How ConsumerAffairs uses cookies

This website utilizes technologies such as cookies to enable essential site functionality, as well as for analytics, personalization, and targeted advertising. To learn more, view the following link:

Avira Antivirus Reviews

4,946,193reviews on ConsumerAffairs are verified
  • We require contact information to ensure our reviewers are real.
  • Our moderators read all reviews to verify quality and helpfulness.
  • We use intelligent software that helps us maintain the integrity of reviews.

About Avira Antivirus

This profile has not been claimed by the company. See reviews below to learn more or submit your own review.

Avira Antivirus develops cybersecurity software for personal and business use. Its products include antivirus protection, identity security and system optimization tools. Avira features real-time threat detection and online security solutions to safeguard digital environments against various cyber threats.

Visit www.avira.com
Pros
  • Effective in removing malware
  • User-friendly interface
Cons
  • Inadequate customer support
  • Difficult uninstallation process

Shop with confidence

Compare with top companies

Avira Antivirus Reviews

Filter by Rating

  • (4)
  • (1)
  • (1)
  • (4)
  • (18)

Popular Mentions

    How do I know I can trust these reviews about Avira Antivirus?
    • 4,946,193 reviews on ConsumerAffairs are verified.
    • We require contact information to ensure our reviewers are real.
    • We use intelligent software that helps us maintain the integrity of reviews.
    • Our moderators read all reviews to verify quality and helpfulness.
    Recent
    • Recent
    • Oldest
    • Most helpful

    A link has directed you to this review. Its location on this page may change next time you visit.

    How do I know I can trust these reviews about Avira Antivirus?
    • 4,946,193 reviews on ConsumerAffairs are verified.
    • We require contact information to ensure our reviewers are real.
    • We use intelligent software that helps us maintain the integrity of reviews.
    • Our moderators read all reviews to verify quality and helpfulness.
    Page 1 Reviews 0 - 40
    Customer ServicePriceMaintenanceStaffBillingRates

    Reviewed March 28, 2025

    Avoid Avira as there are many better programs out there. I had the free version of Avira for a few months. I was a bit annoyed with the occasional popups but dealt with it. I then get an offer to upgrade for free for 60 days. Okay. After I completed the upgrade application and gave them the credit card number (they said my card won't be charged until after 60 days) I rebooted expecting the upgrade to install. Well it never did. When I redid the free upgrade process they now wanted my credit card number again which would be charged immediately. I had enough.

    I contacted customer service via email (they have no live support), and the representative I had to deal with spoke little English. His "solution" did not work. I then requested to CANCEL my upgrade. It took three more emails before he understood I wanted to cancel. Even then he kept saying "no worries". I then decided to DELETE the entire program. Even then he did not understand what I wanted to do. Finally I think he did but I will now have to monitor my credit card to make sure it does not get charged. The rep then said he will close our discussion and he will send an email with a link to rate their service. Well I got the email and the "fake" link did not go anywhere. It was a horrible experience all around. If I could I'd give them ZERO STARS.

    Thanks for your vote!
    Customer ServiceSales & MarketingPrice

    Reviewed Dec. 4, 2023

    Wow! Before I discovered and installed Avira.com, my Android cell phone was besieged by constant pop-up videos, redirects and ads despite blocking them. A computer store recently quoted me $150 to remove phone viruses and malware. Now, thanks to the FREE Avira scans and cleaning procedures, my phone is CLEAN and EFFICIENT AGAIN IN MINUTES! THANK YOU, AVIRA!

    Thanks for your vote!

    Not sure how to choose?

    Get buying tips about Antivirus Software delivered to your inbox.

      By entering your email, you agree to sign up for consumer news, tips and giveaways from ConsumerAffairs. Unsubscribe at any time.

      Thanks for subscribing.

      You have successfully subscribed to our newsletter! Enjoy reading our tips and recommendations.

      Customer ServiceRefunds & PayoutsMaintenance

      Reviewed Oct. 29, 2021

      The software did not work. I ask for a refund, which they say they do, He became nasty and said I was a piece of **... Then kept called with abusive messages. This is a terrible company and I would never use them again.

      Thanks for your vote!
      Customer ServiceRefunds & Payouts

      Reviewed Aug. 28, 2020

      This is junk. These people need to get a new job because they are horrible at what they are doing, if they were working in the real work they would be fired! Had a problem. Tried to change my email but the email I use initially got hacked so I changed it. They said I could never change my email and I paid for this crap!

      Thanks for your vote!
      Customer ServiceTransparency

      Reviewed April 20, 2020

      Program sometimes doesn't boot with computer. Uninstalled/ reinstalled. Continued to happen. Wrote detailed account of what happened to support. Response was asking questions I had already detailed in the explanation. Pointed this out in the response I sent. They did not respond back.

      Thanks for your vote!
      MaintenanceStaff

      Reviewed April 4, 2020

      Please forgive me, I have never been a man of many words. However, your software is an excellent addition to my internet experience. It makes life a lot easier for me. I am a senior citizen and 9-11-2001 survivor. I broke both hands and all of my fingers. That is not including the other 47 bones fractured and broken in my body. Thank you for your great product. - Jose **.

      Thanks for your vote!
      Customer ServiceSales & MarketingOnline & AppRefunds & PayoutsBilling

      Reviewed March 15, 2020

      Bad customer service, bad product, automatic payment deduction.

      1. From the very second I downloaded the antivirus they took over my computer. They become your default web browser and it’s so difficult to change. I never figured it out. They have more pop ups and interacting programs it feels like Avira is the virus.

      2. They set you up with automatic payment without making it obvious to you. No email warning that repayment will take place. They just email an invoice. They took two payments on a computer I don’t even own anymore.

      3. Customer service is difficult to get a hold of. In fact I would speculate they don’t have a department because I still have never talked to or receive an email from anyone. I had to reach out to them on Twitter and it took a frustrating amount of time for them to respond. I can’t find a number for customer service. Through their website I requested a refund and I haven’t heard anything back.

      4. Choose a different antivirus company

      Thanks for your vote!
      Punctuality & SpeedStaff

      Reviewed Jan. 23, 2020

      30 year history: Had paid Norton AV until tired of paying, so went to AVG Free. It worked well for a long time then started having problems so went to Avast Free. It worked well for a long time then started having problems so went to Avira Free. It worked well for a long time, now it fights with Zonealarm. A while after I'm not using my system something initiates a "Workstation Setup" that tries to communicate with C:\Windows\System32.. and Zonealarm throws up a Suspicious Behavior Warning. Days later I discover it is Avira doing it, and when I check "Remember this setting" and hit "DENY" it continually throws up more, until it tries other files to get into. No way to discuss this with Avira and no online help on this subject. Completely uninstalled Avira and reinstalled new results in same thing. It acts like it's their computer not mine. Now Avira OnDemand File Scanner is doing the same thing but at least it tells you it is Avira.

      Thanks for your vote!
      Customer ServicePrice

      Reviewed Dec. 18, 2019

      Multiple viruses and malware. I had to get HP SmartFriends to get rid of all the malware and garbage it didnt catch. VPN comes on and off whenever it wants. If you log out you have to reset your password every time because it won't take your password. Called them multiple times about it, and girl acted as if I was bothering her. Even asked to get off phone to get to other customers when my issue wasnt resolved. Sent some email that had nothing to do with issues and had to call again, was on phone for 45 minutes till I just gave up. Also cell phone app eats up battery in background. Very expensive to be as useless as it is. Even uninstalling it from computer is troublesome. STRAIGHT TRASH!

      DO NOT WASTE YOUR MONEY ON THIS GARBAGE! They won't give you your money back either nor reimburse you for having to get other people to fix your computer. I dont even go anywhere online to pick up any malware. I have a much better program now for a quarter of what this costs and is better in every way! You have been warned!

      Thanks for your vote!
      Installation & SetupProcess

      Reviewed June 26, 2019

      This product behaves exactly like a virus. It sucked up my processor speed, it installed over 100 entries into my registry and removed my administrative rights. It took over an hour to remove every little bit of that stupid program. And some of it is still on my computer, I just had to go into the root and make it inactive. DO NOT INSTALL THIS "ANTIVIRUS".

      Thanks for your vote!

      Reviewed April 2, 2019

      I have a paid for version of Avira Antivirus software but keep getting an Avira messages popping up on my desktop telling me to update software. However, when I click to update the software then I get to a page suggesting I need to buy another product for £21. I had one today about Firefox, which is free so why should I pay £21 to update it. No clear instructions about blocking these messages.

      Thanks for your vote!
      Customer Service

      Reviewed March 30, 2019

      I hope someone does come to this site to look at reviews before wasting their money. I wasn't as fortunate. I had used the "free" version of Avira and had a problem in September, 2018 and was talked into paying $212 (and some change) to remedy the situation. This month (March, 2019) I found that I was no longer able to scan and contacted Avira. They informed me that my system was corrupted and that in order to remedy that I would have to pay either $300 or $400 to remedy that situation. I am livid and found that the technicians are demeaning and rude, no matter how many times they called ma'am. Save your money and keep your blood pressure in check. STAY AWAY!!!

      Thanks for your vote!
      Installation & Setup

      Reviewed March 4, 2019

      Avira used to be a good free antivirus. However, after a recent Avira update, my computer starts up with Avira TURNED OFF! I have to manually turn it on every time my computer is turned on. Still sticking with it, I took the on-line advice and uninstalled and reinstalled Avira. I made a huge mistake and clicked on the top google search result for "Avira free download." Apparently, Avira has changed things and this link downloaded "Avira suite" which also included Opera browser, Avira Free Phantom VPN, Avira Free System Speedup, Avira Free Software Updater, Avira Password Manager, Avira Antivirus Security, Avira Privacy Pal.

      I did not realize this until after download because there was no page to show what is being downloaded and NO option to unclick each software. Other freeware also try to download additional stuff, but we always get option to unclick them! Worst of all, it is basically impossible to completely uninstall Avira and its other software through the usual means like Programs and Features>uninstall.

      After multiple tries and partial success, I resorted to manually deleting the file folders themselves, which I wish I didn't have to. Even then, the Opera browser download cannot be uninstalled, as it was installed in some secretive way, requiring apparently Herculean efforts, involving registry manipulations and multiple layers of manual removal needed. I gave up. Do NOT install Avira EVER, especially Avira "free" Suite!!

      Thanks for your vote!

      Reviewed Feb. 23, 2019

      If you are using Windows 10, never download this product. It absolutely refuses to be removed. Worse yet, it prevents you from updating your system. Ironic how Avira Antivirus prevents your computer from getting important security updates when it's supposed to protect it. It's even more ironic that an Antivirus is harder to remove than an actual virus.

      Thanks for your vote!
      Customer Service

      Reviewed Nov. 2, 2018

      I was having a problem with Avira's Phantom VPN Pro not working. I tried calling customer support but when they answered they had a recording that said their phone lines are not open. I emailed customer support and still have not got a response after 5-days...

      Thanks for your vote!
      Punctuality & Speed

      Reviewed Oct. 18, 2018

      Hi, I go by Jules. I do not care for the free Avira version. Based off the reviews it was a bit lacking on the appealing side. However in early 2017 I was impressed with the reviews, VPN option and other factors. I love the ability to in depth customize how your computer operates. It's very simple for anyone with a few years under their belt of running antivirus and malware... may be a bit much for a newer/younger person just getting started. In a nutshell, I never considered the free version per the null reviews - I wouldn't know. Anyone who comments that Avira paid version is bad is worth laughing at in a sense that they're lying unintentionally or intentionally.

      My favorite feature is the ability to clean the PC, optimize it, the VPN, and updating PC software. I think I run Avira Prime and it lets you use the product key on 5 devices that can quickly be removed to or not to add a new device. Not only is it worth the buck, they also do so well at blocking intrusions of any sort. I haven't gotten any notices of them in over a year. And I've noticed zero issues with speed, I've not needed to restart from a back up or anything - clearly it works very well. Naysayers of the paid version there shouldn't be any. Anyone complaining of the free-version, well I think you should read reviews before running software on your computer, "What were you thinking?"

      Thanks for your vote!
      Installation & Setup

      Reviewed Sept. 2, 2018

      I am an IT manager with 20 plus years of experience. I decided to try the free Avira Antivirus software in order to try before I buy. I was not happy with the persistent and continuous pop-up selling and pushing to buy the PRO version. I am also very unhappy that the software is written so that (much like a computer virus) the Avira Antivirus software will not uninstall using the standard software uninstall commands in Windows 10. Unless you enjoy being punked and harassed by malware on your PC, I recommend that you never install Avira Antivirus software and tell your friends.

      Thanks for your vote!
      Installation & Setup

      Reviewed June 28, 2018

      I, also, just received update for Windows 10. When installing received message "Avira antivirus not compatible with this version of Windows, please uninstall." I have never installed Avira, and the uninstall contained no such application. A search of my PC could find no such program. So, Win10 update could not complete because of Avira, and I find no Avira on my PC: "catch 22".

      Thanks for your vote!
      Installation & Setup

      Reviewed May 22, 2018

      Horrible, horrible product - Even the free version that I have cannot be gotten rid of in the computer with Windows 10. If you try and get rid of it, even reading their instructions, it re-inserts itself next time you turn on computer!!! And that's just the free version! No way would I pay for it, and will advise many others on social media of my bad experience. They have known of this for some time and won't do anything about it. BOOO AVIRA!!!

      Thanks for your vote!
      Installation & Setup

      Reviewed May 20, 2018

      Just received update for Windows 10. When installing received message "Avira antivirus not compatible with this version of windows, please uninstall." I Have tried, Revo Uninstaller, 10bit Uninstaller, CC Cleaner, Spybot Search & Destroy and Avira's own uninstaller program. NOTHING WORKS. This product seems to be a virus on its own. Would advise anyone NOT to install this software.

      Thanks for your vote!
      Verified purchase
      Process

      Reviewed March 24, 2018

      I'm a gray-haired software development professional. Over the years, I've used a plethora of premium (meaning pay-per-play) anti-virus and anti-malware programs. Most have been competent. None have been without drawbacks. My current kit...which I've been using for the past three years on all my Windows 7 Professional computers and Android devices... Is AVIRA Internet Security Pro, Malwarebytes Premium, and Lookout Personal. My experience with AVIRA has been totally positive. I use their Software Updater Pro, Browser Safety, and Privacy Pal add-ins. Because I frequently change computers, I've had several opportunities to completely uninstall the AVIRA product suite... A process that proceeded flawlessly and, verified by an examination of the REGISTRY, cleanly.

      I'm sure that AVIRA, like any other protection software, doesn't catch everything. That's why I routinely back up all my data in the unlikely event of ransomware. That's also why I don't go looking for trouble on the type of Websites known for it (laugh). But here's the largest reason for my affinity for AVIRA: Their online control center is well-developed and functions flawlessly (unlike my experience with Bitdefender).

      Thanks for your vote!
      Installation & Setup

      Reviewed Feb. 7, 2018

      We've used this for a couple years on Macbooks. It's unobtrusive and quietly does the job. Recently, I read a few bad reviews about it, so I deleted it from my machine (no problem using the uninstall provided) and installed Kaspersky. Kaspersky had some problems, so I uninstalled it and tried Avast. I went through many procedures (found through online research), but could not get Kaspersky off my system, according to Avast. Also, I thought Avast was intrusive and annoying. Finally I removed Avast (no problem using their uninstall procedure) and reinstalled Avira. I wanted to post this review because I haven't had any trouble with Avira, unless you count that caused by bad reviews.

      Thanks for your vote!
      Verified purchase

      Reviewed Nov. 16, 2017

      Cannot uninstall Avira after 6 hours - I've tried Revo Uninstaller Pro, IObit Uninstaller and spent hours in the registry and other files deleting everything I can, then having it replaced by Avira. A uninstaller file comes with the program but doesn't work, another file I downloaded from Avira is suppose to clean the registry... but doesn't, or, the registry entries are just replaced.

      Thanks for your vote!
      Installation & Setup

      Reviewed July 6, 2017

      @Jim of Kaplan, LA... The reason the ZoneAlarm antivirus software got disabled is because if you have too many anti-virus softwares on your computer, it can actually cause more issues. Honestly, I haven't had much experience with Avira, but based on the reviews I just read, it doesn't seem all that great. MalwareBytes to me is a really good Anit-Malware program, but since there is no real-time protection, it can't be used as the main anti-virus software. Since I backed up and restored other files to my computer the other day, lots of things just basically vanished off it. So I am looking at reviews.

      Also, this is for the person that said: "Once installed, you cannot uninstall it." I had that Same exact issue with Avast on my computer. Avast wouldn't even work at all on my computer and as soon as I tried to uninstall it, it would Not allow me to. There were only three options: 1. was to repair and there were 2 others that I forgot of and even when the software got repaired, it still would not work for me. Anyways, be very careful with how many softwares you choose to download and be sure to look-up and read reviews before deciding on whether or not, you want to get it for your computer.

      Thanks for your vote!
      Punctuality & Speed

      Reviewed April 24, 2017

      I downloaded Avira to try it. It offers a VPN, a software updater, etc. I downloaded all of them. Soon I noticed Zonealarm was disabled. I kept having to run another cleaner to disinfect. Terrible. It got worse and worse. I finally uninstalled the whole package. Now my computer runs like new. Fast. I don't recommend anyone to download this piece of crap. If you do, don't say I didn't warn you.

      Thanks for your vote!
      Customer Service

      Reviewed Dec. 16, 2016

      Avira boasts a product that is free. It's not really. After a while, they hold you hostage by making it difficult to get into email or websites by giving you a 44.99 renewal screen every time you try to get in. On their site, they offer 21.99 annual subscription. Go figure!

      Thanks for your vote!
      Reliability

      Reviewed March 16, 2016

      Was not able to solve update problem that required frequent reboot of cable modem. Lots of features and dependable protection considering that it's free. Very reliable for protection, not so much for issues caused by updates. I used Avira Free Edition for YEARS, and until recently I had no problems. However, early in 2016, I began having issues after every Avira update - I would have to reboot my cable modem after every single update. Got tiresome, so I switched to Avast. No such problems now.

      Thanks for your vote!
      Installation & Setup

      Reviewed Jan. 6, 2016

      Once you have installed this virus program you CAN NOT get rid of it. It will not uninstall.

      Thanks for your vote!
      Loading more reviews...

      Avira Antivirus author review by Shelley Elmblad

      Avira Antivirus is a German multinational antivirus software company that offers Internet security for many different devices worldwide. In business since 1986, Avira launched one of the first antivirus programs.

      • Cloud-based scanning: Avira has a very high detection rate for cloud-based scanning. When a suspicious file is detected, it is checked in real time in the cloud for faster service.

      • Free: Avira offers free antivirus software, with more comprehensive protection with paid software Antivirus Pro at $44.99 and Internet Security Suite for $57.99. Instead of offering a firewall, Avira works with Windows Firewall. Avira is available for PC, Mac, Android and iOS devices. 30-day money back guarantee.

      • System tune up: The highest Avira version includes tools for keeping your computer running faster and encrypting files to prevent anyone from hacking into them.

      • Unwanted software shield: This feature finds potentially unwanted software that can be running from within legitimate software on your computer.

      • Easy to use: Avira’s dashboard is easy to use, and antivirus settings are easy to find so you can tweak them to fit how often you want your computer scanned.

      by Shelley Elmblad Financial Software Advisor

      Shelley Elmblad is a writer with years of experience covering small business, mobile apps, personal finance and tax software. Shelley’s goal is to help others choose the best software to run a small business, track personal finances and save money.

      Avira Antivirus Company Information

      Company Name:
      Avira Antivirus
      Year Founded:
      1986
      Address:
      330 Primrose Rd., Suite 610
      City:
      Burlingame
      State/Province:
      CA
      Postal Code:
      94010
      Country:
      United States
      Website:
      www.avira.com