For users seeking straightforward antivirus protection without the complexities of advanced features, Malwarebytes Plus emerges as an appealing choice. This software operates swiftly and efficiently, making it a suitable option for those who prioritize speed and simplicity. At approximately .99 per year, its pricing is notably competitive, roughly half that of more feature-rich alternatives like Bitdefender or McAfee+. While it may not boast the extensive functionalities of top-tier antivirus solutions, its streamlined approach is a significant advantage for many.
<h2 class="article-bodysection” id=”section-malwarebytes-plus-costs-and-what-s-covered”>Malwarebytes Plus: Costs and what’s covered
Malwarebytes Plus is designed as a basic antivirus scanner, making it a budget-friendly option compared to offerings from companies like Norton and McAfee, which typically exceed 0 annually. For its price, users can secure protection for three devices, including Mac, Windows, iOS, or Android platforms. This coverage is ideal for individuals with a couple of computers and a smartphone. Additionally, Malwarebytes provides a family plan at 0 per month for up to ten devices, and a Teams package for businesses that protects 20 devices or more, priced at 9.99 per year.
Included in the subscription is a VPN with no data transfer limits, although it lacks a password manager. Users can enhance their browsing safety by installing the Browser Guard extension for browsers like Chrome, which actively scans for and blocks web-based threats. However, unlike Avast Premium, there is no email protection feature.
<h2 class="article-bodysection” id=”section-malwarebytes-plus-review-protection”>Malwarebytes Plus review: Protection
While Malwarebytes Plus does not offer an extensive array of antivirus features, it does provide several noteworthy options. Users can schedule quick scans to ensure ongoing protection, which is particularly useful for those who may forget to run manual scans. The interface displays a dashboard featuring a Trusted Advisor score, reflecting the number of enabled settings. This feature is beneficial for assessing the effectiveness of the protection measures in place.
Among its unique offerings are advanced settings that address specific vulnerabilities, such as anti-heap spraying and exploits related to address space layout randomization (ASLR). Although the VPN lacks some advanced features, users can select servers and configure app access, IP addresses, and ports, along with a killswitch to halt all traffic if the VPN disconnects.
<h2 class="article-bodysection” id=”section-malwarebytes-plus-review-performance”>Malwarebytes Plus review: Performance
One of the standout characteristics of Malwarebytes Plus is its lightweight performance. Users will find that the application runs seamlessly in the background, allowing for uninterrupted multitasking. A quick scan typically takes around 26 seconds, efficiently checking critical files without the need for a full system scan, which is not available.
<h2 class="article-bodysection” id=”section-malwarebytes-plus-review-features”>Malwarebytes Plus review: Features
Malwarebytes Plus is clearly tailored for users who prefer a minimalist antivirus experience. Its features include a quick scan option, a VPN, and real-time protection against ransomware and exploits. However, it does lack a password manager and offers limited privacy options. The identity threat protection feature serves more as an incentive to upgrade to another subscription, providing only a quick scan based on email addresses.
<h2 class="article-bodysection” id=”section-malwarebytes-plus-review-interface”>Malwarebytes Plus review: Interface
The application boasts a clean and straightforward interface, characterized by white backgrounds and black text. While this simplicity aids usability, it may make it challenging for users to identify critical options quickly, especially when compared to competitors like Norton 360, which highlights key features more prominently.
<h2 class="article-bodysection” id=”section-malwarebytes-plus-review-support”>Malwarebytes Plus review: Support
Malwarebytes Plus offers 24/7 support via email, chat, and phone, free of charge for all users. A distinctive feature of their tech support is the ability to provide remediation guidance for specific viruses, assisting users in resolving issues directly.
<h2 class="article-bodysection” id=”section-malwarebytes-plus-review-verdict”>Malwarebytes Plus review: Verdict
For those who do not require an extensive suite of features, Malwarebytes Plus provides a reliable and cost-effective solution for antivirus protection. With its quick scan capabilities and competitive pricing, it stands out as a practical choice for users seeking essential security without the frills. While it may lack certain advanced functionalities, its affordability makes it an attractive option for many looking to safeguard their devices.
