Head-to-head · Antivirus for Mac
Bitdefender Antivirus for Mac vs Malwarebytes for Mac
Bitdefender Antivirus for Mac leads on 0 checks, Malwarebytes for Mac on 1, and 5 are even. Who comes out ahead on the 6 yes/no, price and count checks where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.
Our verdict
- Highest scoreBitdefender Antivirus for Mac · 9.2/10
- Free planonly Malwarebytes for Mac
- Free trialonly Bitdefender Antivirus for Mac
- Most featuresBitdefender Antivirus for Mac · 4 of 5
Bitdefender Antivirus for Mac scores higher on our rubric for antivirus for mac: 9.2 against 9.0 out of 10; our editors rank them #2 and #4.
Malwarebytes for Mac offers free plan; Bitdefender Antivirus for Mac doesn't. On coverage scope, Malwarebytes for Mac gives you Multi-device where Bitdefender Antivirus for Mac offers Mac-only.
Bitdefender Antivirus for Mac is the better fit for mac-focused protection at a low annual price. Malwarebytes for Mac is the better fit for free Mac-only malware and web protection.
- Bitdefender Antivirus for Mac fits best
Mac-focused protection at a low annual price
- Malwarebytes for Mac fits best
Free Mac-only malware and web protection
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Side by side
| Feature | Bitdefender Antivirus for Mac 9.2/10 Visit ↗ | Malwarebytes for Mac 9.0/10 Visit ↗ |
|---|---|---|
| At a glance | ||
| Editor score | 9.2 | 9.0 |
| Ranking | #2 in Antivirus for Mac | #4 in Antivirus for Mac |
| Best for | Mac-focused protection at a low annual price | Free Mac-only malware and web protection |
| Pricing model | Paid | Free plan + paid |
| Starting price | $24.99/device/yr | — |
| Free plan | — | ✓ (best) |
| Free trial | 30 days | — |
| Money-back guarantee | 30 days | 60 days |
| Deployment | Desktop, Browser extension | Desktop, Browser extension |
| Platforms | macOS, Chrome extension | macOS, Chrome extension |
| Support | Email, Docs | Community, Docs · 24/7 |
| Built for | Solo, Small business | Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise |
| Features Bitdefender Antivirus for Mac 4/5 · Malwarebytes for Mac 3/5 | ||
| Ransomware protection | ✓ | ✓ |
| Phishing protection | ✓ | ✓ |
| Real-time protection | ✓ | ✓ |
| VPN included | ✓ (best) | Not checked yet |
| Password manager | Not checked yet | Not checked yet |
| Specs | ||
| Coverage scope | Mac-only | Multi-device |
| Devices included | 1 devices | 1 devices |
| Our review | ||
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| Our verdict | Bitdefender Antivirus for Mac is a paid macOS security application for individual Mac users who want protection for one or three devices. It detects and removes malware such as ransomware, adware, viruses, spyware, Trojans, keyloggers, and… Read the review → |
Malwarebytes for Mac is a freemium security product for Mac users who want malware scanning, ongoing protection, and safeguards against harmful websites and scams. Its free offering includes on-demand and real-time scanning, malicious-site… Read the review → |
Strengths and trade-offs
Bitdefender Antivirus for Mac — where it wins
- Real-time protection covers viruses and ransomware
- Safe Files and Time Machine Protection help protect backups and files
- 30-day trial available before purchase
Where it doesn't
- Coverage is limited to macOS and a Chrome extension
- Basic VPN is limited to 200 MB/day/device
- Renewal pricing may be higher than first-term pricing
Malwarebytes for Mac — where it wins
- Free on-demand and real-time malware scanning
- Web protection, Scam Guard, and Browser Guard coverage
- Scheduled scans, quarantine, App Block, and security recommendations
Where it doesn't
- Standard plan covers one device
- Browser Guard is provided as a browser extension
- Mac protection is narrower than the broader multi-device plans
- Bitdefender Antivirus for Mac9.2/10 · 30-day trial
Focused Mac protection with ransomware coverage, web defenses, and a 30-day trial.
Visit BitdefenderFull verdict → - Malwarebytes for Mac9.0/10 · Free plan
A focused Mac security tool with free scanning, real-time protection, and web safeguards.
Visit MalwarebytesFull verdict →
Bitdefender Antivirus for Mac vs Malwarebytes for Mac: questions
Which is better for antivirus for mac, Bitdefender Antivirus for Mac or Malwarebytes for Mac?
Bitdefender Antivirus for Mac scores higher on our rubric for antivirus for mac: 9.2 against 9.0 out of 10; our editors rank them #2 and #4.
How do Bitdefender Antivirus for Mac and Malwarebytes for Mac compare?
Of the 6 checks we put side by side, Bitdefender Antivirus for Mac leads on none, Malwarebytes for Mac on 1, and 5 are level. Free plan only on Malwarebytes for Mac.
Do Bitdefender Antivirus for Mac and Malwarebytes for Mac have a free plan?
Bitdefender Antivirus for Mac: No. Malwarebytes for Mac: Yes.
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- Avira Free Security vs Malwarebytes for Mac
All antivirus for mac comparisons → · Full ranking →
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Nov 2026
Last updated · How we research and update