Avira vs G DATA Antivirus (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 G DATA Antivirus if

• Fits if you want antivirus for a mix of Windows, Mac and phones
• Works for a family that wants parental controls in the Total Security suite

Look elsewhere if

• Skip it if you want a free edition, as only the 30-day trial is free
• Too light for firewall, ransomware or USB protection on Antivirus for Windows or Mac, which lack them
• Pricey if you add a VPN, listed in the cart as a paid add-on
• Watch out: Mobile Security for Android is a separate product from $9.95, and its billing period isn't shown

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.

G DATA Antivirus

• Ransomware protection, firewall and USB protection are not in Antivirus for Windows or Mac.
• Prices are shown as including VAT.
• Mobile Security for Android is a separate product listed from $9.95; the page does not show its billing period.
• A VPN is a paid add-on in the cart (shown as $59.95 crossed out and $29.97), not part of the suites.

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.

G DATA Antivirus

Virus scanner

Uses technologies working in parallel and receives new virus signatures every hour.

Firewall

Monitors incoming and outgoing connections automatically or by rules you set. Internet Security and Total Security only.

BankGuard

A browser protection meant to stop tampering during online banking and shopping.

Anti-ransomware and exploit protection

Blocks ransomware from encrypting files and guards Office programs and PDF readers against vulnerabilities.

Parental controls

Sets time limits and restricts children to verified websites on Internet Security.

Encryption and backups

Total Security adds password-protected file encryption and local or cloud backups, including Google Drive and Dropbox.

Avira

Pricing could not be confirmed. See avira.com.

G DATA Antivirus

• Antivirus for Windows$29.95

  per year for 1 device

  Virus scanner, exploit protection, phishing protection, banking and email protection. $39.95 for 3 devices, $49.95 for 5. A 2-year term saves 8%.

• Antivirus for Mac$39.95

  per year for 1 device

  Virus scanner and phishing protection for macOS, which also catches Windows malware. No banking or email protection.

• Internet Security$39.95

  per year for 1 device

  Adds firewall, anti-ransomware, BankGuard, anti-spam and parental controls, across Windows, macOS, Android and iOS. $55.95 for 3 devices, $71.95 for 5. A 2-year term saves 12%.

• Total Security$49.95

  per year for 1 device

  Adds a performance tuner, file encryption, USB access control and backups. $65.95 for 3 devices, $81.95 for 5. A 2-year term saves 10%.