M
Malwarebytes4.2/5vsWb
Webroot4.2/5Malwarebytes vs Webroot (March 2026)
| MMalwarebytes | WbWebroot | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | $24.99/yr |
| Rating | 4.2/5 | 4.2/5 |
| Free Tier | ✓ Yes | ✗ No |
| Best For | Users seeking lightweight antivirus protection, Businesses needing endpoint security | Individuals needing lightweight antivirus for 1-5 personal devices, Gamers requiring non-intrusive PC protection |
Quick Verdict
Both Malwarebytes and Webroot earn a 4.2/5 rating — your choice depends on which feature set and pricing model fits your workflow best.
Quick Overview
M
Malwarebytes
Malwarebytes is a comprehensive antivirus and anti-malware solution that provides real-time protection against viruses, ...
- Best for: Users seeking lightweight antivirus protection, Businesses needing endpoint security
- Starting price: Free
- Category: Antivirus Software
- Founded: 2008
- Pricing model: freemium
Wb
Webroot
Webroot delivers cloud-powered antivirus and security for PCs, Macs, mobiles, and Chromebooks, emphasizing speed, low re...
- Best for: Individuals needing lightweight antivirus for 1-5 personal devices, Gamers requiring non-intrusive PC protection
- Starting price: $24.99/yr
- Category: Antivirus Software
- Founded: N/A
- Pricing model: subscription
Feature Comparison
| Feature | Malwarebytes | Webroot |
|---|---|---|
| Real-time Protection | ✓ | ✗ |
| Ransomware Protection | ✓ | ✗ |
| Browser Guard | ✓ | ✗ |
| Web Protection | ✓ | ✗ |
| VPN | ✓ | ✓ |
| Exploit Protection | ✓ | ✗ |
| Custom Scans | ✓ | ✗ |
| Identity Theft Protection | ✓ | ✗ |
| Threat Quarantine | ✓ | ✗ |
| Machine Learning Detection | ✓ | ✗ |
| Real-time antivirus/malware protection | ✗ | ✓ |
| Ransomware protection | ✗ | ✓ |
| Phishing/anti-phishing protection | ✗ | ✓ |
| Browser protection | ✗ | ✓ |
| Password manager | ✗ | ✓ |
| Identity protection | ✗ | ✓ |
| Unlimited backup | ✗ | ✓ |
| Cloud-based scanning | ✗ | ✓ |
| Multi-device support | ✗ | ✓ |
| Gaming optimization | ✗ | ✓ |
| PC Optimizer | ✗ | ✓ |
Pricing Comparison
Prices last verified: March 16, 2026
Malwarebytes
Free
Starting price
freemium · 6 plans
Free
FreeStandardPopular
$44.99/yrPlus
$79.99/yrUltimate
$119.99/yrFor Teams
$39.99/yrCore Endpoint Protection
$69/yrWebroot
$24.99/yr
Starting price
subscription · 4 plans
Webroot EssentialsPopular
$49.99/yrAntiVirus for PC Gamers
$39.99/yrWebroot Premium
$129.99/yrWebroot Total Protection
$179.99/yrPros & Cons
Malwarebytes
Pros
- Minimal impact on system performance
- Strong ransomware protection
- Free version available with basic protection
- 60-day money-back guarantee
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
Webroot
Pros
- Extremely lightweight with minimal system resource usage
- Fast cloud-based scans
- Real-time threat blocking without daily updates
- Multi-device support up to 5+ devices
Cons
- No free tier or trial available
- Limited standalone options for 1-3 devices in premium plans
- iOS protection limited to browser/backup with no app scanning
- Some features Android-only
Which Is Best for You?
M
Choose Malwarebytes if:
- Users seeking lightweight antivirus protection
- Businesses needing endpoint security
- Removing existing malware infections
- Supplementing primary antivirus software
- You want to start with a free plan
Wb
Choose Webroot if:
- Individuals needing lightweight antivirus for 1-5 personal devices
- Gamers requiring non-intrusive PC protection
- Families protecting multiple devices with identity/VPN needs
- Users prioritizing cloud-based, low-resource security
- Budget is a priority ($24.99 vs $39.99)
Our Verdict
🏆
MMalwarebytes — WinnerWbWebroot — Runner-up
After thorough analysis, Malwarebytes takes the lead in this comparison, though both tools share an identical 4.2/5 rating.
Malwarebytes is best for Users seeking lightweight antivirus protection and Businesses needing endpoint security. Minimal impact on system performance.
Webroot remains a strong alternative, especially for Individuals needing lightweight antivirus for 1-5 personal devices and Gamers requiring non-intrusive PC protection. Extremely lightweight with minimal system resource usage.
Pricing-wise, Webroot is the more affordable starting option. Evaluate free trials of both before committing.
Explore More
Malwarebytes Alternatives
Webroot Alternatives
Category Resources
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Frequently Asked Questions
Both Malwarebytes and Webroot earn a 4.2/5 rating — your choice depends on which feature set and pricing model fits your workflow best.
Webroot starts at $24.99/yr, while Malwarebytes starts at $39.99/yr (free tier available).
Yes. Most users can migrate data between the two. Check both platforms for import/export tools before switching.
Malwarebytes integrates with Windows, macOS, Android, iOS. Webroot integrates with Microsoft Edge, Mozilla Firefox, Google Chrome, Internet Explorer. Both offer solid third-party connectivity, though the best choice depends on your existing tech stack.
Both tools are designed for ease of use. Malwarebytes is best for Users seeking lightweight antivirus protection and Businesses needing endpoint security, while Webroot excels for Individuals needing lightweight antivirus for 1-5 personal devices and Gamers requiring non-intrusive PC protection. Consider trying both free trials to judge which interface suits your workflow.
Malwarebytes has a 4.2/5 rating from 50,000 reviews, while Webroot scores 4.2/5 from 850 reviews. Higher review counts generally indicate a more established support ecosystem.
For small businesses, Webroot may be more budget-friendly starting at $24.99/yr. However, Malwarebytes (Free) could offer better value depending on the features you need most.
For enterprise use, consider which offers more advanced plans. Malwarebytes has 6 plans while Webroot has 4 plans. Evaluate each tool's enterprise features, security compliance, and team management capabilities before committing.
Check each tool's website for the latest mobile app availability. Both Malwarebytes and Webroot offer web-based access, and many modern SaaS tools provide companion mobile apps for iOS and Android.
Choose Malwarebytes if you prioritize minimal impact on system performance and want to start free. Choose Webroot if you value extremely lightweight with minimal system resource usage.