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Cybersecurity · head to head

Avast One vs MuckRock

Avast One logo

Avast One

Cybersecurity

All-in-one protection for your digital life

From
Free
Free plan
Yes
MuckRock logo

MuckRock

Government

FOIA Filing and Research Platform

From
Free
Free plan
Yes

The short version

  • Each has a real cost: Avast One ransomware and Wi-Fi vulnerability protection only on paid plans; MuckRock muckRock's core platform, Squarelet identity service, and DocumentCloud are licensed AGPL-3.0, which requires anyone running a modified version as a network service to release their source code
  • They diverge on capability: Avast One covers Antivirus, MuckRock covers FOIA Filing.
  • Prices and features above were last checked on 30 August 2026.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which Avast One and MuckRock actually diverge.

Attributes where Avast One and MuckRock differ
AttributeAvast OneMuckRock
Pricing modelUnknownfreemium
PlatformsWindows, macOS, iOS, AndroidWeb
CategoryCybersecurityGovernment
Founded19882010

Identical on both: starting price (Free), free tier (Yes), user rating (Not yet rated).

What each one covers

Drawn from each product's published feature list. An absence here means we hold no record of it - not that the product lacks it.

Only in Avast One

  • Antivirus
  • Firewall
  • VPN
  • Data breach monitoring
  • Email Guardian
  • Webcam Shield
  • Ransomware Shield
  • Performance optimization

Only in MuckRock

  • FOIA Filing
  • Request Tracking
  • Document Archive
  • Collaboration
  • Agency Directory
  • DocumentCloud
  • News Organizations
  • Research Tools

Both cover

  • Web support

What people use each for

The jobs each tool is most often brought in to do.

Avast One

  • Antivirusnot MuckRock
  • Internet Securitynot MuckRock
  • Privacy Toolsnot MuckRock

MuckRock

  • Citizen Servicesnot Avast One
  • Records Managementnot Avast One
  • Public Safetynot Avast One
  • Civic Engagementnot Avast One

Where each one falls short

Documented limitations, not opinions. Every one is a constraint you would hit in normal use.

Avast One

  • Ransomware and Wi-Fi vulnerability protection only on paid plans
  • Free plan VPN is limited, no data breakthrough monitoring
  • Rebuilt app in May 2026 may have stability issues

MuckRock

  • MuckRock's core platform, Squarelet identity service, and DocumentCloud are licensed AGPL-3.0, which requires anyone running a modified version as a network service to release their source code

Pricing, plan by plan

Avast One

Free
  • FreeFree
    • Antivirus
    • Limited VPN
    • Privacy tools
  • Silver$2.99/month
    • Enhanced antivirus
    • VPN
    • Device cleanup
  • Premium$4.19/month
    • Full antivirus
    • VPN with 55 servers
    • Password manager
  • Premium Plus$11.67/month
    • All Premium features
    • 30 devices covered

MuckRock

Free
  • BasicFree
    • FOIA Filing
    • Request Tracking
    • Document Archive

Which should you pick?

Choose Avast One if

  • You need antivirus.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Windows, macOS, iOS, Android.
  • You also want firewall.

Choose MuckRock if

  • You need foia filing.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You also want request tracking.

Questions people ask

Is Avast One or MuckRock better?
Neither clearly leads. Avast One starts at Free and MuckRock at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, Avast One or MuckRock?
Avast One starts at Free and MuckRock at Free.
Does Avast One or MuckRock run on more platforms?
Avast One runs on Windows, macOS, iOS, Android. MuckRock runs on Web.
Can I use Avast One for free?
Both have a free tier, so you can try either at no cost before committing.
What is Avast One best used for?
Avast One is most often used for antivirus, internet security, privacy tools. Of those, antivirus and internet security are not what MuckRock is typically brought in for.
What can Avast One do that MuckRock cannot?
Avast One covers Antivirus, Firewall, VPN, Data breach monitoring. MuckRock covers FOIA Filing, Request Tracking, Document Archive, Collaboration. Both handle Web support.

Answered from the vendors’ own pages

Avast One: Is Avast One free?

Yes. Avast One offers a free tier with antivirus, VPN (limited), and privacy tools. Paid plans start at $2.99/month for Silver and $4.19/month for Premium covering up to 5 devices.

Source
Avast One: What does Avast One include?

Avast One provides antivirus, VPN, password manager, device cleanup, Wi-Fi security, data breach monitoring, and protection against AI-generated scams and deepfakes.

Source
Avast One: Does Avast One have ransomware protection?

Ransomware protection is available only on paid plans, not the free tier. Free users get antivirus and basic protection only.

Source
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