Overall Rating: 4.3/5 ⭐
- Protection: 4.3 ⭐
- Performance: 3.9 ⭐
- Features: 4.4 ⭐
- Support: 4.8 ⭐
- Value: 4.2 ⭐
From .99 for the first year. Pricing verified August 2026.
Malwarebytes Review: Ratings, Pros and Cons
Once regarded merely as a secondary scanner to complement traditional antivirus solutions, Malwarebytes has evolved significantly. The Windows application now boasts a comprehensive suite of features, including a VPN, identity protection module, AI-driven scam detection, file shredding capabilities, and a firewall control panel. Notably, it earned the AV-TEST TOP PRODUCT award in March-April 2026, underscoring its effectiveness in the cybersecurity landscape.
👍 Where Malwarebytes Wins
- AV-TEST TOP PRODUCT, March-April 2026, scoring 17.5 out of 18 points.
- Successfully removed all infections in remediation tests.
- No false detections across 1.5 million legitimate samples at AV-TEST.
- Renewal costs remain the same as the initial year.
- Fast installation, completed in just 38 seconds.
- Responsive and helpful live chat support.
👎 Where It Falls Short
- No real-time protection on the free tier after the first 14 days.
- Encountered 14 false alarms during testing, with 23 reported at AV-Comparatives.
- Full custom scans took 28 minutes and peaked at 645 MB of memory usage.
- Key protections, such as rootkit scanning and brute force protection, are disabled by default.
Consider Malwarebytes if you seek a clean, efficient antivirus solution with a flat renewal price and effective infection removal. However, it may not be suitable for those needing standalone firewalls, parental controls, or coverage for more than three devices without opting for a family plan.
Is Malwarebytes Safe and Legitimate?
Concerns surrounding Malwarebytes often stem from three main inquiries: the legitimacy of the company, the authenticity of downloaded files, and whether pop-up alerts indicating infections are genuine. The straightforward answer is that Malwarebytes is indeed a legitimate entity.
Is the Company Legitimate?
Yes, founded in 2008 by Marcin Kleczynski, Malwarebytes is headquartered in Santa Clara, California. The company has raised a total of 0 million, including a recent 0 million minority investment from Vector Capital in September 2022. Its business portfolio was reorganized under the ThreatDown name in November 2023, and it acquired the Swedish VPN provider AzireVPN in November 2024. Overall, Malwarebytes is legitimate by all standard measures.
Fake Malwarebytes Downloads and How to Spot Them
The brand is frequently impersonated, as it is a go-to solution for users suspecting malware on their systems. Malwarebytes Labs has documented instances of fake sites distributing malicious software. To ensure safety, always download from the official malwarebytes.com or reputable app stores, and verify the publisher signature in the installer properties.
Malwarebytes Says I’m Infected: Real Alert or Scareware?
A legitimate alert will originate from the installed application, appearing as a Windows notification or within the app itself. It will log detections in the Detection History and quarantine any identified threats. Conversely, browser pop-ups claiming infections are often scams designed to solicit payment or personal information. If you encounter such a pop-up, close the tab and refrain from clicking any links.
Privacy Policy and Data Collection
The privacy policy, updated on June 16, 2026, states that Malwarebytes does not sell customer data. The software collects license and machine identifiers, system configurations, and details of detected malware. Importantly, browsing data remains untouched, with no tracking of user activity or telemetry.
Is Malwarebytes an Antivirus, or Just a Malware Cleaner?
Malwarebytes serves both functions, depending on the version in use. The free version acts as an on-demand scanner, identifying and removing existing threats, while the paid version provides real-time protection with multiple layers of security.
Using It Beside Another Antivirus
Malwarebytes can coexist with other antivirus solutions without conflict. It serves as an effective second opinion tool, complementing existing security measures.
Malwarebytes Free vs Premium: What the Free Version Actually Does
The free version offers limited features, including:
Free Version
- Quick Scan: Checks memory and startup objects.
- Custom Scan: Allows users to specify folders or drives for scanning.
- Browser Guard: A free extension for major browsers.
- One Monthly Automated Check: Available on Windows with activation.
- Quarantine and Manual Removal: Users can manage detected threats.
What Paying Adds:
- Threat Scan: The default comprehensive scan.
- Deep Scan: A more thorough scan available on Windows.
- Real-time Protection: Active monitoring on Windows and Mac.
- Scheduled Scanning: Users can set their own scanning timetable.
- Web, Exploit, and Ransomware Protection: Enhanced security features.
- Privacy VPN, Identity Monitoring, and Scam Guard: Depending on the tier.
What Happens on Day 15
Upon installation, users receive a 14-day trial of the paid version. After this period, the application prompts for an upgrade to maintain real-time protection.
Is Malwarebytes Free Good on Its Own?
While the free version excels in cleanup tasks, it lacks ongoing protection. Pairing it with Microsoft Defender offers a comprehensive security solution at no cost.
Malwarebytes Protection Test Results
In independent testing, Malwarebytes Premium scored highly, achieving a protection rate of 99.9% against known threats, although it faced criticism for false positives. The removal performance on already-infected machines was impressive, successfully detecting and eliminating multiple threats in a single scan.
Malwarebytes Plans and Pricing: Standard, Plus and Total
| Plan | Devices | Key Additions | Year One | Renewal |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Standard | 1 | Real-time protection, Browser Guard | .99 | .99 |
| Standard | 3 | Same, across three devices | .99 | .99 |
| Plus | 3 | Malwarebytes VPN | .98 | .98 |
| Total | 1 adult + 3 devices | Identity protection, M insurance | .99 | .99 |
| Standard Family | 10 | Device security only | 9.99 | 9.99 |
| Plus Family | 10 | VPN | 9.99 | 9.99 |
| Total Family | 2 adults, 10 kids, 10 devices | Identity protection, M insurance | 4.99 | 4.99 |
Malwarebytes maintains consistent pricing for renewals, a rarity in the industry. The plans cater to various needs, allowing flexibility without forced upgrades.
Malwarebytes on Windows, Mac, Android and iPhone
Windows
The Windows version offers the most comprehensive features, including a Deep Scan option and various tools for system management.
Mac
Malwarebytes for Mac effectively targets adware and browser hijackers, with a recently updated scanning engine enhancing its performance.
Android
The Android app provides scanning capabilities along with text protection against phishing links, with real-time protection available in the paid version.
iPhone
Due to Apple’s sandboxing rules, the iOS app focuses on filtering scam texts and blocking phishing links rather than traditional virus scanning.
Malwarebytes Customer Support Put to the Test
The customer support experience was efficient, with quick responses from both AI and human agents, making it easy to resolve queries and request refunds.
Malwarebytes Compared With the Main Alternatives
🆚 Malwarebytes vs AVG
AVG’s free tier includes real-time protection, which Malwarebytes lacks. In comparative tests, AVG demonstrated slightly better detection rates.
🆚 Malwarebytes vs Norton
Norton offers a more extensive suite of features, including cloud backup and parental controls, but at a higher price point than Malwarebytes.
🆚 Malwarebytes vs Bitdefender
Bitdefender showcased superior detection rates and faster scanning times, yet Malwarebytes excelled in removal capabilities and renewal pricing.
Malwarebytes vs Microsoft Defender
Defender provides continuous protection at no cost, making it a viable companion to Malwarebytes for enhanced security.
Who Malwarebytes Suits, and Who Should Buy Something Else
✅ Buy If:
- You have an infection right now.
- You already have an antivirus.
- You use a Mac and adware is your primary concern.
- You prefer a straightforward application over a feature-heavy suite.
❌ Skip If:
- You prioritize first-year pricing alone.
- You seek a comprehensive solution in one subscription.
- You require a long track record of testing.
For those considering a VPN and identity monitoring, the Plus and Total plans offer competitive pricing compared to standalone services. At .99 for one device or .99 for three, Malwarebytes presents a compelling value proposition for many users.
Common Questions About Malwarebytes
🌐 Is Malwarebytes Safe to Install?
Yes, from malwarebytes.com or an official app store. Always check the file’s properties to confirm the signer is Malwarebytes Inc.
📝 Is Malwarebytes Legit?
Yes. Founded in 2008 and based in Santa Clara, California, it remains privately held after significant funding.
🔎 Is Malwarebytes Good?
Yes, although it has a persistent flaw with false positives.
🔰 Is Malwarebytes a Good Antivirus?
Yes when paid, no when free. The free version lacks real-time protection.
🛡️ Is Malwarebytes an Antivirus or a Malware Remover?
It serves as an antivirus in the paid tier and a malware remover in the free tier.
🛠️ Does Malwarebytes Work?
Yes. It effectively detects and removes infections.
🆓 Is Malwarebytes Free Good Enough on Its Own?
No, as it lacks continuous monitoring.
💎 Is Malwarebytes Still Good?
Yes, with improvements over its earlier iterations.
🔀 Can You Run Malwarebytes Alongside Another Antivirus?
Yes. It works well as a supplementary tool.
💳 Is Malwarebytes Worth Paying For?
Yes, especially given its consistent renewal pricing.
🍎 Is Malwarebytes Good for Mac?
Yes, particularly for combating adware and browser hijackers.
🕵️♀️ Does Malwarebytes Detect Viruses?
Yes, but only the paid version provides proactive blocking.
