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Software · head to head

Avast One vs Wireshark

Avast One logo

Avast One

Software

All-in-one protection for your digital life

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
Wireshark logo

Wireshark

Software

The world's foremost network protocol analyzer

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Each has a real cost: Avast One ransomware and Wi-Fi vulnerability protection only on paid plans; Wireshark free and open source under the GNU GPL; downloadable without paying any license fee, no commercial tier
  • They diverge on capability: Avast One covers Antivirus, Wireshark covers Deep packet inspection.

Where they differ

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

Attributes where Avast One and Wireshark differ
AttributeAvast OneWireshark
Pricing modelUnknownfree
PlatformsWindows, macOS, iOS, AndroidDesktop, Cli
Founded19881998

Identical on both: starting price (Free), free tier (Yes), 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 Wireshark

  • Deep packet inspection
  • Live capture
  • Offline analysis
  • 3000+ protocol support
  • Rich display filters
  • VoIP analysis
  • Decryption support
  • Scripting with Lua

Both cover

  • Desktop support
  • English language support

What people use each for

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

Avast One

  • Antivirusnot Wireshark
  • Internet Securitynot Wireshark
  • Privacy Toolsnot Wireshark

Wireshark

  • Network Securitynot Avast One
  • Packet Analysisnot Avast One
  • Open Sourcenot 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

Wireshark

  • Free and open source under the GNU GPL; downloadable without paying any license fee, no commercial tier

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

Wireshark

Free
  • Free & Open SourceFree
    • Full functionality
    • Deep inspection
    • Live capture

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.
Avast One review

Choose Wireshark if

  • You need deep packet inspection.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Desktop, Cli.
  • You also want live capture.
Wireshark review

Questions people ask

Is Avast One or Wireshark better?
Neither clearly leads. Avast One starts at Free and Wireshark at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, Avast One or Wireshark?
Avast One starts at Free and Wireshark at Free.
Does Avast One or Wireshark run on more platforms?
Avast One runs on Windows, macOS, iOS, Android. Wireshark runs on Desktop, Cli.
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 Wireshark is typically brought in for.
What can Avast One do that Wireshark cannot?
Avast One covers Antivirus, Firewall, VPN, Data breach monitoring. Wireshark covers Deep packet inspection, Live capture, Offline analysis, 3000+ protocol support. Both handle Desktop support, English language 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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Related pages

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