Avast One
Gen Digital
The most complete free plan, with an asterisk on privacy history.
Price
From $4.19/mo · Free version available
Last checked
June 2026
Best for
Free users wanting extras
Category
Free & built-in
About Avast One
Avast One Essential is the free plan we recommend most for people who want more than Defender: excellent lab scores (Advanced+ at AV-Comparatives in March 2026), a basic VPN, and tools Defender lacks. The full story includes 2024, when the FTC ordered Avast to pay $16.5 million for selling user browsing data via its former Jumpshot unit; the practice has stopped and the settlement is public. Avast and AVG share the same engine under Gen Digital, so pick whichever interface you prefer.
“Still the most complete free antivirus, and the paid tier is a decent suite. We dock points for history: in 2024 the FTC fined Avast $16.5 million for selling browsing data through its Jumpshot subsidiary. The protection is excellent; just go in with open eyes.”Editorial team, via AntivirusShortlist
Where to get it
From $4.19/mo
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