Downloadsbloat 4*

Avast One

Avast's free real-time antivirus, with web, email and Wi-Fi protection

Free, with paid extras WindowsmacOSAndroidiOS

Bloat

4 · VERY HEAVY*

Pop-up upsells, browser add-ons and background services; data-sale history (FTC, 2024). But its installer may add other software — see the box below before you click anything.

What the numbers mean

⚠ Before you install: the installer carries offers

The installer offers other products from the same company — such as Avast Secure Browser — and can change your default browser if you let it.

On the first installer screen, untick every extra product (for example Avast Secure Browser) before clicking Install.
When asked, pick the free plan and skip any trial.
Afterwards, check your default browser and Settings → Apps → Installed apps.

The clean route: Windows Security, built into Windows 10 and 11, is free, has no offers and is enough for most people.

About

Avast One is the security app from Avast, a Gen Digital brand, and its free tier is what the company now offers as Avast Free Antivirus. On Windows it runs real-time shields that check files as they are opened, watch programs for suspicious behavior, and screen websites and email attachments for scams and phishing. The free tier also includes ransomware protection, a Wi-Fi network inspector, a rescue-disk builder for PCs that will not start normally, and Hack Alerts that warn when a password linked to your email shows up in a leak. Apps are also offered for macOS, Android and iOS. Paid Avast One plans add further privacy and performance tools, and some extras shown in the app are only trials.

Real-time file and behavior shields
Web and email protection against scams and phishing
Ransomware protection and Wi-Fi network inspector
Alerts when a password linked to your email leaks
Rescue disk for scanning a PC that will not boot

Before you download

The free tier is licensed for personal, non-commercial use only.
The SecureLine VPN shown in the app is a 60-day trial that needs a payment method and is billed at the end unless cancelled.
In 2024 the US FTC ordered Avast to pay $16.5 million and banned it from selling or licensing browsing data for advertising, over data sold through its former Jumpshot subsidiary.

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