Technically, no. <a href="https://www.avast.com/c-computer-virus">A virus self-propagates and spreads</a>, while <a href="https://www.avast.com/c-adware">adware just bombards you with advertisements</a>. Adware is a type of <a href="https://www.avast.com/c-malware">malware</a>, which is an umbrella term that encompasses all kinds of threats, including adware and viruses.

Free Adware Scanner and Cleaner Tool

Powerful adware scanner

Shop and bank securely

Trusted by over 400 million users

Award-winning protection

Our best free adware scanner and removal tool

Avast One finds and deletes adware and viruses faster and more thoroughly than almost any other adware scanner and cleaner available. Install the world’s largest threat-detection network and machine-learning malware protection in a single, lightweight adware scan and removal tool — 100% free.

INSTALL FREE PROTECTION

Get it for Mac, PC, Android

DOWNLOAD FREE ANTI-ADWARE

Get it for iOS, Android, PC

INSTALL FREE ANTI-ADWARE

Get it for PC, Mac, iOS

DOWNLOAD FREE ANTI-ADWARE

Get it for Android, iOS, Mac

The benefits of Avast One’s adware scanner and remover

Scan center

Adware is just one kind of threat. Avast can scan for and help remove all kinds of malicious software.

File Shield

Scans files and programs to identify and alert you of adware before an infection hits.

Behavior Shield

Alerts you immediately if unusual app behavior is detected that may indicate adware or another threat.

Malware alerts

Get immediate alerts if unusual app behavior is detected that may indicate a threat.

24/7 updates

We constantly update our software to protect against new and emerging adware threats.

Secure connection

Avast One includes a built-in VPN to encrypt your connection and protect your privacy.

Scan center

Adware is just one kind of threat. Avast can scan for and help remove all kinds of malicious software.

File Shield

Scans files and programs to identify and alert you of adware before an infection hits.

Behavior Shield

Alerts you immediately if unusual app behavior is detected that may indicate adware or another threat.

Malware alerts

Get immediate alerts if unusual app behavior is detected that may indicate a threat.

24/7 updates

We constantly update our software to protect against new and emerging adware threats.

Secure connection

Avast One includes a built-in VPN to encrypt your connection and protect your privacy.

Stay safe with top-ranked adware protection

Avast One’s “numerous excellent lab scores” are a major reason why PCMag named it a 2021 Editors’ Choice. And TechRadar awarded Avast One 5 stars for its comprehensive anti-malware protection.

Avast has been bringing home awards from industry experts for years, including:

AV-TEST: Top Product, AV Test Certified, 2022

PC Mag: Editors’ Choice, 2021

TechRadar: 5 stars, 2021

AV Comparatives: Top Rated Product Award, 2020

An adware blocker trusted by over 400 million users

But don’t just take our word for it.

The UI for your software - amazing. Great work over the years. Can't say enough good things!

Ryan R.

Thank you, Avast, for the excellent work you do. I run your antivirus software on both my Mac OS X and my Windows machines. You have the best products on the market, period.

Eric S.

I’ve been using Avast for over a year and have found it one of the best free software protection devices on market.

Daryl C.

Protect your Mac and mobile, too

Adware doesn’t care what device you use — it will bombard you with ads on all of them.
That’s why everywhere adware goes, Avast is there to block it.

MAC

ANDROID

IPHONE/IPAD

Strengthen your built-in Mac security with top-tier protection against other malicious threats, including adware. Avast’s Mac security software defends and optimizes your Apple device with one of the world’s most powerful threat-detection networks.

Android devices also need enhanced security to defend against malware and other online threats. Avast’s Android antivirus protection helps secure your Wi-Fi while giving your phone ironclad adware-blocking, anti-malware protection.

Your iPhone and iPad aren’t immune to malware. Get strong security and privacy protection for iOS to defend against malware and other online threats. Avast’s iOS security app can help secure your Wi-Fi while blocking adware and other malware in real-time.

Download our free adware scanner and remover

If you’re looking for the best way to stop adware, you’ve found it. Install Avast One today — completely free.

INSTALL FREE PROTECTION

Get it for Mac, PC, Android

DOWNLOAD FREE ANTI-ADWARE

Get it for iOS, Android, PC

INSTALL FREE ANTI-ADWARE

Get it for PC, Mac, iOS

DOWNLOAD FREE ANTI-ADWARE

Get it for Android, iOS, Mac

FAQs

How can I get rid of adware?

There's no better way to clear your system of adware than a powerful antivirus. Antivirus software will scan your device for adware, remove it, and help block future infections.

Is adware a virus?

Technically, no. A virus self-propagates and spreads, while adware just bombards you with advertisements. Adware is a type of malware, which is an umbrella term that encompasses all kinds of threats, including adware and viruses.

Does adware slow down my computer?

Absolutely! Adware bogs down your computer by using up processing power and RAM as it loads and displays countless ads. If it gets bad enough, adware can slow your computer down to a crawl. Junkware — unwanted pre-installed applications — can have a similar effect. Thankfully, there are easy ways to speed up your PC.