers online.

Nevertheless, I was disappointed in Avira Safety’s preventive measures.

Exploits can be defined as web-based tools that exploit software weaknesses to gain access to or install malware. Many exploit attacks have been well-known. Browsers and internet protections can block exploit sites. Avira Browser Safety detected only 10% of the exploit attacks that I tested. Bitdefender’s protection feature detected 100%.

Avira’s Web Protection is extremely good. However, it lacks exploit attack protection. Avira Firefox Safety blocks phishing websites much more effectively that Chrome and Firefox’s ad and tracker blockers.

Device Optimization Tools

Avira’s system optimizing tools are exceptional. They’re easy to use, free up space on the system, and provide useful metrics to track system performance over time. Avira’s main tools are for optimizing devices.

• PC junk cleaner.
• Startup optimizer.
• Driver updater.
• Battery usage monitor.
• Game booster.

A computer junk file cleaner finds junk, unused, and hidden files.

Avira found over 1.3 GB worth of junk files on my hard disk during my tests. Avira showed me files and folders it may recommend I keep, and let me choose whether or not to delete them. Avira’s junk file cleaner works great. TotalAV can detect and remove junk files.

This startup optimizer can show you which programs slow your PC down and help you stop them from starting at the start. Avira has a Hyper Boost mode for users who have slower boot times. Avira asks you to restart your computer five times to optimize your boot sequence. Even though this Hyper Boost feature requires some time to set up, it is a great tool for those with a faulty startup sequence. The startup optimizer keeps track how long it takes to load the PC and displays that data in an easy-to read graph.

I was impressed with Avira’s driver updater. It checked all of my programs and advised me if they were out-of-date. Software updates provide security patches and performance improvements that will close security gaps. Avira’s Driver Upgrader is a highly useful security feature that will ensure your device is protected against all known exploit attacks.

Although the battery usage management isn’t that impressive, it can turn your system off to prevent automatic updates and dim its screen. But, unlike iOS and Android, it doesn’t monitor which apps are using up your battery.

Avira’s Game Booster is a handy tool which stops background services from running and prevents them from being used. It optimizes your network settings to maximize CPU performance. This is especially important for online games such Destiny 2 that can suffer from slowdowns because of network connectivity issues. I experienced less lag in online games, and also no intermittent slowdown.

BullGuard booster is superior in my opinion. This booster reallocates CPUs across multiple core processors, which allows games to run faster. BullGuard’s boosters or McAfee’s boosters are the two only tools that allow me to increase my frame rates and graphics settings when gaming.

Overall, though I am satisfied with Avira’s devices-optimization tools, They are the most sophisticated of all system tuneup programs that I’ve tested.

Virtual Private Networks (VPN)

Avira Phantom VPN provides good security and has a decent network. It has no logs and can maintain high speeds. However, it cannot access streaming sites on a regular basis. Phantom VPN Pro unlimited data can be found in Avira’s Prime package. But, the lower-tier plans provide only 500MB of browsing data monthly, which isn’t enough.

PhantomVPN also supports

• Unbreakable encryption of user data at 256 bits
• A strictly no logging policy. Avira doesn’t log any visits to websites or files you download.
• DNS leak Security. GhostVPN supports IPv4/IPv6 traffic.
• Malware Blocker. Prevents users from visiting malicious sites.
• Multiple server locations. 1,400 servers in 37 countries, including specific US states. Pro users have full accessibility to all 1,400 server location, while the free version is limited to one virtual host.
• Kill switch. It will block your internet connection when the VPN is disconnected.

Avira VPN speeds run very fast. My speed dropped between 25% and 30% during my tests. It is comparable to ProtonVPN – one of the best standalone VPNs. Avira VPN allowed me to browse the internet, view videos, download, and play video with virtually no downtime. Although I experienced slowdowns with distant servers (especially long-distance ones), it is normal for VPNs.

Phantom VPN supports five simultaneous connections. That’s quite a few connections considering the industry average is between five and seven devices. Avira VPN isn’t compatible with smart TVs and consoles. It is possible for users to have multiple devices protected at once. ExpressVPN, a standalone competitor, can be installed to all devices. CactusVPN provides unlimited simultaneous connections. There are also VPNs that support multiple concurrent connections.

Avira VPN was not able to connect to the streaming sites I tested. My tests revealed that Netflix, Amazon Prime and Disney+ were not available to me. ProtonVPN/ExpressVPN are great options for fast VPNs that can stream smoothly.

Phantom VPN supports all major torrenting client and P2P traffic. Other VPNs without antiviruses, like McAfee Safe Connect (or Norton Secure VPN), do not allow torrenting.

Phantom VPN can be described as an average VPN. The Avira Primepackage is well worth it, but there are better options for standalone usage. Avira’s Phantom VPN is a great choice if you want a quick, reliable, and secure VPN service with many international server locations.

Password Manager

Avira’s password manager provides secure password storage, an intuitive interface, as well as security features. Norton Password Manager is also quite useful. Avira is also one of few password managers that can store unlimited passwords and sync across multiple devices. Avira Antivirus Pro plan and Avira Antivirus Pro plan are both free. They also include Avira Password manager Pro.

Avira has these key features for its password administrator:

• 256-bit encryption.
• Login on your mobile device using Biometrics.
• Two-factor authentication (2FA).
• Password generator.
• Autosave & auto-fill.
• Data breach monitoring (Pro version).
• Password vault auditing (Pro version).

Avira’s password manger dashboard makes it very easy to use

It also includes a browser extension that can save and automatically fill your login details, and generate strong passwords. It is available for Chrome and Firefox, Microsoft Edge and Opera.

The browser extension is missing a password generator. The desktop application also has a password generator. However, it is a good idea to include one in your browser extension when creating new accounts.

Avira offers a mobile app that is also great. This allows users to sync logins saved in their vault from different devices.

Avira’s vault monitoring tool works well. It records all of my unsecure logins. I can then access them and change them to improve vault health. Avira’s password auto-change function is a wonderful feature. Data breach monitor keeps you informed of any public data breaches that have detected your logins.

Avira’s password manager does not have certain features. It doesn’t support 2FA tokens like YubiKey. It also doesn’t work with 2FA tokens like YubiKey. It is still a reliable password manager.

Avira Password Management is a great option if you want to have a simple password manager that’s secure and easy to use. It also has helpful extra features. Most of the features are also available for free.

Additional Features

Avira provides manymore features such as:

• File encryption. Protect files and folders using passwords
• File deleting. This deletes files so hackers can’t find them.
• Manager for network traffic. This tool displays the number and type of applications connected to Internet. It also allows you to stop connections.
• Process manager. Monitors all processes, and stops them when they’re not needed.
• Disk defragmenter. It improves the organization and speed of hard drives.
• Find deleted files.
• Safe Shopping The browser extension recommends shopping online to find better deals.

The file shredder is my favorite tool. It was simple to wipe everything off my hard disk in less than a minute. Avira provides many useful features including the disk manager, file shredder, process manager, and disk defragmenter.

Safe Shopping Browser Extension wasn’t what I was looking for. It didn’t alert me about better offers but sometimes it offered funny alternatives. When I was looking for Animorphs Book, it alerted of an Amazon low-price Terrarium.

Avira Setup and Use Ease

Avira antivirus is the most user friendly I have tested.

Installation took less then 10 minutes. Avira was faster that other antiviruses, like TotalAV. Avira was installed in less than 10 minutes.

Avira’s features make it easy and intuitive for users who are not tech-savvy to run an virus scan or use device optimization tools.

I set scan frequency and scheduled scans in just minutes.

Avira offers many scanning options. This is one advantage. This can seem daunting to people who don’t know much about technical terms. Avira makes it easy to scan and schedule.

Avira was successful in scanning my entire system without affecting my CPU. This is much better than the time I ran McAfee and Panda. Both took more than half my CPU while I was running a virus scanning program. Avira allowed my computer to function as normal, even though the scan was in progress. This meant that I was able view YouTube and edit videos while Avira ran.

Avira’s installation is simple and easy to use. You will have easy access to all security functions and device optimization functions, even for those who are not experts.

Avira Mobile App

Avira provides a mobile app compatible with iOS as well as Android. It features many useful features with an intuitive user interface.

I tested the Android app using my Nokia 6-1 Smartphone. I also tested the iOS app with my iPad.

The Android antivirus scanner took 5 minutes to complete and didn’t slow down. I downloaded a huge Android-specific Malware Database. It returned the identical result to the desktop app: 100% were either deleted entirely from my Android device or put in quarantine.

These feature are part of Avira’s mobile app:

• Web protection.

• Anti-theft device finder.
• Camera protection and microphone protection.
• App locker.
• Call blocker.
• VPN.
• Password manger.
• Performance optimizer.
• Alerts for Identity Breach
• WiFi network scanning.
• Protection for Siri (iOS only).
• iOS upgrader (iOS only).

I like the microphone protection as well as the permissions manger. It is sometimes difficult to remember which applications have which permissions. To manage these permissions, I find it very easy to use the prompts in my iPhone.

The performance optimizer works well, too. Avira was able to free up some storage on my external microSD Cards, making my phone run much faster.

It works well, even though it is the least effective feature in the Anti-Theft system. It was able to locate my device at the house of my neighbor across street. It’s definitely better than Apple or Google’s devices location apps, which I’ve always found a little cumbersome. Avira’s Anti-Theft function isn’t quite as impressive than Norton’s. Norton can locate devices within 65 feet.

Avira mobile apps are packed with many features. They are capable of scanning for malware and other malicious apps, optimizing device performance, monitoring privacy violations, and offering a wide range of anti theft tools.

Avira Support

Avira’s customer support is excellent. Online and telephone support are excellent.

Avira offers many customer support options.

• Email support.
• Telephone assistance.
• Online knowledgebase.

You cannot chat with the live person. For me, this is the best option.

Avira offers no customer service for paid users. The knowledgebase is extremely helpful. It provides detailed answers that can solve most problems.

Premium users can reach a toll-free phone number. It can be reached between 9-11 Central European Time (CET) for over 30 countries including many European or Asian. Toll-free support is not available for all countries. They can still call another number but will be charged for the local rate.

Avira Telephone Support was helpful in answering questions about installation. They were friendly and gave clear advice.

Premium subscribers will also have the option to reach out by email. Avira responded within 24 hours to my email. I feel they should have replied sooner. Norton’s support will respond within 2 hours.

Overall, Avira offers decent customer support. The knowledge base has a wealth information. Telephone support is amazing. Email support can be slower, however, support reps can still be very helpful.

Is Avira a Good Antivirus in 2022?

Avira still remains one the best antiviruses available

The high detection rate of malware, the large number of exceptional internet security features, as well as the user-friendly interface, back this claim.

Avira can easily be used by everyone, even those with no technical knowledge. Avira, an advanced anti-virus scanner, is lightweight. It takes up less CPU space than other antiviruses.

I was also impressed by the many extra features such as the secure password manger, comprehensive device optimization tools, automatic software update, and the ability to set up automatic software upgrades. There are also better standalone VPN options.

Avira is a wonderful antivirus that offers parental controls, identity and mobile anti theft features, such as McAfee. Avira, however, is a great antivirus that offers many great extra features.

Avira, a highly-recommended low-cost antivirus software is highly recommended. It comes with a 30-day money-back warranty, so you can test it risk free for 30 days.

Is Avira’s antivirus protection adequate?

Avira was able to detect and block 100% of the malware I tested. Its real time scanner engine and antivirus scanner can detect and block viruses and ransomware such as rootkits and spyware.

Avira has combined its scanning engine with cloud technology in order to provide thorough and lightweight malware detection. It’s as effective as McAfee Premium Antimalware Protection.

Does Avira offer a free version?

Avira offers a complimentary version of its antivirus. It uses the same powerful scanning engine as the premium version. Avira’s Free Version offers real-time protection. This is a rare feature in an anti-virus program.

Avira security free is my favorite online safety program of 2022. The free version is missing many other features.

Avira Prime gives you all the premium features of Avira including a great password manager and extensive system optimization tools. All this at a very reasonable price

How much will Avira slow my computer down?

A lightweight antivirus software that uses very little computer processing time, compared to other brands.

Avira uses cloud technology in its scanning engine. Avira’s servers are able to scan files with security. Bitdefender, a competitor uses cloud-based scanning technology, which allows high-performance antivirus scans that don’t drain CPUs.

Is Avira VPN safe to use

Avira’s secure VPN can be used.

Avira VPN works well to torrent, browse, stream, and play games, but not for streaming.

This reliable VPN offers exceptional streaming capabilities.