Should you be in the market for top-notch antivirus software to safeguard your computer against malware and additional internet hazards, it’s likely you’ve stumbled upon Malwarebytes and Avast. These two stand as highly regarded choices among consumers, but the question remains: which is superior? In our comparison article, Malwarebytes vs Avast, we aim to evaluate both Malwarebytes and Avast across various criteria, including their features, the efficacy of their antivirus and malware defense, system performance impact, cost, and beyond, to assist you in determining the most suitable option for your needs.
Malwarebytes is a well-known antivirus software that specializes in detecting and removing malware, spyware, and other online threats. It offers a range of features, including real-time protection, scheduled scans, and automatic updates. Avast, on the other hand, is a comprehensive security suite that includes antivirus and malware protection, firewall, email security, and more. It also offers a range of additional tools and services, such as a password manager, VPN, and anti-tracking.
My favorite antivirus program is Malwarebytes, but both Malwarebytes and Avast are excellent antivirus programs. They both offer a good range of features and provide excellent protection against malware.
Key Takeaways
- Malwarebytes and Avast are two popular antivirus software that offer different features and services.
- Malwarebytes specializes in malware detection and removal, while Avast is a comprehensive security suite that includes antivirus, firewall, and other tools.
- The right choice between Malwarebytes and Avast depends on your specific needs and preferences, such as the level of protection, additional features, pricing, and ease of use.
Table of Contents
Overview of Malwarebytes and Avast
When it comes to antivirus software, Malwarebytes and Avast are two popular options that offer basic protection for free as well as more robust paid plans. Both programs are designed to protect your device from malware, spyware, viruses, and other types of cyber threats.
Malwarebytes is a minimalistic antivirus software that provides basic protection against malware. It is lightweight and does not use a lot of computer resources, making it a good option for beginners. Malwarebytes is available for Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS devices.
On the other hand, Avast offers a more inclusive service with a range of features depending on the plan you purchase. Avast is a more feature-rich antivirus software that also includes a range of security tools such as a firewall, password manager, and VPN. Avast is available for Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS devices.
In terms of pricing, both Malwarebytes and Avast offer free versions of their software, but the paid plans vary in price and features. Malwarebytes offers a single device plan and a multi-device plan, while Avast offers a range of plans that vary in the number of devices covered and the level of protection offered.
When it comes to security, both Malwarebytes and Avast are highly regarded in the industry. Malwarebytes has a strong reputation for detecting and removing malware, while Avast has a range of security tools that make it a more comprehensive option for those looking for a complete security solution.
Features Comparison
Here is a comparison of Malwarebytes and Avast:
| Feature | Malwarebytes | Avast |
|---|---|---|
| Real-time protection | Yes | Yes |
| Anti-malware | Yes | Yes |
| Anti-ransomware | Yes | Yes |
| Anti-phishing | Yes | Yes |
| Firewall | Yes | Yes |
| Parental control | No | Yes |
| VPN | Yes | Yes |
| Password manager | Yes | Yes |
| Dark web monitoring | No | Yes |
| Vulnerability scanner | Yes | Yes |
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As you can see, both Malwarebytes and Avast offer a similar range of features. However, Avast offers a few more features, such as parental control and dark web monitoring.
Performance and Impact on System
When it comes to antivirus software, performance and impact on system are two crucial factors to consider. In this section, we will compare the performance and impact on system of Malwarebytes and Avast.
Performance
In terms of performance, both Malwarebytes and Avast are highly rated. According to AV-Comparatives’ Performance Test October 2021, Malwarebytes Premium 4.4 and Avast Free Antivirus 21.9 both received the highest rating of “Advanced+“. This means that they have a minimal impact on system performance.
However, it’s worth noting that Malwarebytes is primarily an anti-malware software, while Avast is a full-fledged antivirus software. This means that Malwarebytes may not have all the features and tools that Avast has to optimize system performance.
Impact on System
When it comes to impact on system, both Malwarebytes and Avast have similar results. According to CyberNews’ comparison of Malwarebytes vs Avast, both software have a minimal impact on system performance. However, Avast may have a slight advantage in this aspect, as it offers more optimization tools and features.
It’s important to note that even though antivirus software may have a minimal impact on system performance, it’s still recommended to use optimization tools and perform regular maintenance to keep your computer running smoothly.
Pricing and Value for Money
| Feature | Malwarebytes | Avast |
|---|---|---|
| Free version | Basic malware protection | Real-time protection, scheduled scanning, firewall |
| Paid version | Real-time protection, scheduled scanning, anti-ransomware protection | Real-time protection, scheduled scanning, firewall, anti-ransomware protection, and more |
| Pricing structure | Single device plan for $39.99/year, five-device plan for $79.99/year | Single device plan for $69.99/year, three-device plan for $89.99/year, ten-device plan for $119.99/year |
| Deals and discounts | Occasionally offers discounts on its website | Offers a range of discounts for students, military personnel, and first responders |
Ease of Use and User-Friendliness
When it comes to antivirus software, ease of use and user-friendliness are important factors to consider. Malwarebytes and Avast both have their own unique interfaces and features, so it’s important to choose the one that best fits your needs.
Avast is known for its user-friendly interface, making it a great choice for beginners. The software is easy to navigate, and the dashboard provides a clear overview of your system’s security status. The software also offers a variety of customizable options, allowing users to adjust settings to their liking.
On the other hand, Malwarebytes is known for its simplicity and straightforward approach to antivirus protection. The software is designed to be lightweight and easy to use, making it a great choice for those who want reliable protection without any unnecessary bells and whistles.
Customer Support and Service
Malwarebytes provides support through their online help center, where users can find answers to frequently asked questions, view tutorials, and submit support tickets. They also offer phone support for paid customers, available 24/7. One downside is that they do not offer live chat support, which can be a more convenient option for some users.
On the other hand, Avast offers a more comprehensive support system. They have an extensive online knowledge base, community forums, and a live chat option available 24/7. They also offer phone support for paid customers, but their hours are limited to weekdays during business hours.
| Customer Support | Malwarebytes | Avast |
|---|---|---|
| Online Help Center | ✔️ | ✔️ |
| Phone Support (24/7) | ✔️ | ✔️ |
| Live Chat Support | ❌ | ✔️ |
| Community Forums | ❌ | ✔️ |
It’s worth noting that both Malwarebytes and Avast offer a 30-day money-back guarantee for their paid products, which can provide peace of mind for users who may not be satisfied with their purchase.
Independent Testing and Reviews
When it comes to choosing an antivirus software, independent testing and reviews can provide valuable insights into the effectiveness of different products. Here are some of the results from well-known independent testing labs for Malwarebytes and Avast.
AV-Comparatives Results
AV-Comparatives is an independent testing lab that evaluates antivirus software based on their ability to detect and protect against various malware threats. In their latest Real-World Protection Test, which evaluated 17 different antivirus products, Avast received an Advanced+ rating, while Malwarebytes received an Advanced rating.
In the Malware Protection Test, which evaluated the ability of antivirus software to detect and remove malware, both Malwarebytes and Avast received Advanced+ ratings. It’s worth noting that Malwarebytes had a slightly higher false-positive rate than Avast in this test.
AV-Test Results
In the Performance category, which evaluates the impact of antivirus software on system performance, both Malwarebytes and Avast received scores of 5.5 out of 6.0. In the Usability category, which evaluates the impact of antivirus software on the usability of the system, both Malwarebytes and Avast received perfect scores.
SE Labs Results
SE Labs is an independent testing lab that evaluates antivirus software based on their ability to detect and protect against various malware threats. In their latest tests, both Malwarebytes and Avast received AAA ratings, which is the highest rating possible.
In the Malware Protection Test, which evaluated the ability of antivirus software to detect and remove malware, both Malwarebytes and Avast received perfect scores. In the False Positive Test, which evaluated the rate of false positives generated by antivirus software, both Malwarebytes and Avast received perfect scores.
Overall, both Malwarebytes and Avast have performed well in independent testing and reviews. While Avast has received slightly higher ratings in some tests, both products have received high scores for malware protection and usability.
Malwarebytes vs Avast Conclusion
When it comes to choosing between Malwarebytes and Avast, both are excellent options for protecting your devices from cyber threats. However, each has its own unique strengths and weaknesses that you should consider before making a decision.
Malwarebytes is a lightweight anti-malware solution that is easy to use and packs a punch when it comes to detecting and removing malware. It has a simple interface that makes it easy to navigate and use, and it offers excellent protection against malware and other cyber threats. Malwarebytes is also affordable, making it a great option for those on a budget.
On the other hand, Avast is a more comprehensive solution that offers a wide range of features, including antivirus, anti-malware, and anti-phishing protection, as well as a firewall, VPN, and more. Avast is also known for its excellent malware protection rates, web protection, and customer support.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which antivirus software is better: Avast or Malwarebytes?
Both Avast and Malwarebytes are reputable antivirus software with their own unique strengths and weaknesses. Ultimately, the better choice depends on your specific needs and preferences. Consider factors such as malware protection rates, additional features, ease of use, and customer support when making your decision.
My favorite antivirus program is Malwarebytes, but both Malwarebytes and Avast are excellent antivirus programs. They both offer a good range of features and provide excellent protection against malware.
What are the differences between Malwarebytes and Avast?
Malwarebytes and Avast differ in their approach to antivirus protection. Malwarebytes focuses on detecting and removing malware, while Avast offers a wider range of features such as webcam protection and automatic app updates. Additionally, Avast has better malware protection rates and customer support than Malwarebytes.
Is Malwarebytes or Avast better for malware protection?
Avast is generally considered to have better malware protection rates than Malwarebytes. However, Malwarebytes is still a reliable choice for detecting and removing malware.
How do Malwarebytes and Avast compare to other antivirus software?
When compared to other antivirus software, both Malwarebytes and Avast are well-regarded for their malware protection capabilities. However, other antivirus software such as Norton and Kaspersky may offer additional features and stronger malware protection rates.
Can I use Malwarebytes and Avast together for added protection?
It is not recommended to use Malwarebytes and Avast together as they may interfere with each other’s operations and cause system instability. It is best to choose one antivirus software and use it as your primary protection.
What are the pros and cons of using Avast versus Malwarebytes?
Avast offers a wider range of features, better malware protection rates, and stronger customer support than Malwarebytes. However, Malwarebytes is simpler to use and lightweight, making it a good choice for those who only need essential malware protection.
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