Alternatives to Malwarebytes
An anti-malware scanner with real-time protection, VPN and scam detection for computers and phones. The listings below can replace it for an important use case. Each note says what changes if you switch.
The original
Malwarebytes
An anti-malware scanner with real-time protection, VPN and scam detection for computers and phones.
Replacements
Listings that take over the same core job as Malwarebytes.
Microsoft Defender
Microsoft's security app for individuals and families, part of a Microsoft 365 subscription.
Microsoft Defender manages device protection and identity alerts for families through a Microsoft 365 subscription.
Avast Free Antivirus
A free antivirus for Windows, Mac and Android from Avast, alongside optional paid products.
Avast Free Antivirus is a free scanner for Windows, macOS and Android from a large vendor.
Bitdefender Total Security
A paid consumer antivirus suite with malware scanning, ransomware protection and a firewall.
Bitdefender Total Security is a paid suite adding a firewall and ransomware protection across multiple devices.
Norton 360
A paid security suite combining antivirus, a VPN, identity protection and scam detection.
Norton 360 bundles antivirus with a VPN and identity protection in one paid subscription.
ESET HOME Security
A commercial antivirus and internet security suite for home computers and phones.
ESET HOME Security is a paid suite with anti-phishing and payment protection, including a Linux version.
Avira Free Security
Free security suite with real-time malware protection and privacy and optimization tools.
Avira Free Security provides free real-time antivirus with extra utilities on desktop and mobile, upselling premium plans.
Kaspersky Premium
A commercial antivirus and internet security suite for home users, sold by Kaspersky.
Kaspersky Premium is a paid all-in-one consumer security suite with a wider range including VPN and password manager products.
AVG AntiVirus Free
A free antivirus that scans files and downloads and blocks scam websites on computers and phones.
AVG AntiVirus Free scans files and blocks scam websites across Windows, Mac, Android and iOS for free.
Also worth comparing
These listings name Malwarebytes as their own alternative, so the relationship runs both ways.
AdwCleaner
Free on-demand Windows scanner that removes adware, PUPs and browser hijackers.
Malwarebytes adds real-time protection and covers Windows, macOS, Android and iOS, though most features need a paid plan rather than a free on-demand cleaner.
ClamAV
An open source antivirus engine, used mostly for scanning mail servers and file shares rather than desktops.
Malwarebytes is a closed-source freemium scanner for Windows, macOS, Android and iOS with real-time protection mostly behind a paid plan, and no Linux or server embedding.
Emsisoft Anti-Malware
A Windows anti-malware program with a dual-engine scanner, real-time file protection and web protection.
Malwarebytes is a freemium anti-malware scanner for Windows, macOS, Android and iOS that adds VPN and scam detection, while most protection features still need a paid plan.
F-Secure Total
Consumer security suite bundling antivirus, VPN and a password manager.
Malwarebytes combines malware scanning, VPN and scam detection on Windows, macOS, Android and iOS with a free tier, although most protection features require a paid plan.
HitmanPro
A Windows malware scanner and removal tool meant as a second opinion alongside existing antivirus.
Malwarebytes also works as a second-opinion scanner and covers Windows, macOS, Android and iOS with a free tier, though most protection features need a paid plan.
RansomWhere?
A macOS utility that detects processes encrypting files like ransomware and stops them for review.
Malwarebytes adds a malware scanner, VPN and scam detection across Mac, Windows and mobile, though most protection features need a paid plan and it is closed source.
Sophos Home
Antivirus for Windows and macOS home users, with protection managed remotely for the whole family.
Malwarebytes is a freemium scanner with VPN and scam detection on computers and phones, with most protection features requiring a paid plan.
Spybot - Search & Destroy
A long-running Windows anti-spyware and anti-malware scanner sold in several editions.
Malwarebytes adds macOS, Android and iOS coverage plus a VPN and scam detection, with most protection features behind a paid plan.
SUPERAntiSpyware
Windows scanner that detects and removes spyware, adware and other malware.
Malwarebytes runs on Windows, macOS, Android and iOS and adds a VPN and scam detection, though most protection needs a paid plan.
Similar software
Related functionality, not a direct replacement.
Malwarebytes Browser Guard
A free browser extension from Malwarebytes that blocks malicious sites, scams, trackers and unwanted ads.
