Comparison

Avast Mobile Security, Privacy vs Malwarebytes

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

Avast Mobile Security, Privacy

This app offers comprehensive mobile security, protecting against malware, scams, and phishing. It includes features like a VPN for privacy, a Wi-Fi scanner for safe connections, and AI-powered tools to detect and block threats.

Highlights
  • Malware and scam protection
  • VPN for online privacy
  • Wi-Fi security scanner
  • Hack alert for password leaks
  • AI-powered scam detection
  • Email and SMS scam protection
Read full description

Protect against online threats & other types of malware with Avast Mobile Security, our free All-in-one mobile security app for iOS. Trusted by hundreds of millions. Avast Mobile Security is your personal digital guardian; choose protection your way, for your life's online moments.  Avast Mobile Security  - Avast Free Security - Stay safer from scams and malware with award-winning (AV-Comparatives) security that’s free and easy-to-use  - Scam Guardian - Stay safer from scams with expert help  - Avast VPN - Keep your online activities hidden from internet service providers, hackers, and advertisers with our private VPN  - Mobile Security - Keep your device safer against malware with 24/7 protection  - Hack Alert - Stay informed about password leaks  - Network Inspector (Wi-Fi Security) - Confidently connect to Wi-Fi anywhere. Stop hackers from accessing your personal data.  - Secure your device against phishing attacks from emails and infected websites  Scam Guardian  - 24/7 AI-powered scam protection - Web Guard - Advanced AI tools to help keep you safe from hidden scams while browsing, banking, and shopping online. Scan and block malware-infected links, as well as Trojans, adware, and spyware (for privacy and safe web browsing, e.g. Chrome).  - Avast Assistant - Think someone’s trying to scam you? Get answers quickly from Avast Assistant, your built-in AI partner  Scam Guardian Pro  - Call Guard (Call Blocker) - Automatically blocks scam calls and labels if the call is a potential scam, spam, or a verified business - Safe SMS - AI-powered scam protection for every text message  - Email Guard - It flags potential email scams, phishing, and infected attachments so you'll always know what's safe to open. Avast VPN  - Protect your privacy  - Keep your online activities hidden from internet service providers, hackers, and advertisers with our private VPN (Virtual Private Network).  - Use the perfect location for whatever you’re doing  - Connect to over 100 locations worldwide, so you can enjoy what you’re doing more securely and privately.  - Watch shows and sports wherever you are more safely with streaming-optimized servers  About our subscriptions: - Free trial requires activation of annual subscription (see in-app product pricing). During these trial periods, you can cancel anytime free of charge, as long as you do so before the final 24 hours of your trial. - Your subscription automatically renews unless auto-renew is turned off at least 24 hours before the end of the current period. - You will be charged for renewal within 24 hours prior to the end of the current period, for the same duration and at the current subscription rate. - Payment will be charged to your App Store Account. - You can manage your subscriptions and turn off auto-renewal by going to your Account Settings after purchase. - Cancellation of the current subscription is not allowed during your active subscription period. - Any unused portion of a free trial period, if offered, will be forfeited when you purchase a subscription. * VPN service is not available for use within India as a result of governmental regulations requiring the logging and saving of user data, but you can still use your VPN service when traveling outside of India. Privacy Policy available at https://www.avast.com/privacy-policy Terms and Conditions info at https://www.avast.com/eula

About

Malwarebytes

This app offers comprehensive digital protection, safeguarding against online scams, malicious websites, intrusive ads, and identity theft. It provides a secure VPN for private browsing and a digital footprint scanner to check for data breaches. Designed for ease of use, it offers simple, smart security for everyone.

Highlights
  • Scam and call protection
  • Safer browsing and ad blocker
  • Fast VPN for private browsing
  • Identity theft protection
  • Digital footprint scanner
  • Real-time support
Features
Read full description

Malwarebytes delivers mobile security and digital protection beyond your device. We help protect you against online scams, harmful websites, annoying ads, sketchy calls, identity risks, and more. From banking to personal accounts, your phone carries some of your most important information. Malwarebytes keeps you safe with simple, smart security. Malwarebytes is designed for everybody: professionals, families, and first-time smartphone users. No complicated setup. No IT expertise needed. Just easy protection that safeguards your digital life. Start your 7-day free trial to unlock all features. SCAM & CALL PROTECTION Scammers use fake calls, texts, malicious links, and websites to imitate banks, delivery services, retailers, and other trusted brands. Alongside robocall filtering, Malwarebytes helps protect against: - Suspicious text scams and phishing attempts - Malicious links and unsafe websites - Brand impersonation and social engineering attacks - Annoying spam calls SAFER BROWSING & AD BLOCKER Web Protection: Blocks phishing sites and risky links before you enter payment or personal data. Ad blocking: Reduce intrusive ads and trackers while browsing. FAST VPN FOR PRIVATE BROWSING Incognito alone does not hide all of your online activity. Malwarebytes VPN helps protect your privacy on public Wi-Fi or while traveling. Encrypt your internet connection for added privacy Shield your IP address from trackers and advertisers Browse more safely on public Wi-Fi IDENTITY THEFT PROTECTION Your email addresses, passwords, and personal information may be exposed in data breaches without you knowing. Digital Footprint Scanner: Run an email scan and check where your personal information may have been leaked. Data breach insights: See where your information may have been exposed and review steps to help secure affected accounts. 24/7 monitoring: Get real-time support and up to $2 million in identity theft insurance WHY CHOOSE MALWAREBYTES? - Mobile security against scams, spam calls, sketchy websites, and more privacy risks. - Built by Malwarebytes, with 17+ years as a trusted name in antivirus and cybersecurity. - Secure VPN and digital footprint tools for added privacy - Simple protection without complicated setup - No third-party ads in the Malwarebytes app - 4 million daily threats blocked Malwarebytes for iOS FAQs: - Can Malwarebytes help protect my iPhone from scam texts and phishing links? Malwarebytes helps detect suspicious text scams, phishing attempts, malicious links, and brand impersonation. - Can Malwarebytes protect me on public Wi-Fi? Malwarebytes VPN encrypts your internet connection, protects your privacy on public Wi-Fi, and alerts you to turn on VPN whenever you join an unsecure network. - Can Malwarebytes check whether my information was exposed in a data breach? The Digital Footprint Scanner checks your email against known data breaches and shows you how to secure your accounts. - Does Malwarebytes scan iPhones for viruses? Because of iOS platform restrictions, Malwarebytes does not perform traditional malware-file scans on iPhone. Instead, it focuses on proactive protection against phishing sites, scam texts, spam calls, malicious links, and unsafe websites. TRIAL & DEVICE INFORMATION 7-day free trial: Unlock device protection features during the trial (Identity Theft Protection not included). Premium features require a subscription after the trial unless canceled. Manage your subscription in Apple ID settings. Family Sharing: Premium subscription features are not eligible for Family Sharing. Compatible with iOS 18 or later with an active internet connection. iPad users can benefit from Web Protection (Premium) and Ad Blocking (Included) for safer Safari browsing. Identity Protection features vary by region. Terms: https://www.malwarebytes.com/tos EULA: https://www.malwarebytes.com/eula

Screenshots

Avast Mobile Security, Privacy4 screens
Malwarebytes4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is rating: Avast Mobile Security, Privacy at 4.7 against Malwarebytes's 4.5. Malwarebytes's advantage is chart position (#33 vs #171). On price, review sentiment, ratings volume and update cadence there is nothing between them.

Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

Both are free to download. Avast Mobile Security, Privacy sells 10 in-app purchases, starting at $2.49 per month and Malwarebytes sells 6 in-app purchases, starting at $2.49 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

Avast Mobile Security, Privacy holds the better App Store score, 4.7 against 4.5. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 100K and 113K respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 54% of Avast Mobile Security, Privacy's written reviews are positive against 48% of Malwarebytes's.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Avast Mobile Security, Privacy ships an update every 3 weeks, Malwarebytes every 2 weeks. Both last shipped on November 12, 2026.

Scorecard2 real differences · 9 level
Avast Mobile Security, Privacy versus Malwarebytes: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterAvast Mobile Security, PrivacyMalwarebytes
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.7 (100K ratings) — better4.5 (113K ratings)
Positive reviews53.7% of reviews — better47.7% of reviews
Number of ratings100K113K — better
Update frequencyEvery 3 weeksEvery 2 weeks — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesYes
MonetizationFree with in-app purchasesFree with in-app purchases
Best chart rank#171#33 — better
DevicesiPhone, iPadiPhone, iPad
Requires iOS17.0 — better18.0
Further details — not scored
Size356 MB137 MB
Age rating4++4
DeveloperAVAST Software s.r.oMalwarebytes

Customer experience

Avast Mobile Security, Privacy

All ratings100,087 ratings
Positive94.0%
Neutral3.3%
Negative2.6%
Written reviews1,044 reviews
Positive53.7%
Neutral8.0%
Negative38.2%

Malwarebytes

All ratings113,147 ratings
Positive88.4%
Neutral4.3%
Negative7.4%
Written reviews2,977 reviews
Positive47.7%
Neutral9.2%
Negative43.1%

User reviews

Avast Mobile Security, Privacy

From 100K App Store ratings

What we love

  • 🚀 Excellent security protection
  • 🔒 Reliable virus and malware detection
  • 👍 Easy to use and navigate
  • 🔒 Provides a sense of security and peace of mind
  • 💡 Useful features like photo vault and VPN

Room to improve

  • 🐛 Occasional issues with VPN connectivity and functionality
  • 🔋 Can be resource-intensive and drain battery life
  • 💰 Premium features require paid subscription
  • 🤔 Unclear how effective the free version is for virus/malware removal

Malwarebytes

From 113K App Store ratings

What we love

  • 🚀 Keeps devices updated and protected
  • 🔒 Provides security and peace of mind
  • 👍 Easy to use and set up
  • 🚀 Excellent protection and performance

Room to improve

  • 🐛 Activation and subscription issues
  • 🐛 Inconsistent or non-functional features
  • 🐛 Fails to block spam calls and texts
  • 🔋 Drains battery life
  • 💰 Expensive subscription

Bugs and requests

Avast Mobile Security, Privacy

Reported bugs

3 issues
  • VPN repeatedly disconnecting or not working as expected
  • App blocking access to certain websites and apps
  • Inconsistent performance and stability issues

Requested features

3 requests
  • Ability to choose VPN server location
  • More comprehensive scanning and virus removal capabilities
  • Better integration with other security features

Malwarebytes

Reported bugs

3 issues
  • Activation and subscription problems
  • Incompatibility with newer iOS versions
  • Inability to scan or detect malware on devices

Requested features

4 requests
  • Add bulk reporting of scam numbers
  • Improve text message filtering
  • Implement automatic updates
  • Provide more comprehensive dashboard and scanning capabilities

In-app purchases

10 purchases

Avast Mobile Security, Privacy

Subscriptions10
  • Monthly7 Days trial$2.491 Month
  • Monthly7 Days trial$4.991 Month
  • Yearly subscription14 Days trial$19.991 Year
Show 7 more
  • Ultimate subscription14 Days trial$24.991 Year
  • 1 Year14 Days trial$28.991 Year
  • 1 year Ultimate14 Days trial$29.991 Year
  • Ultimate subscription7 Days trial$29.991 Year
  • Avast Mobile Security Ultimate7 Days trial$39.991 Year
  • Ultimate subscription7 Days trial$39.991 Year
  • Ultimate subscription$39.991 Year
6 purchases

Malwarebytes

Subscriptions6
  • Standard7 Days trial$2.491 Month
  • Standard7 Days trial$19.991 Year
  • Plus7 Days trial$44.991 Year
Show 3 more
  • Standard (3 devices)7 Days trial$59.991 Year
  • Plus (3 devices)7 Days trial$79.991 Year
  • Advanced1 Year trial$139.991 Year

Questions

Is Avast Mobile Security, Privacy free?
Avast Mobile Security, Privacy is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is Malwarebytes free?
Malwarebytes is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Which has better reviews, Avast Mobile Security, Privacy or Malwarebytes?
Avast Mobile Security, Privacy is rated higher. Avast Mobile Security, Privacy averages 4.7 out of 5 from 100K ratings, while Malwarebytes averages 4.5 from 113K ratings.
Do Avast Mobile Security, Privacy or Malwarebytes have ads?
Neither Avast Mobile Security, Privacy nor Malwarebytes shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Avast Mobile Security, Privacy or Malwarebytes?
Avast Mobile Security, Privacy ships an update every 3 weeks, and Malwarebytes every 2 weeks. Most recently, Avast Mobile Security, Privacy was updated on November 12, 2026 and Malwarebytes on November 12, 2026.
Which is more popular, Avast Mobile Security, Privacy or Malwarebytes?
Avast Mobile Security, Privacy currently peaks at #171 in the App Store charts, and Malwarebytes at #33. Chart position reflects recent download velocity rather than total install base.

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