Whether you're browsing the internet or using social media or working on your computer, it's essential to have an antivirus program to protect your information from cyber-attacks. Avast and Malwarebytes are two of the most well-known antivirus programs. Both are very alike, yet each has distinct features that set them apart from one another.

Avast's Free version is a excellent choice, however it's only a basic security. It does not monitor ransomware and malware. The company's premium tiers, however, are more inclusive. The most expensive plan, Premium + Privacy, includes a no-log VPN, which stops unauthorized tracking, conceals your location, and secures your connection.

Avast's malware detection system is one of its major advantages. In tests conducted by AV-Comparatives the program scored a 5.5/6 score. The machine learning and heuristic algorithms are both great for detecting new threats. It also blocks more than 1.5 billion attacks each month, which is higher than the average of its peers.

Malwarebytes isn't a good choice for people who want to run an anti-virus program with its real-time protection, since it only scans files inside your computer and does not block malware from entering from the outside. Luckily, the paid plans include an antivirus and antimalware, including ransomware and exploit protection.

Both programs feature an intuitive and user-friendly interface, but Avast is more customizable and comprehensive. The security options and settings are more extensive than those of Malwarebytes. This can be a bit confusing for novice users. Additionally, Avast has a wide assortment of additional utilities and protections within its suites that aren't included in Malwarebytes' paid tiers.