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.

Download Adware Removal and Cleaner Tool for Free

Put an end to adware. Avast One scans and removes adware currently on your device, and stops future adware, viruses, and other types of threats. Best of all, it's free and easy to use.

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Get it for Mac, PC, Android

Download free anti-adware

Get it for Android, iOS, Mac

Download free anti-adware

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Install free anti-adware

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2025
Top Rated
Product

2026
Product
of the Year

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 — for free.

Install free protection

Get it for Mac, PC, Android

Download free anti-adware

Get it for Android, iOS, Mac

Download free anti-adware

Get it for iOS, Android, PC

Install free anti-adware

Get it for PC, Mac, iOS

The benefits of Avast’s adware scanner and remover

Full malware scan

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.

Scam guidance

Use the built-in assistant to analyze texts, emails, and links for signs of scams and get cybersecurity advice.

Full malware scan

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.

Scam guidance

Use the built-in assistant to analyze texts, emails, and links for signs of scams and get cybersecurity advice.

Stay safe with top-ranked adware protection

Avast One is constantly recognized for its ironclad security features and antivirus detection engine. Avast has been bringing home awards from industry experts for years, including:

Performance Test 2025 AV-Comparatives: Advanced +

Home User Protection Test 2025 AV Test: Top Rated Product

Advanced In-the-Wild Malware Test 2025 AVLab: Product of the Year

VB100 2024 Virus Bulletin: A+

Advanced Threat Protection Test 2024 AV-Test: Advanced

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 gives your phone ironclad anti-malware protection including dedicated Android adware removal, as well as helping to secure your Wi-Fi.

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 — for free.

Install free protection

Get it for Mac, PC, Android

Download free anti-adware

Get it for Android, iOS, Mac

Download free anti-adware

Get it for iOS, Android, PC

Install free anti-adware

Get it for PC, Mac, iOS

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.

Other tools

Helpful links

System requirements

All devices require an internet connection for automatic security and program updates.

PC with Windows 11, 10, 8.1, 8 or 7, (both the 32- and 64-bit versions, excluding Starter and RT edition), 1 GB RAM minimum, and 2 GB of hard drive space, ARM chips Windows 11 only.

Mac running macOS 10.14 (Mojave) or later, 64-bit Intel processor, and 1 GB of free disk space.

Windows 10 compatible

Download Adware Removal and Cleaner Tool for Free

Our best free adware scanner and removal tool

Our best free adware scanner and removal tool

The benefits of Avast’s adware scanner and remover

Stay safe with top-ranked adware protection

An adware blocker trusted by over 400 million users

Ryan R.

Eric S.

Daryl C.

Protect your Mac and mobile, too

Download our free adware scanner and remover

FAQs

How can I get rid of adware?

Is adware a virus?

Does adware slow down my computer?

Other tools

Helpful links

System requirements

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