Avast Antivirus Review 2025 – Free Virus Scan, Price & Safety Guide
If you’re anything like me, you probably have that one story about a computer suddenly slowing down, behaving strangely, or flashing endless pop-ups. For me, it happened during my college days when I downloaded what looked like an “innocent” free game. Within minutes, my laptop was crawling. That’s when a friend recommended I try a free virus scan and removal tool, and my first encounter was with Avast Antivirus.
Review: Avast Antivirus Scan – Is It Worth Your Trust in 2025?
Fast forward to 2025, Avast has evolved from being just another antivirus software to one of the most widely recognized names in digital protection. But the big question remains: Does Avast really protect you effectively, or is it just hype?
Let’s dive deep into a full review of Avast Antivirus scan — exploring its features, pricing, safety concerns, and whether it’s still a good choice compared to newer cybersecurity tools.
What Is Avast Antivirus?
Avast is a cybersecurity company founded in 1988, and its antivirus software has been a household name for decades. The software provides:
-
Real-time threat detection
-
Free virus scan and removal
-
Email security
-
Wi-Fi vulnerability checks
-
Ransomware shield
It’s available on multiple platforms, including Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS. What sets Avast apart is its freemium model — you can get the Avast Antivirus download for free, but premium features like a VPN, advanced firewall, and identity theft protection come at a cost.
First-Hand Experience: Running an Avast Antivirus Scan
When I first ran an Avast scan on my current laptop, I was surprised by how quick and smooth the process was. Unlike older antivirus tools that would slow down everything, Avast’s Smart Scan runs in the background without making the fan roar like a jet engine.
-
Scan Time: Around 7 minutes for a quick scan on my device.
-
Threat Detection: It flagged a few suspicious cookies and outdated apps that could be exploited.
-
Impact on Performance: Minimal — I could stream music and browse without any lag.
This experience reinforced why so many still trust Avast, especially when compared to heavier tools like McAfee or Norton.
Is Avast Antivirus Safe?
This is one of the most common questions: Is Avast antivirus safe in 2025?
Avast faced backlash in the past for selling user browsing data through its subsidiary, Jumpshot. However, since then, the company has completely shut down that division, strengthened its privacy policies, and won back a significant portion of user trust.
Today, Avast complies with GDPR, CCPA, and other global privacy standards. In my personal use, I didn’t experience intrusive ads or suspicious data collection prompts.
Verdict: Yes, Avast is safe to use, provided you download it directly from the official Avast website or trusted sources like Google Play Store and Microsoft Store.
How to Download Avast Antivirus
Getting started is straightforward:
-
Go to the official website or search for the Avast Antivirus download.
-
Choose between the Free and Premium versions.
-
Install and run the setup.
-
Perform your first free virus scan and removal.
For mobile users, the Avast app is available on both the Google Play Store and the Apple App Store.
Key Features of Avast Antivirus
Here’s a breakdown of what you get:
Free Version
-
Real-time malware protection
-
Wi-Fi network security
-
Browser clean-up
-
Free virus scan and removal
Premium Version
-
Advanced ransomware protection
-
Firewall
-
VPN for secure browsing
-
Data shredder (permanently deletes sensitive files)
-
Anti-phishing protection
If you’re a casual user who just wants protection against common threats, the free version might be enough. But if you handle sensitive data, upgrading makes sense.
Avast Antivirus Price in 2025
One of the most debated topics is cost.
-
Free Plan: $0
-
Premium Security (Single Device): Around $39.99/year
-
Premium Security (Multi-Device): Around $49.99/year
-
Ultimate Plan (with VPN + Cleanup Premium): Around $79.99/year
Pro Tip: Avast often runs discounts, especially for first-time users.
How to Uninstall Avast Antivirus
Sometimes, people want to uninstall Avast because they’re switching to another tool or find it unnecessary. Here’s how:
-
Go to Control Panel > Programs > Uninstall a Program.
-
Select Avast Antivirus.
-
Click Uninstall and follow the on-screen instructions.
On Mac, just drag it from Applications to Trash.
Avast also provides a clear uninstall utility (Avast Clear) to ensure no leftover files remain.
Avast vs Competitors
Feature | Avast Antivirus | McAfee | Norton | Windows Defender |
---|---|---|---|---|
Free Version Available | ✅ Yes | ❌ No | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
Malware Protection | Excellent | Very Good | Excellent | Good |
VPN Included | In Premium | Extra Cost | Included | ❌ No |
Impact on Speed | Low | Moderate | Moderate | Low |
Price Range | $0–$79 | $39–$99 | $49–$99 | Free |
Avast on Mobile – Worth It?
Avast’s mobile app is more than just an antivirus. It includes:
-
App Lock
-
Anti-theft tools
-
Photo Vault
-
Wi-Fi scanner
When I tried the Avast Mobile Security app, I loved the App Lock feature, which adds an extra layer of security to banking apps.
FAQs on Avast Antivirus
1. Is Avast antivirus safe in 2025?
Yes, Avast is safe and trusted, provided you download it from official sources.
2. Can I use Avast for free?
Absolutely. The free version includes real-time malware protection and a free virus scan and removal.
3. How much is the Avast Antivirus price?
Starts from $39.99/year for premium, while the free plan remains $0.
4. How to uninstall Avast?
Use Control Panel (Windows), Trash (Mac), or Avast’s official uninstall utility.
5. Is Avast better than Windows Defender?
Avast offers more advanced tools like VPN and ransomware protection. However, Windows Defender is decent for casual users.
Final Verdict: Should You Use Avast Antivirus?
Avast Antivirus remains a solid, beginner-friendly choice in 2025. It’s lightweight, effective, and offers a reliable free virus scan and removal option for those who don’t want to pay.
While past privacy concerns raised eyebrows, Avast has taken corrective action. The free version is great for students, casual users, and families, while professionals handling sensitive data should consider Premium Security or the Ultimate Plan.
In my personal experience, Avast strikes the right balance between protection and performance. It’s like having a silent bodyguard who doesn’t demand too much attention but is always ready to act when danger shows up.