AVG AntiVirus vs Malwarebytes
Side-by-side comparison of features, pricing, ratings, and alternatives.
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.
- 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
- 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
More alternatives & similar tools
Alternatives to AVG AntiVirus
View all →Real-time virus protection with identity-theft safeguards for multiple devices
Alternatives to Malwarebytes
View all →Multi-layered threat detection with secure banking and anti-ransomware
The Verdict
AI-generated from listing dataAVG 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.
Pricing & value
AVG has a freemium model; Malwarebytes is paid‑only, making AVG cheaper for basic protection.
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.
Features & depth
Malwarebytes offers rootkit, anti‑ransomware, and detailed scan reports; AVG’s free tier lacks firewall and advanced removal tools.
Integrations & ecosystem
AVG’s Ultimate tier bundles a VPN and TuneUp utility, providing a broader ecosystem from one account.
Support
AVG provides 24/7 customer support; Malwarebytes only offers email and a knowledge base.
Security & privacy
Malwarebytes highlights anti‑ransomware and rootkit removal; AVG focuses on general malware and phishing protection.
Scalability
Both target home users and small businesses; neither is positioned for large enterprises.
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.