Avira vs Malwarebytes
Avira 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
Avira8.5
Participates in AV-Comparatives testing with generally solid results.
Protection record
35% weight
Malwarebytes7.5
Good cleanup ability; we could not confirm a full set of recent lab results.
Avira8.0
Lab reports typically show light system impact.
System impact
15% weight
Malwarebytes8.5
Lightweight scanner that runs alongside other antivirus.
Avira8.0
Useful free edition; paid tiers are fairly priced.
Value for money
20% weight
Malwarebytes7.5
Free scanner is genuinely useful; Premium is mid-priced.
Avira7.0
Free edition includes a capped VPN and basic tune-up tools.
Extra features
15% weight
Malwarebytes6.5
Fewer extras than full suites.
Avira7.5
Simple apps, with some upgrade prompts.
Ease of use & platforms
15% weight
Malwarebytes9.0
Very simple apps across many platforms, including ChromeOS.
Published facts
Side by side
| Fact | Avira | 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 | Germany | United States |
Verdict
Which should you pick?
Choose Avira if…
You want something best for users wanting a light free antivirus with extras.
- + Light free antivirus
- + Includes basic privacy tools
- + Covers all major platforms
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
Avira vs Malwarebytes: quick answers
Is Avira better than Malwarebytes?
Avira leads Malwarebytes by 0.3 points overall (8.0 vs 7.7). Avira 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 Avira?
Malwarebytes is best for cleaning up an infected PC or getting a second opinion. Avira is best for users wanting a light free antivirus with extras.
How were Avira 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.