Head-to-head · Antivirus for Mac
Avast One vs Malwarebytes for Mac
Avast One leads on 0 checks, Malwarebytes for Mac on 0, and 4 are even. Who comes out ahead on the 4 yes/no, price and count checks where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.
Our verdict
- Highest scoreAvast One · 9.3/10
- Free planboth
- Most featuresMalwarebytes for Mac · 3 of 5
Avast One scores higher on our rubric for antivirus for mac: 9.3 against 9.0 out of 10; our editors rank them #1 and #4.
Avast One is the better fit for broad, affordable multi-device protection. Malwarebytes for Mac is the better fit for free Mac-only malware and web protection.
- Avast One fits best
Broad, affordable multi-device protection
- Malwarebytes for Mac fits best
Free Mac-only malware and web protection
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Side by side
| Feature | Avast One 9.3/10 Visit ↗ | Malwarebytes for Mac 9.0/10 Visit ↗ |
|---|---|---|
| At a glance | ||
| Editor score | 9.3 | 9.0 |
| Ranking | #1 in Antivirus for Mac | #4 in Antivirus for Mac |
| Best for | Broad, affordable multi-device protection | Free Mac-only malware and web protection |
| Pricing model | Free plan + paid | Free plan + paid |
| Starting price | — | — |
| Free plan | ✓ | ✓ |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Money-back guarantee | 30 days | 60 days |
| Deployment | Desktop, Mobile | Desktop, Browser extension |
| Platforms | Windows, macOS, iOS, Android | macOS, Chrome extension |
| Support | Community, Docs | Community, Docs · 24/7 |
| Built for | Solo, Small business | Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise |
| Features Avast One 1/5 · Malwarebytes for Mac 3/5 | ||
| Ransomware protection | ✓ | ✓ |
| Phishing protection | Not checked yet | ✓ (best) |
| Real-time protection | Not checked yet | ✓ (best) |
| VPN included | Not checked yet | Not checked yet |
| Password manager | Not checked yet | Not checked yet |
| Specs | ||
| Coverage scope | Not checked yet | Multi-device |
| Devices included | Not checked yet | 1 devices |
| Our review | ||
| Pros |
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| Cons |
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| Our verdict | Avast One is a consumer security application for individuals and families who want antivirus, privacy, scam protection, and device maintenance in one service. It supports Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS, making it relevant for households… Read the review → |
Malwarebytes for Mac is a freemium security product for Mac users who want malware scanning, ongoing protection, and safeguards against harmful websites and scams. Its free offering includes on-demand and real-time scanning, malicious-site… Read the review → |
Strengths and trade-offs
Avast One — where it wins
- Free plan includes essential antivirus and security features
- Covers Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS under one account
- Adds ransomware, phishing, VPN, firewall, and breach monitoring tools
Where it doesn't
- Paid features are divided across modules and multiple tiers
- The free plan does not represent the broadest listed protection
- Privacy-control tools for data-broker removal are limited to the United States
Malwarebytes for Mac — where it wins
- Free on-demand and real-time malware scanning
- Web protection, Scam Guard, and Browser Guard coverage
- Scheduled scans, quarantine, App Block, and security recommendations
Where it doesn't
- Standard plan covers one device
- Browser Guard is provided as a browser extension
- Mac protection is narrower than the broader multi-device plans
- Avast One9.3/10 · Free plan
Broad multi-device protection with a free entry plan and layered paid features.
Visit Avast OneFull verdict → - Malwarebytes for Mac9.0/10 · Free plan
A focused Mac security tool with free scanning, real-time protection, and web safeguards.
Visit MalwarebytesFull verdict →
Avast One vs Malwarebytes for Mac: questions
Which is better for antivirus for mac, Avast One or Malwarebytes for Mac?
Avast One scores higher on our rubric for antivirus for mac: 9.3 against 9.0 out of 10; our editors rank them #1 and #4.
How do Avast One and Malwarebytes for Mac compare?
All 4 checks we put side by side come out level: neither leads on any.
Do Avast One and Malwarebytes for Mac have a free plan?
Avast One: Yes. Malwarebytes for Mac: Yes.
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- Bitdefender Antivirus for Mac vs Malwarebytes for Mac
- Avira Free Security vs Malwarebytes for Mac
- Malwarebytes for Mac vs Intego ONE
All antivirus for mac comparisons → · Full ranking →
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Nov 2026
Last updated · How we research and update