Head-to-head · Anti-Phishing Software
Google Safe Browsing vs Avast Online Security & Privacy
Google Safe Browsing leads on 0 checks, Avast Online Security & Privacy on 0, and 5 are even. Who comes out ahead on the 5 yes/no, price and count checks where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.
Our verdict
- Highest scoreGoogle Safe Browsing · 9.4/10
- Free planboth
- Most featuresGoogle Safe Browsing · 4 of 6
Google Safe Browsing scores higher on our rubric for anti-phishing software: 9.4 against 8.5 out of 10; our editors rank them #1 and #8.
Google Safe Browsing is the better fit for free, broad protection across browsers and services. Avast Online Security & Privacy is the better fit for free Chrome phishing warnings and privacy controls.
- Google Safe Browsing fits best
Free, broad protection across browsers and services
- Avast Online Security & Privacy fits best
Free Chrome phishing warnings and privacy controls
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Side by side
| Feature | Google Safe Browsing 9.4/10 Visit ↗ | Avast Online Security & Privacy 8.5/10 Visit ↗ |
|---|---|---|
| At a glance | ||
| Editor score | 9.4 | 8.5 |
| Ranking | #1 in Anti-Phishing Software | #8 in Anti-Phishing Software |
| Best for | Free, broad protection across browsers and services | Free Chrome phishing warnings and privacy controls |
| Pricing model | Free | Free |
| Starting price | Free plan | Free plan |
| Free plan | ✓ | ✓ |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Deployment | Cloud, Browser extension | Browser extension |
| Platforms | Web, Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS | Chrome extension |
| Built for | Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise | Solo, Small business |
| Features Google Safe Browsing 4/6 · Avast Online Security & Privacy 3/6 | ||
| Phishing URL blocking | ✓ | ✓ |
| Email phishing detection | ✓ (best) | Not checked yet |
| Browser protection | ✓ | ✓ |
| Credential protection | Not checked yet | Not checked yet |
| Real-time scanning | ✓ | ✓ |
| Threat detection dashboard | Not checked yet | Not checked yet |
| Our review | ||
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| Our verdict | Google Safe Browsing is a web-threat protection service that warns people before they visit dangerous sites or download harmful files. It is suited to individuals and organizations seeking browser and service-level phishing protection, as… Read the review → |
Avast Online Security & Privacy is a free browser extension for people who want warnings about dangerous websites and basic privacy controls while browsing. It checks visited URLs, can block access to dangerous sites including phishing… Read the review → |
Strengths and trade-offs
Google Safe Browsing — where it wins
- Warns before visits to dangerous sites or downloads of harmful files
- Checks Gmail links and works with Chrome, Search and Android
- Offers real-time and local-list URL checks through its API
Where it doesn't
- Safe Browsing APIs are restricted to non-commercial use
- Protection is centered on web threats, not a broader security suite
- Real-time checks are associated with Enhanced Safe Browsing
Avast Online Security & Privacy — where it wins
- Scans visited URLs and can warn about or block dangerous sites
- Adds safety indicators to search results to help spot phishing sites
- Includes anti-tracking, advertiser opt-outs, and cookie controls
Where it doesn't
- Protection is delivered through a browser extension, not a standalone app
- Some privacy features require an Avast One or Avast Premium Security subscription
- Support channels are limited to documentation
- Google Safe Browsing9.4/10 · Free plan
Free web-threat warnings across Google products, browsers and developer APIs.
Visit siteFull verdict → - Avast Online Security & Privacy8.5/10 · Free plan
A free browser extension pairing phishing warnings with practical privacy controls.
Visit AvastFull verdict →
More comparisons
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- Google Safe Browsing vs Norton Safe Web
- Google Safe Browsing vs Netcraft Browser Extension
- Google Safe Browsing vs Microsoft Defender SmartScreen
- Google Safe Browsing vs Malwarebytes Browser Guard
- Avast Anti-Phishing vs Avast Online Security & Privacy
- Bitdefender TrafficLight (now Bitdefender Web Sage) vs Avast Online Security & Privacy
All Anti-Phishing software comparisons → · Full ranking →
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
Last updated · How we research and update