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AVG AntiVirus vs Malwarebytes

Side-by-side comparison of features, pricing, ratings, and alternatives.

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AVG AntiVirus
AVG AntiVirusAntivirus and internet security suite with free and paid tiers for real-time malware and scam protection.
Malwarebytes
MalwarebytesDetects and removes advanced threats and malware
Overview
Description

AVG AntiVirus is a consumer security product from AVG Technologies (a Gen Digital brand alongside Avast and Norton) that protects PCs, Macs, Android, and iOS devices against malware, ransomware, spyware, and phishing scams. The free tier covers core real-time threat detection, while the paid Internet Security and Ultimate tiers add an enhanced firewall, scam-website blocking, webcam protection, and password leak alerts. The Ultimate plan bundles Internet Security with AVG Secure VPN and AVG TuneUp for performance optimization, positioning it as an all-in-one subscription for users who want protection, privacy, and PC cleanup in one package. All paid plans come with a 30-day money-back guarantee and 24/7 customer support.

Malwarebytes is a powerful anti-malware software that detects and removes advanced threats and malware. It provides real-time protection against malware, ransomware, and other online threats, and can be used in conjunction with traditional antivirus software for added security.

Pricing
Freemium
Paid (Subscription)
Category
Antivirus & Anti-Malware
Antivirus & Anti-Malware
Best for
Home users and families needing multi-device antivirus protection
Home Users and Small Businesses
Specifications
deployment
Desktop App
Desktop App
open source
No
No
api available
No
No
support options
24/7 customer support
Email, Knowledge Base
Pros & Cons
Pros
  • Free tier provides genuinely usable real-time malware protection with no cost
  • Backed by Gen Digital's large threat-detection network shared with Avast
  • Ultimate tier bundles VPN and PC cleanup tools, reducing the need for separate subscriptions
  • Available across Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS from one account
  • Effective malware detection and removal
  • Real-time protection against online threats
  • Easy to use and install
  • Customizable scanning options
Cons
  • Renewal pricing jumps substantially after the discounted first year (e.g. Internet Security renews at $77.99 vs a $46.68 intro price)
  • Free tier lacks firewall, webcam protection, and other features reserved for paid plans
  • Bundled extras like TuneUp add background processes that some users may find unnecessary if they only want antivirus
  • May conflict with traditional antivirus software
  • Limited customer support options
  • Not suitable for large enterprise environments
Community & Metrics
Upvotes
0
0
User rating
Not enough data
Not enough data

More alternatives & similar tools

Alternatives to AVG AntiVirus

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Avira
Avira

Antivirus and security suite with VPN, password manager, and system optimization.

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Avast Antivirus
Avast Antivirus

Free-tier malware protection with Wi-Fi scanning and a file shredder

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Norton Antivirus
Norton Antivirus

Real-time virus protection with identity-theft safeguards for multiple devices

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McAfee
McAfee

AI-powered antivirus with identity theft, scam, and privacy protection for PCs and phones.

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Alternatives to Malwarebytes

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Avast Antivirus
Avast Antivirus

Free-tier malware protection with Wi-Fi scanning and a file shredder

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ClamAV
ClamAV

Open-source antivirus engine for detecting malware across platforms

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Glary Utilities
Glary Utilities

Optimize and maintain your computer system

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Bitdefender Total Security
Bitdefender Total Security

Multi-layered threat detection with secure banking and anti-ransomware

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The Verdict

AI-generated from listing data

AVG offers a free tier with basic real‑time protection and a bundled VPN/cleanup suite for a higher price, while Malwarebytes provides paid, strong malware removal with customizable scans but no free option.

Key differences

  • AVG includes a free tier; Malwarebytes requires a paid subscription.
  • AVG bundles a VPN and PC‑cleanup utility in its Ultimate tier; Malwarebytes does not.
  • AVG provides 24/7 customer support; Malwarebytes offers only email and a knowledge base.
  • Malwarebytes emphasizes advanced rootkit and ransomware removal; AVG focuses on general malware and phishing protection.
DimensionWinner

Pricing & value

AVG has a freemium model; Malwarebytes is paid‑only, making AVG cheaper for basic protection.

AVG AntiVirus

Ease of use / learning curve

Malwarebytes is described as easy to install and use with customizable scans; AVG’s multiple tiers and bundled extras add complexity.

Malwarebytes

Features & depth

Malwarebytes offers rootkit, anti‑ransomware, and detailed scan reports; AVG’s free tier lacks firewall and advanced removal tools.

Malwarebytes

Integrations & ecosystem

AVG’s Ultimate tier bundles a VPN and TuneUp utility, providing a broader ecosystem from one account.

AVG AntiVirus

Support

AVG provides 24/7 customer support; Malwarebytes only offers email and a knowledge base.

AVG AntiVirus

Security & privacy

Malwarebytes highlights anti‑ransomware and rootkit removal; AVG focuses on general malware and phishing protection.

Malwarebytes

Scalability

Both target home users and small businesses; neither is positioned for large enterprises.

Tie

Choose AVG AntiVirus if…

Home users wanting free basic protection or an all‑in‑one VPN/cleanup bundle.

Choose Malwarebytes if…

Users needing advanced malware/rootkit removal and customizable scans, willing to pay for it.

Common questions

Is there a free version of either product?

AVG offers a freemium tier with basic real‑time protection; Malwarebytes does not have a free tier.

Which product includes a VPN?

AVG’s Ultimate tier bundles a VPN; Malwarebytes does not include a VPN.

What support options are available?

AVG provides 24/7 customer support; Malwarebytes offers email support and a knowledge base only.