Avira vs Emsisoft Anti-Malware (2026): which should you pick?

Pick Avira if

• Fits if you want antivirus, a cleaner and a password manager on a Windows PC for free
• Works for Android users who want a free scanner with app locking

Look elsewhere if

• Skip it if you use a Mac, as there's no Mac app on our record
• Tight if you stream over the free VPN, which stops at 500 MB a month on Windows and 100 MB a day on Android
• Not for you if you want web protection or camera and mic blocking free on Android, as they're Pro features
• Watch out: the iPhone app's listing mentions no virus scans, only a VPN, web protection, breach checks and call blocking
• Watch out: we have no prices on record, as Avira's site refused our reader, so check avira.com before buying

Pick Emsisoft Anti-Malware if

• Fits if you want a Windows antivirus with anti-ransomware and no extras
• Works for a Mac or Windows owner who wants a 30-day look before paying

Look elsewhere if

• Skip it if you want a free edition, as there's only the 30-day trial
• Not for you if you need a VPN or password manager, as the Home plan lists neither
• Too light for phones, since there's no Android or iOS app listed
• Watch out: the pricing page shows regional prices, so the $39.95 US price may differ where you are

Avira

• Avira's website and help center refused automated reads on 2026-10-17, so its plan prices are not listed here; check avira.com before buying.
• The free VPN stops at 500 MB a month on Windows and 100 MB a day on Android; unlimited VPN needs a paid plan.
• The iPhone app offers a VPN, web protection, email breach checks and call blocking; its listing does not mention virus scans.
• On Android, web protection and microphone and camera blocking are Pro features; the scanner, VPN allowance and app lock are free.

Emsisoft Anti-Malware

• The pricing page shows regional prices to some visitors; the $39.95 figure is the US price in the product page's own data and should be re-checked.
• The product page lists Windows 10 (64 bit) and later and macOS 11 and later; the pricing page describes the Home plan as for Windows PCs.
• Business Security and Enterprise Security (with EDR) are separate per-endpoint products; no VPN or password manager is listed for the Home plan.
• Sold with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Avira

Real-time virus protection

A cloud-backed scan engine detects and blocks malware and potentially unwanted apps bundled with other software, and repair tools help fix damaged files.

Ad and tracker blocking

The browser protection blocks dangerous and phishing sites as well as infected ads and trackers.

VPN with a free allowance

The free Windows app includes a no-logs VPN with 500 MB a month and servers in 33 countries; the Android app gives 100 MB a day. Avira Prime removes the limit.

Software and driver updater

Finds outdated apps and drivers, including third-party ones, and fetches updates from their official sources. Automatic updating is a paid feature.

PC cleaner and tune-up tools

Over 30 tools for clearing junk and registry leftovers, finding duplicate files, speeding up startup, boosting games and wiping disks.

Password manager

Generates and stores passwords, fills logins, syncs across devices, keeps card details and notes, and produces two-factor codes.

Emsisoft Anti-Malware

Dual-engine scanning

Finds and cleans viruses, spyware and potentially unwanted programs with two scan engines.

Real-time File Guard

Checks downloaded and modified files as they appear, including with AI-supported detection.

Web protection and browser security

Blocks connections to malicious and phishing websites.

Behavior Blocker and anti-ransomware

Watches running processes for suspicious actions, including file encryption typical of ransomware, and steps in when it sees them.

Management console

A web console and Android and iOS apps show alerts and protection settings for the home devices on the account.

Avira

Pricing could not be confirmed. See avira.com.

Emsisoft Anti-Malware

• Anti-Malware Home$39.95

  per year for 1 PC

  Dual-engine scanner, real-time protection, web protection, anti-ransomware and the management console. Priced for 1, 3 or 5 devices and for 1, 2 or 3 year terms.