Avira Security for Android review

Avira Security for Android packs a lot of free utilities around its antivirus. The scanner checks apps and files for threats, and Avira says its protection blocks over 350,000 threats per month, including ransomware. The free app also includes a VPN with a 100 MB daily limit, a Network Scanner that finds smart devices on your home network and checks them for weaknesses, Identity Safeguard alerts when your email turns up in a data breach, and AppLock to put a PIN on chat or calling apps. Permissions Manager rates apps by how much data they collect, and cleanup tools clear cache, junk and duplicate files. The gaps matter for scam protection: blocking infected and phishing websites is part of Antivirus Security Pro, as are camera and microphone protection, and Pro is bought in the app with no USD price on the page. Avira needs Android 9 or later. It suits people who like an all-in-one free app more than people focused on scam links.

Who it is for

Users who want a free antivirus with a small built-in VPN and phone cleanup tools.

Price

Free version; Antivirus Security Pro sold in the app. See vendor pricing (USD check pending).

US price check pending. See the vendor pricing page.

Key features

• Antivirus that Avira says blocks over 350,000 threats per month
• Free VPN with 100 MB of traffic per day
• Network Scanner for smart devices on your home network
• Identity Safeguard alerts when your email appears in a breach
• AppLock, Permissions Manager, performance booster and storage cleanup

Strengths and weaknesses

• Strength: Free VPN allowance, which most free rivals lack
• Strength: Home network scanner and breach alerts are free
• Strength: Avira reports a 4.6 rating from over 560,000 Google Play ratings
• Weakness: Web protection against phishing sites is a Pro feature
• Weakness: Camera and microphone protection also need Pro
• Weakness: Requires Android 9 or later

Key facts

• Free plan: Yes
• Free VPN: 100 MB per day
• Android version: 9 and later
• Google Play rating: 4.6 from 560,000+ ratings (vendor figure)

Where it ranks

Avira Security for Android is No. 7 in our Best Antivirus for Android verdict and No. 6 in Best Free Antivirus for Android.