We put Avira password manager to the test for plan value, compatibility, features, and security. See why The Password Manager rated Avira 4.2/5.
By: Gunnar KallstromHead of information systems and cybersecurity research
Updated August 7, 2023
Avira: A Quick Overview
Bottom line: Avira is an adequate password manager if you seek a free solution without any extra frills. There are no limitations on the free version like with other password managers, but don’t expect Avira to fill out web forms. But Avira offers two-factor authentication (2FA), which increases the peace-of-mind factor. If you want added security like breach reporting, you’ll have to upgrade to the Pro edition, which is still cost-effective at $2.99 per month.
Who should choose Avira? People looking for a free password manager to use across Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS devices.
Avira’s Editor Rating
Overall: (4.2)
Avira earns its rating with its free access across devices and simple user experience (UX). But it falls short in available features because it does not work on Safari, and security health monitors are only available if you pay for the Pro version. It offers 2FA, but only by texting your smartphone. If basic is your preference, Avira can check that box. But other password managers with free versions offer more robust features.
Free version is best for individuals who don’t mind limited features.
Promotion
Forever free plan; Pro subscription, cancel any time
What Are the Pros and Cons of Avira?
In evaluating the best password managers of 2025, Avira pumps up its always-free access as a key benefit, along with that you can use this no-cost version across devices and platforms. But there are limits.
You’re out of luck if you use Safari. While Avira offers 2FA through text, you do not gain access to security reports without a Pro subscription. The UX is simplistic, but overall the password manager is good, not great. Other free options have more features. That said, I trust Avira as it is owned by NortonLifeLock, now Gen Digital.
Here are the details of its pros and cons:
Pros
Forever free: Avira’s free version can be used across devices and platforms.
Easy to use: If you’re not a technical person and prefer a no-frills option, Avira is simple to navigate and use.
Recent upgrades: I like that Avira makes continuous updates to get rid of bugs and improve capabilities.
Cons
Does not support Safari: If you have Chrome, Firefox, Opera, or Edge you can download and easily use Avira on those web browsers. But Avira does not have a browser extension for Safari on Mac.
Limited security status: When you click on Security Status to get a report with the free version, it prompts you to upgrade to Pro. Forget the advanced features if you want a no-cost Avira subscription.
Who Should Choose Avira?
Step1.Individuals: Avira’s free version is great for individuals who want a basic password manager and don’t mind its limitations.
Step2.Families: Avira Prime extends beyond password management and includes antivirus, virtual private network (VPN), encrypted web browsing, and speeds up systems on up to five devices.
Step3.Small businesses: Aside from Avira Pro — the paid $2.99 password manager only subscription — and Prime, you can upgrade to the most robust Avira All-in-One Security package that bundles everything the company has to offer.
Avira Plans and Pricing
Overall: (4.5)
Avira offers a forever free plan that you can use across devices and platforms, but its features are limited. If you want to unlock the security health tool, it will prompt you to upgrade to Pro for $2.99. Avira is more than a password manager company.
It also offers antivirus products, so you can upgrade further to Avira Prime with a promotion of $59.99 for the first year and $99.99 in the years following. Avira Internet Security has a promotional price of $34.99 for the first year, then $57.99 annually. These two subscriptions include the password manager with other system speed benefits and antimalware and antivirus tools.
Free plan
Pro plan
Price
Free
$2.99 per month
Best for
Individuals
Single users wanting security tools
Free trial
Always free
No free trial
Platform compatibility
Android, iOS, Mac, Web (Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Opera)
Android, iOS, Mac, Web (Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Opera)
Autofill capability
Yes
Yes
Guest accounts
No
No
Number of passwords
Unlimited
Unlimited
Available storage
1GB
1GB
Password sharing
No
No
2FA
Yes
Yes
Account recovery
No
No
Support types
Online resources
Email, phone, online forum, chat
Encryption
AES 256-bit
AES 256-bit
Reporting capabilities
No
Yes; limited to basic monitoring
Single sign-on (SSO)
No
No
Avira Platform Compatibility
Overall: (4.5)
The latest version of Avira Password Manager addressed some bugs, as did Avira Password Manager Extension 2.19.12. The latest versions are compatible with:
Step1.Android
Step2.iOS
Step3.Mac
Step4.Windows
Step5.Browsers (Chrome, Edge, Firefox, Opera)
I like that Avira consistently updates its service to address bugs and make the UX more seamless. The latest updates include fixing issues with its browser extension, though Avira still does not support Safari, which I consider downsides for both PC and Mac users. However, there are other browser options. One note: If you use multiple browsers, you’ll have to get the extension for each one.
Avira UX
Overall: (4.5)
Avira’s desktop navigation, as is the mobile app, is simple and easy to navigate. The look and feel is consistent across platforms.
The Avira Password Manager dashboard is simple, with a handful of key categories: Passwords, Notes, Wallet, Security Status — which can only be accessed if you upgrade to a Pro subscription — Get Started, Connected Devices, and Settings.
To add passwords to Avira, there is no automatic import option, so I had to add one password at a time or export data to a CSV file to load passwords into the vault. The latter was easy to do. Unlike other password managers we reviewed, like KeePass and LastPass, Avira will not allow you to export data from competitors. So, if you already have a password manager and are considering switching to Avira, the data transfer will take a couple of extra steps.
As for Connected Devices, this is a win for Avira as a free password manager. Most no-cost services will not allow you to sync across multiple devices, but Avira will. I like how I do not have to pay extra to have my passwords accessible on my smartphone, iPad, and desktop.
I also like that Avira allows me to save notes with up to 1G of storage, and there is a file attachment option that I found to be handy and is not an offering all free password managers provide.
Avira Form Filling
Overall: (4.0)
Avira populates saved passwords pretty consistently but does not allow you to organize folders.
As you log into websites and fill out forms, Avira captures the information for use the next time you visit the site. When you click on a field to fill in, an Avira logo will pop up, indicating it will save your information — or the data is already saved and will populate.
You’ll see the Avira logo in your toolbar when you download the browser extension. I think it’s convenient to simply click on this button to access a list of logins or use the search box to find the credentials you want to see. This tool allows you to select and launch your saved websites.
A payment card storage feature allows me to save credit card details, and I like how easy it was to add this information on the mobile app by scanning the card. For now, there is no ability to auto-fill card details on web forms, which is a downside. Instead, I had to copy and paste the details from the browser extension, which wasn’t a big deal.
Overall, form filling with Avira Password Manager is consistent and easy to accomplish. But it does not allow you to organize folders, which is a feature I’d like to see.
Avira Security
Overall: (4.0)
Avira Password Manager protects your data with AES 256-bit encryption and offers 2FA, but you can only unlock features like security breach reporting if you upgrade to Pro.
Using the free version of Avira Password Manager, you can feel confident that your data will be secure because of its military-grade AES 256-bit encryption, the industry standard. Also, Avira offers 2FA through text. When I log into my Avira account — not the actual password manager — an SMS is sent to my mobile device with a one-time passcode I enter into the Avira login page.
To date, there are no known security breaches.
To access features like security breach reporting, you must pay for the $2.99 per month Pro subscription. Avira is one of the better cheap password managers. Your free Avira Password Manager dashboard will show the Security category, but I felt like this was a teaser to “pay to play” to determine how secure my passwords were.
I appreciate that Avira has a strong password generator that automatically creates 12-character passwords. It will help me break the bad habit of using the same password credentials for many accounts so that I can remember them. You can adjust the password generator to up to 20 characters, which makes your passwords even safer. That’s what Avira recommends.
Avira Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)
Overall: (4.0)
Avira Password Manager offers 2FA through SMS only, with a built-in 2FA code generator for mobile users only.
The good news is Avira offers 2FA for your main account login. I sent an SMS to my mobile device with a one-time passcode I entered into the Avira login page. For me, this method of 2FA is enough. However, I would like a biometric login option for the desktop app and browser extension. Avira offers a built-in 2FA code generator for mobile users only.
Other free password managers offer more 2FA options, such as integrating with authenticator apps, biometric login across platforms, and security keys. But at least Avira does have some form of 2FA.
Recent Improvements to Avira
Avira Password Manager made some maintenance updates with its latest version to fix bugs.
The latest version addressed some bugs, as did Avira Password Manager Extension 2.19.12. You can search for program updates with Avira’s tool and find information about the latest updates in the Security section under the Status tab.
Compare Avira Alternatives
Avira is a decent, free password manager, but its Pro version is a better option for $2.99 with additional security features. However, other competitors like RoboForm, Zoho Vault, or 1Password might be a better option for you.
See how Avira compares to other top-tier password managers:
Password manager
Details
Best features
Avira
Overall rating: (4.2)
Starting price: Free
Platform compatibility: Android, iOS, Mac, Web (Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Opera)
Consider NordPass if: You want the same packages for your family and business.
Starting price: $2.49 per month
Platform compatibility: Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, and popular browsers, such as Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Brave, Opera, and Safari
Security: XChaCha20 encryption algorithm and a zero-knowledge policy
Secure data sharing solution
Safe sharing of login details
Real-time breach monitoring
Data breach scanner
FAQs About Avira
What are the cons to Avira?
Avira does not support the Safari browser, and you can only access security breach reporting if you upgrade to the Pro subscription. It’s not free. Another downside to Avira’s free version is support is only available through the help center and on Twitter.
If you upgrade to pro, live chat, phone, and email support is offered. While Avira has military-grade AES 256-bit encryption like other password managers, its only method of 2FA for desktop is through SMS. Others provide security keys or allow you to use authenticator apps as alternative forms of 2FA.
Can Avira be trusted?
You can trust Avira Password manager because of its bank-grade AES 256-bit encryption. Also, it has no known security breaches.
Is it worth paying for Avira?
It is worth paying the $2.99 monthly subscription fee for Avira Pro to unlock features like security breach reporting, which is not available with the free version.
Is Avira better than LastPass?
Avira Password Manager is not better than LastPass. LastPass’s free version can only be used on a single device, while Avira allows you to sync across multiple devices at no cost. But Avira cannot be used with Safari, and LastPass is compatible with nearly every web browser available.
LastPass acknowledges a security breach that it addressed with aggressive measures. Avira has no known breaches. LastPass did up its security game. Beyond industry-standard AES 256-bit encryption that Avira also has, LastPass includes encryption with PBKDF2 SHA-256 and salted hashes for total cloud security.
Where does Avira store my passwords?
Avira stores your passwords in a digital vault that you can sync across your devices. You are the only one with access to the vault and your password information.
What Is Avira the Company?
Avira Operations GmbH is a computer security software company founded in 2006, though the company had been developing its antivirus software since 1986 through its predecessor. In 2021, Avira was acquired by NortonLifeLock, which is now Gen Digital. Avira is known for its Free Security antivirus software and password manager services.
Kaplaneiweg 1, 88069 Tettnang, Germany
75 E. Santa Clara St., Suite 600, Sixth floor, San Jose, California 95113
Our rating process involves a thorough and detailed study of the various features stacked against the competition. I looked at the multiple facets and features provided by Avira compared to other significant industry players through direct testing to ensure an accurate rating. I’ve also applied my experience using Avira to provide a user’s perspective.
I signed up for a plan with Avira to test:
Plan value: Most password managers offer various subscription plans from free to around $20 per month. While free plans may be sufficient for some, those that need more functionality may prefer paid plans.
Platform compatibility: You likely access your online accounts from multiple devices, including desktops, laptops, tablets, phones, as well as through different web browsers. Your password manager should be compatible with various devices, operating systems and browsers, and sync seamlessly between them all.
UX: This is how you interface with all the features and functions of your new password manager — if it’s bad, you’ll be less likely to use the service. While this is a highly subjective category and some will disagree, it’s important to provide an overview based on my experience.
Form filling: A password manager doesn’t have to include form-filling, but it’s somewhat standard and the ease with which it performs that function can be the deciding factor in which password manager you ultimately choose.
Security: Since a password manager is first and foremost a security tool, it should come with all of the most up-to-date standard security features. This includes the highest level of available encryption (256-bit AES with PBKDF2-HMAC-SHA512); 2FA, such as biometric logins or multi-factor authentication, and a password generator.
Two-factor authentication (2FA): Used all over the internet to protect your accounts, this is quickly becoming a standard security practice. 2FA is a great way to secure more sensitive accounts to ensure they’re not breached.
Kallstrom is a Cyber Team Lead for a DOD contracting company in Huntsville, Alabama, and has also worked as a computer network defense (CND) Cyber Analyst. An author and content creator for a cybersecurity academy, Kallstrom spent nearly 15 years in the Army as a musician before entering the cybersecurity field.
He holds a bachelor’s degree in music from Thomas Edison State University and a master’s in organizational development and leadership from the University of the Incarnate Word.
Kallstrom has completed several Computing Technology Industry Association (CompTIA) courses, including Security+, Network+, A+ Core 1, and A+ Core 2. He earned a CompTIA Security+ Certification. Additionally, he has completed the Cyber Warrior Academy program with more than 800 hours of hands-on, intensive, and lab-driven technical training in cybersecurity methods and procedures.
Passionate about all things cyber, Kallstrom was a speaker on a panel at the 2022 InfoSec World conference, giving a talk entitled “Hacking into a Cyber Career – True Stories.” Kallstrom is also a mentor to entry-level cybersecurity candidates seeking to break into the field. When he’s not working, he still enjoys playing guitar and fishing (not phishing).