As a cybersecurity expert with over a decade of experience testing and reviewing antivirus software, I‘ve seen firsthand how Avast and Malwarebytes have evolved their products to combat the ever-changing landscape of digital threats. In this comprehensive guide, I‘ll provide an in-depth comparison of these two leading antivirus solutions to help you determine which one offers the best protection and value in 2024.
We‘ll dive deep into the following areas:
- Pricing and plans
- Malware detection capabilities
- Key features and tools
- System performance impact
- User interface and ease of use
- Customer support
- Company history and track record
By the end of this article, you‘ll have all the facts you need to make an informed decision on whether Avast or Malwarebytes is the optimal choice to keep your devices secure. Let‘s get started!
Pricing Comparison
First, let‘s break down the costs of Avast and Malwarebytes across their various subscription plans:
| Product | Free Version | Basic Plan | Mid-Tier Plan | Top-Tier Plan |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avast | Yes | Premium Security: $50.28/year for 1 device | Premium Security Multi-Device: $69.48/year for 10 devices | Ultimate: $99.99/year for 10 devices |
| Malwarebytes | Yes | Premium: $44.99/year for 1 device | Premium for 5 Devices: $79.99/year | – |
Key takeaways:
- Both offer free versions with limited features
- Malwarebytes has a slightly lower entry price at $44.99/year vs $50.28/year for Avast
- Avast‘s top Ultimate plan includes additional features like a VPN and password manager
- Avast allows coverage for up to 10 devices, while Malwarebytes maxes out at 5
In my experience, price should not be the sole factor in choosing an antivirus. It‘s critical to look at the level of protection provided and the features you get for your money. That said, Malwarebytes does hold an edge on price alone, especially if you only need coverage for a handful of devices.
However, Avast provides more comprehensive plans and the ability to cover a larger number of devices. For families or individuals with many gadgets, Avast will likely be the better value. Both companies offer a generous 60-day money-back guarantee, so you can test their products risk-free.
Malware Protection Performance
Malware detection is the core purpose of any antivirus, so it‘s essential to gauge how well Avast and Malwarebytes perform in independent lab tests. Here‘s a summary of their results:
AV-Comparatives Real-World Protection Test (July-October 2023):
- Avast: 99.7% detection rate, 4 false positives
- Malwarebytes: 99.2% detection rate, 1 false positive
AV-Test Bi-Monthly Certification (September-October 2023):
| Product | Protection | Performance | Usability |
|---|---|---|---|
| Avast | 6/6 | 6/6 | 6/6 |
| Malwarebytes | 6/6 | 5.5/6 | 6/6 |
SE Labs Home Anti-Malware Protection (2023 Q3):
- Avast: AAA certification, 97% detection rate
- Malwarebytes: Not tested
Both products demonstrate excellent results, consistently blocking over 99% of threats in real-world testing by AV-Comparatives. Avast tends to catch a slightly higher percentage of malware, but also generates a few more false positives. In AV-Test evaluations, the two antivirus scanners perform similarly, receiving perfect or near-perfect ratings across Protection, Performance, and Usability.
It‘s worth noting that AV-Comparatives and AV-Test utilize different scoring methodologies, but are among the most well-respected independent testing organizations. SE Labs, another reputable outlet, did not include Malwarebytes in its most recent round of home antivirus testing.
Expert Insight: In my years of experience, I‘ve found that while these lab tests provide a useful benchmark, they don‘t always tell the full story. Malware is constantly evolving, and an antivirus may perform differently in real-life scenarios compared to a controlled testing environment. When possible, I always recommend reading hands-on reviews from trustworthy sources to learn how an antivirus handles the latest and most prevalent threats.
Key Features Compared
Beyond malware scanning, Avast and Malwarebytes both offer additional security features and tools. Here‘s a quick breakdown:
Avast:
- Wi-Fi Inspector to detect network vulnerabilities
- Core Shields (File, Behavior, Web, and Mail) for real-time threat blocking
- Firewall to monitor network traffic
- Ransomware Shield to protect against encryption attacks
- Sandbox to safely run suspicious files
- Phishing protection to block fake websites
- VPN to encrypt web traffic (Ultimate plan only)
- Password manager (Ultimate plan only)
Malwarebytes:
- Web Protection to block malicious websites and phishing scams
- Exploit Protection to patch known vulnerabilities
- Ransomware Protection (Windows only)
- Malware Removal Engine to clean up infected systems
- Chameleon technology to counter malware attempts to disable the antivirus
- VPN (Premium + Privacy plan only)
Expert Insight: Malwarebytes‘ standout feature is Chameleon, an anti-rootkit and stealth technology that can protect the antivirus from being disabled by aggressive malware. I‘ve seen this work effectively against several nasty threats. However, Avast has an overall more comprehensive set of extras like a robust firewall, Wi-Fi scanning, and phishing protection. For users who want an all-in-one security suite, Avast is hard to beat.
System Performance Impact
A common concern with antivirus software is how much it will slow down your device. Here‘s how Avast and Malwarebytes compare:
Avast:
- 8% slowdown in launching websites
- 12% slowdown in installing applications
- 10% slower copying of files
- 98.5% overall PC Mark 10 score
Malwarebytes:
- 9% slowdown in launching websites
- 15% slowdown in installing applications
- 12% slower copying of files
- 97.7% overall PC Mark 10 score
Sources: AV-Test (September-October 2023), PC Mark 10 Benchmark
These metrics from AV-Test and PC Mark indicate Avast has a slightly lower impact on system speed, but both perform very well compared to industry averages. In practical day-to-day usage, I‘ve found either product to run smoothly in the background without hogging system resources.
Tip: You can reduce performance impact by scheduling scans and updates to run during downtime, like overnight or when you‘re away from your computer. Avast and Malwarebytes also allow you to customize scan settings and exclude certain files/folders to improve speed. Make sure to keep the software up-to-date for optimal protection and performance.
User Interface and Ease of Use
Avast provides a sleek, modern interface that displays protection status and scan options in a clear, easy-to-read layout. The home screen can be customized by adding or removing a variety of widgets and it‘s simple to access important tools and settings. Less tech-savvy users will find it intuitive to use.
Malwarebytes has a more stripped-down, minimal interface that only displays the essentials. While it may lack some visual flair, the simplicity is appealing for those who dislike clutter and complex menus. The main functions are straightforward and it‘s easy to start a scan with a single click.
Expert Insight: In my opinion, both Avast and Malwarebytes are well-designed and user-friendly. Avast offers more customization and advanced settings for power users, while Malwarebytes keeps things steamlined for set-it-and-forget-it operation. Malwarebytes is missing some features on macOS, such as real-time protection for free users and the ability to schedule scans. Both could make some information more accessible to educate users on what specific tools do and when to use them.
Customer Support
Effective customer support is important in case you encounter issues with the software. Here‘s what each vendor provides:
Avast:
- 24/7 phone support
- 24/7 live chat
- Online knowledge base and FAQs
- Community discussion forum
- Support tickets
Malwarebytes:
- Support tickets with email response
- Online knowledge base
Avast is the clear winner, offering 24/7 assistance by phone and live chat along with a ticketing system, in-depth knowledge base, and active user community. Help is available around the clock to both free and paid customers.
In contrast, Malwarebytes only provides support via email/support tickets. While the company maintains a solid knowledge base for self-help troubleshooting, the lack of real-time assistance methods could be frustrating for those who prefer to talk to a live person.
Expert Insight: Over the years, I‘ve had occasional need to contact antivirus support. I‘ve been consistently impressed with the prompt, helpful responses from Avast‘s support reps over live chat. They are knowledgeable and eloquent in providing solutions. The few times I‘ve submitted tickets to Malwarebytes, the response has been courteous but not always as detailed or quick as I‘d like. To its credit, Malwarebytes‘ knowledge base contains useful guides and walkthroughs.
Company History and Track Record
Avast was founded in 1988 in Prague, Czech Republic and has grown to be one of the largest security companies in the world. It has an extensive track record of success, protecting hundreds of millions of users across the globe. Some notable milestones:
- Released first antivirus program in 1995
- Released first free antivirus solution in 2001
- Acquired rival AVG in 2016
- Blocked 1.5 billion attacks per month as of 2019
- Named "Top Player" in Radicati‘s 2021 Endpoint Security Market Quadrant
- 435 million users worldwide as of 2021
Malwarebytes was founded in 2004 by teenage entrepreneur Marcin Kleczynski after he helped his family remove malware from their computer. The company has quickly grown to be a leader in the anti-malware space. Key highlights:
- Released first product in 2006
- Surpassed 250,000 customers by 2013
- Named to Forbes‘ "America‘s Most Promising Companies" list in 2015
- Discovered several major ransomware attacks like Bad Rabbit in 2018
- Helped businesses and consumers mitigate damage from devastating WannaCry attack in 2017
- Reported removing 4.2 million infected machines in 2020
- 247,000 business and 1.2 million premium home customers as of 2022
Both companies have established themselves as major players in the cybersecurity industry with strong track records of innovation and user protection. Avast has been around longer and has a broader global reach, while Malwarebytes has quickly made a name for itself as an anti-malware specialist.
Expert Insight: Having followed both companies for many years, I believe they each bring immense value to the market. Avast‘s longevity and scale are impressive and its focus on user-friendly, comprehensive solutions helps make security accessible to a wide audience. Malwarebytes has shown agility and responsiveness in combating emerging threats and its powerful anti-malware client has helped clean up even the messiest infections. While no company is perfect, both have demonstrated ongoing commitment to keep users safe against an ever-changing threat landscape.
Conclusion
Avast and Malwarebytes are both top-tier antivirus products that will provide effective protection against viruses, spyware, ransomware, and other threats. Lab tests confirm over 99% detection rates with minimal false positives. So which one is the best choice in 2024?
In my expert assessment, Avast is the overall winner for its superb malware blocking and removal, extensive set of bonus features, consistently high lab scores, and 24/7 support. It offers the most functionality for the price and excels in comprehensive protection. Additionally, its sleek interface and customization options make it accessible for both novices and power users.
However, Malwarebytes remains an excellent alternative, especially for those on a budget or who value simplicity and a lighter system footprint. It‘s a lean, mean malware-fighting machine with rock-solid protection and easy operation. The proprietary anti-rootkit technology is a key differentiator when tackling advanced threats. It‘s also a cheaper option with plans starting at $44.99/yr per device compared to $50.28/yr for Avast.
My advice? Go with Avast if you want the "full package" and have multiple devices to cover. Choose Malwarebytes if cost is a priority and you prefer a no-frills, straightforward experience. Either way, you‘ll be in good hands with industry-leading antivirus protection.
Alternatives to Consider
While Avast and Malwarebytes are great all-around options, you may want to evaluate other products based on your specific needs and preferences. Here are a few alternatives I recommend checking out:
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Bitdefender: Consistently earns perfect scores from AV-Test and AV-Comparatives. Includes advanced features like a VPN, microphone monitor, ransomware remediation, and anti-tracker. Plans are affordable starting at $23.99/year.
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Norton: Pioneered the antivirus industry and continues to innovate with new products like Norton Crypto. Provides identity theft protection through LifeLock partnership. Earned AAA rating from SE Labs but tends to be pricier than competitors.
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Kaspersky: Russian-based company known for robust malware detection and low system impact. Includes unique features like GPS child tracking, file shredder, and stalkerware removal. Unlimited VPN access requires separate subscription.
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ESET: Slovakia-based firm with over 30 years of experience. Rated highly by AV-Comparatives for accurate, low-impact protection. Standout features include USB scanning, anti-theft tools, and light gamer mode. Covers Windows, macOS, Android, and Linux.
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Webroot: Emphasizes cloud-based protection for fast, lightweight operation. Provides always-on security for PCs, Macs, smartphones, and tablets. Includes identity protection, 25 GB of online storage, and a system optimizer. Uniquely fast scan times.
Each of these products has its own strengths. For example, Bitdefender is a great choice for users who want top-notch protection without slowing down their system, while Norton provides some of the most comprehensive identity safeguards through LifeLock. Consider your budget, how many and what types of devices you need to protect, and what bonus features matter most to you.
Tip: Take advantage of free trials to test performance on your system before committing to a subscription. Most companies offer 30-day evaluations. I also advise reading hands-on reviews from authoritative sources to learn about real-world user experiences.
Ultimately, the "best" antivirus is one that you can rely on to block the latest threats, runs smoothly on your devices, and gives you peace of mind. Antivirus is the foundation of your digital security posture, so it‘s crucial to choose a product from a reputable vendor that you can trust for timely updates and responsive support. But it‘s not a panacea—you still need to practice smart online habits like using strong passwords, keeping software patched, and avoiding suspicious downloads.
The good news is that modern antivirus solutions are highly effective and do most of the heavy lifting to keep you protected against an ever-evolving threat landscape. Avast, Malwarebytes, and other leading products allow you to browse, work, and play online with confidence.
As always, I encourage you to do your own research and reach your own conclusions. But I hope this comparative analysis gives you a solid foundation to make an informed decision to safeguard your digital life. Stay safe out there!
