When comparing Avira vs Windows Firewall, the Slant community recommends Windows Firewall for most people. In the question“What are the best firewall tools for Windows?” Windows Firewall is ranked 4th while Avira is ranked 8th. The most important reason people chose Windows Firewall is:
Most experienced (amateur) users use just a frontend application beside Windows Firewall like TinyWall, Glasswire, Windows Firewall Control. If you don't want to bother and spend a lot of time tweaking: use solely the integrated Windows Firewall. [Wilders Security Forums](http://www.wilderssecurity.com/) can be used to learn and know about the lastest trends.
Ranked in these QuestionsQuestion Ranking
Pros
Pro Fast, and free version seems powerful
I've used AVG Free in the past, and it seemed to slow my computer more than Avira does.
Pro Can install more components if you wish.
Optional installs include VPN, System Speedup, a password manager, browser extensions, and a hardened browser.
In the case that you've downloaded the Free Suite (not recomended), you can uninstall the above mentioned additional downloads with Avira's Connect app or any uninstaller utility software. This flexibility to cherry pick your extra software keeps the bloatware down somewhat.
Pro Most other firewalls use the Windows Firewall API anyway.
Most experienced (amateur) users use just a frontend application beside Windows Firewall like TinyWall, Glasswire, Windows Firewall Control. If you don't want to bother and spend a lot of time tweaking: use solely the integrated Windows Firewall. Wilders Security Forums can be used to learn and know about the lastest trends.
Pro Automatic updates for newly installed/ removed programs
Cons
Con Occasional pop-up ad in the taskbar
The ad is nagging the user to purchase Avira
Con Extras like Browser Safety include offers/deals when you're shopping
This is exactly the sort of behavior users want to prevent when using antivirus and similar security tools.
Con Not very intuitive
The already included Windows Firewall is not very easy to set up. Although new rules might be set up very fast, it's hard to understand what's going on for normal users.
Con The notifications aren't very helpful
The notifications just pop up once. If you press the wrong button it's hard to go back and change your choice. And not all programs that connect to internet will trigger a notification.