Avira vs Combo Cleaner

Founded in 1986 in Tettnang, Germany, Avira is a leading cybersecurity company known for its advanced antivirus and security solutions. They offer a range of products for individual users and businesses, providing comprehensive protection for various devices and operating systems. Avira's cloud-based antivirus technology, user privacy commitment, and a suite of security features make it a reliable choice. They offer advanced system optimization tools for Windows and focus on real-time malware protection for Mac. Mobile versions provide basic antivirus scanning and VPN services. They enable users to make payments using major credit cards and PayPal. Their paid plans can be tried for free for 30 days and come with a 60-day money-back guarantee for annual plans, or 14 days for monthly subscriptions. Avira has a strong reputation for high detection rates and minimal system impact, recognized by independent testing organizations. While not accredited by the BBB, the company has earned numerous awards, including Best Protection and Advanced+ ratings, and mostly positive customer reviews.

Combo Cleaner is developed by RCS LT, a Lithuania-based company founded in 2007. What started as a local IT service provider has since shifted toward cross-platform cybersecurity tools, with their flagship product, Combo Cleaner, positioned as a mix of antivirus and system optimization. Available on macOS, Windows, Android, and iOS, their app aims to give users an all-in-one solution for essential threat protection and device maintenance. They offer real-time malware detection, disk cleanup, duplicate and large file scanners, privacy tools, and ransomware folder protection (on Windows). Their mobile apps focus more on photo cleanup, app management, and browsing safety. The platform is updated frequently, with hourly malware definition updates and an AI-powered security assistant to assist with scam detection and threat awareness. Users often note how easy their software is to install and navigate, though feedback around refund policies and the usefulness of the free version is mixed. While they’ve earned certifications like VB100 and OPSWAT Bronze, they haven't been evaluated by major independent antivirus labs. The simplicity of Combo Cleaner's tools appeals to many, but whether their performance matches their claims is a different matter. This review closely examines what they do—and what they leave out.