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Malwarebytes alternatives: 4 apps ranked by verified data

Facts checked Nov 1, 2026AppBreakup editorialHow we rank

Common reasons people leave Malwarebytes: real-time protection requires a paid subscription, and higher tiers bundle a VPN and identity services some people won't need. We ranked 4 alternatives by how directly each one replaces Malwarebytes, then by reviews, real visits and how recently each app's facts were checked against its own website. ClamXAV currently ranks first.

Quick comparison

#AppPricingOpen sourcePlatformsVerified factsScore
1Avast Antivirus logoAvast AntivirusFree plan + paidNoWindows, macOS, Android +15 of 562.6
  1. Avast Antivirus logo

    1. Avast AntivirusTop pick

    Best for: Home users who want a free real-time antivirus for Windows or Mac

    Free plan + paidWindows, macOS, Android, iOS

    62.6

    score / 100

    Why switch from Malwarebytes

    Free edition includes real-time protection, which Malwarebytes Free lacks.

    Pros

    • Free edition includes real-time protection, not just scans
    • Covers Windows, Mac, Android and iPhone
    • Smart Scan checks malware, add-ons and settings together

    Cons

    • Free version shows frequent upgrade offers
    • Firewall and ransomware shields need a paid plan
    • Setup can offer extra Avast apps you may not want
    Visit Avast Antivirus Details and reviews
    How this score is calculated
    Editorial fit ×0.387
    Reviews ×0.363
    Clicks (90 days) ×0.150
    Freshness ×0.1585
    Votes ×0.150

    0 counted reviews, 0 up and 0 down votes. Full formula

    Is Avast Antivirus a good Malwarebytes alternative?

    Verified facts

    5 of 5 verified
    Free version
    Avast Free Antivirus for Windows
    Checked Nov 1, 2026support.avast.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Windows support
    Windows 7 SP1 to Windows 11
    Checked Nov 1, 2026support.avast.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Mac version
    Avast Security for Mac
    Checked Nov 1, 2026support.avast.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Smart Scan
    Yes
    Checked Nov 1, 2026support.avast.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Owner
    Gen Digital
    Checked Nov 1, 2026press.avast.com(opens source in a new tab)

The best Malwarebytes alternative for…

The highest-ranked app in this list for each need.

ClamXAV logo

Best Malwarebytes alternative for most people

ClamXAV

Mac-focused paid antivirus that stays light on resources, for people who only need to protect Macs.

BlockBlock logo

Best Malwarebytes alternative for a free option

BlockBlock

Free and open source; alerts on new persistent software on a Mac instead of relying on signatures.

Avast Antivirus logo

Best Malwarebytes alternative for a free plan you can upgrade

Avast Antivirus

Free edition includes real-time protection, which Malwarebytes Free lacks.

KnockKnock logo

Best Malwarebytes alternative for Mac

KnockKnock

Free on-demand Mac scan of everything set to auto-run, useful for checking a machine without a subscription.

Avast Antivirus logo

Best Malwarebytes alternative for Windows

Avast Antivirus

Free edition includes real-time protection, which Malwarebytes Free lacks.

Avast Antivirus logo

Best Malwarebytes alternative for iPhone and Android

Avast Antivirus

Free edition includes real-time protection, which Malwarebytes Free lacks.

Malwarebytes alternatives: common questions

What is the best alternative to Malwarebytes?

ClamXAV ranks first right now. Mac-focused paid antivirus that stays light on resources, for people who only need to protect Macs. BlockBlock and Avast Antivirus follow it in our ranking.

Is there a free alternative to Malwarebytes?

Yes. BlockBlock (open source), Avast Antivirus (free plan + paid) and KnockKnock (open source) have a free option. Check each app's verified facts for current plan limits.

Is there an open-source alternative to Malwarebytes?

None of the 4 alternatives in this list is open source.

Why do people switch from Malwarebytes?

The complaints we hear most: real-time protection requires a paid subscription; higher tiers bundle a VPN and identity services some people won't need; feature set differs between operating systems.

How is this list ranked?

Every app is scored with the same published formula: how directly it replaces Malwarebytes, reviews (weighted by verification), visits from AppBreakup, how recently its facts were checked against its own website, and reader votes.