Malwarebytes

An anti-malware scanner with real-time protection, VPN and scam detection for computers and phones.

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About Malwarebytes

Malwarebytes started as an anti-malware scanner and now offers a broader security package for PCs, Macs and mobile devices. It scans for malware and provides real-time protection, and current plans add a VPN and scam detection.

It suits people who want a straightforward malware scanner for a home computer or phone, either as their main protection or as a second opinion alongside other security software.

Strengths

  • Available on Windows, macOS, Android and iOS
  • Combines malware scanning, VPN and scam detection
  • Works as a second-opinion scanner alongside other tools

Limitations

  • Most protection features require a paid plan
  • Closed source

Details

Pricing
FreemiumA free scanner is available; real-time protection, VPN and scam detection are part of paid plans.
License
Proprietary
Developer
Malwarebytes
Platforms
Windows, macOS, Android, iOS
How it runs
Downloadable app
Best suited for
Home users wanting a simple malware scanner across devices
Categories
VPN, Security tools
Last verified
Added
Provenance
Facts checked against the developer's own pages and store listings, 1 sources on file.

Alternatives to Malwarebytes

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Software that can replace Malwarebytes for an important use case, and what changes if you switch.

  • Microsoft Defender

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  • Norton 360

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  • ESET HOME Security

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Malwarebytes as an alternative

Listings that name Malwarebytes as an alternative.

  • AdwCleaner

    Free on-demand Windows scanner that removes adware, PUPs and browser hijackers.

    FreeProprietaryWindows

    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.

    PaidProprietaryWindows

    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.

    PaidProprietaryWindows

    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.

    FreeProprietarymacOS

    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.

    PaidProprietaryWindowsmacOS

    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.

    PaidProprietaryWindows

    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.

    FreemiumProprietaryWindows

    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 necessarily a direct replacement.

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