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Malwarebytes is a cybersecurity company and a family of security products—not just a one-time malware scanner. Its tools include software for detecting and removing malicious programs, paid options for ongoing device protection, a browser extension, a VPN, identity-protection services, and free utilities. What you get depends on your device and subscription.
What is Malwarebytes?
Malwarebytes is the company behind a suite of cybersecurity products for consumers. Its core device-security software scans for and removes malware. Depending on the product and plan, it can also provide real-time protection intended to block threats as they emerge. The company says it began as a free virus remover in 2004 (Malwarebytes).
Malware is a broad term for malicious software; a computer virus is one type of malware. Malwarebytes describes its security products as addressing threats including ransomware, spyware, Trojans, phishing, malicious websites, and other harmful or unwanted software. Those are the vendor’s descriptions of its products, not independent test results (Malwarebytes).
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Yes. Malwarebytes describes its device-security software as antivirus and anti-malware protection. The terms overlap: antivirus software is designed to detect and address viruses, while anti-malware protection covers a wider range of malicious software. The precise protections available depend on the operating system and plan, so “Malwarebytes” alone does not identify one fixed feature set.
#1 Best Overall
![Malwarebytes Standard, Premium Security| Amazon Exclusive | 18 Months, 2 Devices | Windows, Mac OS, Android, Apple iOS, Chrome [Online Code]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41LbYnawq9L._SL160_.jpg)
- AWARD WINNING Antivirus, anti-malware, anti-spyware & more
- 24/7 REAL TIME PROTECTION against emerging malware threats, including ransomware and viruses- without slowing you down.
- PROTECTS YOUR DEVICES ON MULTIPLE PLATFORMS: Get cyber protection for your computers, smartphones, or tablets- Compatible with Windows, Mac, Android, iOS
- DOWNLOAD AND INSTALL INSTANTLY
- UNMATCHED THREAT DETECTION: We found malware on 40 percent of devices that already had a third-party antivirus installed.
What products does Malwarebytes offer?
Device security
The core security products scan devices for malware. Paid offerings include ongoing protections, with features varying across Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, and iPadOS. Malwarebytes’ comparison page lists the availability by platform (Malwarebytes plans and pricing; feature comparison, updated September 8, 2026).
Browser Guard
Browser Guard is a browser extension that Malwarebytes says can block ads, trackers, scams, and malicious web content. It is browser-focused protection, not a replacement for software that scans and protects the device itself (Malwarebytes Browser Guard).
Rank #2
![Malwarebytes Standard, Premium Security + VPN Software | 1 Year, 2 Device | Windows, Mac OS, Android, Apple iOS, Chrome [Online Code]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41jW8jXZyqL._SL160_.jpg)
- Malwarebytes Premium: Available for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android and Chromebook. 24/7 real-time protection against emerging threats
- Malwarebytes Browser Guard: Available for Chrome, Edge, Firefox and Safari. Removes annoying ads that follow you around. Blocks third-party ad trackers that collect your data. Helps protect against tech support and online scams. Blocks malicious web pages, stops in-browser cryptojackers.
- Malwarebytes Privacy: Available for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android. Next-gen, no-log VPN to protect your online digital footprint. Secure public Wi-Fi connections. One-click, intuitive UI to manage your online privacy. 500+ servers in 40+ countries.
Privacy VPN
Malwarebytes offers a Privacy VPN in some bundles. A VPN is for privacy and network connections; it does not perform the same job as anti-malware software. Malwarebytes explains that a VPN does not replace antivirus protection (Malwarebytes’ antivirus and VPN explainer).
Identity protection and free utilities
The company also describes identity-protection services that may include monitoring, alerts, recovery support, and insurance. The exact terms depend on the plan. Its free-tools listing includes Virus Remover, Browser Guard, Digital Footprint Scanner, Personal Data Remover, AdwCleaner, Scam Guard, and Scam Number Check (identity protection; free tools).
Rank #3
![Malwarebytes Standard, Premium Software | 5 Device 1 Year (Windows, Mac OS, Android, Apple iOS, Chrome) [software_key_card]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41u7YlqSaAL._SL160_.jpg)
- AWARD WINNING Antivirus, anti-malware, anti-spyware & more
- 24/7 REAL TIME PROTECTION against emerging malware threats, including ransomware and viruses- without slowing you down
- PROTECTS YOUR DEVICES ON MULTIPLE PLATFORMS: Get cyber protection for your computers, smartphones, or tablets- Compatible with Windows, Mac, Android, iOS devices
- DOWNLOAD AND INSTALL INSTANTLY
- UNMATCHED THREAT DETECTION: We found malware on 40 percent of devices that already had a third-party antivirus installed
What is the difference between free and paid Malwarebytes?
The practical distinction is on-demand cleanup versus ongoing protection. Malwarebytes says the free version can scan for and remove threats. Paid features include real-time protection and other protections that vary by platform. The company describes its free product as useful for cleaning a device or checking for damage after a cyberattack, while paid features are intended to help protect against attacks before they happen (Malwarebytes Help Center, updated September 8, 2026).
There is no single feature list that applies to every device. Before choosing, check the current comparison for your operating system and the subscription terms for your region; bundles, device limits, and included services can change (Malwarebytes plans and pricing; feature comparison).
Rank #4
- THREAT DETECTION – Stay one step ahead. Suspicious links, risky sites, viruses, and scams, caught automatically before they reach you.
- PERSONAL INFO PROTECTION – Keep your personal info safer. Identity monitoring watches for your exposed info and tells you what to do about it.
- SECURE CONNECTIONS – Just a few easy clicks, and we'll automatically protect your info on public Wi‑Fi, every time you connect.
- GUIDED ACTION – Know what matters and what to do next. Clear alerts and simple guidance make it easy to take action.
- MORE THAN ANTIVIRUS – Scam protection, identity monitoring, VPN, web protection, and antivirus work together to protect you, all in one place.
How should you decide whether Malwarebytes fits your needs?
- For a scan or cleanup: Malwarebytes says its free version can scan for and remove threats.
- For ongoing protection: Check paid-plan features for your operating system, especially whether the protections you need are included.
- For browser-focused controls: Review Browser Guard’s supported browser and features.
- For a VPN or identity services: Confirm whether those are part of the specific bundle and read its terms; they are separate functions from malware scanning.
- For multiple devices: Compare the current device allowance and platform support rather than assuming a subscription covers every device in the same way.
Malwarebytes’ home page reports activity totals for the past 30 days: more than 49 million pieces of malware and potentially unwanted programs, more than 90 million malicious websites, 13,700 ransomware attacks, and more than 2 million exploits. These are rolling figures reported by the company, not independent measurements of how well its products perform (Malwarebytes, accessed October 7, 2026).
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