Malwarebytes
Malwarebytes is a comprehensive antivirus and anti-malware solution that provides real-time protection against viruses, ransomware, and malicious websites. It offers both free and premium versions with machine learning-powered threat detection for personal and business users across multiple devices.
Best for
- Users seeking lightweight antivirus protection
- Businesses needing endpoint security
- Removing existing malware infections
- Supplementing primary antivirus software
Not ideal for
- Limited malware detection in real-time tests
- Free version lacks real-time protection
- Fewer features compared to comprehensive security suites
- No integrated firewall or password manager
Try Malwarebytes Free
Free plan available · 6 plans available
Visit Malwarebytes →Malwarebytes Overview
Malwarebytes vs Top Alternatives
| Software | Rating | Starting Price | Free Tier | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MMalwarebytes | 4.2 ★ | $39.99/yr | Yes | |
| KKaspersky | 4.6 ★ | $21.99/yr | Yes | Compare → |
| BBitdefender | 4.4 ★ | $9.99/yr | Yes | Compare → |
| MMcAfee | 4.3 ★ | $29.99/yr | Yes | Compare → |
| NNorton 360 | 4.3 ★ | $19.99/yr | No | Compare → |
| AAvast | 4.2 ★ | $31.20/yr | Yes | Compare → |
Malwarebytes Features
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Minimal impact on system performance
- Strong ransomware protection
- Free version available with basic protection
- 60-day money-back guarantee
- Good detection of zero-day threats
Cons
- Limited malware detection in real-time tests
- Free version lacks real-time protection
- Fewer features compared to comprehensive security suites
- No integrated firewall or password manager
Pricing Plans
Free
- Manual malware scans
- Basic malware removal
- Browser Guard extension
- Limited device protection
Standard
- Real-time protection
- Ransomware protection
- Web protection
- Daily threat scans
- 1 device coverage
Plus
- All Standard features
- VPN included
- 3 devices coverage
- Privacy protection
- Secure browsing
Ultimate
- All Plus features
- Identity theft protection
- Advanced threat detection
- Premium support
- Enhanced privacy tools
For Teams
- Business endpoint protection
- 1-20 devices
- Email and phone support
- Centralized management
- Malware remediation
Core Endpoint Protection
- Advanced business security
- 10+ endpoints
- Cloud management
- Ransomware rollback
- Threat visibility dashboard
Malwarebytes Integrations
Malwarebytes connects with 5 services to extend your workflow.
Who Should Use Malwarebytes?
Individual Consumers
Malwarebytes targets individual users across all devices and age groups, particularly vulnerable populations like seniors facing malvertising and tech support scams. The software protects against adware, which remains the dominant threat category for consumer endpoints.
RecommendedSmall Businesses
Malwarebytes offers Endpoint Protection tailored for business security needs, serving organizations that face more diverse malware types including ransomware and trojans. The company uses high-touch sales relationships to serve business customers with different threat landscapes than consumers.
Not idealFreelancers
Some agencies require vendors and freelancers to install Malwarebytes (the free, scanner-only version) along with Windows Defender as part of their security requirements. This makes it relevant for independent contractors working with security-conscious clients.
RecommendedWhen to Consider Alternatives
When malware detection is your priority
Malwarebytes consistently underperforms competitors in identifying threats, couldn't detect any of 150 malware samples in testing, and was outperformed by many competitors including Windows Defender.
Consider Norton 360 instead →When you need comprehensive antivirus features
Malwarebytes lacks essential features like firewall, parental controls, password manager, webcam protection, and Wi-Fi monitoring. It also has no full scan option and limited scanning capabilities.
Consider Bitdefender instead →When you need reliable customer support
Live customer support is unavailable, and help options are limited to basic instruction guides and troubleshooting tools with minimal useful information.
Consider Kaspersky instead →Top Malwarebytes Alternatives
Kaspersky
Comprehensive antivirus and internet security software that provides real-time protection against malware, ransomware, and cyber threats. Offers multiple protection tiers from free basic antivirus to premium security suites with VPN, password management, and parental controls.
Bitdefender
Award-winning antivirus and cybersecurity solution providing multi-layered protection against malware, ransomware, and online threats. Offers comprehensive security packages for individuals and businesses with advanced features like VPN, password manager, and identity protection.
McAfee
Comprehensive antivirus and cybersecurity suite offering real-time malware protection, VPN, password management, and identity theft monitoring. Designed for individuals and families seeking all-in-one digital security with unlimited device coverage across Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS platforms.
Norton 360
Comprehensive cybersecurity suite that combines antivirus, VPN, identity protection, and cloud backup in one platform. Offers AI-powered scam protection and 100% virus protection promise for individuals and families across multiple devices.
Avast
Comprehensive antivirus and cybersecurity solution offering real-time protection against malware, ransomware, and online threats. Provides both free and premium plans with advanced features like firewall protection, webcam shielding, and VPN services for individuals and families.
ESET NOD32
Fast, lightweight antivirus protection with AI-powered threat detection that runs quietly in the background without slowing down your system. Trusted by over one billion users worldwide with 30 years of cybersecurity innovation and consistently high detection rates in independent lab tests.
TotalAV
Award-winning antivirus software that provides real-time protection against malware, viruses, and online threats across Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android devices. Offers comprehensive security bundles with VPN, password manager, ad blocker, and system optimization tools at competitive prices.
Trend Micro
30+ year-old cybersecurity company offering AI-powered antivirus and security solutions for home and business users. Provides multi-device protection against malware, ransomware, phishing, and online scams with cloud-based threat detection.
Webroot
Webroot delivers cloud-powered antivirus and security for PCs, Macs, mobiles, and Chromebooks, emphasizing speed, low resource impact, and real-time threat intelligence. Plans range from basic antivirus to full suites with identity protection, VPN, and backups.