iMalware review

Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Nov 2026

iMalware is a free, browser-based tool for checking files against a database of known malware samples. It suits solo users and small teams who want a quick hash lookup without uploading a file. The browser computes an MD5 hash locally and compares it with the database; users can also enter MD5, SHA-1, or SHA-256 hashes directly. This is static, hash-based checking rather than a scan of how a file behaves, so it is most relevant when a known sample is the concern.

For routine lookups, iMalware supports multiple files or a folder and accepts up to 500 hashes per lookup. It also checks ZIP archives as a whole, but does not unpack them, so files inside an archive are not individually inspected through that feature. An in-memory EICAR test file is available. These functions make the tool useful for checking hashes in batches, but they do not turn it into an antivirus engine or sandbox analysis service.

The main boundary is detection coverage: a novel or modified malware sample may not match a known hash. iMalware also does not scan URLs or perform computer-wide scans. Choose it for free local hash checks and known-sample lookups; choose a broader security tool when you need behavioral analysis, URL checks, or an examination of the computer itself. Its narrow scope is a good fit for a focused lookup task, not a replacement for broader malware protection.

iMalware pros and cons

• Where it wins
  • Computes MD5 hashes in the browser without uploading files
  • Looks up MD5, SHA-1, and SHA-256 hashes, with batches up to 500
  • Can scan multiple files or folders and check ZIP archives as a whole
• Where it doesn't
  • Detects known samples, not novel or modified malware
  • Does not unpack ZIP archives for inspection
  • Does not scan URLs or perform computer-wide scans

iMalware fact sheet, pricing and score →

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Last updated 14 Nov 2026 · How we research and update