Why Avira Free is the best free AV and why I don't need the Premium versions

[Jlelono]

Avira is no longer the lightest - Panda Cloud is.

Also see these two reviews to compare their effectiveness.
http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2355827,00.asp
http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2361868,00.asp

I´m not saying which is better. I think the difference is irrelevant and people should pick whatever they like best. But it is not so clear cut as Avira fanboys might think.

Thanks Gabethebabe for giving alternative point of view in choosing antivirus
Different test would give different result. The newest report of AV comparatives would also be interested to be considered. Every AV has strengths and weaknesses.. So choose wisely ..

[In-f3st]

W00t

I finally found some time at work to read through all the post in this topic...
I think you convinced me, since my kaspersky trial is over and I am in need of a good AV - I'll give it a try as soon as I get home later tonight...

I think it will fit nicely with Spybot, SpywareBlaster, NoScript and Ccleaner

[safeguy]

Avira is no longer the lightest - Panda Cloud is.

Also see these two reviews to compare their effectiveness.
http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2355827,00.asp
http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2361868,00.asp

I´m not saying which is better. I think the difference is irrelevant and people should pick whatever they like best. But it is not so clear cut as Avira fanboys might think.

Appreciate those links. I agree with what you've said...choosing an AV isn't always a clear cut decision. Avira may not be the lightest AV anymore but I'm sticking to it (for now) due to certain features which I'm accustomed to. It's a choice I take with thoughtful consideration and I don't force anyone else to follow suit...despite me claiming myself as a 'fanboy' (I use that word for fun..merely to show my appreciation for the product)

[one111]

Just two comments:

1) there is no question that top priority for updating servers goes to the paid versions

2) somebody has to pay to keep these guys going

[safeguy]

Agree with you one111...but in this industry, home users are not the only customers in the market. There's a reason why Avira Free (or most of the other free AV) are meant for "personal/private non-commercial/home use only"

I'm one of those who strongly believe that home users need not pay for security (I'm not against it though if the person himself/herself wants to)...

[one111]

Let the companies support them

But the other points still stand:
1) better servers for paying customers
2) better spyware detection for paid version (virus detection is same for both)