Avast
Avast is a Prague-based consumer cybersecurity company and wholly-owned subsidiary of Gen Digital, providing AI-powered antivirus, VPN, scam and deepfake detection, and identity protection across 500+ million users worldwide.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1988
- HeadquartersPrague, Czechia
- Headcount1,001–5,000
- GTM typeB2B and B2C
- OfferingSoftware
What Avast does
Avast is a Prague-based consumer cybersecurity company founded in 1988, operating today as a wholly-owned subsidiary of Gen Digital Inc. (NASDAQ: GEN) following the $8.6 billion acquisition completed in 2022 by then-NortonLifeLock. Avast builds an AI-powered security platform organized around Avast One, a unified cross-platform application for Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS that combines antivirus, anti-phishing, AI-powered scam and deepfake detection, no-log VPN, identity and breach monitoring, secure browser, and device cleanup. Underlying technology includes a shared Gen Stack detection engine reused across the Avast, AVG, Norton, and Avira brands within Gen Digital, supporting proprietary ML models for anomaly detection, phishing (95% detection rate per AV-Comparatives 2025), deepfake audio analysis, and an AI Agent Protection module that monitors tampering of autonomous AI tools.
Avast serves individual consumers, families, and small-to-medium businesses, with tiered products (Free, Premium, Ultimate) and modular a la carte add-ons priced from €2.49/month. The company makes money primarily through auto-renewing consumer subscriptions, business security subscriptions sold through MSPs and resellers, and OEM/telecom licensing (e.g., the TECNO TGuard partnership). Avast's products have earned consistent third-party recognition, including AV-Comparatives ADVANCED+ 2026, AVLab Product of the Year 2026, AV-Test 100% real-world detection (December 2025), and SE Labs AAA. The company also carries material regulatory risk from FTC settlements related to its discontinued Jumpshot data analytics subsidiary, which resulted in $16.5 million in consumer redress for deceptive data collection practices between 2014 and 2020.
Avast firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Avast
- Legal name
- Avast Software s.r.o.
- Website
- https://avast.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1988
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 1,001–5,000 employees
- Short description
- Avast is a Prague-based consumer cybersecurity company and wholly-owned subsidiary of Gen Digital, providing AI-powered antivirus, VPN, scam and deepfake detection, and identity protection across 500+ million users worldwide.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Avast industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Consumer Cybersecurity Software
- NAICS
- Software Publishers (51321)
- SIC
- Services-Prepackaged Software (7372)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Endpoint Security Managed Services (EDR/XDR) (BPAEADAH)
Keywords
Where Avast is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Prague
- HQ country
- Czechia
- HQ region
- Europe
Offices1 record
Markets served
Avast business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B and B2C
- Offering type
- Software
- Cost components
- Personnel, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Operations, Infrastructure
Revenue model
- Consumer Subscription (Avast One): Recurring subscription revenue from Avast One products with free tier and optional paid modular add-ons. Users can purchase individual premium modules or bundled formulas covering security, privacy, and performance features.
- Subscription Renewals: Auto-renewing subscriptions billed annually or monthly, with renewal prices potentially different from initial discounted rates. Revenue recognized continuously over subscription periods.
- Business Security Products: Enterprise and SMB security products including Essential, Premium, and Ultimate Business Security tiers, plus specialized products like Patch Management, Cloud Backup, and Linux Antivirus.
- OEM and Telecom Partnerships: Revenue from pre-installation deals with device manufacturers and telecom operators bundling Avast products with devices and service plans.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Subscription | Annual | Avast One Ultimate - Single-device protection bundle |
| Subscription | Monthly | Avast One modular add-ons |
| Freemium | Pay-as-you-go | Avast One Free tier |
| Subscription | Annual | Avast Premium single-device plan |
Go-to-market motion3 records
Distribution channels6 records
Marketing channels7 records
Avast product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Avast develops and sells consumer and small-business cybersecurity software delivered primarily through the unified Avast One application, which bundles antivirus, AI-powered scam detection, deepfake detection, no-log VPN, breach monitoring, and device cleanup across Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS. The company monetizes a large free user base with modular premium add-ons (VPN, AntiTrack, BreachGuard, Cleanup Premium, Driver Updater, Scam Guardian Pro) and tiered business products (Essential, Premium, Ultimate Business Security, Patch Management, Cloud Backup, Premium Remote Control, Linux Antivirus) managed through the cloud-based Business Hub.
Product overview
Avast offers a consumer cybersecurity product portfolio organized primarily around the Avast One unified platform, which consolidates free antivirus, AI-powered scam protection, VPN, identity protection, and device cleanup into a single cross-platform application (Windows, macOS, Android, iOS) with a free tier and modular paid add-ons. Individual products include Premium Security (enhanced threat protection), Ultimate (bundle with AntiTrack, SecureLine VPN, and Cleanup Premium), SecureLine VPN, AntiTrack, Secure Browser, BreachGuard, Cleanup Premium, Driver Updater, Scam Guardian, Scam Guardian Pro, Deepfake Guard, and the AI Assistant. Business offerings span Small Office Protection, tiered Business Security (Essential, Premium, Ultimate), Patch Management, Cloud Backup, Premium Remote Control, Linux Antivirus, and CCleaner, all managed through the cloud-based Business Hub platform. The portfolio also includes specialized tools like Avast Family Space for parental control.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- Avast One Unified all-in-one consumer cybersecurity application combining antivirus, AI-powered scam detection, no-log VPN, data breach monitoring, AI Agent Protection, and device cleanup into a single app across Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS with a free tier and modular paid add-ons.
- Avast Free Antivirus Free basic antivirus protection for Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS devices, now delivered within the Avast One app, providing core malware defense, real-time scanning, and scheduled scans.
- Avast Premium Security Enhanced digital security for PCs, macOS, and mobile devices providing comprehensive protection against scams, viruses, ransomware, zero-day threats, and other malware, with AI-powered scam guidance, webcam protection, and Deepfake Guard.
- Avast Ultimate Comprehensive bundle combining Premium Security's advanced cyberthreat protection with Avast AntiTrack, SecureLine VPN, and Cleanup Premium for an all-in-one security, privacy, and performance package.
- Avast SecureLine VPN No-log VPN software that encrypts connections to protect privacy on public Wi-Fi networks, hiding activity from cybercriminals, ISPs, and advertisers, available as a standalone purchase or modular add-on within Avast One.
- Avast AntiTrack Privacy tool that disguises digital fingerprint to prevent personalized ad tracking and maintain anonymity online.
- Avast Secure Browser Secure, private, and easy-to-use web browser offering enhanced privacy protections and faster browsing for consumers.
- Avast Secure Browser PRO Full-featured version of Avast Secure Browser with fully encrypted online activity for enhanced privacy and security.
- Avast Secure Identity Identity protection service providing 24/7 expert assistance to help keep user identity safe.
- Avast BreachGuard Data breach monitoring tool that protects personal information from being exposed and sold by monitoring dark web for leaked accounts.
- Avast Cleanup Premium Device optimization software that boosts computer speed and performance by removing junk files, available for Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS.
- Avast Driver Updater Utility that automatically updates device drivers with a single click to ensure optimal hardware performance and security.
- Avast Online Security & Privacy Browser extension providing privacy and security protection while browsing the web.
- Avast Deepfake Guard AI-powered deepfake detection feature integrated into Avast Premium Security for Windows PCs that identifies malicious audio within video content to detect AI-manipulated scam videos on Facebook, YouTube, TikTok, and X.
- Avast Scam Guardian and Scam Guardian Pro AI-powered scam protection available for mobile devices (Android and iOS) that blocks scam calls, emails, and SMS messages, with the Pro tier adding Call Guard and Email Guard functionality.
- Avast AI Agent Protection Security module that monitors AI tools acting on behalf of the user and verifies their instructions have not been tampered with by malicious sources.
- Avast Assistant AI-powered assistant providing real-time anti-scam guidance and threat identification through conversational interaction within Avast One.
- Avast Small Office Protection Business security solution protecting up to 10 devices including laptops, mobile devices, computers, and tablets for small office and home office environments.
- Avast Business Security (Essential, Premium, Ultimate) Tiered business security suites (Essential, Premium, Ultimate) managed from the integrated, cloud-based Business Hub platform for small to medium businesses.
- Avast Patch Management Specialized business product for managing and automating software patch updates across endpoint devices.
- Avast Cloud Backup Cloud-based backup solution for small businesses to protect critical data and enable disaster recovery.
- Avast Premium Remote Control Remote access and control feature enabling IT administrators to provide remote assistance and device management.
- Avast Antivirus for Linux Antivirus solution designed for Linux servers and workstations in business environments.
- Avast CCleaner (Business) Device optimization and cleaning utility for business environments, part of the Avast business product portfolio.
- Avast Business Hub Cloud-based centralized management platform for administering Avast business security products including Business Security, Cloud Backup, and Premium Remote Control.
- Avast Mobile Security Mobile security application for Android and iOS providing antivirus protection, scam detection, and AI-powered mobile threat defense.
- Avast Family Space Parental control and family safety solution enabling parents to monitor and protect family members' devices across multiple platforms.
Quantifiable outcome
- 100% real-world threat samples detected and blocked (AV-Test December 2025)
- +2 more outcomes
Companies that use Avast
Customer profileNamed customers1 record
Segments4 records
Ideal customer profiles5 records
Avast technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed Yes
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
AI capability10 records
Feature6 records
Avast partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Three partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.
- TECNOcoreTECNO's TGuard security brand uses Avast-powered threat detection as part of its mobile security ecosystem. The partnership includes a three-tier defense architecture featuring Trustonic's CC EAL5+ certified Trusted Execution Environment and Avast threat detection, protecting user devices, privacy, and data throughout the product lifecycle.
- Nigerian Air ForceminorAvast was cited as a potential technology and capacity-building partner for cybersecurity cooperation between Nigeria and Czech Republic, as part of a meeting between NAF Chief of Air Staff and Czech Junior Deputy Minister of Defence.
- Gen Digital (Parent Company)coreAvast is part of Gen Digital Inc. (NASDAQ: GEN), which also owns Norton, AVG, and Avira brands. Following the $8.6 billion Avast acquisition in 2022, Gen Digital commands 44% market share in cybersecurity and protects over 500 million users globally.
Scale indicators8 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights6 records
Avast competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- ESET: European-headquartered consumer and business cybersecurity vendor with strong endpoint protection, ransomware defense, and SMB management products. Comparable product breadth and target segments.
- Trend Micro: Global cybersecurity vendor with strong consumer antivirus and SMB/enterprise endpoint security offerings. Comparable product breadth, cross-platform support, and subscription pricing model.
- Avira: Sister brand within Gen Digital (acquired 2021), offering consumer antivirus, VPN, and system optimization products on the shared Gen Stack. Direct overlap in product category and customer base.
- AVG: Sister brand within Gen Digital, originally acquired by Avast in 2016. Offers near-identical consumer antivirus, VPN, and tune-up products under its own brand on the shared Gen Stack engine.
- Kaspersky: Global cybersecurity vendor with strong consumer antivirus and endpoint security products. Comparable product portfolio, independent test performance, and cross-platform coverage (Windows, macOS, Android, iOS).
- Bitdefender: Leading independent consumer and business antivirus vendor with comparable product breadth (antivirus, VPN, identity protection) and strong independent test performance. Direct competitor across both consumer freemium and SMB/enterprise segments.
- Malwarebytes: Consumer and SMB-focused cybersecurity vendor specializing in anti-malware, endpoint protection, and threat remediation. Direct competitor in freemium antivirus and SMB endpoint security.
- McAfee: Established consumer cybersecurity brand offering antivirus, VPN, identity protection, and safe browsing products under a similar freemium-to-paid subscription model. Direct competitor in consumer and SMB security suites.
- Norton: Sister brand within Gen Digital, offering consumer and SMB antivirus, VPN, identity protection, and dark web monitoring on the shared Gen Stack engine. Direct overlap in product category, customer segments, and pricing models.
Broad incumbents
- Microsoft Defender: OS-bundled endpoint protection shipping with every Windows license and increasingly competitive on independent test scores. Not a product-line competitor but a structural threat to Avast's consumer freemium funnel and willingness-to-pay for paid tiers.
Market position
Strengths4 records
Weaknesses4 records
Competitive moat6 records
Key risks5 records
Key highlights6 records
Customer concentration
Avast social profiles
Digital presenceAvast compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance9 records
Avast financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Avast leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles6 records
Avast subsidiaries and ownership
Company hierarchySubsidiaries3 records
Avast funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds2 records
Investors2 records
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Avast M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A13 records
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Avast
What does Avast do?
Avast develops and sells consumer and small-business cybersecurity software delivered primarily through the unified Avast One application, which bundles antivirus, AI-powered scam detection, deepfake detection, no-log VPN, breach monitoring, and device cleanup across Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS. The company monetizes a large free user base with modular premium add-ons (VPN, AntiTrack, BreachGuard, Cleanup Premium, Driver Updater, Scam Guardian Pro) and tiered business products (Essential, Premium, Ultimate Business Security, Patch Management, Cloud Backup, Premium Remote Control, Linux Antivirus) managed through the cloud-based Business Hub.
Is Avast a public or private company?
Avast is a private company. It is classified as corporate owned and is currently operating.
When was Avast founded?
Avast was founded in 1988. It employs 1,001 to 5,000 people.
Where is Avast based?
Avast is headquartered in Prague, Czechia, in the Europe region.
How does Avast make money?
Four revenue lines are on record. Consumer Subscription (Avast One) is the primary driver. The others are subscription Renewals, business Security Products and OEM and Telecom Partnerships.
Who are Avast's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are ESET, Trend Micro, Avira, AVG, Kaspersky, Bitdefender, Malwarebytes, McAfee and Norton. Microsoft Defender is listed as a broad incumbent.
Does Avast have an API?
No public API is recorded for Avast.
What industry is Avast in?
Avast's product category is Consumer Cybersecurity Software. Its primary akta.pro industry code is BPAEADAH, Endpoint Security Managed Services (EDR/XDR). Its NAICS code is 51321 and its SIC code is 7372.