Software · head to head
Avast One vs Surfshark
The short version
- Only Avast One has a free tier, so it costs nothing to try first.
- Each has a real cost: Avast One ransomware and Wi-Fi vulnerability protection only on paid plans; Surfshark smaller server network (4,500+ servers) compared to larger competitors like NordVPN
- They diverge on capability: Avast One covers Antivirus, Surfshark covers Unlimited devices.
Where they differ
Only the attributes on which Avast One and Surfshark actually diverge.
Identical on both: pricing model (Unknown), user rating (Not yet rated), category (Unknown).
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 Surfshark
- Unlimited devices
- CleanWeb ad blocker
- MultiHop
- Camouflage Mode
- NoBorders mode
- Kill Switch
- Bypasser split tunneling
- Rotating IP
Both cover
- Cloud deployment
- Web support
- Desktop support
What people use each for
The jobs each tool is most often brought in to do.
Avast One
- Antivirusnot Surfshark
- Internet Securitynot Surfshark
- Privacy Toolsnot Surfshark
Surfshark
- Vpnnot Avast One
- Privacynot Avast One
- Security Suitenot 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
Surfshark
- Smaller server network (4,500+ servers) compared to larger competitors like NordVPN
- Lower brand recognition compared to established VPN providers
- Limited customer service availability in some time zones
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
Surfshark
$1.78/month- Starter$1.78/month
- Unlimited simultaneous connections
- 4,500+ servers
- Basic VPN
- One$3.59/month
- VPN
- Antivirus
- Personal data leak alert
- One+$4/month
- All One features
- Incogi included
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 Surfshark if
- You need unlimited devices.
- You work on Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Linux.
- You also want cleanweb ad blocker.
Questions people ask
- Is Avast One or Surfshark better?
- Neither clearly leads. Avast One starts at Free and Surfshark at $1.78/month, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
- Which is cheaper, Avast One or Surfshark?
- Avast One has a free tier; the other does not. Paid plans start at Free for Avast One and $1.78/month for Surfshark.
- Does Avast One or Surfshark run on more platforms?
- Avast One runs on Windows, macOS, iOS, Android. Surfshark runs on Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Linux.
- Can I use Avast One for free?
- Yes. Avast One has a free tier, so you can try it without paying. Surfshark starts at $1.78/month.
- 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 Surfshark is typically brought in for.
- What can Avast One do that Surfshark cannot?
- Avast One covers Antivirus, Firewall, VPN, Data breach monitoring. Surfshark covers Unlimited devices, CleanWeb ad blocker, MultiHop, Camouflage Mode. Both handle Cloud deployment, Web support, Desktop 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.
SourceSurfshark: Does Surfshark maintain a no-logs policy?
Yes. Surfshark does not log browsing history, visited IP addresses, bandwidth usage, or network traffic. This policy was independently verified by Deloitte in 2025.
SourceAvast 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.
SourceSurfshark: How many simultaneous device connections does Surfshark allow?
Surfshark allows unlimited simultaneous connections on all subscription plans, enabling protection of every device in a household with a single subscription.
SourceAvast 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