Avira Free Security - Download (2026)

Name: Avira Free Security
Availability: InStock
Author: Avira GmbH

Avira Free Security - Antivirus with VPN

Avira Free Security is a free antivirus by Avira, which is now part of Gen Digital (the same company that owns Norton and Avast). Beyond the standard virus scanner, it bundles a VPN (limited to 500 MB/month on the free tier), a password manager, a software updater, and a junk file cleaner. Whether you consider that useful or bloated depends on whether you actually want those extras.

It runs on Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS.

What it does

Real time protection scans files automatically when you open, download, or run them. The full system scan (main window > Scan) checks everything - programs, system files, browser extensions, startup items. Detected threats go to quarantine where they sit isolated until you delete or restore them.

The VPN encrypts your connection through Avira's servers but 500 MB per month is barely enough for a single software download - it's clearly there to upsell you on the paid plan. The password manager stores login credentials and auto-fills them in your browser. The software updater scans installed programs and flags outdated ones.

The Browser Safety extension for Chrome, Firefox, and Edge blocks phishing sites and tracking scripts. The junk file cleaner removes temp files, browser cache, and system leftovers.

Advantages

Includes VPN, password manager, and system cleanup in the free tier
Lightweight real time scanner
Browser safety extension blocks phishing
Cross platform (Windows, Mac, Android, iOS)

Drawbacks

500 MB VPN limit is essentially useless for daily use
Aggressive upselling to paid plans
Extra features (VPN, password manager, cleanup) add bloat if you don't need them
Bitdefender Free has better detection with less nagging

Who it is for

Avira Free is worth considering if you want antivirus plus a password manager and basic VPN in one package. If you only need antivirus protection, Bitdefender Free or Windows Defender are lighter and less pushy about upgrades. The bundled extras sound good on paper but the free tier limitations make most of them feel like ads for the paid version.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Avira Free Security really free?

The antivirus, password manager, software updater, and junk cleaner are free. The VPN is limited to 500 MB per month. Full VPN and advanced features require a paid plan.

Is Avira better than Windows Defender?

Avira bundles more features (VPN, password manager, cleanup) but also nags about upgrades. Windows Defender is lighter and has no upsells. Protection quality is comparable.

Who owns Avira?

Avira is owned by Gen Digital (formerly NortonLifeLock), the same company behind Norton and Avast antivirus products.

Does Avira Free include a VPN?

Yes, but limited to 500 MB per month on the free tier. That is barely enough for casual browsing. Unlimited VPN requires Avira Prime subscription.

Features & How-To Guide

#	Feature	How to use
1	Real-time protection 16	Enabled by default after installation. Scans files on access and download.
2	Unnecessary files cleanup	Performance tab › Cleanup › Scan temporary files/duplicates/cache › Clean.
3	Free VPN (500 MB/month)	Privacy tab › VPN › Choose a location › Enable. 500 MB limit in the free version.
4	Quarantine and malware removal	After a scan › Threats list › Quarantine isolates them › Delete permanently or restore.
5	Browser security extension	Download Avira Browser Safety › Add it to Chrome/Firefox/Edge › Blocks phishing and tracking.
6	Computer scanning 9	Main window › Scan › Full scan › Review the results › Quarantine threats.
7	Program updater 3	Performance tab › Software Updater › Scans installed programs › Update the outdated ones.
8	Password manager 6	Privacy section › Password Manager › Add logins › Autofill on websites.