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Best Malware Hunter Alternatives in 2026

Freemium#97 of 117 in Antivirus Software

The top Malware Hunter alternatives are Microsoft Defender for Business, Bitdefender GravityZone Small Business Security and Bitdefender Total Security: 15 antivirus software our editors would look at instead of Malware Hunter, in our ranking order.

3.0/10Editor score
Visit Malware Hunter
Malware Hunter3.0 Visit Malware Hunter

Malware Hunter: A free Windows malware scanner with broader protection in its Pro tier. Where it falls short: windows-only coverage limits platform flexibility.

Switching from Malware Hunter? For most antivirus software buyers the best Malware Hunter alternative is Microsoft Defender for Business, built for small businesses needing managed endpoint security. Avast One has a free plan. Bitdefender GravityZone Small Business Security offers the most device limit (100 devices).

Why People Look for a Malware Hunter Alternative

  • Windows-only coverage limits platform flexibility
  • Real-time and USB protection are listed under the Pro tier
  • Pro costs $49.95 per year and covers up to 3 PCs
  • Device limit: 3 devices — up to 100 devices with Bitdefender GravityZone Small Business Security

Quick Picks by What You Need

All 15 Malware Hunter Alternatives, Ranked

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. Bought places stand at the number bought; this page and our disclosure say so. Paying vendors may get a fuller, more detailed review from our editors, and that review can change their score. How we rank.

  1. Microsoft Defender for Business

    Best forSmall businesses needing managed endpoint security

    • Better than Malware Hunter:
    • Device limit: 5 devices vs 3 devices
    • Editor score 9.4 vs 3.0

    A focused endpoint security subscription with EDR and centralized controls for small businesses.

    • Ransomware protection
    30-day trial Our Microsoft Defender for Business verdict → Visit Microsoft
    9.4/10★★★★★
    Visit Microsoft
  2. Bitdefender GravityZone Small Business Security

    Best forSmall businesses with advanced endpoint needs

    • Better than Malware Hunter:
    • Device limit: 100 devices vs 3 devices
    • Editor score 9.3 vs 3.0

    A paid endpoint security suite for small businesses needing layered protection and central control.

    • Ransomware protection
    Our Bitdefender GravityZone Small Business Security verdict → Visit Bitdefender
    9.3/10★★★★★
    Visit Bitdefender
  3. Bitdefender Total Security

    Best forFamilies wanting multi-device security

    • Better than Malware Hunter:
    • Device limit: 25 devices vs 3 devices
    • Editor score 9.2 vs 3.0

    A broad security suite for families protecting PCs, Macs, phones, and tablets.

    • Parental controls
    • Password manager
    • Ransomware protection
    30-day trial Our Bitdefender Total Security verdict → Visit Bitdefender
    9.2/10★★★★★
    Visit Bitdefender
  4. ESET HOME Security

    Best forHouseholds needing tiered device protection

    • Better than Malware Hunter:
    • Device limit: 15 devices vs 3 devices
    • Editor score 9.0 vs 3.0

    A tiered household security suite with strong protection and privacy features.

    • Parental controls
    • Ransomware protection
    30-day trial Our ESET HOME Security verdict → Visit ESET
    9.0/10★★★★☆
    Visit ESET
  5. FortiClient

    Best forEnterprise teams using Fortinet infrastructure

    • Better than Malware Hunter:
    • Editor score 8.9 vs 3.0

    A broad endpoint security client for teams already invested in Fortinet infrastructure.

    • Ransomware protection
    Pricing on request Our FortiClient verdict → Visit Fortinet
    8.9/10★★★★☆
    Visit Fortinet
  6. Kaspersky Plus Internet Security

    Best forSingle-device users wanting a full security suite

    • Better than Malware Hunter:
    • Device limit: 10 devices vs 3 devices
    • Editor score 8.8 vs 3.0

    A broad security suite for one device, with VPN and password management included.

    • Parental controls
    • Password manager
    • Ransomware protection
    30-day trial Our Kaspersky Plus Internet Security verdict → Visit Kaspersky
    8.8/10★★★★☆
    Visit Kaspersky
  7. Kaspersky Antivirus

    Best forUsers wanting Kaspersky protection with add-ons

    • Better than Malware Hunter:
    • Editor score 8.7 vs 3.0

    Cross-platform Kaspersky protection with VPN, password management, and family controls on Premium.

    • Parental controls
    • Password manager
    • Ransomware protection
    30-day trial Our Kaspersky Antivirus verdict → Visit Kaspersky
    8.7/10★★★★☆
    Visit Kaspersky
  8. Avast One

    Best forBroad protection with a free starting option

    • Better than Malware Hunter:
    • Device limit: 30 devices vs 3 devices
    • Editor score 8.5 vs 3.0

    A broad consumer security suite with free essentials and paid privacy and identity tools.

    • Ransomware protection
    Free plan Our Avast One verdict → Visit Avast One
    8.5/10★★★★☆
    Visit Avast One
  9. Norton 360

    Best forUsers wanting bundled antivirus and identity tiers

    • Better than Malware Hunter:
    • Device limit: 10 devices vs 3 devices
    • Editor score 8.4 vs 3.0

    A paid security suite combining antivirus, privacy tools, backup, and identity protection.

    • Parental controls
    • Password manager
    • Ransomware protection
    7-day trial Our Norton 360 verdict → Visit Norton
    8.4/10★★★★☆
    Visit Norton
  10. ESET Small Business Security

    Best forSmall businesses needing broad security features

    • Better than Malware Hunter:
    • Device limit: 25 devices vs 3 devices
    • Editor score 8.3 vs 3.0

    A broad small-business security suite covering up to 25 devices and Windows Server.

    • Password manager
    • Ransomware protection
    30-day trial Our ESET Small Business Security verdict → Visit ESET
    8.3/10★★★★☆
    Visit ESET
  11. Bitdefender Antivirus Plus

    Best forCore antivirus with anti-phishing and scam tools

    • Better than Malware Hunter:
    • Editor score 8.2 vs 3.0

    A focused antivirus suite for three devices with useful web and ransomware defenses.

    • Ransomware protection
    Free plan · 30-day trial Our Bitdefender Antivirus Plus verdict → Visit Bitdefender
    8.2/10★★★★☆
    Visit Bitdefender
  12. Malwarebytes Premium

    Best forUsers prioritizing malware and web protection

    • Better than Malware Hunter:
    • Device limit: 20 devices vs 3 devices
    • Editor score 8.1 vs 3.0

    A paid antivirus suite with broad malware, web, ransomware, and privacy protection.

    • Ransomware protection
    Free plan Our Malwarebytes Premium verdict → Visit Malwarebytes
    8.1/10★★★★☆
    Visit Malwarebytes
  13. F-Secure Total

    Best forIdentity-focused multi-device protection

    • Better than Malware Hunter:
    • Device limit: 5 devices vs 3 devices
    • Editor score 8.0 vs 3.0

    A paid security suite for buyers who want antivirus and identity tools across multiple devices.

    • Password manager
    • Ransomware protection
    30-day trial Our F-Secure Total verdict → Visit F-Secure
    8.0/10★★★★☆
    Visit F-Secure
  14. Microsoft Defender Antivirus

    Best forFree Windows antivirus protection

    • Better than Malware Hunter:
    • Editor score 7.9 vs 3.0

    A free Windows antivirus with always-on protection and ransomware controls.

    • Ransomware protection
    Free plan Our Microsoft Defender Antivirus verdict → Visit Microsoft
    7.9/10★★★★☆
    Visit Microsoft
  15. Windows Security

    Best forFree Windows-native security

    • Better than Malware Hunter:
    • Editor score 7.8 vs 3.0

    A free Windows-native security suite covering malware, ransomware, networks, and device controls.

    • Ransomware protection
    Free plan Our Windows Security verdict → Visit Microsoft
    7.8/10★★★★☆
    Visit Microsoft

Malware Hunter Alternatives: Common Questions

What is the best alternative to Malware Hunter?

Microsoft Defender for Business: #1 in our Antivirus Software ranking, with an editor score of 9.4 out of 10. A focused endpoint security subscription with EDR and centralized controls for small businesses.

Is there a free alternative to Malware Hunter?

Yes. Avast One, Bitdefender Antivirus Plus, Malwarebytes Premium, Microsoft Defender Antivirus and Windows Security have a free plan or a free tier.

Why do people look for Malware Hunter alternatives?

Windows-only coverage limits platform flexibility; Real-time and USB protection are listed under the Pro tier; Pro costs $49.95 per year and covers up to 3 PCs.

Which Malware Hunter alternative has the most device limit?

Bitdefender GravityZone Small Business Security, with 100 devices.

How do I switch from Malware Hunter?

Export your data from Malware Hunter (most tools have an export in their settings). Sign up for the alternative; start on its free plan or trial if it has one. Import your export and set up the integrations your team relies on. Run both side by side for a short while, then cancel Malware Hunter.

How to Switch from Malware Hunter

  1. Export your data from Malware Hunter (most tools have an export in their settings).
  2. Sign up for the alternative; start on its free plan or trial if it has one.
  3. Import your export and set up the integrations your team relies on.
  4. Run both side by side for a short while, then cancel Malware Hunter.

Malware Hunter vs Each Alternative

#ToolFree planPaid fromProtection scopeDevice limitSupported platformsRansomware protectionScore
97Malware HunterYes$49.95/yrAntivirus3 devicesWindows 11, 10, 8, 7, 2000, XP, Vista (32/64-bit)3.0
1Microsoft Defender for BusinessNo$3/user/moComplete security5 devicesWindows, macOS, iOS, AndroidYes9.4
2Bitdefender GravityZone Small Business SecurityNoComplete security100 devicesWindows, Linux, macOSYes9.3
3Bitdefender Total SecurityNo$59.99/device/yrComplete security25 devicesWindows, macOS, Android, iOSYes9.2
4ESET HOME SecurityNoComplete security15 devicesWindows, macOS, AndroidYes9.0
5FortiClientNoComplete securityWindows, macOS, Linux, iOS, AndroidYes8.9
6Kaspersky Plus Internet SecurityNoComplete security10 devicesWindows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOSYes8.8
7Kaspersky Antivirus$54.99/yrComplete security3 devicesWindows, macOS, Android, iOS, LinuxYes8.7
8Avast OneYesComplete security30 devicesWindows, macOS, Android, iOSYes8.5
9Norton 360No$94.99/yrComplete security10 devicesWindows, macOS, Android, iOSYes8.4
10ESET Small Business SecurityNoComplete security25 devicesWindows, Windows Server, macOS, Android, iOSYes8.3
11Bitdefender Antivirus PlusYes$24.99/yrInternet security3 devicesWindows, macOS, iOS, AndroidYes8.2
12Malwarebytes PremiumYesComplete security20 devicesWindows, macOS, Android, iOSYes8.1
13F-Secure TotalNo$69.99/yrComplete security5 devicesWindows, macOS, iOS, AndroidYes8.0
14Microsoft Defender AntivirusYesAntivirusWindows 10, Windows 11Yes7.9
15Windows SecurityYesFreeComplete securityWindows 10, Windows 11Yes7.8

Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026

Last updated · How we research and update