Head-to-head · Ransomware Decryption Tools
Avast Decryption Tools vs Emsisoft Ransomware Decryption Tools
Avast Decryption Tools leads on 0 checks, Emsisoft Ransomware Decryption Tools on 0, and 1 is even. Who comes out ahead on the 1 yes/no, price and count check where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.
Our verdict
- Highest scoreAvast Decryption Tools · 9.3/10
- Free planboth
Avast Decryption Tools scores higher on our rubric for ransomware decryption tools: 9.3 against 8.8 out of 10; our editors rank them #1 and #4.
Avast Decryption Tools is the better fit for windows users checking for a listed ransomware strain. Emsisoft Ransomware Decryption Tools is the better fit for teams decrypting files across connected drives.
- Avast Decryption Tools fits best
Windows users checking for a listed ransomware strain
- Emsisoft Ransomware Decryption Tools fits best
Teams decrypting files across connected drives
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Side by side
| Feature | Avast Decryption Tools 9.3/10 Visit ↗ | Emsisoft Ransomware Decryption Tools 8.8/10 Visit ↗ |
|---|---|---|
| At a glance | ||
| Editor score | 9.3 | 8.8 |
| Ranking | #1 in Ransomware Decryption Tools | #4 in Ransomware Decryption Tools |
| Best for | Windows users checking for a listed ransomware strain | Teams decrypting files across connected drives |
| Pricing model | Free | Free |
| Starting price | Free plan | Free plan |
| Free plan | ✓ | ✓ |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Deployment | Desktop | Desktop |
| Platforms | Windows | Windows |
| Built for | Solo, Small business | Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise |
| Features Avast Decryption Tools 0/2 · Emsisoft Ransomware Decryption Tools 0/2 | ||
| Offline use | Not checked yet | Not checked yet |
| Command-line operation | Not checked yet | Not checked yet |
| Specs | ||
| Supported strains | AES_NI, Alcatraz Locker, Apocalypse, AtomSilo, LockFile, Babuk, BadBlock, Bart, BigBobRoss, BTCWare, Crypt888, CryptoMix (Offline), CrySiS, EncrypTile, FindZip, Fonix, GandCrab, Globe, HermeticRansom, HiddenTear, Jigsaw, LambdaLocker, Legion, NoobCrypt, Prometheus, Stampado, SZFLocker, TargetCompany, TeslaCrypt, Troldesh / Shade, XData | Not checked yet |
| Recovery method | Decryptor | Decryptor |
| Supported operating systems | Windows | Windows |
| Our review | ||
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| Our verdict | Avast Decryption Tools is a collection of free downloadable utilities for recovering files encrypted by selected ransomware strains. It is suited to Windows users who can identify or investigate a possible match from Avast's… Read the review → |
For teams trying to recover files encrypted by a known ransomware variant, Emsisoft Ransomware Decryption Tools is a free collection of downloadable Windows utilities. Emsisoft lists individual decryptors by strain, with clues such as… Read the review → |
Strengths and trade-offs
Avast Decryption Tools — where it wins
- Lists strain names alongside file-extension and ransom-note clues
- Covers both AtomSilo and LockFile variants with one decryptor
- CryptoMix tool can decrypt files encrypted with an offline key
Where it doesn't
- Decryptors work only for selected ransomware strains and variants
- CryptoMix support is limited to files encrypted with an offline key
- Mac users need an emulation layer such as WINE or CrossOver
Emsisoft Ransomware Decryption Tools — where it wins
- Queues files and locations, including connected and network drives
- Offers strain-specific options such as entering an infection ID
- Can retain encrypted originals and save or copy a decryption report
Where it doesn't
- Each utility targets selected ransomware strains and versions
- Some decryptors may require an infection ID or file pairs
- Technical support is limited to customers with a paid Emsisoft product
- Avast Decryption Tools9.3/10 · Free plan
A free collection of strain-specific Windows tools, with coverage limited to supported variants.
Visit AvastFull verdict → - Emsisoft Ransomware Decryption Tools8.8/10 · Free plan
A free Windows toolkit for trying strain-specific recovery across queued drives and locations.
Visit EmsisoftFull verdict →
More comparisons
- Avast Decryption Tools vs Trend Micro Ransomware File Decryptor
- Avast Decryption Tools vs Kaspersky RakhniDecryptor
- Avast Decryption Tools vs AVG Ransomware Decryption Tools
- Avast Decryption Tools vs Bitdefender GandCrab Decryptor
- Avast Decryption Tools vs ESET Crysis Decryptor
- Avast Decryption Tools vs Bitdefender REvil/Sodinokibi Decryption Tool
- Trend Micro Ransomware File Decryptor vs Emsisoft Ransomware Decryption Tools
- Kaspersky RakhniDecryptor vs Emsisoft Ransomware Decryption Tools
All ransomware decryption tools comparisons → · Full ranking →
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
Last updated · How we research and update