Antivirus
Top Companies in 2025
Avira vs G DATA
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- Cloud-based scanning technology for efficient and non-intrusive threat detection
- High malware detection scores by independent testing organizations
- Lightweight performance with minimal impact on system resources
- Integrated privacy tools, including VPN and password manager
- Comprehensive system optimization tools like junk cleaner and driver updater
- User-friendly interface suitable for both beginners and advanced users
- Free trial
- CloseGap technology
- Specialized BankGuard protection
- Limited features in the free version
- Frequent upselling and ads, even for paid users
- Occasional performance impact on older or less powerful systems
- Complex plan tiers can be confusing to navigate
- No dedicated firewall for macOS users
- Mobile protection only supports Android
- No dedicated software or driver updater
Founded in 1986 in Tettnang, Germany, Avira is a leading cybersecurity company known for its advanced antivirus and security solutions. They offer a range of products for individual users and businesses, providing comprehensive protection for various devices and operating systems. Avira's cloud-based antivirus technology, user privacy commitment, and a suite of security features make it a reliable choice. They offer advanced system optimization tools for Windows and focus on real-time malware protection for Mac. Mobile versions provide basic antivirus scanning and VPN services. They enable users to make payments using major credit cards and PayPal. Their paid plans can be tried for free for 30 days and come with a 60-day money-back guarantee for annual plans, or 14 days for monthly subscriptions. Avira has a strong reputation for high detection rates and minimal system impact, recognized by independent testing organizations. While not accredited by the BBB, the company has earned numerous awards, including Best Protection and Advanced+ ratings, and mostly positive customer reviews.
G DATA, founded in Germany in 1987, is known for creating the world’s first antivirus software. Today, they offer a full range of cybersecurity tools for individuals and businesses, combining traditional malware scanning with behavior-based detection and AI-driven analysis. Their dual-engine system includes both signature-based and advanced in-memory scanning technologies, backed by features like real-time protection, email filtering, a customizable firewall, and BankGuard for secure online banking. The company’s product line includes three main plans: Antivirus ($29.95/year), Internet Security ($39.95/year), and Total Security ($49.95/year). Each tier builds on the last, with Total Security adding extras like a password manager, performance tuning, file encryption, and USB device control. G DATA’s mobile security tools are focused on Android, with limited iOS coverage. Customer feedback is largely positive. Users appreciate the strong malware detection, rollback feature, and consistent updates, though some mention performance slowdowns and limited customer support responsiveness. G DATA maintains a 4.2 rating on Trustpilot and a 4.0 on G2, signaling overall satisfaction. With support available worldwide and a 30-day free trial, G DATA offers reliable protection with a long-standing reputation in the growing cybersecurity space.
- Security Rating : Excellent
- VPN : Yes
- Price : Starting at $5.99/month or $26.99/year
- Customer Experience : Excellent
- Firewall : Available for Windows
- Free Trial : 30 days
- Trustpilot Score : 3.9 out of 5
- Security Rating : Excellent
- VPN : Avaialble
- Price : Starting at $29.95 per year
- Customer Experience : Good
- Firewall : Available
- Free Trial : Avaialble
- Trustpilot Score : 4.2 out of 5
- 60-day money-back guarantee on annual subscriptions
- Commitment to user privacy with a strict no-logging policy for the VPN
- Smart Scan feature that combines malware detection with system and privacy optimization
- Versatile protection across multiple devices and platforms
- USB Keyboard Guard
- Rollback feature
- BEAST behavior blocker
- Adware Removal
- Anti-Phishing
- Anti-Spam
- Anti-Theft
- Anti-Tracking
- Behavior Analysis
- Cloud Scanning
- Dark Web Scanning
- Dedicated Ransomware Protection
- E-mail Scan
- File Encryption
- Free Version
- ID Protection
- Intrusion Detection System (IDS)—Undisclosed
- Malware Removal
- Mobile App
- On Demand Scan
- Real-Time Protection
- Spyware Removal
- Vulnerability Scanner
- Webcam Protection—Undisclosed
- Adware Removal
- Anti-Phishing
- Anti-Spam
- Anti-Theft
- Anti-Tracking
- Behavior Analysis
- Cloud Scanning
- Dark Web Scanning
- Dedicated Ransomware Protection
- E-mail Scan
- File Encryption
- Free Version
- ID Protection
- Intrusion Detection System (IDS)
- Malware Removal
- Mobile App
- On Demand Scan
- Real-Time Protection
- Spyware Removal
- Vulnerability Scanner
- Webcam Protection
- Boot Time Scans
- Browser Cleaner
- Disk Cleaner
- Junk Files Removal
- Software/Driver Updater
- Boot Time Scans
- Browser Cleaner
- Disk Cleaner
- Junk Files Removal
- Software/Driver Updater
- Cloud Storage Backup
- Live Updates
- Parental Control—Undisclosed
- Password Manager
- Rescue Mode
- USB Rescue Toolkit—Undisclosed
- USB Vaccination
- Cloud Storage Backup
- Live Updates
- Parental Control
- Password Manager
- Rescue Mode
- USB Rescue Toolkit
- USB Vaccination
- Android
- Browser Plugins
- ChromeOS—Undisclosed
- Fire OS—Undisclosed
- iOS
- Linux—Undisclosed
- macOS
- Windows
- Android
- Browser Plugins
- ChromeOS
- Fire OS
- iOS
- Linux
- macOS
- Windows
- Community Forum
- FAQs
- Help Guides
- Live Chat
- Phone
- Social Media
- Ticket—Undisclosed
- Community Forum
- FAQs
- Help Guides
- Live Chat
- Phone
- Social Media
- Ticket
Avira vs. G DATA
Avira and G DATA are both respected antivirus brands with long histories and strong reputations. But which one better fits your needs? This comparison breaks down their service range, usability, security features, and pricing to help you make an informed decision.
Service range and customization
Both Avira and G DATA offer strong antivirus suites with cross-platform support. They cover Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS devices, and include tools like malware scanning, browser protection, firewalls, and mobile security. Each brand provides layered security: real-time scanning, phishing protection, and device management. Users also get basic customization, like scan scheduling and control over quarantined files.
Where they differ is in approach. Avira focuses on cloud-based scanning, system optimization tools, and privacy-focused extras like a VPN, password manager, and identity protection. They offer platform-specific features—for example, their Mac software skips the firewall but adds a cookie cleaner. G DATA, meanwhile, leans into security tech with features like CloseGap hybrid detection, BankGuard browser protection, and USB Keyboard Guard. Their customization options include detailed firewall rules and user control over USB access. However, they don’t offer built-in system optimizers or updaters like Avira does.
Ease of use and integration
Both antiviruses offer clean interfaces and simple navigation. Whether you’re a first-time user or a more advanced one, both dashboards make it easy to run scans, check system status, and review alerts. They also run quietly in the background, avoiding excessive pop-ups or interruptions.
That said, Avira may be more beginner-friendly thanks to its unified Smart Scan feature that combines security, privacy, and performance checks into one click. Its design is lighter, with fewer technical options but more automation. G DATA is better suited for users who prefer manual control. Their interface is also straightforward but includes more technical settings, especially in their firewall and USB control modules. While both are usable, Avira favors simplicity while G DATA prioritizes control.
Security and compliance
Avira and G DATA both earn high marks from independent testing labs. AV-TEST and AV-Comparatives consistently rank them among the top for detection rates, real-time protection, and system performance. Both also use behavior-based detection to spot threats beyond signature files.
Avira relies on a cloud-powered engine combined with AI to detect threats efficiently. Their privacy tools, including a VPN and data breach alerts, add extra layers for users concerned about personal information. G DATA, however, takes it further on the technical front with tools like BEAST behavior analysis and rollback features that undo damage after an attack. Their BankGuard system also stands out for secure online transactions. While Avira offers stronger privacy options, G DATA brings deeper protections for system-level attacks and zero-day threats.
Pricing
Both providers offer tiered pricing to match different user needs. Avira’s plans range from a free version with basic protection to their premium “Prime” package, which includes unlimited VPN, system optimization tools, and advanced privacy features. Prices start at $26.99/year for Antivirus Pro and go up to $259.99 for a two-year plan covering 25 devices.
G DATA has simpler pricing. Their basic Antivirus plan starts at $29.95/year, followed by Internet Security at $39.95/year and Total Security at $49.95/year. Higher-tier plans include firewalls, password managers, secure USB controls, and file encryption. While G DATA doesn’t offer a free plan, their entry-level pricing is competitive, and their 30-day trial allows users to test full features before committing.
Conclusion
Avira and G DATA both deliver reliable protection, but they serve slightly different needs. Avira is the better pick if you want a security suite that includes privacy tools, system optimizers, and cross-platform functionality in a simple, user-friendly design. G DATA is a strong choice if you’re looking for deep system protection, customizable controls, and banking security.
If you value ease of use and bonus features like a VPN and identity protection, Avira may be the better fit. If you want layered defenses and tighter control over how your device handles threats, G DATA might suit you more. Your final choice will depend on whether you prioritize all-in-one convenience or technical depth.