Avira vs Scanguard (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 Scanguard if

• Fits if you want one plan covering Windows, Mac and iPhone
• Works for people who like a cleanup tool bundled with an antivirus

Look elsewhere if

• Pricey if you compare $99 a year with the $4.50 middle of this category
• Skip it if you use Android, as no app is listed
• Not for you if you want to try before you buy: no free plan or trial is on record
• Watch out: plans renew at the then-regular rate and introductory pricing may apply
• Watch out: refunds need the subscription fully terminated, 30 days on annual plans

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.

Scanguard

• No Android app is listed; compatibility is stated as Windows 7+, macOS 10.9+ and iOS.
• Plans renew automatically at the then-regular rate, and introductory pricing may apply to first-time customers.
• Refunds require fully terminating the subscription: 30 days on annual and biannual plans, 14 days on monthly and quarterly ones.
• The pricing page shows one plan; monthly, quarterly and biannual prices were not displayed.

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.

Scanguard

Real-time antivirus

Scans devices continuously for malware, ransomware, spyware and phishing, plus on-demand and scheduled scans.

WebShield

Filters aimed at phishing and scam sites and malicious downloads, active on desktop platforms.

Data breach monitoring

Scans an email address and alerts you if the credentials appear in known breaches.

Junk and speed cleanup

Clears junk files, manages startup programs and offers a gaming mode and system boost.

iPhone and iPad app

The pricing page says iOS protection is included, with app-based features built for iPhone and iPad.

Avira

Pricing could not be confirmed. See avira.com.

Scanguard

• Scanguard Premium$99

  per year

  Real-time antivirus, scheduled scans, WebShield, junk cleanup, email breach scanner and gaming mode.