Bitdefender had a small edge in AV-TEST’s March–April 2026 Windows 11 results, but that single lab round does not establish a universal winner. Bitdefender Total Security 27.0 scored 18/18, while Malwarebytes Premium 5.5 scored 17.5/18. Both earned full marks for performance and usability; Bitdefender’s advantage was 0.5 point in protection. For a real-world choice, compare the plan features, device and operating-system coverage, and current price in your region.
What the latest cited test says
AV-TEST evaluated 14 home-user security products on Windows 11 during March and April 2026. It tested the products’ default settings, using current publicly available versions, allowing updates and cloud queries, and applying realistic threat scenarios. The lab awards up to six points each for protection, performance, and usability; 17.5 points or more qualifies for its Top Product award. See AV-TEST’s Windows home-user results for the test and product details.
| Product and tested version | Protection | Performance | Usability | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Malwarebytes Premium 5.5 | 5.5/6 | 6/6 | 6/6 | 17.5/18 |
| Bitdefender Total Security 27.0 | 6/6 | 6/6 | 6/6 | 18/18 |
In AV-TEST’s same round, Malwarebytes detected 97.7% of zero-day attacks in April’s real-world protection test, compared with 98.9% in March. It detected 99.9% of the widespread and prevalent malware reference set in both months. Bitdefender reported 100% protection against zero-day attacks in March and April and 100% detection of that reference set in both months. These are results for the named versions, platform, dates, and lab method—not a guarantee for another device, operating system, version, or future test.
The scores also are not a complete ranking of antivirus products. Microsoft Defender scored 6/6 in all three categories in the same AV-TEST round, so Windows users who only need basic malware protection may want to compare it with either paid option.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
#1 Best Overall
How to choose between them
Choose based on protection evidence, not a universal winner
If your decision rests only on this AV-TEST round, Bitdefender leads by half a point in protection and the products tie for performance and usability. That is a narrow result from one Windows 11 test window. It does not prove that Bitdefender will be better on every system or that the same difference will persist in another test.
Check whether the plan includes the protection you expect
Malwarebytes distinguishes its free scanning and cleanup features from paid protection. On Windows, its feature guide lists real-time protection, web protection, and scheduled threat scans among paid features; included features differ by operating system. Its Windows Premium Security page describes real-time protection against malware and ransomware, protection from malicious websites and scams, and Browser Guard. Those descriptions explain the vendor’s stated product scope, not independent test results. Review Malwarebytes’ feature guide and its Windows Premium Security page for the exact edition and platform you intend to use.
Rank #2
Bitdefender’s U.S. Premium Security page describes protection for Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS, with an individual five-device configuration. The page also advertises features such as VPN and password management, depending on plan. Confirm the local edition’s device limits and included features on Bitdefender’s Premium Security page; do not assume that a U.S. plan description applies in another country.
Match devices and systems to the subscription
For a Windows-only PC, compare the Windows features you actually need, including real-time prevention, web protection, and scanning. For a household with Macs, phones, or tablets, check supported operating systems and the number of covered devices before comparing price. A multi-device plan is not automatically better value if it lacks a needed feature or covers devices you do not use.
Compare the full subscription terms
There is no stable, directly comparable price established here for equivalent Malwarebytes and Bitdefender plans across regions. A U.S. Bitdefender Premium Security individual-plan page displayed $79.99 USD when accessed October 4, 2026; that page price is volatile and is not directly comparable to Malwarebytes offers with different regions, device counts, or promotions. Verify the amount and terms at checkout.
- Use the same country or region and currency.
- Match the number and type of devices covered.
- Compare the same subscription duration and features.
- Check whether the displayed amount is introductory or recurring, and what renewal will cost.
Bottom line: which antivirus is right for you?
Choose Bitdefender if its current local plan covers your devices and desired features at a price and renewal term you accept; it had the higher protection score in the cited AV-TEST round. Choose Malwarebytes if its current plan better fits your protection needs, device mix, or budget. For Windows users who do not need paid extras, consider Microsoft Defender as another option. The best fit depends on the plan and devices you will actually use, not on a half-point difference alone.
Quick Recap
Rank #4
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
