(Last updated on April 20th, 2019)

Malwarebytes or Avast, which antivirus software is a better option in 2019?

Read this comprehensive, value='{'show_for_logged_in':'1','hide_on_device':'}'>

Avast Security and Avast Security Pro are the two Avast plans that are compatible with Mac platform. The former is a freeware that, much like Avast Free Antivirus for Windows, comes with basic anti-malware security, web and email shields, and a WiFi security scanner (checks your network and connected devices for vulnerabilities). Avast and Malwarebytes are two slightly different type of software. The former is complete package that protects against a wide range of malware threats, while the latter specialized in whipping previously unseen malware (also called zero-day malware). Avast Security Pro for Mac review: Everything a modern antivirus app needs and a little bit more An all-around champion has strong malware-fighting abilities packaged with worthwhile extras.

Months

Days

Hours

Minutes

Seconds

During the past few months, we evaluated and reviewed over 50 antivirus suites from the biggest names in cybersecurity. We did this so you can confidently choose the best antivirus software to protect yourself and those whom you love.
Overall, Bitdefender is our #1 antivirus software for 2019 (and beyond), because of its excellent, flawless performance in all independent lab evaluations, particularly those conducted by AV-Test and AV-Comparatives.
Right now, we think that Bitdefender Total Security 2019 (currently at 50% off) is the best antivirus package available in the market. Apart from providing excellent anti-malware protection, it offers all the advanced premium features and utilities that must be there in a high-end package -- and best of all, it offers excellent value for money. You can protect up to five devices (PCs, Macs, or smartphones) with just one license.
If you need protection for more than five devices, we highly recommend Bitdefender Family Pack 2019. It will cover all the internet-capable devices in your household with the Total Security suite, so your family is protected no matter what goes wrong.

Avast markets its computer security products as “anti-virus,” while Malwarebytes calls its tools “anti-malware.”

“What’s the difference between viruses and malware?” you may ask.

Put simply, a computer virus is a specific type of malware that replicates itself by changing other computer programs, while malware is an umbrella term which is used to refer to a variety of forms of harmful or intrusive software, including viruses, worms, Trojan horses, ransomware, spyware, adware, and more.

Back in the day, the term “antivirus” made the headlines so a lot of cyber-security companies – including Avast – named their security products after it.

But that doesn’t mean an “antivirus” product would only protect against viruses; in fact, most modern antivirus products protect against a wide variety of malware threats.

Malwarebytes and Avast are two slightly different type of tools; the former’s specialty lies in hunting down previously unseen malware (also called zero-day malware), while the latter is a complete package that provides excellent protection against all sorts of new and old viruses, adware, spyware, ransomware, exploits, and more.

Now, let’s begin with the detailed comparison between Avast and Malwarebytes…

First, let’s look at the different antivirus (or anti-malware) suites both companies offer and the stuff included in each one of them.

Malwarebytes Anti-malware Suites

Malwarebytes Free (for Windows & Mac)

Malwarebytes Premium (for Windows & Mac)

Avast Anti-virus Suites

Avast Free Antivirus (Windows only)

Avast Pro Antivirus (Windows only)

Avast Internet Security (Windows only)

Avast Premier (Windows only)

Avast Ultimate (Windows only)

Avast Security (Mac only)

Avast Security Pro (Mac only)

If you want the answer straightway, take a look at the summary of this ultimate comparison below and also read our short verdict to make your mind.

Short Verdict

Avast is the winner as it offers more security-enhancing features and extra utilities in its security suites than Malwarebytes. Also, independent lab tests prove that Avast is better than Malwarebytes in terms of both malware detection and the impact on system performance.

Our recommendations: If you want to get the highest level of security and performance, there's no better choice than Bitdefender, which protects over 500 million computers worldwide.
We have reviewed and rated most (if not all) antivirus software packages out there, and we think that Bitdefender Total Security 2019 (currently at 50% off) is the best antivirus package you can buy right now. You can protect up to five devices (PCs, Macs, or smartphones) with a single license of this suite.
If you have more than five devices, Bitdefender Family Pack 2019 is the best option for you.
If you're just looking for Mac-specific protection, we recommend Bitdefender Antivirus for Mac 2019 for complete peace of mind.

Let’s begin with the detailed comparison.

What is Included in Malwarebytes Anti-malware Suites?

Malwarebytes offers a separate lineup of products for Windows and MacOS.

First, let’s see what is included in the two suites that Malwarebytes offers for Windows users: Malwarebytes Free and Malwarebytes Premium.

Unlike most of the modern free security tools, Malwarebytes’ freeware is a cleanup-only product, with no real-time (or on-access) protection. In simple terms, it doesn’t protect you against threats in real-time, but it can help you remove malware that has already infected your system.

It can also help you remove spyware and rootkits.

To prevent malware from sneaking into your system in the first place, you must purchase Malwarebytes Premium. It adds real-time threat monitoring capability, a powerful anti-exploit module (protects your system and other software against exploit attacks), an anti-ransomware, and protection against fake, malicious websites.

Of late, the company has started claiming its premium security product as “a next-generation antivirus replacement,” but I believe the product still has a long way to go to reach that status.

For MacOS, Malwarebytes offers two similar security solutions for home-based users: Malwarebytes Free and Malwarebytes Premium.

The freeware will only help you clean your infected Mac, while the premium one provides protection against viruses, spyware, ransomware, adware, and other types of malware. Also, it will automatically update to the latest version, so you don’t have to worry about updating it.

What is Included in Avast Antivirus Suites?

First, let’s see what Avast offers for home-based Windows users.

Avast’s freeware, popularly known as Avast Free Antivirus, is one of the best free antivirus software available in the market. It includes a lot of security-related tools and handy utilities (some of them are limited, which is expected as the software is completely free), along with great protection against all sorts of new and old malware threats.

A WiFi Inspector (scans for vulnerabilities in your home-network and exposes intruders), a limited Software Updater, and a password manager are all part of the free version.

A rescue disk option to remove deeply rooted malware infections and a silent/gaming mode feature for interruption-free experience are also included in the Avast’s free offering.

Avast Online Security free browser extension safeguards your online experience by blocking websites that are fake or known to be involved in phishing/fraudulent practices, while Avast SafePrice is a price comparison and coupon finder tool that can assist you in finding the cheapest deals from around the web.

With Avast Antivirus Pro, you get everything in the free plan plus Sandbox technology (lets you test and play with dangerous files in a virtual environment), a Real Site feature to prevent hackers from hijacking your DNS (Domain Name System) settings, and premium customer support.

The next level up is Avast Internet Security. It adds an advanced firewall, an anti-spam to filter out junk, phishing emails, and also includes an extra laye

Avast Anti Malware For Mac