Avast Antivirus vs Malwarebytes
Side-by-side comparison of features, pricing, ratings, and alternatives.
Avast Antivirus is a comprehensive security solution designed to protect your device from various types of malware, including viruses, Trojans, and spyware. It also safeguards your device from other online threats, such as phishing attacks and ransomware.
Malwarebytes is a powerful anti-malware software that detects and removes advanced threats and malware. It provides real-time protection against malware, ransomware, and other online threats, and can be used in conjunction with traditional antivirus software for added security.
- Effective malware detection and removal
- User-friendly interface
- Comprehensive security features
- Regular software updates
- Effective malware detection and removal
- Real-time protection against online threats
- Easy to use and install
- Customizable scanning options
- May slow down device performance
- Some features require a paid subscription
- Limited customer support options
- May conflict with traditional antivirus software
- Limited customer support options
- Not suitable for large enterprise environments
More alternatives & similar tools
Alternatives to Avast Antivirus
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Real-time virus protection with identity-theft safeguards for multiple devices
Multi-layered threat detection with secure banking and anti-ransomware
Comprehensive protection for your digital life (formerly Kaspersky Total Security)
Alternatives to Malwarebytes
View all →Multi-layered threat detection with secure banking and anti-ransomware
Real-time virus protection with identity-theft safeguards for multiple devices
Comprehensive protection for your digital life (formerly Kaspersky Total Security)
The Verdict
AI-generated from listing dataBoth offer freemium malware protection, but Avast provides a broader built‑in security suite (Wi‑Fi scanner, firewall, password manager) at the cost of potential performance impact, while Malwarebytes focuses on advanced threat removal with customizable scans but may clash with other AV products.
Key differences
- •Avast includes Wi‑Fi network scanning and a built‑in firewall; Malwarebytes does not.
- •Malwarebytes adds rootkit and anti‑ransomware capabilities not listed for Avast.
- •Avast bundles a password manager and file shredder; Malwarebytes lacks these tools.
- •Malwarebytes offers customizable scanning options for power users; Avast’s scans are more preset.
- •Support channels differ: Avast offers live chat, Malwarebytes only email and knowledge base.
Pricing & value
Both are freemium with paid upgrades; no pricing details provided to differentiate value.
Ease of use / learning curve
Avast’s user‑friendly interface and bundled tools suggest easier out‑of‑the‑box use.
Features & depth
Avast provides more security layers (Wi‑Fi scan, firewall, password manager, file shredder).
Integrations & ecosystem
Malwarebytes mentions customizable scanning and multi‑language support, indicating broader configurability.
Support
Avast offers live chat in addition to email, whereas Malwarebytes only provides email and a knowledge base.
Security & privacy
Malwarebytes explicitly includes anti‑ransomware and rootkit removal, targeting advanced threats.
Choose Avast Antivirus if…
Home users or small businesses wanting an all‑in‑one security suite with minimal setup.
Choose Malwarebytes if…
Users needing advanced threat removal and customizable scans, willing to manage potential AV conflicts.
Common questions
Is there a cost to access the full feature set?
Both products are freemium; some advanced features require a paid subscription, but exact pricing isn’t specified.
Will either product slow down my computer?
Avast may slow down device performance; Malwarebytes’ impact isn’t specified.
Can I use these tools together with another antivirus?
Malwarebytes may conflict with traditional antivirus software; Avast’s compatibility isn’t specified.