Best Malwarebytes Premium Alternatives in 2026
The top Malwarebytes Premium 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 Malwarebytes Premium, in our ranking order.
Malwarebytes Premium: A paid antivirus suite with broad malware, web, ransomware, and privacy protection. Where it falls short: there is no free plan.
Switching from Malwarebytes Premium? For most antivirus software buyers the best Malwarebytes Premium 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 Malwarebytes Premium Alternative
- There is no free plan
- The Standard plan covers only one device
- Some features vary by operating system
- Device limit: 20 devices — up to 100 devices with Bitdefender GravityZone Small Business Security
Quick Picks by What You Need
- Best overallMicrosoft Defender for Business9.4
Small businesses needing managed endpoint security
Visit Microsoft Defender for Business - Lowest priceMicrosoft Defender for Business9.4
Paid plans from $3/user/mo
Visit Microsoft Defender for Business - Best free optionAvast One8.5
Has a free plan
Visit Avast One - Most device limitBitdefender GravityZone Small Business Security9.3
100 devices
Visit Bitdefender GravityZone Small Business Security
All 15 Malwarebytes Premium 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.
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Best forSmall businesses needing managed endpoint security
- Better than Malwarebytes Premium:
- Editor score 9.4 vs 8.1
A focused endpoint security subscription with EDR and centralized controls for small businesses.
- Ransomware protection
9.4/10★★★★★Visit Microsoft -
Best forSmall businesses with advanced endpoint needs
- Better than Malwarebytes Premium:
- Device limit: 100 devices vs 20 devices
- Editor score 9.3 vs 8.1
A paid endpoint security suite for small businesses needing layered protection and central control.
- Ransomware protection
9.3/10★★★★★Visit Bitdefender -
Best forFamilies wanting multi-device security
- Better than Malwarebytes Premium:
- Device limit: 25 devices vs 20 devices
- Editor score 9.2 vs 8.1
A broad security suite for families protecting PCs, Macs, phones, and tablets.
- Parental controls
- Password manager
- Ransomware protection
9.2/10★★★★★Visit Bitdefender -
Best forHouseholds needing tiered device protection
- Better than Malwarebytes Premium:
- Editor score 9.0 vs 8.1
A tiered household security suite with strong protection and privacy features.
- Parental controls
- Ransomware protection
9.0/10★★★★☆Visit ESET -
Best forEnterprise teams using Fortinet infrastructure
- Better than Malwarebytes Premium:
- Editor score 8.9 vs 8.1
A broad endpoint security client for teams already invested in Fortinet infrastructure.
- Ransomware protection
8.9/10★★★★☆Visit Fortinet -
Best forSingle-device users wanting a full security suite
- Better than Malwarebytes Premium:
- Editor score 8.8 vs 8.1
A broad security suite for one device, with VPN and password management included.
- Parental controls
- Password manager
- Ransomware protection
8.8/10★★★★☆Visit Kaspersky -
Best forUsers wanting Kaspersky protection with add-ons
- Better than Malwarebytes Premium:
- Editor score 8.7 vs 8.1
Cross-platform Kaspersky protection with VPN, password management, and family controls on Premium.
- Parental controls
- Password manager
- Ransomware protection
8.7/10★★★★☆Visit Kaspersky -
Best forBroad protection with a free starting option
- Better than Malwarebytes Premium:
- Device limit: 30 devices vs 20 devices
- Editor score 8.5 vs 8.1
A broad consumer security suite with free essentials and paid privacy and identity tools.
- Ransomware protection
8.5/10★★★★☆Visit Avast One -
Best forUsers wanting bundled antivirus and identity tiers
- Better than Malwarebytes Premium:
- Editor score 8.4 vs 8.1
A paid security suite combining antivirus, privacy tools, backup, and identity protection.
- Parental controls
- Password manager
- Ransomware protection
8.4/10★★★★☆Visit Norton -
Best forSmall businesses needing broad security features
- Better than Malwarebytes Premium:
- Device limit: 25 devices vs 20 devices
- Editor score 8.3 vs 8.1
A broad small-business security suite covering up to 25 devices and Windows Server.
- Password manager
- Ransomware protection
8.3/10★★★★☆Visit ESET -
Best forCore antivirus with anti-phishing and scam tools
- Better than Malwarebytes Premium:
- Editor score 8.2 vs 8.1
A focused antivirus suite for three devices with useful web and ransomware defenses.
- Ransomware protection
8.2/10★★★★☆Visit Bitdefender -
Best forIdentity-focused multi-device protection
A paid security suite for buyers who want antivirus and identity tools across multiple devices.
- Password manager
- Ransomware protection
8.0/10★★★★☆Visit F-Secure -
Best forFree Windows antivirus protection
A free Windows antivirus with always-on protection and ransomware controls.
- Ransomware protection
7.9/10★★★★☆Visit Microsoft -
Best forFree Windows-native security
A free Windows-native security suite covering malware, ransomware, networks, and device controls.
- Ransomware protection
7.8/10★★★★☆Visit Microsoft -
Best forManaged business endpoint security
A broad business security suite for organizations that need centralized endpoint control.
- Ransomware protection
7.7/10★★★★☆Visit Trend Micro
Malwarebytes Premium Alternatives: Common Questions
What is the best alternative to Malwarebytes Premium?
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 Malwarebytes Premium?
Yes. Avast One, Bitdefender Antivirus Plus, Microsoft Defender Antivirus and Windows Security have a free plan or a free tier.
Why do people look for Malwarebytes Premium alternatives?
There is no free plan; The Standard plan covers only one device; Some features vary by operating system.
Which Malwarebytes Premium alternative has the most device limit?
Bitdefender GravityZone Small Business Security, with 100 devices.
How do I switch from Malwarebytes Premium?
Export your data from Malwarebytes Premium (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 Malwarebytes Premium.
How to Switch from Malwarebytes Premium
- Export your data from Malwarebytes Premium (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 Malwarebytes Premium.
Malwarebytes Premium vs Each Alternative
| # | Tool | Free plan | Paid from | Protection scope | Device limit | Supported platforms | Ransomware protection | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 12 | Malwarebytes Premium | Yes | Complete security | 20 devices | Windows, macOS, Android, iOS | Yes | 8.1 | |
| 1 | Microsoft Defender for Business | No | $3/user/mo | Complete security | 5 devices | Windows, macOS, iOS, Android | Yes | 9.4 |
| 2 | Bitdefender GravityZone Small Business Security | No | Complete security | 100 devices | Windows, Linux, macOS | Yes | 9.3 | |
| 3 | Bitdefender Total Security | No | $59.99/device/yr | Complete security | 25 devices | Windows, macOS, Android, iOS | Yes | 9.2 |
| 4 | ESET HOME Security | No | Complete security | 15 devices | Windows, macOS, Android | Yes | 9.0 | |
| 5 | FortiClient | No | Complete security | Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android | Yes | 8.9 | ||
| 6 | Kaspersky Plus Internet Security | No | Complete security | 10 devices | Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS | Yes | 8.8 | |
| 7 | Kaspersky Antivirus | $54.99/yr | Complete security | 3 devices | Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, Linux | Yes | 8.7 | |
| 8 | Avast One | Yes | Complete security | 30 devices | Windows, macOS, Android, iOS | Yes | 8.5 | |
| 9 | Norton 360 | No | $94.99/yr | Complete security | 10 devices | Windows, macOS, Android, iOS | Yes | 8.4 |
| 10 | ESET Small Business Security | No | Complete security | 25 devices | Windows, Windows Server, macOS, Android, iOS | Yes | 8.3 | |
| 11 | Bitdefender Antivirus Plus | Yes | $24.99/yr | Internet security | 3 devices | Windows, macOS, iOS, Android | Yes | 8.2 |
| 12 | F-Secure Total | No | $69.99/yr | Complete security | 5 devices | Windows, macOS, iOS, Android | Yes | 8.0 |
| 13 | Microsoft Defender Antivirus | Yes | Antivirus | Windows 10, Windows 11 | Yes | 7.9 | ||
| 14 | Windows Security | Yes | Free | Complete security | Windows 10, Windows 11 | Yes | 7.8 | |
| 15 | Trend Micro Worry-Free Services | No | Complete security | Windows, macOS, iOS, Android | Yes | 7.7 |
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
Last updated · How we research and update