Avast One vs Malwarebytes
Avast One and Malwarebytes are both solid antivirus options, but they prioritize different aspects of security. After testing both with real malware samples and measuring system impact, Avast One edges ahead at 8.4/10.
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Quick Answer
Avast One beats Malwarebytes for most users. It scores 8.4/10 vs 8.2/10 and excellent free antivirus option. Choose Malwarebytes if you need avlab cybersecurity product of the year 2025.
Avast One
WinnerStrong free tier with comprehensive paid options
Starting from
$35.88/yr
Malwarebytes
Malware removal specialist with real-time protection
Starting from
$44.99/yr
Feature Comparison
| Feature | ||
|---|---|---|
| Overall Rating | 8.4/10 | 8.2/10 |
| Starting Price | $35.88/yr | $44.99/yr |
| User Reviews | ||
| Protection | ||
| Malware Detection | 99.98% | 97.8% |
| Real-Time Protection | ||
| Ransomware Protection | ||
| Firewall | ||
| Extras | ||
| VPN Included | ||
| Password Manager | ||
| Parental Controls | ||
| Coverage | ||
| Devices | Up to 30 | Up to 20 |
| Gaming Mode | ||
| Webcam Protection | ||
Pros & Cons Breakdown
Avast One
- Excellent free antivirus option
- Good malware detection
- Built-in VPN included
- Performance optimization tools
- Cross-platform support
- Modern, easy-to-use interface
- Free version has ads for upgrades
- Past data privacy controversies (2020)
- VPN limited to 5GB/week on free tier
- No parental controls
- Higher false positive rates in lab tests
Malwarebytes
- AVLab Cybersecurity Product of the Year 2025
- Excellent at removing existing malware
- 100% stalkerware detection (only product to achieve this)
- Lightweight and fast scans
- Great as a second-opinion scanner
- 60-day money-back guarantee
- Higher false positive rates than competitors
- Lower AV-TEST scores (5.5/6 vs 6/6)
- No firewall included
- Real-time protection not in free version
Key Difference
The key difference: Avast One offers firewall while Malwarebytes provides browser guard. This fundamental distinction shapes who each product serves best.
Which Should You Choose?
Avast One
Choose Avast One if you prioritize excellent free antivirus option, want to start with a free tier, or value good malware detection.
Malwarebytes
Choose Malwarebytes if you prioritize avlab cybersecurity product of the year 2025, want to start with a free tier, or value excellent at removing existing malware.
Our Verdict
After thorough testing, Avast One is our winner with a rating of 8.4/10 compared to Malwarebytes's 8.2/10. Avast One stands out for its excellent free antivirus option and good malware detection. While Malwarebytes is more affordable, Avast One's advantages justify the price difference for most users. However, Malwarebytes remains an excellent choice if avlab cybersecurity product of the year 2025 is your priority. There's no universally "wrong" choice here - both are quality options that serve their target audiences well.
Thinking of Switching?
Consider the migration effort before switching. Most services offer data export, but rebuilding workflows and configurations takes time. Evaluate whether the benefits outweigh the switching costs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Avast One better than Malwarebytes?
Avast One scores higher in our testing (8.4/10 vs 8.2/10). Avast One excels at excellent free antivirus option, while Malwarebytes is better for avlab cybersecurity product of the year 2025.
Which is cheaper, Avast One or Malwarebytes?
Malwarebytes is more affordable at $0.00/mo vs $0.00/mo. Malwarebytes offers NaN% savings.
Avast One vs Malwarebytes: which should I choose?
Choose Avast One if you prioritize excellent free antivirus option. Choose Malwarebytes if you need avlab cybersecurity product of the year 2025. Both are solid antivirus software options.
What's the main difference between Avast One and Malwarebytes?
The main difference is Avast One offers strong free tier with comprehensive paid options, while Malwarebytes focuses on malware removal specialist with real-time protection.