Avast vs Malwarebytes
Avast leads Malwarebytes by 0.3 points overall (8.0 vs 7.7).
8.0/10, Very good
7.7/10, Very good
Criterion by criterion
Where each one wins
Avast8.5
Regularly participates in AV-TEST and AV-Comparatives with solid results.
Protection record
35% weight
Malwarebytes7.5
Good cleanup ability; we could not confirm a full set of recent lab results.
Avast7.5
Moderate system impact in lab reports.
System impact
15% weight
Malwarebytes8.5
Lightweight scanner that runs alongside other antivirus.
Avast8.5
Capable free tier; paid upgrades are reasonably priced.
Value for money
20% weight
Malwarebytes7.5
Free scanner is genuinely useful; Premium is mid-priced.
Avast7.5
Free tier includes web protection; VPN and extras need upgrades.
Extra features
15% weight
Malwarebytes6.5
Fewer extras than full suites.
Avast7.0
Apps on all major platforms, with frequent upgrade prompts.
Ease of use & platforms
15% weight
Malwarebytes9.0
Very simple apps across many platforms, including ChromeOS.
Published facts
Side by side
| Fact | Avast | Malwarebytes |
|---|---|---|
| Free version | Yes | Yes |
| Money-back window | Not published | Not published |
| Free trial | Not published | 14-day Premium trial |
| In AV-TEST or AV-Comparatives tests | Yes | Not published |
| Main platforms | Windows, macOS, Android, iOS | Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, ChromeOS |
| Company base | Czech Republic | United States |
Verdict
Which should you pick?
Choose Avast if…
You want something best for users wanting a full-featured free antivirus.
- + Full-featured free tier
- + Covers all major platforms
- + Regular lab participation
Choose Malwarebytes if…
You want something best for cleaning up an infected PC or getting a second opinion.
- + Useful free on-demand scanner
- + Simple, uncluttered apps
- + Works alongside other antivirus
Checked 1 Nov 2026.
Questions
Avast vs Malwarebytes: quick answers
Is Avast better than Malwarebytes?
Avast leads Malwarebytes by 0.3 points overall (8.0 vs 7.7). Avast scores higher on protection record, value for money, extra features. Malwarebytes scores higher on system impact, ease of use & platforms.
Who should choose Malwarebytes over Avast?
Malwarebytes is best for cleaning up an infected PC or getting a second opinion. Avast is best for users wanting a full-featured free antivirus.
How were Avast and Malwarebytes scored?
Both were scored on the same 5 weighted criteria for antivirus software, using public information such as published plans and terms. We do not lab-test products.