Are Malwarebytes and Avast Compatible?

When it comes to cybersecurity, users are often concerned about the compatibility of different antivirus and anti-malware tools. This article dives into the question of whether Malwarebytes and Avast can work together effectively, providing insights and advice based on firsthand experiences.

Understanding the Dynamics Between Malwarebytes and Avast

Malwarebytes is known for its aggressive approach to protecting users from malware, while Avast's software is user-friendly and features a range of protection layers. However, some users find Avast to be overly aggressive, which can lead to system performance issues and unnecessary alerts.

Why Use Malwarebytes?

Many users opt for the free version of Malwarebytes, which is sufficient for routine malware scans. Running Malwarebytes weekly is enough to maintain a high level of protection, as it focuses on removing malware without the need for constant real-time scanning.

Working Together: Can Malwarebytes and Avast Coexist?

For a brief period in 2015, I tested running both Malwarebytes and Avast together on a single PC. Despite initial concerns, they did work in tandem without significant issues. However, this setup required careful management. The free versions of both tools were key, as Avast’s real-time scanning and Malwarebytes’ non-real-time scanning complemented each other.

Real-time protection from both tools could lead to conflicts, as seen in situations where two or more antivirus programs attempt to remove malware simultaneously. This conflict can overwrite files, cause system instability, and generate numerous alerts.

My Recommendation

My advice is to have both Malwarebytes and Avast installed on your system but only enable real-time protection on one of them. This allows you to maintain a balanced level of protection while avoiding unnecessary conflicts.

When choosing between the two, consider your primary needs. If you prioritize ease of use and comprehensive protection, Avast may be suitable. For those who value aggressive malware detection and removal, Malwarebytes is highly recommended. However, it's crucial to choose one tool to run in real-time to prevent conflicts that could compromise your system's security and stability.

Conclusion

In summary, while Malwarebytes and Avast can work together, it requires careful management of real-time scanning. By setting one tool as the primary protector and disabling real-time scanning on the other, you can enjoy the benefits of both tools without the risk of conflicts. Remember, regular updates and support are essential to ensure the effectiveness of your chosen security software.