Bitdefender vs Malwarebytes
Bitdefender leads Malwarebytes by 1.0 points overall (8.7 vs 7.7).
8.7/10, Excellent
7.7/10, Very good
Criterion by criterion
Where each one wins
Bitdefender9.5
Regularly among the top scorers in AV-TEST and AV-Comparatives reports.
Protection record
35% weight
Malwarebytes7.5
Good cleanup ability; we could not confirm a full set of recent lab results.
Bitdefender8.5
Lab reports typically show low system impact.
System impact
15% weight
Malwarebytes8.5
Lightweight scanner that runs alongside other antivirus.
Bitdefender8.0
Free Windows edition and strong first-year pricing; renewals rise.
Value for money
20% weight
Malwarebytes7.5
Free scanner is genuinely useful; Premium is mid-priced.
Bitdefender8.5
Suites add web protection, firewall, a limited VPN and parental controls.
Extra features
15% weight
Malwarebytes6.5
Fewer extras than full suites.
Bitdefender8.0
Clean apps on all major platforms with an autopilot mode.
Ease of use & platforms
15% weight
Malwarebytes9.0
Very simple apps across many platforms, including ChromeOS.
Published facts
Side by side
| Fact | Bitdefender | Malwarebytes |
|---|---|---|
| Free version | Yes | Yes |
| Money-back window | Not published | Not published |
| Free trial | Free trial of paid suites | 14-day Premium trial |
| In AV-TEST or AV-Comparatives tests | Yes | Not published |
| Main platforms | Windows, macOS, Android, iOS | Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, ChromeOS |
| Company base | Romania | United States |
Verdict
Which should you pick?
Choose Bitdefender if…
You want something best for people who want top-tier protection with low fuss.
- + Consistently strong lab results
- + Free edition for Windows
- + Low system impact
Choose Malwarebytes if…
You want something best for cleaning up an infected PC or getting a second opinion.
- + Useful free on-demand scanner
- + Simple, uncluttered apps
- + Works alongside other antivirus
Checked 1 Nov 2026.
Questions
Bitdefender vs Malwarebytes: quick answers
Is Bitdefender better than Malwarebytes?
Bitdefender leads Malwarebytes by 1.0 points overall (8.7 vs 7.7). Bitdefender scores higher on protection record, value for money, extra features. Malwarebytes scores higher on ease of use & platforms.
Who should choose Malwarebytes over Bitdefender?
Malwarebytes is best for cleaning up an infected PC or getting a second opinion. Bitdefender is best for people who want top-tier protection with low fuss.
How were Bitdefender and Malwarebytes scored?
Both were scored on the same 5 weighted criteria for antivirus software, using public information such as published plans and terms. We do not lab-test products.