Brandwave

Avast vs Malwarebytes:Which is more popular?

In September 2026, Malwarebytes had more branded searches than Avast among antivirus software in New Zealand. Malwarebytes had about 2,810 branded searches, while Avast had 1,270. Malwarebytes made up 24.4% of all antivirus software searches we track, and Avast accounted for 11%. When we asked ChatGPT and Google AI Overviews about antivirus software, Avast appeared in one of the four answers and Malwarebytes in none.

Among antivirus software in New Zealand in September 2026

Who do people search for more?

Malwarebytes, about 2 searches for every 1 for Avast

Malwarebytes 2.8K searchesAvast 1.3K searches

Who does AI mention more?

Avast, mentioned in 1 of 4 answers, Malwarebytes in 0

Avast in 1 of 4Malwarebytes in 0 of 4

Follow Avast vs Malwarebytes and get free monthly updates on what changed

By continuing you'll get index updates and occasional product news from Brandwave. Unsubscribe any time. Privacy

Track your brand against a rival →

Top antivirus software in ChatGPT and Google AI Overviews

In three ChatGPT questions and one Google AI Overview, Avast was mentioned in one out of four: not in any of the three ChatGPT answers, but in the Google AI Overview. Malwarebytes did not appear in any of the four answers.

Most recommended by AI

Brands get a higher ranking if they are mentioned earlier in the answers.

  1. Bitdefender1st
  2. ESET2nd
  3. Norton3rd
  4. Microsoft Defender4th
  5. Avast5th
  6. McAfee–
  7. Malwarebytes–

Mentioned by AI

Each dot is one answer, filled in when that answer mentions the brand.

  • Bitdefender4 of 4Named in 3 of 3 ChatGPT answersNamed in 1 of 1 Google answers
  • ESET4 of 4Named in 3 of 3 ChatGPT answersNamed in 1 of 1 Google answers
  • Norton4 of 4Named in 3 of 3 ChatGPT answersNamed in 1 of 1 Google answers
  • Microsoft Defender3 of 4Named in 3 of 3 ChatGPT answersNamed in 0 of 1 Google answers
  • Avast1 of 4Named in 0 of 3 ChatGPT answersNamed in 1 of 1 Google answers
  • McAfee0 of 4Named in 0 of 3 ChatGPT answersNamed in 0 of 1 Google answers
  • Malwarebytes0 of 4Named in 0 of 3 ChatGPT answersNamed in 0 of 1 Google answers

See every answer about antivirus software

4 answers

Not named in any answer:

Brands are shown in the order each answer named them. The survey took place in New Zealand on October 20, 2026.

Is Avast or Malwarebytes more popular in search?

This chart shows how often people search Google for Avast and Malwarebytes by name. Each line represents a brand's share of searches for all seven antivirus software we track, month by month, from searches in New Zealand.

Avast and Malwarebytes among antivirus software in New Zealand, by month

Share of searches by month for Malwarebytes, Avast. The figures are in the table below the chart.

View monthly share of searches table
MonthMcAfeeMalwarebytesBitdefenderAvastESETNortonMicrosoft Defender
Oct 202525.7%23.9%18.4%10.1%11.2%8.2%2.5%
Nov 202527.7%21.7%19%10.6%10.9%7.3%2.7%
Dec 202529.2%25.3%15.3%11%8.5%8.6%2.2%
Jan 202626.4%25%17.7%10.4%8.8%9.2%2.5%
Feb 202629.3%24.1%17.4%9.3%8.1%9.2%2.7%
Mar 202625.6%26.7%19.9%9%9.3%6.6%3%
Apr 202623.8%29.2%18.1%9.8%8.5%7.4%3.2%
May 202624.9%28.6%19.1%8.8%7.8%7.9%3%
Jun 202622.4%30.3%19.7%8.9%8%8.2%2.4%
Jul 202617.8%33.4%22.5%8.7%8%7.5%2.2%
Aug 202621.8%30.9%20.1%9.6%7.2%7.6%2.7%
Sep 202632.2%24.4%16.4%11%6.9%6.3%2.8%

How has the Avast and Malwarebytes comparison changed over the last 12 months?

3 findings
  • Malwarebytes was ahead of Avast in every measured month of the 12 months ending September 2026.
  • Across the 12 months ending September 2026, Avast’s share of searches among antivirus software in New Zealand moved from 10.1% to 11%, and its estimated monthly branded searches held steady at 1.3K.
  • Across the 12 months ending September 2026, Malwarebytes’ share of searches among antivirus software in New Zealand moved from 23.9% to 24.4%, and its estimated monthly branded searches moved from 3K to 2.8K.

How did search popularity change for New Zealand antivirus software in September 2026?

3 changes

  1. In September 2026, McAfee overtook Malwarebytes to become the leader among antivirus software in New Zealand, with 32.2% of the searches.

  2. In September 2026, Avast gained share of searches among antivirus software in New Zealand, from 9.6% to 11%.

  3. In September 2026, Malwarebytes lost share of searches among antivirus software in New Zealand, from 30.9% to 24.4%.

How are branded searches counted?

12 search terms

Brandwave collects information about searches that people make online using Avast’s and Malwarebytes’ names. When viewed over time, estimated search volumes for these branded terms can be used to understand whether interest in the brands is growing, holding steady, or fading.

Avast

7 branded search terms

  • avast
  • avast av
  • avast one
  • avast premier security
  • avast secure browser
  • avast secureline
  • avast security

Malwarebytes

5 branded search terms

  • malwarebytes
  • malwarebytes anti malware
  • malwarebytes os x
  • malwarebytes security
  • mbam malwarebytes

How the Brand Demand Index is measured

Other head-to-heads among antivirus software

Creator with pink hair and a pink jacket

Put your own brand in this comparison

Brandwave tracks your branded demand next to the rival you actually watch, with your campaigns, spend and outcomes on the same timeline.

Start free