When comparing F-Secure vs Avira, the Slant community recommends Avira for most people. In the question“What is the best antivirus software for the Mac OS?” Avira is ranked 3rd while F-Secure is ranked 7th. The most important reason people chose Avira is:
I've used AVG Free in the past, and it seemed to slow my computer more than Avira does.
Ranked in these QuestionsQuestion Ranking
Pros
Pro Good malware detection
Full scan seems very thorough compared to other antivirus/malware software.
Pro Intuitive UI
All the tools are accessible within the one app versus some of the competitors where they have separate apps for each tool.
Pro A trial version is available
30 day from date of first installation / launch of f-secure.
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.
Cons
Con Can't quarantine malware
For real-time or manual scanning, if F-Secure finds something, it will move suspicious files to the trash, not ideal.
Con Firewall gives false sense of security
The firewall f-secure includes only has two options, allow all and block all. Non tech savvy people may think they are protected more than they really are because the word "Firewall" is somewhere in the software dialogue.
Con Browser extension uninstallable
To uninstall the browser extension you have to completely uninstall f-secure.
Con Aggressive sales tactics
Con Complicated installation process
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.
