Avira Prime review: more expensive than it’s worth | Digital Trends

In the ever-evolving landscape of cybersecurity, Avira Prime emerges as a contender worth examining. With a manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) of 9.99, it positions itself within a competitive market. However, opinions on its value vary, as one user noted, “Avira Internet Security and Avira Prime work just fine, but are priced too high for what they are.”

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As we step into 2024, the necessity for robust antivirus protection becomes increasingly clear. While operating systems may offer basic defenses, they often fall short against more sophisticated threats. Avira’s offerings, particularly Avira Prime, warrant a closer look to assess their usability and overall value.

Tiers and pricing

Avira distinguishes itself with a monthly subscription option, a rarity in the antivirus realm where annual commitments are the norm. For those seeking a one-year plan, the value proposition becomes even more appealing. The pricing structure is as follows:

• Avira Internet Security for one computer:
  • per month
  • for the first year (renewing at )
  • 6 for two years
• For five devices:
  • per month
  • for the first year (renewing at 2)

Both plans provide real-time malware prevention, a free password manager, a VPN with a monthly limit of 500MB, and a software update manager. The free version, while offering a glimpse of these features, notably lacks browser protection and customer support, which are critical in today’s digital landscape.

Avira Prime, the premium offering, expands its capabilities to mobile devices and includes an unlimited VPN along with device optimization tools. Pricing starts at monthly for five devices, with annual and two-year options available. Families can opt for a 25-device plan, providing flexibility for larger households.

Additionally, Avira’s generous 60-day money-back guarantee allows users to explore its offerings without financial risk, ensuring they can find the right fit for their needs.

Design

The installation process for Avira’s Windows application was swift, taking less than a minute. Upon completion, it promptly initiated a comprehensive system scan, assessing privacy concerns, performance issues, and potential malware threats. Although the scan encountered a brief pause, it ultimately identified two outdated applications, 22 privacy settings needing updates, and flagged 520 registry entries.

With the click of a prominent Fix issues button, I resolved most concerns, primarily related to default Microsoft settings. The app’s user interface is intuitive, featuring a status tab that reassures users of their computer’s protection. The security tab allows for virus scans, protection adjustments, and access to quarantined files.

The privacy tab provides access to the bundled VPN and password manager, while the performance tab offers PC cleanup utilities. Overall, the app is user-friendly, making it easy to navigate through its features.

Features

At its core, the primary function of antivirus software is to safeguard computers against malware. Third-party cybersecurity labs continuously evaluate leading antivirus solutions, providing insights into performance. Avira has demonstrated a commendable record, although it has not consistently matched the top performers in the field. Recent tests revealed some missed zero-day threats, raising questions about its reliability.

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To assess its effectiveness, I conducted a personal test using Avira’s Safe Shopping browser extension, which successfully identified and blocked potential threats from a test website.

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Testing the VPN feature, I connected to a London server to access the BBC’s iPlayer. Initially, I encountered a geo-blocking message, but switching to a Manchester server resolved the issue. This highlights the importance of experimenting with VPN settings to achieve optimal results.

Avira Prime also includes a password manager, which performed well during testing, allowing for seamless autofill and secure note creation across devices.

Support

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Avira’s support center features a chat option, which I tested late in the evening. An AI assistant named Mark promptly responded, but the suggestions provided were not relevant to my inquiry. After requesting a support ticket, I returned the next day during business hours, where a human agent quickly resolved my issue. While Avira’s support is generally effective, it lacks the 24/7 availability offered by many competitors, which can be crucial during urgent situations.

Privacy and security

Avira emphasizes its commitment to user privacy, stating it will not sell or share personal data. This assurance is readily available on its homepage, reflecting a transparent approach to customer care. With a history dating back to 1986, Avira has maintained a solid reputation for safeguarding user information.

Is Avira antivirus right for you?

While Avira Internet Security and Avira Prime provide commendable malware protection, they face stiff competition in terms of pricing and performance. Alternatives like McAfee and Norton offer more competitive annual plans and superior antivirus records. The unique monthly plans may appeal to those seeking temporary protection, but for budget-conscious users, free options like AVG Antivirus may suffice.

In summary, while Avira’s offerings are not without merit, they may not represent the best value in a crowded marketplace.