In the realm of cybersecurity, where many antivirus solutions are merely offshoots of larger conglomerates, Malwarebytes stands out as a beacon of independence. Founded in 2004 by Marcin Kleczynski, this company has maintained its autonomy while delivering effective malware protection to millions around the globe. The Malwarebytes Premium Security suite offers a comprehensive antivirus solution, complete with phishing and identity protection, and even includes an unlimited VPN powered by Mullvad—allowing users to browse without restrictive data limits.
- Pricing for Malwarebytes Premium Security is competitive, with a one-year license for a single device priced at .99. For those looking to protect multiple devices, a five-device license is available for .99, while a two-year plan costs 4.98.
- For users seeking advanced features, the Premium Security Ultimate plan includes full identity protection, data removal, credit monitoring from three bureaus, and million in identity theft insurance. However, this comes at a higher cost, with the first year priced at 9.99 and renewal jumping to 9.99.
For those hesitant to commit, Malwarebytes offers a limited free version that can detect and remove existing threats, although it lacks real-time protection. This allows potential customers to experience the software’s capabilities before making a financial commitment.
App Design
The design of Malwarebytes Premium Security is refreshingly straightforward, prioritizing user experience. Unlike many security suites that can overwhelm users with complex icons and navigation, Malwarebytes presents essential functions clearly. The dashboard features a prominent Scan button, a visible VPN panel, and real-time protection status, making it accessible even for those new to cybersecurity.
While the interface may not boast the visual flair of some competitors, its simplicity is its strength. Users can easily navigate through the app, although a few tasks, such as restoring files from quarantine, can be cumbersome due to the lack of options to prevent future detections.
Antivirus Scanning
Malwarebytes adopts a pragmatic approach to scanning, focusing on commonly infected areas rather than conducting exhaustive scans that can be time-consuming. This strategy allows for efficient detection, as evidenced by a test scan that completed in just 13 minutes while successfully identifying all malicious files. The Scan Scheduler feature further enhances usability, allowing users to automate scans based on their preferences.
However, there are areas for improvement. The app does not automatically scan removable drives upon connection, and it lacks a warning system for password-protected files that cannot be scanned, which could lead to false security perceptions.
Independent Lab Results
Malwarebytes is not frequently tested by independent labs, making it challenging to benchmark against leading competitors. Nevertheless, it has received accolades, including an AVLab ‘Product of the Year’ award, which, while notable, does not necessarily indicate superiority over other products. In tests conducted by MRG Effitas, Malwarebytes demonstrated strong performance, blocking all threats in specific assessments.
Malware Protection
In practical tests, Malwarebytes effectively detected known malware samples, showcasing its capability to protect users from established threats. However, its performance in behavioral detection, particularly against custom ransomware simulations, was less impressive, as it failed to intervene during an active encryption process. This raises concerns about its ability to respond to new and emerging threats.
Anti-Phishing
Malwarebytes includes robust scam protection, targeting robocalls, scam texts, and phishing attempts. Initial tests revealed a modest blocking rate of 16% for phishing sites, but the addition of the BrowserGuard extension significantly improved this figure to 62%. While this is an improvement, it highlights a reliance on browser extensions for comprehensive protection, which may not be ideal for all users.
Unlimited VPN
The inclusion of an unlimited VPN in the Premium Security Plus plan adds significant value, encrypting user traffic and providing a layer of privacy on public networks. Based on Mullvad’s infrastructure, the VPN offers a solid performance with a network of 87 locations across 49 countries. However, it falls short in unblocking popular streaming services, which is a common limitation among antivirus-integrated VPNs.
Identity Protection
While full identity theft protection is not standard, Malwarebytes offers a digital footprint tool that scans for breaches associated with user email addresses. This feature stands out for its depth of information, providing insights into past breaches and the potential exposure of personal data. For U.S. users, the tool also identifies breaches involving Social Security Numbers, adding an essential layer of security.
Malwarebytes Premium Security presents a unique offering in the antivirus landscape. While it may lack some advanced features found in higher-end competitors, its independence, user-friendly design, and robust core protection make it a compelling choice for those seeking essential cybersecurity without unnecessary complexity.
