#7 of 7 in Antivirus software
Malwarebytes review
Best known for its free on-demand malware scanner, Malwarebytes also sells Premium with real-time protection. It is often used as a second-opinion cleaner.
Last checked · Available: Global
7.7/10, Very good
5 criteria
Strongest on ease of use & platforms (9.0).
See every score and reasonScorecard
How Malwarebytes scores
Good cleanup ability; we could not confirm a full set of recent lab results.
Lightweight scanner that runs alongside other antivirus.
Free scanner is genuinely useful; Premium is mid-priced.
Fewer extras than full suites.
Very simple apps across many platforms, including ChromeOS.
Best for
Cleaning up an infected PC or getting a second opinion.
Not ideal for
Users who want a feature-heavy suite.
Trade-offs
Pros and cons
What stands out
- Useful free on-demand scanner
- Simple, uncluttered apps
- Works alongside other antivirus
Worth knowing
- Real-time protection requires Premium
- Fewer extras than full security suites
At a glance
Key facts and pricing
- Free version
- Yes
- Money-back window
- Not published
- Free trial
- 14-day Premium trial
- In AV-TEST or AV-Comparatives tests
- Not published
- Main platforms
- Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, ChromeOS
- Company base
- United States
- Price band
- Mid-range
- Founded
- 2008
- Based in
- United States
Pricing: Free scanner with a Premium trial; paid plans add real-time protection and are sold by device count. Free plan: yes (on-demand scanner).
Head to head
Compare Malwarebytes with
Also consider
Malwarebytes alternatives
Questions
Malwarebytes: common questions
Is Malwarebytes good?
Malwarebytes scores 7.7 out of 10 in our antivirus software scorecard, rank 7 of 7. Best known for its free on-demand malware scanner, Malwarebytes also sells Premium with real-time protection. It is often used as a second-opinion cleaner.
Who is Malwarebytes best for?
Best for cleaning up an infected PC or getting a second opinion. Less suited to users who want a feature-heavy suite.
How much does Malwarebytes cost?
Free scanner with a Premium trial; paid plans add real-time protection and are sold by device count. Free plan: yes (on-demand scanner).
What are Malwarebytes's key terms and features?
Free version: Yes; Free trial: 14-day Premium trial; Main platforms: Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, ChromeOS; Company base: United States. As published by the brand, last checked 2026-11-01.
What is a good alternative to Malwarebytes?
Bitdefender (8.7/10) is the top-scoring option in the same list. See the full antivirus software ranking for every alternative.
Transparency
Sources and how we make money
Sources we used
Checked 1 Nov 2026. Brands change terms often; confirm on the brand's site before you buy.
How we make money
Some links to brands may earn AltFTool a commission. That never changes a score, a rank or whether a brand is listed. Scores come only from the criteria above.
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