Malwarebytes review: are free and premium versions good?

Malwarebytes is an antivirus solution, created by American internet security company Malwarebytes Inc. It’s compatible with various platforms, including macOS, iOS, Microsoft Windows, ChromeOS, and Android. Malwarebytes' latest version excels in malware protection and functionality, showcasing outstanding performance. However, it falls short by missing certain modern yet essential features.

Malwarebytes antivirus is good and works well as a basic antivirus solution, with a high success rate in detecting malware, according to independent and our in-house tests. It includes special features like Browser Guard to block ads, scams, and trackers and Exploit Protection to avoid exploit attacks. However, there are some downsides. Malwarebytes lacks real-time protection in the free version, has no live chat support, and is missing features like a firewall, parental controls, and data breach monitoring. These issues make Malwarebytes more suited as an additional security tool rather than the main antivirus solution.

In this Malwarebytes review, we will answer all your burning questions and review the product's test scores, performance, security features, and other critical aspects.

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Malwarebytes pros and cons

Is Malwarebytes safe?

Yes, Malwarebytes is a safe antivirus service. It has the ability to prevent malware in real time, stop ransomware from infecting your system, and protect you from accidentally visiting malicious websites. The service will also remove the existing malware from your computer or smartphone.

Their advanced virus detection techniques and several security features protect against a garden variety of online threats. That said, Malwarebytes doesn't have an integrated firewall. Not to mention, the free version only has malware scans, and other features are locked behind a paywall.

It's worth mentioning that Malwarebytes was affected by a cyberattack back in 2021. Some of their emails were breached by the same attackers responsible for the SolarWinds hack. So, part of their internal emails was leaked. That said, there is no evidence that any user data was compromised.

Independent Malwarebytes testing

Before you download any antivirus software, it is a good idea to not only read its reviews but also check its independent testing results. After all, you don’t want your computer to become the test subject – that’s what testing labs are for. The company decided to participate in AV testing in 2018, and their results have been improving ever since.

The latest October 2023 Malwarebytes test results aren't perfect, but still quite good. It garnered 5.5 points in Protection and Performance categories, while Usability reached a maximum of 6 points.

If you've been keeping track, you'll notice that the scores dropped compared to previous tests and Malwarebytes isn't considered a top product by AV Test. The latest 4.6 version boasts 99.9% widespread malware detection and 99.2% zero-day threat detection.

Moreover, Malwarebytes has joined the AV-Comparatives testing in 2021. The independent experts performed the Real-World protection, malware protection, and performance tests with it.

Real-World protection tests include using all security-related features on the web. The latest tests show that Malwarebytes Premium can successfully block threats from 99.4% to 99.6%.

The malware protection tests execute malicious files on the system and not on the web. Unluckily, Malwarebytes' results here are not as impressive – experts categorize its security as standard.

However, the testing of its performance shows a rather promising improvement. Malwarebytes performance abilities have kept the standard as of February 2021 – October 2022. Unfortunately, there are still no tests in 2023 to see whether the service improved or not.

Malwarebytes security features

Even though Malwarebytes offers quite a few useful features, it is not as feature-rich as, say, Avast, McAfee, or any other top antivirus software. For example, you won’t find Parental Controls, a firewall, or a password manager in your Malwarebytes antivirus package. However, you won’t miss any crucial features like virus protection or file quarantine. In other words, Malwarebytes will simply act as a decent, no-nonsense antivirus product for basic needs.

Real-time protection

This is a feature that is only available with the Premium version of Malwarebytes – and it’s quite important, too.

You see, real-time protection is a background process that prevents various online threats (like viruses, malware, and ransomware) from entering your device. It uses minimal system resources and has virtually no effect on CPU usage.

The Real-Time Protection option of Malwarebytes antivirus includes Web Protection (that blocks infected websites), Malware and PUP Protection, Ransomware Protection, and Exploit Protection.

Exploit protection

Even though included in the Real-Time Protection list, the Exploit Protection feature deserves its own paragraph. That’s because this is an advanced security technique that deals with exploit attacks against security flaws and software vulnerabilities in applications.

These kinds of attacks are much sneakier than regular viruses, as they only require you to open an infected page or a file. Luckily, Malwarebytes Premium has you covered – it “shields” vulnerable applications so the malicious code can’t exploit their security issues.

Three system scan modes

If you had Malwarebytes antivirus software on your computer a couple of years ago and decided to reinstall it, don’t be surprised by the scan mode changes. You see, Malwarebytes Version 3 had four types of scans: Full, Threat, Hyper, and Path.

However, Version 4 changed things up a bit. Now, we only have the Quick scan, the Custom scan, and the Threat scan. It seems that Malwarebytes simply adapted to the market and adjusted some of their scanning titles into more familiar ones. The subsequent version (5) kept the same scanning option number.

Keep in mind that Malwarebytes can only run one type of scan at a time. For example, you cannot do a system scan and check a specific file for viruses. So, schedule your on-demand scans accordingly.

• Quick scan. Lasting up to a minute and using between 0,0 to 0,2% CPU, the quick scan of Malwarebytes scans your device’s memory and startup objects for active threats.
• Threat scan. If you have Malwarebytes Premium, this scan will take place every single day. It will scan memory objects, startup objects, registry objects, as well as file system objects, and it will perform a heuristic analysis for better protection in the future. Keep in mind that this is not the same thing as a full scan – it doesn’t cover every single corner of your system.
• Custom scan. If you desire, the custom scan can check your whole system. As a result, it may last a bit longer: the scan’s duration is strongly related to the number and size of files on your computer. The more there is, the longer it takes to scan everything. You can even scan for rootkits, which are among the most difficult malware to detect.

I like that no matter which type of scan you select, Malwarebytes will perform it very quickly with almost zero CPU usage. This makes it stand out among slower antivirus programs like McAfee.

On the other hand, I’m a bit disappointed in the lack of a dedicated Full scan. However, those who prefer the DIY approach can set it up themselves. You can modify how often the app updates its list of known malware, what the default scan should look for, and whether you want to use it as a primary or secondary antivirus. This goes as far as what actions will be performed if or when PUP or PUM is detected. So, it can be tailored to your unique preferences.

For instance, one of our top antiviruses, TotalAV, comes with even better malware detection and removal results, a more comprehensive security suite, and budget-friendly pricing.

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TotalAV is one of the market-leading antiviruses today that offers all critical security features. With it, you also receive a password manager, VPN, identity protection, and more.

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• Great device optimization tools
• Secure VPN and password manager
• Real-time protection for your device

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Browser Guard

Malwarebytes Browser Guard is a free browser extension for Google Chrome, Firefox, and Microsoft Edge. It blocks ads and protects you against third-party trackers, malware, scams, and PUPs (potentially unwanted programs, e.g., browser hijackers).

It comes together with your Malwarebytes antivirus software. However, you get the option to choose whether you want this extension installed or not.

The Browser Guard extension works by blocking harmful websites and scripts from loading, preventing unwanted pop-up ads and other intrusive online elements, as well as scanning downloads for malware and other threats. It also includes a powerful anti-phishing feature that can detect and block fake websites designed to steal your personal information.

Additionally, Malwarebytes Browser Guard can help improve your browsing speed by blocking ads and other unnecessary content from loading. It also has a privacy-focused feature that can block third-party tracking cookies, helping to protect your online privacy.

In an independent evaluation conducted by AV-TEST in 2020, Malwarebytes Browser Guard achieved a perfect score for its protection against phishing attacks, blocking 100% of the test cases. It also performed well in blocking malicious URLs, with a detection rate of 99.8%.

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Malicious Website Protection

Malwarebytes offers the Malicious Website Protection feature to help you avoid reaching scam and phishing sites. Additionally, it prevents hosting malware or potentially unwanted programs (PUPs) on your device.

This useful feature is also known as URL filtering and works in a simple manner: it automatically checks and blocks both malicious domains and IP addresses by intercepting relevant DNS queries.

Keep in mind that Malicious Website Protection is only included in the Premium Malwarebytes subscription plan.

You can easily enable or disable the feature in the antivirus settings. Just go to the Settings on Malwarebytes app and find the Protection tab on the left-side panel. You should find the radio buttons under the Web Protection section.

Quarantined files

When Malwarebytes antivirus finds an infected file on your device, it instantly neutralizes it by putting it in the quarantine section. This feature is enabled by default to ensure top security immediately, although you can disable it, too.

However, if you are sure that the file is safe and that’s only a false alarm, you can restore it and bring it back to its original place. You can even put the file on the Allow list. Then, Malwarebytes won’t target it during future scans.

Malwarebytes Privacy VPN

Malwarebytes Premium + Privacy plan includes a VPN. It's actually one of the most impressive VPN packages coupled with an antivirus. The service covers 42+ countries with over 500 servers, which is a bit on the lower side compared to the dedicated VPN providers. Still, there should be more than enough places to connect to.

The VPN includes the WireGuard tunneling protocol, which is all the rage right now among VPN services. Considering that not all dedicated VPN service providers have it included, it's really an achievement for Malwarebytes.

On top of that, their connection will be protected by AES-256 encryption enhanced with ChaCha20 ciphers. This means that no hacker will be able to brute-force through it. Not to mention that Malwarebytes doesn't leave any backdoors to your data with a strict no-logs policy.

Remediation map

The Malwarebytes remediation map is a unique online tool that showcases where the antivirus succeeded when others failed in real time. To be precise, it highlights instances when Malwarebytes detects potential threats on devices with other antivirus products installed.

The left side of the screen shows third-party antivirus provider names and the number of times Malwarebytes beat it since visiting the website. Meanwhile, the map occupies the rest of the screen, showing the occurrence locations in real time.

It’s worth noting that the map only highlights detections on Windows devices. It also doesn’t consider how users have configured the other antivirus software, whether it’s up to date, or launched recently. As such, you should take the map’s findings with a grain of salt rather than proof that Malwarebytes is superior to other antivirus services.

Plans and pricing

There are three primary plans for Malwarebytes antivirus: the Free version, the Premium version, and the Premium + Privacy version. Let’s take a look at how they differ.

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Malwarebytes Free

Once your 14-day Premium trial ends, you are left with the free version of Malwarebytes antivirus. Is it any good? Well, all it does is scan your device and remove threats that are already there.

In other words, it lacks one of the most important features of any antivirus software – real-time protection. This means that you need another antivirus solution to protect you when browsing the web or simply doing your everyday tasks.

Of course, Malwarebytes Free is a good solution when your computer is already infected. And let’s get real – most free antivirus programs don’t offer real-time protection, so we shouldn't be too harsh on Malwarebytes.

However, in the future, I’d like to see more free features. Otherwise, Malwarebytes might not withstand the competition.

Malwarebytes Premium

Malwarebytes Premium is the full version of the software. You get a taste of it during your 14-day trial. Afterward, you need to buy a yearly subscription if you want the program to continue protecting your device in real time.

This edition includes everything covered in this Malwarebytes review: the different kinds of scans (including the daily Threat scan), all the Real-Time Protection features (Web, Malware, Ransomware, Exploit), as well as the possibility of getting Device Alerts that warn you about security issues with your devices.

Currently, there is a discount for Malwarebytes Premium – it costs $38.24 a year. It covers only one device and is available for Windows, iOS, Android, macOS, and Chrome devices.

Malwarebytes Premium + Privacy

Finally, we have Malwarebytes Premium + Privacy. This version comes with a VPN, which will protect your privacy while browsing.

Their VPN is quite good – it offers over 42 countries, each having lots of different servers (500+ in total).

This package of antivirus software and a VPN costs $99.99 a year. In comparison to other antivirus programs, this is quite costly. I suggest you buy this edition only if you’ll surely use the program and the VPN.

Right now, the VPN is available for Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS – the version for Chrome will come in the near future.

Is Malwarebytes good value for money?

Yes, Malwarebytes is good value for money. The subscription prices are on par with what other service providers are currently offering. And it doesn’t lag behind – you get excellent real-time protection, protection against phishing sites, and a speedy VPN.

Malwarebytes also branches out its offering, so you can choose a budget-friendly option (which is free) or one of their paid subscription plans. The free version has amazing value, too, as you can start the essential clean-up without spending a single penny.

How to download and install Malwarebytes

1. Head over to the Malwarebytes website and choose your plan
2. Download the installer. The download will start automatically, and you will be prompted to save the installer file to your computer
3. Once the installer file has finished downloading, locate it on your computer and double-click to run it. Follow the prompts to install the software on your computer
4. Launch Malwarebytes
5. That’s it! Start scanning your computer for malware and other security threats

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Features and ease of use

During our in-house tests, we tried Malwarebytes antivirus hands on – from installing to setting up and testing various features. Overall, Malwarebytes did great to provide you with exceptionally pleasing ease of use and setup.

Additionally, if you want to use the free trial only – no email address or payment information is required. You can try it safely and without any risk in a few steps.

Take a look at what you shall experience on different operating systems:

Windows

Like the majority of antivirus programs, Malwarebytes is extremely easy to install. After a few clicks and a couple of minutes, you’re all set. Keep in mind that during the installation process, Malwarebytes will ask you whether you want the Browser Guard extension.

At first glance, Malwarebytes looks quite simplistic. The dashboard displays the Scanner, Detection History, Real-Time Protection, VPN, and Trusted Advisor features. To find more stuff, you have to dig a bit deeper. For example, to access different virus scans, you have to open the Scanner window and then click on “advanced scanners.”

However, if you want to have more control over how Malwarebytes functions, you’ll have to go to Settings. For this, simply click the Settings button in the top-right corner of the screen.

For example, you can disable notifications, turn on device alerts, choose from over 10 languages, and even select the program’s visual theme (light or dark).

All in all, in this Malwarebytes review, I can firmly say that the program’s user interface is really intuitive and easy to navigate – something that I’d expect from a popular brand like this.

macOS

Visually, their macOS app looks quite similar. The malware scans are about as fast, so there are no strange performance drops just because the platform is different.

That said, the similarities end there. Apple users once again get a barebones version of what Windows users are getting. It does feature a Quick Scan and other means of malware protection, but that's about it.

The only unique toggle included in the Mac version is the App block, which blocks untrusted apps from running in the background. Although Gatekeeper is included by default, I didn't notice any differences in functionality.

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Malwarebytes mobile apps

Both Android and iOS have mobile apps. Although visually they look the same, the features that you get will be different.

Android version

Android has a fully-fledged Malwarebytes scanning. It even tells you that you have Developer Mode, NFC, and Android Beam enabled. It generally isn't intrusive and doesn't restrict your usage if you don't give the app all the permissions that it asks.

However, they do tell you exactly how the permissions will be used and why they are needed. This is something that I'd like to see from more developers.

iOS version

iOS only has protection against malicious URLs, unwanted callers, and text message filtering. So, as is often the case with iOS antivirus counterparts, it pales in comparison.

Upon opening the app, users are presented with a dashboard that displays the device's protection status. Sadly, a malware scanner is not available on the iOS app. Malwarebytes claims that “It is not possible for an iOS app to scan for malware. Fortunately, the risk of getting malware on an iOS device is low and Apple has a stringent review process regarding app admission into the App Store.” However, users can access various features such as web protection, ad blocking, call protection, etc.

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Customer support

If you encounter any problems while installing or using Malwarebytes, click the Help icon on the top-right corner of the dashboard. This will open a window with various links to program guides and frequently asked questions, as well as a download link for the support tool that will fix some of your issues automatically. You can also get help via the live chat option.

Alternatively, you can click on the button that says “Malwarebytes Support,” press “Help” at the bottom-right corner of the screen, and type in your question. Then, the support bot will give you lots of FAQ links and an option that says “Get in touch.” It finally allows you to fill in a form, provide your email address, and start waiting for an answer (that might take a few days).

Video review

If you wish to learn about this provider in a video format, check out our Malwarebytes review on YouTube below:

Is Malwarebytes good and worth the money?

Malwarebytes is a decent antivirus tool. In comparison to its previous versions, it has greatly improved in terms of performance and malware detection rates. The current version will surely protect your device even from zero-day threats.

However, there are some downsides, too. Even though Malwarebytes is safe and good enough for an experienced user, those who are not really tech-savvy might struggle a little when encountering a problem. That’s because Malwarebytes is a bit limited in the customer support department, offering only email support and FAQ sections.

Also, the program is a bit pricey (especially if you consider the Premium + Privacy version). So, if I had to pick the best version, I’d go with Malwarebytes Premium. It is better than Malwarebytes Free in terms of safety (as it offers real-time protection), and it’s not as expensive as the Privacy suite.

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