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Avast Free Antivirus vs Windows Security

Professional comparison and analysis to help you choose the right software solution for your needs.

Avast Free Antivirus icon
Avast Free Antivirus
Windows Security icon
Windows Security

Avast Free Antivirus vs Windows Security: The Verdict

Last updated: May 2026 · Comparison by Sugggest Editorial Team

Feature Avast Free Antivirus Windows Security
Sugggest Score — —
Category Security & Privacy Security & Privacy
Pricing Freemium —

Product Overview

Avast Free Antivirus
Avast Free Antivirus

Description: Avast Free Antivirus is a free antivirus program that provides essential protection against viruses, malware, spyware, and other threats. It includes real-time scanning, scheduled scanning, and behavioral detection to keep devices secure.

Type: software

Pricing: Freemium

Windows Security
Windows Security

Description: Windows Security is the built-in anti-virus and anti-malware protection included in Windows 10 and Windows 11 operating systems. It provides real-time monitoring, scans, and removal of viruses, spyware, and other malicious software.

Type: software

Key Features Comparison

Avast Free Antivirus
Avast Free Antivirus Features
  • Real-time scanning
  • Scheduled scanning
  • Behavioral detection
  • Anti-phishing
  • Anti-spam
  • Firewall
  • Sandbox technology
  • Wi-Fi inspector
  • Software updater
  • Browser cleanup
Windows Security
Windows Security Features
  • Real-time protection against viruses, malware, spyware
  • Firewall to prevent unauthorized network access
  • Scan options for quick, full or custom scans
  • Cloud-delivered protection for near-instant threat updates
  • Ransomware protection and recovery tools
  • App & browser control to block potentially dangerous sites/files
  • Device performance and health monitoring
  • Family safety tools for parental controls

Pros & Cons Analysis

Avast Free Antivirus
Avast Free Antivirus
Pros
  • Free
  • Lightweight
  • Effective malware protection
  • Extra security features like firewall and sandbox
  • Easy to use interface
  • Works on Windows, Mac, Android
Cons
  • Occasional false positives
  • Limited customization options
  • No parental controls
  • No VPN
  • Some features only in paid versions
Windows Security
Windows Security
Pros
  • Built-in to Windows - no extra software required
  • Lightweight on system resources
  • Easy to use interface and settings
  • Free for Windows users
  • Provides basic, essential security protections
  • Integrates well with Windows Update for threat updates
Cons
  • May miss some threats compared to 3rd party antivirus
  • Limited customization options
  • No advanced features like VPN, password manager, etc
  • May flag some legitimate files/apps as threats (false positives)
  • No phone/email technical support

Pricing Comparison

Avast Free Antivirus
Avast Free Antivirus
  • Freemium
Windows Security
Windows Security
  • Not listed

Related Comparisons

Malwarebytes Anti-Malware
vs Avast Free Antivirus vs Windows Security

Learn More About Each Product

Avast Free Antivirus
Avast Free Antivirus
Reviews, pricing & alternatives →
Windows Security
Windows Security
Reviews, pricing & alternatives →

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