Discover which antivirus is better with this Malwarebytes vs Avast comparison.
As personal computers and smartphones proliferate, and internet users continue to grow, a treasure chest of information and opportunities has opened up.
Now we can browse the internet wherever we are, watch movies whenever we want, and purchase things by swiping our fingers. The flip side is we risk our privacy and personal information more than ever before.
Every day, AV-Test, an independent organization performing IT security research, registers more than 350,000 malware samples. The cost of ransomware attacks is expected to reach nearly $11.5 billion this year as well.
In 2016, Yahoo suffered one of the biggest data breaches in history, compromising up to 3 billion user accounts. Uber riders’ and drivers’ personal information was stolen during the same year.
An antivirus program is therefore essential for protecting your privacy and data from the bad guys, whose tactics are becoming increasingly sophisticated and brazen as time goes by.
On the Internet, you can also find several antivirus programs for free, but they are often not up to par to protect your computer and give you peace of mind. Most of these free packages lack the advanced features and utilities common to modern antivirus suites and offer limited anti-malware protection.
A comparison of one of the most popular antivirus brands, Malwarebytes, with another, Avast, is given in this guide. The comparison focuses on the features of both products, how well they protect you against malware, how they affect system performance, etc.
Are you in a hurry? Below are quick comparisons that show which company wins in each category.
Content Outline
Malwarebytes vs Avast: Overview
Below we will have a glimpse of the features and functions of both platforms.
1. Features
Winner: Avast. Security suites offered by Avast are more comprehensive than those of its competitors.
2. Malware Protection
Winner: Avast. Independent tests demonstrate that Avast’s malware protection is superior to Malwarebytes.
3. System Performance
Winner: Avast. Once against Avast scored better in one of the two independent tests we examined, while Malwarebytes abstained from participating in the other evaluation.
4. User-Friendliness
Winner: Tie. The best antivirus software depends on which company offers the simplest and most intuitive user interface.
5. Pricing
Winner: Malwarebytes. Avast is more expensive than Malwarebytes, so you can buy more licenses for a lower price.
6. Customer Satisfaction
Winner: Malwarebytes. Malwarebytes generally receives better ratings from independent customer review sites.
In the end, Malwarebytes is the winner, as its security suites offer more security-enhancing features and additional utilities than Avast. Also, independent tests show that Avast is better at detecting and removing malware than Malwarebytes.
Malwarebytes vs Avast: Features
A cyber threat removal tool’s features are one of the most crucial factors to evaluate. Avast offers a more comprehensive service than Malwarebytes. Avast offers much more than the features you might expect based on the plan you purchase.
The free versions of both antivirus providers are quite basic. Unlike Malwarebytes, Avast comes with malware and ransomware protection and a firewall, while Malwarebytes comes with just a virus scanner.
Malwarebytes offers other plans, including Premium and Premium + Privacy, but these plans don’t have a wide range of features. The paid tiers of Avast are similar – One and Premium Security – but they differ in many ways.
Although Avast doesn’t offer real-time protection like Malwarebytes, they do offer a wide variety of other useful tools for protection. As a result, Malwarebytes takes the lead in this round of Malwarebytes vs Avast.
Avast Features
With Avast’s plans, you can choose from a wide range of features. In addition to malware protection and virus scanning, the free subscription lets you use email security, the firewall, and the WiFi inspector.
By using the latter feature, you can scan your Wi-Fi network for vulnerabilities so they can be secured. In the future, Avast will also offer premium features.
You’ll receive real-time Wi-Fi security alerts if you subscribe to a paid plan, so you’ll know if any threats are present Plus, your files are protected against ransomware attacks.
Avast also features the SecureLine VPN for your protection while browsing. Is it necessary? Yes, technically. Almost no cybersecurity expert would recommend one that isn’t free. An Internet Service Provider (ISP) or government, for example, cannot access your personal data if your VPN hides it.
You have come to the right place if you are interested in business features. As well as ransomware protection tools, you can expect web, email, file, and sensitive data shields, as well as webcam shields, which are all intended for different security purposes.
There is a file shredder available for people who have confidential files that destroy them without the possibility of them being recovered by hackers.
Malwarebytes Features
While it doesn’t have many features to offer to distinguish itself from other providers, Malwarebytes focuses on providing quality threat protection.
In both paid subscriptions, you receive real-time malware protection, which prevents the malware from even getting onto your device. In addition, you can also protect yourself from malware, ransomware, web, and exploits in real-time.
You might be wondering how to Exploit protection works, even though the names of the features clearly indicate what they do. Basically, it tests your device for vulnerabilities and assesses it accordingly. By doing this, it protects it against attacks.
Also, online browsing is often a gateway for cyber threats to infiltrate. In recognition of this issue, Malwarebytes offers Browser Guard – an extension that prevents annoying scams, trackers, pop-up ads, malware, and potentially unwanted programs (PUPs).
Last but not least is the VPN, which is only available with the Premium + Privacy plan. I’d say Malwarebytes is decent if you ask me. A VPN with 400 servers in 34 countries isn’t much compared to other VPN providers, but it’s still enough if you consider how many antivirus programs are lacking this capability.
Malwarebytes’ lack of freebies like a password manager or firewall, which provide additional protection, isn’t its strongest suit, as it offers a limited range of features.
Malwarebytes vs Avast: Which offers better protection?
Although a provider’s promises of features and protection are important, nothing beats the experience of testing an antivirus in real-life scenarios. Research labs test antiviruses in real-life situations.
Both products received the “Top product” certification from AV-test, a German organization that studies cybersecurity products. Avast was awarded a certificate for Advanced+ by AV-Comparatives, while Malwarebytes received the Advanced award.
During the July to October 2021 period, Avast reported only 2 false positives while blocking 99.9% of threats. However, Malwarebytes reported 12 false positives, which was a small difference compared to Avast.
Finally, Malwarebytes wasn’t included in SE Labs’ list of tested antiviruses, so only Avast can be reviewed. This puts Avast in the same class as Norton or McAfee in terms of security, as it received an AAA award.
The results of real-world tests showed that Avast was a more secure option, so in this round of Malwarebytes vs Avast, I consider the latter to be the winner.
Winner: Avast
Also Read: Webroot vs Norton
1. Real-time protection
Anti-malware software with real-time protection is vital to preventing malware from infiltrating a device. It should be a feature of any good antivirus program unless the free version does not have it.
That’s exactly how Malwarebytes works. The free plan doesn’t provide real-time security, but the paid versions do. The antivirus can be configured to know what to detect in real-time based on the options you select.
That includes web protection, exploit detection, malware protection, and ransomware detection. These features can be turned on (or off) directly through the dashboard.
The free and paid versions of Avast both offer real-time protection. Malwarebytes does not. If any threats are hiding within your applications, it will alert you.
In addition, the paid plans include real-time Wi-Fi security alerts along with a free Wi-Fi inspector. Avast will notify you if any threats are found on your network.
In general, both providers provide excellent real-time protection, which is essential for anti-virus software.
2. Scanning
The scanning options that Avast offers are actually quite extensive. Let’s take a look at them all:
- Using Smart Scan, you can identify malware, browser add-ons, network threats, and outdated software.
- A full virus scan examines your whole system in-depth.
- The Boot-Time Scan scans your computer when it starts up. This prevents malware from entering your computer.
- You can customize which files the antivirus scans with Custom Scans.
- With Targeted Scan, you can select specific files or folders to be scanned.
You can create multiple scans for different purposes with a custom scan, which you can save and use in the future. A quick scan can be used every day or to scan specific destinations.
Malwarebytes is limited to three types of scanning, but that doesn’t denote a lesser quality product. There are several options for scanning, including quick scans, threat scans, and custom scans.
A threat scan is ideal for daily checks, according to Malwarebytes. Unlike a full scan, it only looks for startup, memory, registry, and file system objects and doesn’t go into every corner of the system.
Customized scans allow you to pick what to check and when to check it. Check for potentially unwanted programs (PUPs), potentially unwanted modifications (PUMs), and rootkits. Archive and startup items can also be scanned by the program.
As a whole, both providers offer great scanning features, but Malwarebytes lacks a straightforward full scan option, which can be a drawback.
3. Firewall Protection
Malwarebytes lacks a firewall, which is one of its biggest cons. As you know, antivirus software can only scan files inside your computer but does not prevent outsiders from infecting your device.
The firewall is responsible for that. Your network traffic is filtered and your gates are guarded to prevent cyber threats from entering your device.
While Malwarebytes lacks this feature, Avast does offer an advanced firewall even with the free version. First off, it’s customizable, meaning you can modify the firewall’s rule list in the advanced settings.
Therefore, you are able to control the firewall’s behavior. Additionally, you can designate which networks are trustworthy and which are not.
In addition, you can also specify the firewall’s actions for each app individually. Users may find this feature very convenient since it is customizable.
Malwarebytes vs Avast: Impact on PC performance
It is imperative that you consider not only the features and protection provided by an antivirus, but also the impact it has on the performance of your PC.
A security program shouldn’t slow down your computer or even cause it to freeze. The providers should take measures to ensure lower CPU usage, which is why it’s crucial to consider what they do.
A lot of people have complained about high CPU utilization on online forums since Malwarebytes came out. You can also put a limit on how much CPU the antivirus can use if you use a Mac. The level of detail can be set to High (up to 100%), Medium (up to 50%), or Low (up to 25%).
For faster scanning, it is recommended to set the level of detail to High. Additionally, no matter what operating system you have, you can turn on Play mode, which hides the antivirus notifications.
Due to Avast’s real-time protection running in the background, higher CPU usage is to be expected. However, running quick scans showed that it was almost two times higher than Malwarebytes.
The game mode is also an Avast feature that reduces unnecessary background activity by adjusting system settings.
In addition, if your CPU usage is excessive because of the antivirus, you can try a few things. Avast Cleanup can be uninstalled, the latest antivirus update can be installed, and the Avast Cleanup tool may be removed.
In this round of Avast vs Malwarebytes, Malwarebytes ensures better PC performance and even includes CPU usage settings.
Winner: Malwarebytes
Malwarebytes vs Avast: Pricing & Plans
If we ignore the free tiers, Premium is the least expensive plan ($29.99/year). In addition, its Premium + Privacy plan is cheaper than Avast’s.
| Plan | Avast | Malwarebytes |
| Free | $0.00 | $0.00 |
| AntiVirus Plus/Premium | $50.28/year | $29.99/year |
| Deluxe/Premium + Privacy | $69.48/year | $49.99/year |
| Check Pricing | Check Pricing |
Considering the Malwarebytes Premium + Privacy plan is the best value for money. You get a no-log VPN with wifi security and a cheaper price than Avast.
Winner: Malwarebytes
Malwarebytes or Avast Antivirus: Free vs Premium plans
With regards to the free plans, Avast (undoubtedly) offers the best one. As opposed to Malwarebytes, Avast offers a real-time firewall and protection from viruses, ransomware, and malware, which Malwarebytes does not offer. Free of charge!
The premium plans differ between the two providers. Among the features of Avast Premium Security are webcams, fake websites, and sensitive information protection. This software can be purchased for up to ten computers.
Avast One is a subscription for one device that offers a similar set of features as Premium Security for one device, except that it includes VPN, tracking protection, automatic driver updates, and the Avast Cleanup tool.
Secondly, Malwarebytes Premium gives you more features than the free version. Not only does it offer virus scanning, but it also provides real-time protection, ransomware prevention, and exploit protection. Besides the no-log VPN, you also receive servers in dozens of countries with the Premium + Privacy tier.
All in all, I recommend going with a paid plan from Malwarebytes. Avast is much more expensive, but you will still get top-quality protection from them.
Malwarebytes vs Avast: Apps & Interface
Avast and Malwarebytes both had a quick and easy installation process. Set up is simple, as you only need to choose a plan, subscribe, and pay.
Getting to grips with c is a breeze. Everything you need is right there on the dashboard, so you don’t have to click through different sections or buttons. The settings section is also straightforward.
Regardless of whether you’re using Windows, Android, macOS, ChromeOS, or iOS, Malwarebytes has applications that work on all of them.
As is the case with Malwarebytes, Avast’s desktop versions have a few different sections, unlike Malwarebytes’. Check the current status, scan for malware, and set your privacy preferences.
Again, because Avast has so many features, it can be difficult to display them all in one window because it becomes cluttered. Avast has apps for many operating systems, such as Windows, Android, Mac OS, and iOS.
Malwarebytes wins hands down for its easy-to-navigate interface – no matter if you’re a digital native or a first-time user.
Winner: Malwarebytes
Desktop App
When it comes to interface, Malwarebytes beats Avast. Here are the reasons why.
First of all, antivirus programs tend to be easy to use. The providers here are no exception. I like Malwarebytes because it provides everything you need.
All of the features and functionalities are available on the main dashboard, so you don’t have to spend time looking for them. Additionally, the settings for anything not on the main page can be found in the top right corner of the window.
In addition, the main dashboard is sleek and modern, with dominant blue and white colors. It’s nice to see the main tools divided into white blocks so they’re easily visible. Malwarebytes can now be operated without breaking a sweat.
Avast is also easy to use, but it has a considerable number of features. Whether you think it’s positive or negative depends entirely on your preference. Having everything readily available to me is essential.
Then Avast might be for you if you’re up for more of a comprehensive program.
Despite having many sections and menu options, it still manages to stay organized. If you want to find more scanning options, however, you have to go to the “Protection” tab, since the “Run Smart Scan” button is located in the middle of the main window.
Additionally, there are privacy-related features in the “Privacy” section. Avast’s dark design is something I appreciate.
Dark blue (or grey) and green are the primary colors, making the design more minimalistic and clean. Even if there are more sections, it doesn’t take long to figure out where everything is located.
Mobile App
In terms of the mobile apps, Malwarebytes is quite different on iPhone and Android. There are only a few countries that have the iOS app, such as the United States, Canada, etc.
You can find it in the Apple Store if you’re unsure whether it’s available in your region. Additionally, the iPhone comes with an ad, tracker, and malicious site blocker, as well as a junk box for fraudulent text messages. It also blocks suspected scammer calls.
This app has a pleasing color scheme and a pleasant background image of a small virus, which is the thing I like about it. Nevertheless, the main dashboard contains the most important features. Overall, the app looks more organized and modern.
It’s a little more basic on the Android app. Although the background is plain white, the interface is efficient and features a scan button right in the middle. As well as threat removal, phishing URL detection, and privacy audits for all apps, the Android app also provides threat removal.
The Avast app differs according to the platform, just like Malwarebytes. Though it’s not the best antivirus app for iPhone, Avast’s iOS App is still quite good.
With Avast’s dark themes and right in front of you is the scan option, you will instantly notice that the company’s brand is dark. Scrolling through the main page allows you to access features in the iPhone app, which isn’t as complex as the desktop version.
This iPhone app allows you to turn on a VPN and check the security of your Wi-Fi network. The app also offers unlimited photo storage and identity theft protection.
Avast’s Android application is more comprehensive. The iOS app has fewer features than the Android app despite its basic design and lack of graphics. Among other things, you can block all kinds of threats, enable a VPN, improve your device’s performance, and even monitor your browsing patterns.
Additionally, you can protect your device remotely in case of theft or loss. You will have more security measures with the Android app than with the iPhone app.
Malwarebytes vs Avast: Customer support
| Avast | Malwarebytes | |
| ❌ | ✔️ | |
| 24/7 live chat | ❌ | ❌ |
| Phone line | ✔️ | ✔️ |
| Twitter and Facebook | ✔️ | ✔️ |
| Knowledgebase | ✔️ | ✔️ |
Winner: Malwarebytes
It is important to make sure you get quality assistance from the providers when purchasing a service. Because you’re paying for it, you deserve good customer service if something isn’t working as expected.
Based on this comparison, Malwarebytes offers more support options. Avast only provides phone support, while Malwarebytes has both phone and email support. Therefore, whenever you run into more complex issues that guides and FAQs cannot resolve, you will always have access to live human support.
You can contact them via Twitter or Facebook, but it would be more convenient if you contacted them by email or phone, both of which are provided.
As far as customer service options are concerned, both companies provide similar options, but when it comes to Avast vs Malwarebytes, I would prefer the latter because it has better support options.
Quick links:
- Malwarebytes vs Bitdefender: Which Antivirus is Better?
- Bleachbit vs CCleaner: Which One Is Better?
- Webroot vs BitDefender: Which Antivirus Software is Better?
Conclusion: Malwarebytes vs Avast 2024
Malwarebytes comes out slightly ahead in this comparison between Avast and Malwarebytes, both of which have their advantages.
All the main features of Malwarebytes are accessible directly from the dashboard thanks to a very convenient interface. Despite Avast’s range of features, Malwarebytes makes sure that scan speeds are not affected and has great applications for different platforms.
Support is available around the clock with Malwarebytes. Phone support is only available with Avast.
Avast and Malwarebytes are both good antivirus programs but according to me, Malwarebytes is better. That’s because it offers better performance, great security from threats, as well as outstanding customer service.
