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Head-to-head · Anti-Phishing Software

Microsoft Defender SmartScreen vs Malwarebytes Browser Guard

  • Updated Oct 2026
  • Both researched from official sources
  • 7 checks side by side
Higher score Microsoft Defender SmartScreen #6 in Anti-Phishing Software 8.8/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 5 of 6 features Visit Microsoft
Malwarebytes Browser Guard #7 in Anti-Phishing Software 8.6/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 0 of 6 features Visit Malwarebytes

Microsoft Defender SmartScreen leads on 0 checks, Malwarebytes Browser Guard on 0, and 7 are even. Who comes out ahead on the 7 yes/no, price and count checks where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.

Our verdict

  • Highest scoreMicrosoft Defender SmartScreen · 8.8/10
  • Free planboth
  • Most featuresMicrosoft Defender SmartScreen · 5 of 6

Microsoft Defender SmartScreen scores higher on our rubric for anti-phishing software: 8.8 against 8.6 out of 10; our editors rank them #6 and #7.

Microsoft Defender SmartScreen is the better fit for windows users and Microsoft-managed organizations. Malwarebytes Browser Guard is the better fit for free browser protection with scam and skimmer blocking.

  • Microsoft Defender SmartScreen fits best

    Windows users and Microsoft-managed organizations

  • Malwarebytes Browser Guard fits best

    Free browser protection with scam and skimmer blocking

Advertiser disclosure: iTechGuides is reader-supported. Vendors can pay for top positions in our rankings and for a place on other products' pages, and we may earn a commission when you click some links. How we rank.

Side by side

Feature Microsoft Defender SmartScreen 8.8/10 Visit ↗ Malwarebytes Browser Guard 8.6/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score 8.8 8.6
Ranking #6 in Anti-Phishing Software #7 in Anti-Phishing Software
Best for Windows users and Microsoft-managed organizations 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 Desktop, Browser extension Browser extension
Platforms Windows Windows, macOS, Chrome extension
Support Docs Docs
Built for Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise Solo, Small business
Features Microsoft Defender SmartScreen 5/6 · Malwarebytes Browser Guard 0/6
Phishing URL blocking ✓ (best) Not checked yet
Email phishing detection — Not checked yet
Browser protection ✓ (best) Not checked yet
Credential protection ✓ (best) Not checked yet
Real-time scanning ✓ (best) Not checked yet
Threat detection dashboard ✓ (best) Not checked yet
Our review
Pros
  • Checks URLs and webpages for phishing and suspicious behavior
  • Checks downloaded files and apps against reputation data
  • Supports policy management through Group Policy and Intune
  • Blocks phishing, scams, malware, and credit-card skimmers
  • Combines ad, tracker, cookie, and GDPR banner blocking
  • Offers site controls, allow lists, and content blocking
Cons
  • Email phishing detection is not included
  • Credential warnings depend on supported Windows 11 configurations
  • Organization reporting requires Microsoft Defender for Endpoint
  • Browser-extension protection, not a standalone email filter
  • Desktop coverage rather than mobile device coverage
  • Support is limited to documentation
Our verdict

Microsoft Defender SmartScreen is a built-in Windows and Microsoft Edge security feature for people and organizations seeking protection from phishing and malicious content while browsing. It checks visited URLs against reported threat…

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 →
  1. Microsoft Defender SmartScreenAnti-Phishing Software 8.8Free plan
  2. Malwarebytes Browser GuardAnti-Phishing Software 8.6Free plan

Strengths and trade-offs

  • Microsoft Defender SmartScreen — where it wins

    • Checks URLs and webpages for phishing and suspicious behavior
    • Checks downloaded files and apps against reputation data
    • Supports policy management through Group Policy and Intune

    Where it doesn't

    • Email phishing detection is not included
    • Credential warnings depend on supported Windows 11 configurations
    • Organization reporting requires Microsoft Defender for Endpoint

  • 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
  • Microsoft Defender SmartScreen8.8/10 · Free plan

    A free Windows and Edge safeguard for suspicious sites, downloads, and credential entry.

    Visit MicrosoftFull 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

All Anti-Phishing software comparisons → · Full ranking →

Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026

Last updated · How we research and update