I. Introduction
With cybersecurity threats like malware, viruses and ransomware at an all-time high, protecting your devices with robust antivirus software has become essential. Two leading options for consumers and businesses are Avast and Malwarebytes, which take slightly different approaches to securing endpoints.
This guide compares the key features of Avast versus Malwarebytes head-to-head, including free versus paid plans, malware prevention capabilities, system performance impact, available platforms, and extra tools. We’ll analyze independent test results and user reviews to declare a winner for best antivirus software.
II. Avast
Founded in 1988, Avast is a long-time cybersecurity company providing advanced threat protection to over 435 million users worldwide. Let’s explore some of Avast’s core offerings:
Avast Free Antivirus
Avast offers one of the most fully-featured free antivirus suites available with no catches. Highlights include:
- Real-time malware and virus protection
- Web shield and email shield
- WiFi inspector for network security scans
- Software updater
- Gamer mode to minimize interruptions
For those seeking basic protection at no cost, Avast Free Antivirus makes an appealing choice with no nagging upgrade requests.
Avast Premium Security
For enhanced tools like a firewall, sandbox technology to isolate suspicious files, and antivirus protection for multiple devices, Avast Premium Security provides robust protection starting around $100 yearly.
Avast versus McAfee
How does Avast stack up against other paid competitors like McAfee? In recent testing by AV-Test Institute, Avast scored 100% malware protection across the board, compared to McAfee at 99.7%. Both have minimal impact on system performance as well. Avast pulls ahead with better value given McAfee’s higher pricing.
Avast Secure Browser
Avast licenses their Secure Browser for free – a privacy focused web browser aimed at prevent tracking and phishing attempts. It integrates directly with Avast’s web shield for increased safety.
Avast Premium Security Testing & Results
Avast Premium recently received outstandingscores from AV Test in malware defense:
- Protection Score: 5.5 out of 6.0
- Performance Score: 5.5 out of 6.0
- Usability Score: 6.0 out of 6.0
Living up to its strong industry reputation, Avast upholds rock-solid test results.
100% Money-Back Guarantee
Rare among antivirus platforms, Avast offers a lengthy 60-day money-back return window allowing unsatisfied users to claim a full refund with no questions asked. This allows ample time for customers to evaluate. Avast also provides 24/7 remote tech support help via chat or phone integrated directly into their security console, great for timely assistance.
Data Shredder
Maintaining digital privacy should also cover permanently deleting sensitive files beyond basic erase operations. Avast’s Data Shredder overwrites files, making recovery impossible and preventing identity thieves from gathering personal records from your computer. It ensures comprehensive privacy protection.
III. Malwarebytes
First released in 2006, Malwarebytes specializes specifically around preventing malware infections with their signature-less technology utilizing heuristics and machine learning to detect threats. Their streamlined set of offerings includes:
Malwarebytes versus Avast
Can Malwarebytes match up against our previous Avast discussion? They share similarities of freemium business models with paid upgrades, focusing specifically on malware defense as opposed to wider suites of tools. Both earn excellent detection rates based on lab evaluations. Avast rates an advantage with a lighter footprint during active system scans. For malware-centric needs however, Malwarebytes makes a compelling solution.
Malwarebytes Alternatives and Competitors
Key competitors in the anti-malware category include Norton, McAfee, and Windows Defender. Most benchmark testing suggests Malwarebytes holds an edge identifying newer threats faster, with an emphasis on ransomware protection. Less full-featured than paid suites however, Malwarebytes focuses deeply on malware elimination as its key value proposition.
BSOD Issues
Some users highlight occasional conflicts between Avast and Malwarebytes relating to blue screen of death (BSOD) crashes. This typically arises from their respective real-time shields scanning the same files redundantly. Some individual tweaks around disabling shields temporarily often resolves, otherwise uninstalling one program returns stability. Running two concurrent anti-malware tools largely causes the conflicts.
IV. Conclusion
Avast versus Malwarebytes presents a close comparison – while Avast prevails as a full-featured internet security suite with very reasonable pricing plans for individuals and families, Malwarebytes excels specifically at innovative malware prevention as a niche offering.
Both platforms offer free versions covering core functionality like real-time protection, with premium upgrades adding extra hardening. Users seeking a premium all-in-one solution gravitate towards Avast for the best overall value, especially with their 60-day money back return policy. Alternatively those laser focused on fortifying defenses solely against sophisticated malware find Malwarebytes the preferable choice.
There’s no universally perfect antivirus software covering every possible attack vector. By understanding core competencies along with weaknesses uncovered in user testing, customers can best match their needs against these two capable solutions keeping sensitive data secured through advanced threat intelligence.