ESET vs Malwarebytes
ESET leads Malwarebytes by 0.6 points overall (8.3 vs 7.7).
8.3/10, Very good
7.7/10, Very good
Criterion by criterion
Where each one wins
ESET9.0
Long-standing strong results in AV-Comparatives testing.
Protection record
35% weight
Malwarebytes7.5
Good cleanup ability; we could not confirm a full set of recent lab results.
ESET9.0
Known for very low system impact in lab performance tests.
System impact
15% weight
Malwarebytes8.5
Lightweight scanner that runs alongside other antivirus.
ESET7.5
Fair mid-range pricing and a generous 30-day trial.
Value for money
20% weight
Malwarebytes7.5
Free scanner is genuinely useful; Premium is mid-priced.
ESET7.5
Firewall, banking protection and anti-theft on higher tiers.
Extra features
15% weight
Malwarebytes6.5
Fewer extras than full suites.
ESET7.5
Clean apps, plus Linux support; advanced settings are detailed.
Ease of use & platforms
15% weight
Malwarebytes9.0
Very simple apps across many platforms, including ChromeOS.
Published facts
Side by side
| Fact | ESET | Malwarebytes |
|---|---|---|
| Free version | No | Yes |
| Money-back window | Not published | Not published |
| Free trial | 30-day free trial | 14-day Premium trial |
| In AV-TEST or AV-Comparatives tests | Yes | Not published |
| Main platforms | Windows, macOS, Linux, Android | Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, ChromeOS |
| Company base | Slovakia | United States |
Verdict
Which should you pick?
Choose ESET if…
You want something best for people who want strong protection with minimal slowdown.
- + Very light on system resources
- + Strong lab track record
- + 30-day free trial
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
ESET vs Malwarebytes: quick answers
Is ESET better than Malwarebytes?
ESET leads Malwarebytes by 0.6 points overall (8.3 vs 7.7). ESET scores higher on protection record, system impact, extra features. Malwarebytes scores higher on ease of use & platforms.
Who should choose Malwarebytes over ESET?
Malwarebytes is best for cleaning up an infected PC or getting a second opinion. ESET is best for people who want strong protection with minimal slowdown.
How were ESET 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.