Avast vs Malwarebytes
Updated June 2026 · A structured head-to-head comparison.
Malware protection and cleanup.
The verdict
Both Avast and Malwarebytes are credible antivirus tools, and the right pick comes down to your priorities.
Avast — Popular free antivirus.
Malwarebytes — Malware protection and cleanup.
Avast vs Malwarebytes: side by side
| Dimension | Avast | Malwarebytes |
|---|---|---|
| Starting price | Free – $4/mo | Free – $5/mo |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Pricing model | Freemium | Freemium |
| Best for | Individuals, Budget Conscious | Individuals |
| Platforms | Windows, Mac, Ios, Android | Windows, Mac, Ios, Android |
| Rating | 4.4/5 | 4.6/5 |
Avast key facts
- Vendor
- Gen Digital
- Pricing
- Freemium — Free – $4/mo
- Free tier
- Yes
- Platforms
- Windows, Mac, Ios, Android
- Best for
- Individuals, Budget Conscious
- Editor rating
- 4.4 / 5
- Founded
- 1988
- Headquarters
- Prague, Czechia
Malwarebytes key facts
- Vendor
- Malwarebytes
- Pricing
- Freemium — Free – $5/mo
- Free tier
- Yes
- Platforms
- Windows, Mac, Ios, Android
- Best for
- Individuals
- Editor rating
- 4.6 / 5
- Founded
- 2008
- Headquarters
- Santa Clara, CA, USA
Frequently asked questions
Is Avast better than Malwarebytes?
Neither is universally better — Malwarebytes edges ahead on overall rating, but the best choice depends on price, platforms, and your use case. See the side-by-side table above.
Is Avast or Malwarebytes cheaper?
Avast is the more affordable of the two to get started, at free – $4/mo. Avast starts at free – $4/mo; Malwarebytes starts at free – $5/mo.
Can Avast replace Malwarebytes?
Yes for most teams — both are antivirus tools with heavily overlapping features. The main trade-offs are pricing and platform support, covered in the comparison above.