Alternatives to Malwarebytes
The second-opinion scanner standard
Malwarebytes ranks #4 of 9 in Antivirus software, with an Alt Score of 82. It is proprietary, freemium from $59.99/year and available on Windows, macOS, Android, iOS and Browser extension. 9 of 10 checklist rows are verified against a public source.
Consumers and small-to-midsize businesses who want protection from malware, viruses, ransomware, and online scams across their devices.
Real-time antivirus and anti-malware protection that detects and removes threats including ransomware, spyware, and adware. Includes web/scam protection to block malicious sites and phishing attempts, plus optional extras like a VPN and identity/privacy tools depending on the plan. Available for Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS.
Install the Malwarebytes app or browser extension, which runs continuous real-time scanning in the background to detect and quarantine threats as they appear, supplemented by on-demand full-system scans you can run manually or on a schedule.
Why people leave Malwarebytes
Dashed reasons are sourced facts; the rest are opinions. Vendors can dispute.
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Ranked alternatives
Ordered by Alt Score. Click any score to see the breakdown.
Feature comparison
Rows come from the Antivirus software checklist (14 rows). Human-verified cells only. ? means the value has not been verified.
| Antivirus software checklist | Malwarebytes | Bitdefender | Avast | ESET | Microsoft Defender | Norton |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pricing model | ||||||
| Starts at | ||||||
| License | ||||||
| Platforms | ||||||
| Independent lab scores (AV-TEST) | ||||||
| Real-time protection | ||||||
| Ransomware protection | ||||||
| Performance impact | ||||||
| Free tier | ||||||
| No data selling | ||||||
| Web protection | ||||||
| Cross-platform | ||||||
| Firewall included | ||||||
| Ad-free experience |
Every fact and feature listed for Malwarebytes is verified against its own pages. Each alternative is sourced on its own page.
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Pricing model Freemium verified 2026-07-10
Malwarebytes Free is a cleanup tool for cyberattacks that have already damaged a device. Malwarebytes Premium Security stops these attacks from happening in the first place.
https://www.malwarebytes.com/premium -
Starts at $59.99/year verified 2026-07-10
$59.99/yr.
https://www.malwarebytes.com/pricing -
License Proprietary verified 2026-07-10
Malwarebytes and its licensors exclusively own all right, title and interest in and to the Services and Content, including all associated intellectual property rights.
https://www.malwarebytes.com/tos -
Platforms Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, Browser extension verified 2026-07-10
Windows, Mac, Android, or iOS protection
https://www.malwarebytes.com/premium -
Status active verified 2026-07-10
The award is the latest in a string of endorsements from third-party testers whose ongoing evaluations help keep us sharp.
https://www.malwarebytes.com/blog/product/2026/06/malwarebytes-earns-av-test-top-product-award-aces-other-third-party-tests -
Independent lab scores (AV-TEST) Yes verified 2026-07-10
Malwarebytes nabbed AV-TEST's Top Product award after scoring 17.5 points out of a possible 18
https://www.malwarebytes.com/blog/product/2026/06/malwarebytes-earns-av-test-top-product-award-aces-other-third-party-tests -
Real-time protection Yes verified 2026-07-10
Malwarebytes Premium Security stops these attacks from happening in the first place.
https://www.malwarebytes.com/premium -
Ransomware protection Yes verified 2026-07-10
viruses, ransomware, Trojans, botnets, spyware, and more.
https://www.malwarebytes.com/premium -
Performance impact Partial verified 2026-07-10
Lightweight and intuitive design enabling scans in as little as 30 seconds
https://www.malwarebytes.com/mac -
Free tier Yes verified 2026-07-10
Free is on-demand cleanup only; real-time needs Premium.
Malwarebytes Free is a cleanup tool for cyberattacks that have already damaged a device.
https://www.malwarebytes.com/premium -
No data selling Yes verified 2026-07-10
We do not and will not sell your data to third parties.
https://www.malwarebytes.com/legal/privacy-policy -
Web protection Yes verified 2026-07-10
Free browser extension to block ads, trackers, malware & more
https://www.malwarebytes.com/browserguard -
Cross-platform Yes verified 2026-07-10
Windows, Mac, Android, or iOS protection
https://www.malwarebytes.com/premium -
Ad-free experience Partial verified 2026-07-10
Annoying ads, sneaky trackers, and harmful websites
https://www.malwarebytes.com/browserguard
FAQ
Yes. Bitdefender, Avast and Microsoft Defender have a free tier or are fully free. Free-tier limits in the comparison table are verified and dated.
ClamAV — every license claim links its source.