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Head-to-head · Antivirus for Mac

Malwarebytes for Mac vs ESET HOME Security

  • Updated Oct 2026
  • Both researched from official sources
  • 5 checks side by side
Higher score Malwarebytes for Mac #4 in Antivirus for Mac 9.0/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 3 of 5 features Visit Malwarebytes
ESET HOME Security #6 in Antivirus for Mac 8.8/10 30-day trial Free trial✓ 1 of 5 features Visit ESET

Malwarebytes for Mac leads on 1 check, ESET HOME Security on 0, and 4 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 scoreMalwarebytes for Mac · 9.0/10
  • Free planonly Malwarebytes for Mac
  • Free trialonly ESET HOME Security
  • Most featuresMalwarebytes for Mac · 3 of 5

Malwarebytes for Mac scores higher on our rubric for antivirus for mac: 9.0 against 8.8 out of 10; our editors rank them #4 and #6.

Malwarebytes for Mac offers free plan; ESET HOME Security doesn't.

Malwarebytes for Mac is the better fit for free Mac-only malware and web protection. ESET HOME Security is the better fit for families wanting broad security controls.

  • Malwarebytes for Mac fits best

    Free Mac-only malware and web protection

  • ESET HOME Security fits best

    Families wanting broad security controls

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Side by side

Feature Malwarebytes for Mac 9.0/10 Visit ↗ ESET HOME Security 8.8/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score 9.0 8.8
Ranking #4 in Antivirus for Mac #6 in Antivirus for Mac
Best for Free Mac-only malware and web protection Families wanting broad security controls
Pricing model Free plan + paid Paid
Starting price — —
Free plan ✓ (best) —
Free trial — 30 days
Money-back guarantee 60 days 30 days
Deployment Desktop, Browser extension Cloud, Desktop, Mobile
Platforms macOS, Chrome extension Web, Windows, macOS, Android
Support Community, Docs · 24/7 Email, Live chat, Phone, Docs
Built for Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise Solo, Small business
Features Malwarebytes for Mac 3/5 · ESET HOME Security 1/5
Ransomware protection ✓ ✓
Phishing protection ✓ (best) Not checked yet
Real-time protection ✓ (best) Not checked yet
VPN included Not checked yet Not checked yet
Password manager Not checked yet —
Specs
Coverage scope Multi-device Not checked yet
Devices included 1 devices Not checked yet
Our review
Pros
  • Free on-demand and real-time malware scanning
  • Web protection, Scam Guard, and Browser Guard coverage
  • Scheduled scans, quarantine, App Block, and security recommendations
  • Combines antivirus, ransomware, anti-phishing and network protection
  • Higher tiers add VPN, encryption, identity protection and remediation
  • Centralizes devices, subscriptions and security status through ESET HOME
Cons
  • Standard plan covers one device
  • Browser Guard is provided as a browser extension
  • Mac protection is narrower than the broader multi-device plans
  • Paid subscription with no free plan
  • Important capabilities are divided across three tiers
  • Broader controls may be more than a single Mac needs
Our verdict

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 →

ESET HOME Security is a paid cybersecurity suite for individuals and families using Windows, macOS and Android. Its core coverage includes real-time antivirus and antispyware protection, anti-phishing and safe browsing, ransomware…

Read the review →
  1. Malwarebytes for MacAntivirus for Mac 9.0Free plan
  2. ESET HOME SecurityAntivirus for Mac 8.830-day trial

Strengths and trade-offs

  • 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

  • ESET HOME Security — where it wins

    • Combines antivirus, ransomware, anti-phishing and network protection
    • Higher tiers add VPN, encryption, identity protection and remediation
    • Centralizes devices, subscriptions and security status through ESET HOME

    Where it doesn't

    • Paid subscription with no free plan
    • Important capabilities are divided across three tiers
    • Broader controls may be more than a single Mac needs
  • Malwarebytes for Mac9.0/10 · Free plan

    A focused Mac security tool with free scanning, real-time protection, and web safeguards.

    Visit MalwarebytesFull verdict →
  • ESET HOME Security8.8/10 · 30-day trial

    A broad home-security suite for families that need protection beyond antivirus.

    Visit ESETFull verdict →

More comparisons

All antivirus for mac comparisons → · Full ranking →

Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026

Last updated · How we research and update