Avira vs VIPRE (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 VIPRE if

• Fits if you run one Windows PC and want a basic antivirus
• Works for Windows users who may later want a VPN in the same bundle

Look elsewhere if

• Skip it if you use a Mac or iPhone, as the listing shows Windows only
• Watch out: the page does not say how many devices a plan covers
• Pricey if you renew: the yearly prices shown are heavy discounts off $38.49, $60.49 and $153.99
• Tight if you want the firewall, patching or privacy tools, which are on the dearer tiers and Windows only

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.

VIPRE

• The pricing page does not say how many devices a plan covers or whether the shown yearly price is a first-term price.
• The firewall, phishing protection, patching and privacy features are listed as Windows-compatible only.
• Android Security and Privacy Shield are separate products listed in the home menu; they were not priced here.
• 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.

VIPRE

Real-time and cloud protection

Uses machine learning and cloud-enabled scanning to detect malware, spyware and ransomware.

Firewall and email protection

Advanced Security adds a firewall plus protection against phishing and spam. These features are listed as Windows only.

Third-party patching

Advanced Security keeps other installed apps up to date; listed as Windows only.

Privacy tools

The Ultimate bundle adds a webcam and microphone blocker, browsing track cleaner and dark web scanner.

VPN

The Ultimate bundle includes an unlimited VPN described as covering all devices.

Avira

Pricing could not be confirmed. See avira.com.

VIPRE

• Antivirus Plus$14.99

  per year; renewal price and device count not shown

  Malware, spyware and ransomware detection, real-time scans and cloud-enabled protection. Shown as 61% off a crossed-out $38.49 a year.

• Advanced Security$19.99

  per year; renewal price and device count not shown

  Adds third-party patching, phishing and spam protection, a firewall and behavioral analysis, all Windows only. Shown as 66% off a crossed-out $60.49 a year.

• Ultimate Security Bundle$39.99

  per year; renewal price and device count not shown

  Adds a browsing track cleaner, webcam and microphone blocker, dark web scanner, document auditing and an unlimited VPN. Shown as 74% off a crossed-out $153.99 a year.