Malwarebytes is an efficient and straightforward antivirus software that performs well in protection and functionality, yet it doesn’t offer some essential contemporary features.
Recent independent evaluations reveal that Malwarebytes provides an almost flawless detection rate of 99% for both zero-day and common malware threats. It also includes a few unique features, such as the Browser Guard, functioning as an ad-blocker, and the Exploit Protection, which guards against expose attacks.
However, a couple of distinct features do not make up for the absence of several key antivirus components that Malwarebytes doesn’t provide. These include a firewall, parental control, and data breach monitoring. While it could serve as a reliable defense tool for those who already employ additional security tools and don’t require a multipurpose antivirus, considering the existence of other reputable antivirus software with a better cost-quality ratio does alter the perspective.
In this review of Malwarebytes, we aim to provide clear and concise answers to your important questions, review the product’s test scores, performance, security features, and other vital aspects.
Table of Contents
Malwarebytes How Good Is Tt?
Indeed, Malwarebytes ranks high as an exceptional antivirus service. It possesses real-time malware prevention capabilities, can thwart ransomware attempts before they compromise your system, and safeguards users from unintentionally accessing malevolent websites. Additionally, it can cleanse your computer or smartphone of any existing malware.
Malwarebytes employs advanced virus detection techniques and presents a multitude of security features to defend against a wide range of online threats. However, it does lack an built-in firewall and its free version only includes malware scans, with other features being accessible exclusively through a premium subscription.
It’s also crucial to note that Malwarebytes fell victim to a cyber attack in 2021, during which some of their internal emails were breached by the same cybercriminals behind the SolarWinds hack. Despite a portion of their internal emails being leaked, there is no evidence to suggest that any user data was compromised.
Performance Tests
Before initiating any antivirus software download, it’s recommended to read its reviews and scrutinize its independent test results. Understandably, you wouldn’t want your computer to be the guinea pig – that’s a job for testing labs. Malwarebytes chose to join AV testing in 2018 and has been demonstrating continuous improvement since.
The testing results from June 2023 for Malwarebytes show satisfactory, albeit not perfect, performance. It scored 6 points in both Usability category and Performance, while scores 5.5 in the areas of Protection .(Click here to view our other article for more information.)
For those keeping tabs, they might notice a slight fall in scores compared to past evaluations. Currently, AV Test does not rank Malwarebytes as a leading product. However, the latest version 4.6 demonstrates impressive malware detection rates of 99.9% for common malware and 99.2% for zero-day threats.
Furthermore, Malwarebytes entered the AV Comparatives testing arena in 2021, where independent experts measured its performance in areas such as Real-World Protection, malware protection, and system performance.
Real-World Protection tests assess the efficacy of all security-related features in a web environment. Recent test results indicate that Malwarebytes Premium effectively blocks threats ranging from 99.4% to 99.6%.
On the other hand, malware protection tests run malicious files directly on the system, bypassing web platforms. Regrettably, Malwarebytes’ performance in this category didn’t fare as well, garnering a classification of ‘standard’ security from the expert panel.
Features
While Malwarebytes does provide a range of beneficial features, it doesn’t compete with the extensive offerings from other leading antivirus software like Avast or McAfee. For instance, components such as Parental Controls, a firewall, or a password manager are absent from the Malwarebytes antivirus suite. However, it does ensure all essential features are covered, including virus protection and file quarantine. Therefore, Malwarebytes sets itself apart as a solid, straightforward antivirus solution that prioritizes the basics.
Real-time Protection
Real-time protection is a significant component that comes exclusively with the Premium version of Malwarebytes. This essential feature operates in the background, stopping a variety of online threats like viruses, malware, and ransomware from infiltrating your device. While providing potent security, it has a negligible impact on system resources and hardly affects CPU usage.
The Real-Time Protection facet of Malwarebytes encompasses four key sectors: Web Protection, which wards off harmful websites; Malware and PUP Protection, safeguarding against malicious programs; Ransomware Protection, preventing data hijacking; and Exploit Protection, defending against vulnerabilities in software.
Exploit protection
The Exploit Protection feature, although part of the Real-Time Protection suite, warrants special mention. This sophisticated security feature focuses on warding off exploit attacks that target security loopholes and software vulnerabilities in applications.
Such attacks are more covert than standard viruses, as they can infiltrate your system simply by opening an infected page or file. Fortunately, with Malwarebytes Premium, your system is well-protected. It essentially creates a ‘shield’ around susceptible applications to prevent malicious codes from exploiting their security weaknesses.
Multiple system scan modes
If you’re considering reinstalling Malwarebytes antivirus software after using it a few years ago, you may notice some changes in the scan modes. In the previous version, Version 3, Malwarebytes offered four scan types: Full, Threat, Hyper, and Path.
However, with Version 4, the scan modes were simplified to just three: Quick, Custom, and Threat scan. This shift was seemingly an adjustment to align with market standards and common terminology. This arrangement remained the same in the following release, Version 5.
One critical detail to remember is that Malwarebytes can execute only a single scan at any given moment. This means you cannot simultaneously run a system scan and inspect a specific file for viruses. Therefore, it’s advisable to plan your on-demand scans suitably.
Quick Scan: With a minimal duration of up to one minute and using a mere 0.0 to 0.2% of CPU, the Quick Scan by Malwarebytes checks your device’s memory and startup objects for any active threats.
Threat Scan: Exclusive to Malwarebytes Premium users, this scan is automatically performed daily. It comprehensively inspects memory objects, startup items, registry objects, and file system objects. Additionally, it conducts a heuristic analysis, enhancing future protection. It’s important to note that while extensive, this isn’t a full scan and won’t cover every aspect of your system.
Custom Scan: This scan offers flexibility for users who wish to conduct a comprehensive system check. The duration relies heavily on
What sets Malwarebytes apart is its speed and minimal CPU usage, regardless of the selected scan type. This is a standout feature when compared to slower antivirus software, like McAfee.
However, the absence of a dedicated Full Scan can be a little disheartening. On a positive note, for those who prefer a hands-on approach, it allows users to customize settings. You can adjust the app’s update frequency for its malware list, decide on the default scan parameters, and choose if Malwarebytes should serve as your primary or secondary antivirus. You even have control over the actions to be taken upon the detection of PUP or PUM, tailoring the experience to your specific needs.
Browser Protection
Malwarebytes Browser Guard is a free browser extension for platforms like Google Chrome, Firefox, and Microsoft Edge. This handy add-on is designed to block ads and shield you from third-party trackers, malware, online scams, and Potentially Unwanted Programs (PUPs). This extension is bundled with your Malwarebytes antivirus software, but its installation is entirely your choice.
The primary function of the Browser Guard extension lies in its ability to deter harmful websites and scripts, putting a halt to irksome pop-up ads and other invasive digital components. It scans your downloads for potential malware and threats, adding an extra layer of security. A prominent feature is its robust anti-phishing mechanism, which identifies and stops fraudulent websites that aim to pilfer your personal data.
In addition to security, Malwarebytes Browser Guard enhances your browsing speed by hindering ads and unnecessary content from loading. Plus, with a special focus on privacy, it blocks cookies from third-party trackers, ensuring your browsing remains confidential.
VPN
The Malwarebytes Premium + Privacy plan boasts an impressive in-built Virtual Private Network (VPN) feature. This VPN, though bundled with an antivirus, rivals many standalone VPN providers. With coverage extending across 42+ countries and over 500 servers, it might not be the largest network, but it offers ample choices for secure connections.
One standout feature of this VPN is its incorporation of the current popular WireGuard tunneling protocol. Not all VPN providers have this feature, making it a notable accomplishment for Malwarebytes.
Moreover, your connection is safeguarded by robust AES-256 encryption, fortified further with ChaCha20 ciphers. This high-level security ensures your data is safe from brute-force attacks by hackers. In line with its commitment to privacy, Malwarebytes also adheres to a strict no-logs policy, leaving no backdoors to your data.
Remediation map
Malwarebytes’ unique remediation map is an innovative online tool that showcases real-time instances where this antivirus has spotted potential threats on devices that already have other antivirus products installed. In other words, it presents cases where Malwarebytes has outperformed other antivirus tools.
The data is displayed in an interactive manner – with the right side of the screen listing third-party antivirus providers and indicating how frequently Malwarebytes has bested them since accessing the website. The main part of the screen exhibits a dynamic map pinpointing the locations of these detections.
However, it’s worth mentioning that the map only reflects detections on Windows devices. It also does not account for user configurations of the other antivirus software, whether these services are current or how promptly they are activated. Hence, the data presented should be seen more as an indication rather than definitive proof of Malwarebytes’ superiority over other antivirus services.
Pricing
Malwarebytes offers a basic version that is free and useful in malware and spyware removal. However, upgrading to the premium edition unlocks a host of valuable features including real-time protection, ransomware protection, and scheduled scanning. The premium plan starts at $39.99/year for one device.Another subscription is the Malwarebytes Premium plus Privacy which costs $59.99 per year for 5 devices. The difference between these two subscriptions is that the former one includes a VPN to help you remain anonymous online.
If you linger on the purchase page for a few seconds, usually, you will receive an additional 25% discount, which eventually would be $33 per year for the Premium Plan.
Compatibility with Devices
When it comes to device compatibility, Malwarebytes shows top-notch performance. It seamlessly integrates with many of the popular desktop and mobile platforms. Moreover, it boosts user experience by offering browser extensions for hassle-free browsing.
Mac OS:
Mobile Apps
Malwarebytes Help and Customer Support
Malwarebytes has an extensive knowledge base, webinars, and forums that provide useful information on its products. Premium users enjoy priority support with faster response times. You can contact support through email, but keep in mind that they don’t offer live chat or phone support.
Is Malwarebytes worthy ?
Indeed, Malwarebytes offers great value for the money you invest. Its pricing aligns with what similar service providers are charging, and it delivers quality services in return – such as real-time protection, defense against phishing sites, and a fast VPN.
Additionally, Malwarebytes has a diverse range of offerings, including a free version that provides excellent utility at no cost, making it a budget-friendly choice. They also offer several paid subscription plans for those who want to upgrade for enhanced features. The free version itself is quite valuable, enabling users to initiate crucial clean-up tasks without any financial commitment.