Head-to-head · Anti-Phishing Software
Google Safe Browsing vs Malwarebytes Browser Guard
Google Safe Browsing leads on 0 checks, Malwarebytes Browser Guard on 0, and 5 are even. Who comes out ahead on the 5 yes/no, price and count checks where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.
Our verdict
- Highest scoreGoogle Safe Browsing · 9.4/10
- Free planboth
- Most featuresGoogle Safe Browsing · 4 of 6
Google Safe Browsing scores higher on our rubric for anti-phishing software: 9.4 against 8.6 out of 10; our editors rank them #1 and #7.
Google Safe Browsing is the better fit for free, broad protection across browsers and services. Malwarebytes Browser Guard is the better fit for free browser protection with scam and skimmer blocking.
- Google Safe Browsing fits best
Free, broad protection across browsers and services
- Malwarebytes Browser Guard fits best
Free browser protection with scam and skimmer blocking
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Side by side
| Feature | Google Safe Browsing 9.4/10 Visit ↗ | Malwarebytes Browser Guard 8.6/10 Visit ↗ |
|---|---|---|
| At a glance | ||
| Editor score | 9.4 | 8.6 |
| Ranking | #1 in Anti-Phishing Software | #7 in Anti-Phishing Software |
| Best for | Free, broad protection across browsers and services | Free browser protection with scam and skimmer blocking |
| Pricing model | Free | Free plan + paid |
| Starting price | Free plan | Free plan |
| Free plan | ✓ | ✓ |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Deployment | Cloud, Browser extension | Browser extension |
| Platforms | Web, Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS | Windows, macOS, Chrome extension |
| Built for | Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise | Solo, Small business |
| Features Google Safe Browsing 4/6 · Malwarebytes Browser Guard 0/6 | ||
| Phishing URL blocking | ✓ (best) | Not checked yet |
| Email phishing detection | ✓ (best) | Not checked yet |
| Browser protection | ✓ (best) | Not checked yet |
| Credential protection | Not checked yet | Not checked yet |
| Real-time scanning | ✓ (best) | Not checked yet |
| Threat detection dashboard | Not checked yet | Not checked yet |
| Our review | ||
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| Cons |
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| Our verdict | Google Safe Browsing is a web-threat protection service that warns people before they visit dangerous sites or download harmful files. It is suited to individuals and organizations seeking browser and service-level phishing protection, as… Read the review → |
Malwarebytes Browser Guard is a free browser extension for people who want protection against phishing and scams alongside cleaner browsing. It blocks malicious websites, malware, credit-card skimmers, ads, trackers, and cookie consent… Read the review → |
Strengths and trade-offs
Google Safe Browsing — where it wins
- Warns before visits to dangerous sites or downloads of harmful files
- Checks Gmail links and works with Chrome, Search and Android
- Offers real-time and local-list URL checks through its API
Where it doesn't
- Safe Browsing APIs are restricted to non-commercial use
- Protection is centered on web threats, not a broader security suite
- Real-time checks are associated with Enhanced Safe Browsing
Malwarebytes Browser Guard — where it wins
- Blocks phishing, scams, malware, and credit-card skimmers
- Combines ad, tracker, cookie, and GDPR banner blocking
- Offers site controls, allow lists, and content blocking
Where it doesn't
- Browser-extension protection, not a standalone email filter
- Desktop coverage rather than mobile device coverage
- Support is limited to documentation
- Google Safe Browsing9.4/10 · Free plan
Free web-threat warnings across Google products, browsers and developer APIs.
Visit siteFull verdict → - Malwarebytes Browser Guard8.6/10 · Free plan
A free browser extension for blocking phishing, scams, skimmers, ads, and trackers.
Visit MalwarebytesFull verdict →
More comparisons
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- Google Safe Browsing vs Norton Safe Web
- Google Safe Browsing vs Netcraft Browser Extension
- Google Safe Browsing vs Microsoft Defender SmartScreen
- Google Safe Browsing vs Avast Online Security & Privacy
- Avast Anti-Phishing vs Malwarebytes Browser Guard
- Bitdefender TrafficLight (now Bitdefender Web Sage) vs Malwarebytes Browser Guard
All Anti-Phishing software comparisons → · Full ranking →
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
Last updated · How we research and update