Advertiser disclosure: We may earn a commission when you click links to partners on this site. This doesn't affect our editorial scores. How we make money
Antivirus Software review
Malwarebytes logo

Malwarebytes review

Best for malware cleanup

Well-known malware cleanup tools, with paid real-time protection, a VPN and identity plans. People who want a straightforward antivirus with strong cleanup tools, or a free second-opinion scanner. We rank it #4 of 10 in our antivirus software comparison, with an editorial score of 8.6 out of 10.

Updated By the ChoosyOwl editorial teamHow we rank
8.6/10
Our editorial score

Malwarebytes scores well on Protection features, with real-time antivirus, web and scam protection across Windows, macOS, Android and iOS, and on Performance impact & ease of use for a simple app and free cleanup tools. On Independent testing presence, check AV-TEST and AV-Comparatives for its current results. It trails the leaders on Extras & value transparency because the VPN and identity features sit on higher tiers.

How we score antivirus software

Visit site (Malwarebytes, opens in a new tab)

Quick facts

Our rank#4 of 10
Best forBest for malware cleanup
PlatformsWindows, macOS, Android, iOS
Extras (varies by plan)VPN, identity protection, data remover on higher tiers; check plan
Facts checkedNovember 14, 2026

Details are general and can change. Check current plans, prices and terms on the Malwarebytes site. See the Malwarebytes company profile in our brand directory.

Overview

Malwarebytes is known for its malware scanner and cleanup tools, which you can run for free. Its paid Premium Security plans add real-time antivirus, safe web browsing with scam and ad blocking, and apps for Windows, macOS, Android and iOS. Higher tiers add a VPN, identity theft protection and a personal data remover.

It also offers free tools such as the Browser Guard extension and scam link and number checks. Check AV-TEST and AV-Comparatives for whether Malwarebytes appears in their current reports.

Plans renew automatically and first-term pricing can differ from renewal pricing. Check the current plan contents and renewal terms on the site.

Pros and cons

Pros

  • Free cleanup tools for an infected PC
  • Simple, uncluttered app
  • Scam and ad blocking included in paid plans
  • Apps on all major platforms

Cons

  • Real-time protection requires a paid plan
  • VPN and identity features only on higher tiers
  • Fewer bundled extras than full suites

Key features

  • Free malware scan and cleanup
  • Real-time antivirus and web protection on paid plans
  • Browser Guard ad and scam blocker (free)
  • VPN and identity protection on higher tiers
  • Apps for Windows, macOS, Android and iOS

Who Malwarebytes is for

A good fit if

People who want a straightforward antivirus with strong cleanup tools, or a free second-opinion scanner.

Look elsewhere if

Anyone who wants the largest bundle of extras on an entry-level plan.

How we scored Malwarebytes

Malwarebytes scores well on Protection features, with real-time antivirus, web and scam protection across Windows, macOS, Android and iOS, and on Performance impact & ease of use for a simple app and free cleanup tools. On Independent testing presence, check AV-TEST and AV-Comparatives for its current results. It trails the leaders on Extras & value transparency because the VPN and identity features sit on higher tiers.

Our antivirus software score weighs protection features (30%), independent testing presence (20%), extras & value transparency (20%), performance impact & ease of use (15%), privacy & trust (15%). See the methodology.

Malwarebytes alternatives

  1. #1
    Bitdefender logo

    Bitdefender

    Best overall

    Strong, lightweight protection with a regular presence in independent lab tests.

    • Real-time malware, web and ransomware protection
    • Apps for Windows, macOS, Android and iOS
    • VPN and password manager on some plans
    • Free antivirus edition for Windows
    9.4/10
    Editorial score
    Visit site (Bitdefender, opens in a new tab) Read review
  2. #2
    Norton 360 logo

    Norton 360

    Best for identity protection

    Feature-packed security suite with identity monitoring options for US customers.

    • Real-time malware, web protection and firewall
    • VPN and password manager on most plans
    • Dark web monitoring; LifeLock features on some US plans
    • Parental controls and cloud backup (Windows) on some plans
    9.2/10
    Editorial score
    Visit site (Norton 360, opens in a new tab) Read review
  3. #3
    Mc

    McAfee

    Best for households

    Long-running consumer suite with identity monitoring and scam-protection tools.

    • Malware and web protection
    • VPN included on many plans
    • Identity monitoring features
    • Scam-detection tools on some plans
    8.8/10
    Editorial score
    Visit site (McAfee, opens in a new tab) Read review

See all 10 antivirus suites compared

Malwarebytes FAQ

Is Malwarebytes free?

Malwarebytes offers free tools, including a malware scanner and cleaner and the Browser Guard extension. Real-time protection and extras such as the VPN require a paid plan.

Can Malwarebytes replace my antivirus?

Malwarebytes Premium Security provides real-time antivirus protection, so it can be your main antivirus. The free version is a scanner you run when you need it.

Does Malwarebytes include a VPN?

Some Malwarebytes plans include a VPN; entry plans do not. Check the current plan comparison on the site.

Sources and fact check

We checked the facts on this page against Malwarebytes's own website on .