Malwarebytes vs Avast: Which is Best for You?

There’s a lot of debate as to which anti-virus software is the best, and today, we will be comparing two of these.

On one side you have Avast, with their free version and paid versions that come in various packages. The other major player is Malwarebytes, a company that offers a free version (though without real-time protection) and an excellent premium option for those who want it.

In this article we’ll be taking a look at how each program handles malware detection rates, pricing, and other important aspects, so you can decide for yourself which works better for your needs!

Brief History

Avast Antivirus tops the list of the most sought-after antivirus protection software. It’s considered a user-friendly antivirus product. What makes it stand out is its free version that comes with a variety of features that no other free antivirus programs provides. As of 2021, the company reported that 435 million people are using it for their device’s protection, which means that they have a very large market share.

Released in the year 2006, Malwarebytes is an anti malware program that detects and eliminates computer security threats like malware. It is compatible with several operating systems, including Android, iOS, and Windows.

Now that we have provided a brief history of Avast and Malwarebytes, let us now have a detailed look at some key aspects of the two antivirus programs and compare the difference

A Quick Look At Avast

This is a cybersecurity software that comprises several applications covering freeware and paid versions. Avast Antivirus is a multi-platform computer software that safeguards desktop computers and cell phones against malicious programs such as viruses, spyware, malware, and dangerous applications. The company provides different versions for individual and business use.

Below are some of the features of this antivirus software

• Avast Antivirus protection examines your device for cybersecurity threats such as virus, spyware, malware, bugs, malicious software, ransomware immediately and simultaneously.
• The application secures all your passwords in one place and suggests you a strong password. You can save it so that you won’t have to remember it. Moreover, you can open your accounts on multiple devices as it synchronizes your password details.
• Sandbox tool lets you run dubious applications in a secure domain. Hence, if there’s anything malicious, your device and its data remains safe.
• SafeZone browser lets you shop from online stores and banking sites without any risk of data breach. It runs a private internet browsing session, thus fending off your device from any damage.
• Its Secure Online browser plugin checks and verifies untrustworthy sites in its vast database for enhanced internet security
• Its passive mode allows you to run another antivirus software without affecting the functionality of their computer.
• Game mode feature halts all popups for interruption-free gaming
• It is user-friendly and works best with a variety of operating system including Windows PC and MacOS.
• It has a contemporary interface that features three properly designated big icons. You can perform a smart scan and check the performance of modules from the homepage.
• Avast Anti virus automatically updates itself regularly. It saves you from the headache of updating it manually time and again.
• Numerous lab tests have shown that Avast Antivirus software protects well from cybersecurity threats.
• All versions include Email Shield, File Shield, and Web Shield
• Topnotch customer support and provides 24/7 phone support to its customers

However, there are some things that this anti malware  software lacks which I provided below

• The antivirus password manager lacks two crucial factors, i.e., multifactor authentication and restoring the password.
• This doesn’t completely succeed in protection from phishing attacks, according to the laboratory tests.

A Quick Look At Malwarebytes

Malwarebytes software operates as a scanner and scans a device for any suspicious programs like malware or spyware. Its batch mode feature allows you to use another antivirus program on the same device smoothly. It scans files in batches without opening them, thus avoiding interference from the other antivirus program running in the background.

Its protection is especially useful against many cybersecurity threats like ransomware, virus, and adware. It protects the computer against suspicious sites by blocking their IP addresses.

Below are some of the things that Malwarebytes provide

• Malwarebytes automatically performs scanning of your device and cleans the operating system of viruses and malware execution.
• Its advanced technology traces and removes viruses before they can cause damage to the system.
• It’s an all-in-one solution for cybersecurity problems and saves you from installing multiple antivirus products.
• Its hyper scan mode is extremely useful in combating a powerful threat. It swiftly examines it and deals with it effectively.
• Its cutting-edge and extensive protection tools protect files against ransomware attacks.
• It alerts you whenever they try to download a malicious file, click on an infected advertisement, or someone tries to hack their computer.
• Many practical laboratory tests showed that Malwarebytes performs well against malware and in blocking malicious websites.
• Its behavior-based analysis and tracing of threats give it an edge over other antivirus products.
• It scans systems for malware extremely quickly in just four to seven minutes as per the lab test conducted.
• Compatible with Windows PC and Mac

And below are the things that this  anti malware software lacks

• Malwarebytes doesn’t scan emails, thus risking the device’s safety from malware attacks.
• Malwarebytes lacks a quick scanning feature, which has disappointed many users.

Malwarebytes vs Avast – Head To Head Comparison

Let’s discuss the Avast vs Malwarebytes anti-malware tools and compare them in several important aspects.

Malwarebytes vs Avast – Security Features

When you look for a good antivirus product, it’s worth remembering that less but extensive features are better than more but less useful features. That being said, let’s compare Avast and Malwarebytes both in terms of features.

Free Versions (Avast and Malwarebytes Free)

Both the free versions of Avast and Malwarebytes provide basic anti malware protection to your system against viruses and malicious software but lack real-time protection. Avast provides an additional feature of password manager that Malwarebytes Free lacks.

Paid Versions

The first paid version of Avast is known as Avast Premium Security, while the entry-level paid package of Malwarebytes is called Malwarebytes Premium for You.

Avast Premium includes an anti-spyware protection tool, a data shredder that deletes important files to save them from hackers, and a tool to update applications automatically.

Both offer a powerful firewall to protect the device in real-time. In terms of a safer browsing experience, Avast offers the Real Site feature to protect your DNS from being hijacked by phishing sites. At the same time, its opponent offers a secure web browser that provides anti phishing protection against the threat of malware when browsing the internet.

Avast is one step ahead here as it also provides Sandbox Mode that shields your PC against malware by running applications and opening files in a secure environment. Moreover, it filters your mailbox for suspicious emails.

Malwarebytes also provides some additional features absent in Avast Internet Security. Those are the option of setting up specified scans automatic updates to combat advanced cyber attacks.

Moreover, it suits many devices, including PC, tablets, smartphones, and Mac. However, its single subscription is valid for only one device.

The 2nd paid version of of Malwarebytes is called Malwarebytes Premium for Home.

If we talk about Premium for Home of Malwarebytes, it provides protection for five devices at a time for one license. The great thing about this feature is that it works for a variety of devices or operating systems.

Avast’s topmost package is Avast Ultimate which, like its name, provides ultimate antivirus protection. Along with all the features of Avast Premier, it provides a password manager, the SecureLine VPN tool for anonymous internet surfing, and the Avast Cleanup Premium, a browser extension to look for nice coupons and deals, as well as a clean-up utility to increase computer speed.

Finally, Avast offers Avast Security for Mac, an exclusive package that comes in free and paid versions. The free version imparts basic protection from malware threats. Paid versions offer an extensive firewall, scanning Wi-Fi weakness, and suspicious URL blocking.

Winner – In Terms of Features

Both provide effective defense and an array of packages intended for different purposes. But in our opinion, Avast wins here due to its wider range of packages and an extended and more beneficial list of features compared to its competitor.

Malwarebytes vs Avast – Protection Against Malware and Virus

Users want the strongest protection against malware when they pay for a cybersecurity software package. AV-Test, an unbiased organization, assigned Avast a splendid score of 6 out of 6 for its free version.

Meanwhile, Malwarebytes got 6 out of 6 but for its premium version. It makes it clear that Avast has the upper hand in malware protection.

AV-Comparatives, another independent organization, conducted a real-world protection test in March 2021. Avast once again performed surprisingly well in protection against malware. Malwarebytes got 1 star in the test, which leaves Avast as a topper in the field of malware and virus protection.

Winner – In Terms of Malware Protection

As we have already established from the above discussion, Avast is the leader in protection because of the verdict of independent tests conducted.

Malwarebytes vs Avast – Ease of Use

Though the primary purpose of antivirus software is to secure your device from cybersecurity threats, a pleasant interface is equally important. A simple and intuitive interface appeals to users, especially those who are not tech-savvy.

Avast’s user interface features a visual control panel where all options are enlarged as buttons, leading a user to all primary features with just one click. The main dashboard includes a sidebar that is useful for performing certain functions. It only has one drawback. In the free version, advertisements keep popping up that annoy the user.

Malwarebytes also features an elegant and comprehensive dashboard that displays important features in the form of icons and some horizontal bars. These bars show green color if everything is perfect and change their color to specify if there is an issue.

Options of settings, reports, scans, and quarantine are available on the left side. Meanwhile, a Scan Now button launches a scan when clicked.

Winner – In Terms of Ease of Use

Both Avast and Malwarebytes tie here as they both offer user-friendly interfaces, and all primary features are some clicks away.

Malwarebytes vs Avast – Effect on System Load

Antivirus software decreases the risk of your computer being infected or your system being hacked, but some of them take a toll on your computer’s speed. It annoys users, and they consider it before buying cybersecurity software.

AV-Test conducted a test to assess the effect on the system of both Malwarebytes and Avast, and both earned excellent scores.

However, AV-Comparatives granted Avast the highest three-star ADVANCED+ award, while Malwarebytes chose not to take part in the test.

Winner – In Terms of the Effect on System Load

Avast is a winner here because it earned a higher score than Malwarebytes in one test and also performed well in the next, while Malwarebytes didn’t participate.

Avast vs Malwarebytes – Pricing

When looking for a security product, customers give special importance to price packages and how much value they provide for the money. Before making a final decision, they should consider whether the price is under their budget and how many licenses they would need to purchase to get all the features offered by a certain security product.

Now, it’s time to compare the cost of both Malwarebytes and Avast.

The Malwarebytes Premium for You is worth $39.99 annually. One subscription allows you to use only one device but is compatible with all types of devices. Next in line is Malwarebytes Premium for Home that is worth $79.99 annually. What makes it stand out from the previous option is its coverage of up to 5 devices.

On the contrary, Avast Premium Security (single) is worth $ 59.99 annually, and one license covers only one device. The next two paid packages, namely Avast (multi) and Avast Ultimate, cost you $89.99 and $99.99, respectively.

Both Avast and Malwarebytes provide money back guarantee

Winner – In Terms of Price

Malwarebytes leaves Avast behind here as it is more affordable if a user requires numerous licenses. Avast’s first paid package is fairly overpriced as compared to Malwarebytes. All in all, Malwarebytes deliver greater value for money as its paid versions provide coverage of many devices. It is a fairly cheaper option for a majority of everyday customers and households.

Overall Winner

Overall, the competition between Malwarebytes and Avast is tough because both security suites marvel at their purposes. In our opinion, Avast is a step ahead of its competitor because of its extraordinary performance in lab tests that shows that Avast works as an excellent protection against malware and has a minimum effect on system performance.

Malwarebytes is certainly a much cheaper option for users who wish to get multiple device coverage. Avast is an overall champion because it supplies an extensive and handy list of features, better malware prevention and detection, cutting edge functionalities, and negligible effect on system performance.

Conclusion

Avast and Malwarebytes are both among the leaders of the security software market. Additionally, both companies have worked hard to improve existing anti virus products and launch new products to solve users’ problems.

Though our final verdict is in favor of Avast, it’s important to mention that it is also a matter of personal preference and priorities. Both anti malware software companies are reputable and highly rated.

How about you? What can you say about these products? Feel free to share your thoughts and comments below