Avira Free Security vs Malwarebytes for Mac

Avira Free Security9.1Visit Malwarebytes for Mac9.0Visit

Higher score Avira Free Security #3 in Antivirus for Mac 9.1/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 2 of 5 features Visit Avira

vs

Malwarebytes for Mac #4 in Antivirus for Mac 9.0/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 3 of 5 features Visit Malwarebytes

• Avira Free Security fits best

  Free antivirus with broad everyday protection

• Malwarebytes for Mac fits best

  Free Mac-only malware and web protection

Advertiser disclosure: iTechGuides is reader-supported. Vendors can pay for top positions in our rankings and for a place on other products' pages, and we may earn a commission when you click some links. Bought places stand at the number bought; this page and our disclosure say so. Paying vendors may get a fuller, more detailed review from our editors, and that review can change their score. How we rank.

Side by side

Feature	Avira Free Security 9.1/10 Visit ↗	Malwarebytes for Mac 9.0/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score	9.1	9.0
Ranking	#3 in Antivirus for Mac	#4 in Antivirus for Mac
Best for	Free antivirus with broad everyday protection	Free Mac-only malware and web protection
Pricing model	Free plan + paid	Free plan + paid
Starting price	—	—
Free plan	✓	✓
Free trial	—	—
Deployment	Desktop, Mobile	Desktop, Browser extension
Platforms	Windows, macOS, Android, iOS	macOS, Chrome extension
Features Avira Free Security 2/5 · 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	✓ (best)	Not checked yet
Specs
Coverage scope	Not checked yet	Multi-device
Devices included	Not checked yet	1 devices
Our review
Pros	Real-time antivirus includes ransomware protection and quarantine Adds browser safety, VPN, password management, and file shredding Supports Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS	Free on-demand and real-time malware scanning Web protection, Scam Guard, and Browser Guard coverage Scheduled scans, quarantine, App Block, and security recommendations
Cons	Feature availability varies across supported operating systems Parental controls are not included The package is not open source	Standard plan covers one device Browser Guard is provided as a browser extension Mac protection is narrower than the broader multi-device plans
Our verdict	Avira Free Security is a freemium security package for consumers who want free antivirus protection on Mac and other supported devices. Its core coverage includes full virus scanning, real-time threat protection, ransomware protection, and… 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

• Avira Free Security — where it wins

  • Real-time antivirus includes ransomware protection and quarantine
  • Adds browser safety, VPN, password management, and file shredding
  • Supports Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS

  Where it doesn't

  • Feature availability varies across supported operating systems
  • Parental controls are not included
  • The package is not open source

• 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

• Avira Free Security9.1/10 · Free plan

  A free Mac security package combining malware protection with privacy and performance tools.

  Visit AviraFull 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 →