In 2025, the antivirus market will be more competitive than ever in protecting your devices. Two names that often dominate discussions are Malwarebytes and Avast. Both offer strong security tools, but their approaches, pricing, and reputations differ significantly.
If you’re wondering which one deserves your trust and money this year, this comprehensive breakdown will help you make an informed decision.
Malwarebytes vs Avast: Security and Malware Detection
When it comes to core protection, Malwarebytes and Avast are both highly effective, but they shine in different areas.
Malwarebytes focuses heavily on detecting malware, ransomware, and spyware. Its behavior-based scanning identifies threats even if they are new and unknown, while ransomware rollback and phishing protection add an extra layer of defense. It is also excellent at cleaning up existing infections, which makes it popular among users dealing with determined malware.
Avast offers a more comprehensive security approach. It uses signature-based scanning, experimental analysis, and AI-powered detection to block viruses, ransomware, phishing attempts, and malicious websites. In 2025 lab tests, Avast scored slightly higher in overall detection rates, although the real-world difference is minimal. Avast’s multi-layered defense makes it suitable for users who want broad threat coverage.
Features Apart from Simple Security
The feature set is a big part of the Malwarebytes vs Avast debate. Malwarebytes is known for being streamlined and lightweight. It includes Browser Guard for blocking phishing and scam websites, ad and tracker blocking for privacy, and real-time ransomware protection. Its minimal design is perfect for users who want effective protection without unnecessary extras.
Avast, on the other hand, is a full security suite packed with additional tools. It includes a firewall (Windows), a built-in VPN for encrypted browsing, a password manager, webcam protection, and a software updater to patch vulnerabilities. Gamers will appreciate the Game Mode feature, which optimizes system performance by reducing background activity during gameplay. If you want a single program that covers every aspect of device security, Avast has the edge.
System Performance Impact
Performance is an important factor when deciding between Malwarebytes vs Avast. Malwarebytes is widely praised for its lightweight operation, making it ideal for older PCs, laptops, or systems that need to run smoothly during resource-intensive tasks. Even during full scans, CPU usage remains low, allowing for uninterrupted work or entertainment.
Avast is also efficient, but because it includes more features, it can consume more system resources during full scans or when multiple tools are running. On modern devices, this impact is negligible, but those using older or low-spec machines may notice a difference.
Pricing and Device Coverage
Price and coverage are key considerations in the comparison between them. In 2025, Malwarebytes Premium costs about $44.99 per year for one device, with higher-tier plans offering VPN integration and coverage for up to five devices. Its free version provides on-demand scans but lacks real-time protection.
Avast Premium Security starts at around $49.88 per year for a single device. The high-end Avast One Platinum plan costs about $113.88 for the first year and covers up to 30 devices, making it ideal for households with multiple computers and mobile devices. Avast’s free version includes basic real-time protection, giving it an advantage over Malwarebytes’ free offering.
Privacy and Reputation
Trust is a major factor in antivirus selection; they have different histories in this regard. Avast faced a significant privacy controversy in 2020 when it was revealed that its Jumpshot subsidiary sold anonymized user browsing data. While Avast shut down Jump shot, updated its privacy policies, and settled with the FTC in 2025 for $16.5 million, some users remain wary.
Malwarebytes has maintained a cleaner reputation. Although it collects certain usage and device data, it states that this information is only used for operational purposes and not sold to advertisers. This makes it more appealing to privacy-conscious users.
Independent Lab Test Results
Independent testing labs consistently rank both antivirus programs highly. In AV-Test’s 2025 evaluations, Avast scored a perfect 6/6 for protection, while Malwarebytes scored 5.5/6. AV-Comparatives reported a 99.9% detection rate for Avast and 99.8% for Malwarebytes, showing that both are highly capable. SE Labs awarded both products AAA ratings, confirming their effectiveness in real-world protection.
Malwarebytes vs Avast: Which One Should You Choose?
The final decision for both debates comes down to your priorities. Choose Malwarebytes if you value lightweight performance, strong malware removal, and a clean privacy record. It’s ideal for users who want speed, simplicity, and reliability.
Choose Avast if you prefer a comprehensive security suite with features like VPN, firewall, password manager, and coverage for multiple devices. It’s the better choice for families, gamers, or users who want extra tools alongside core protection.
Concluding Decision on Malwarebytes vs Avast
In 2025, Malwarebytes is the winner for minimalism, speed, and trustworthiness, while Avast excels in feature-rich, all-in-one protection for larger households. Both are excellent antivirus solutions, and the right choice depends on whether you value simplicity and privacy or versatility and extra features.
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