Alan Truly / Digital Trends
If you need to upgrade your cybersecurity , Bitdefender and Malwarebytes both propose some ofthe skilful antivirus plans for your Windows computers .
Ashackers build up increasingly sneaky prank to veil malware , choosing between these two antivirus companies is of import . Although both service have their pro and cons , ultimately , Bitdefender offers more options to fine - tune your subscription than Malwarebytes and has a better racecourse record of malware protection in third - company testing .
Alan Truly / Digital Trends
Tiers and pricing
Bitdefender offer more plans and abject first - year price than Malwarebytes . Even though antivirus plan start at very affordable low price , it ’s important to take the on-going cost of software subscription . Dozens of low - cost subscriptions can supply up to a healthy expense by the terminal of the yr .
Bitdefender has a half - off sales agreement on the Premium Security plan that I lately review , cutting the price to $ 80 for the first year . That ’s a great bargain on a complete security suite . It ’s important to note you ’ll give more for the second yr of service . I would n’t expect Bitdefender to double the price when it ’s sentence to regenerate , but there are no guarantees of succeeding terms .
I alsoreviewed Malwarebytes Premium Plus , a prompt , gentle rise to Microsoft Defenderwith a corresponding $ 80 one-year plan . Malwarebytes also put up a small-scale discount on a two - year subscription . Buying two years in advance locks in the price , for better or worse .
You do n’t have to pass that much to keep your data more secure . If you ’re looking forthe good deal on antivirus software , Bitdefender ’s Antivirus Plus provides canonical security for three Windows microcomputer for $ 40 . Malwarebytes ’ bum Basic Security design comprehend one equipment ( Windows , Mac , or Mobile River ) for $ 45 annually , $ 50 for two gimmick , and $ 10 more for each extra twist .
For maximum protection , Bitdefender ’s $ 90 per year Ultimate Security architectural plan adds identity larceny protection . Malwarebytes ’ $ 120 Complete Protection subscription includes individuality insurance and more .
While everyone appreciates delivery , threat espial and protective cover features are what you postulate most from antivirus software system .
Features
The internet is a wonderful and wild hobo camp filled with valuable imagination and hidden threat . To keep your computer safe , you need all the service you may get , and Windows ’ built - in security department is n’t always enough .
autonomous third - political party tests are the full measure of antivirus security . I checked the piles for Bitdefender and Malwarebytes at AV - Test , a well - known and trusted certificate research house .
Malware protection
Bitdefender and Malwarebytes each earned bragging right with strong security records . Bitdefender , however , reach near perfect protective cover over 11 age .
In 66 two - month examination periods , AV - Test gave Bitdefender a everlasting 6 out of 6 score in all but five tests . That grade of consistency is telling .
By comparison , Malwarebytes protection scores are very in force for the last three years but hurt from weaknesses in zero - day attacks in early test .
Scam and tracking protection
Beyond the malware protection of basic antivirus design , it ’s important to persist vigilant against phishing scams , wild tracking , and password breach .
Bitdefender and Malwarebytes offer plans and web internet browser extensions that put up phishing protection , ransomware security , and more . The more expensive program let in unmetered VPN access to forbid trackers from profile you as you browse the World Wide Web .
Special features
Bitdefender offers a large retinue of tools and more features than Malwarebytes across plans . For example , Bitdefender Premium Security include an inscribe password manager , a scheme optimizer , a digital file cabinet shredder , and more .
Bitdefender ’s retail damage are much high than Malwarebytes ’ , but the current sales make good protection affordable . For the same money , Bitdefender currently offers more than Malwarebytes .
Customer support and usability
Bitdefender and Malwarebytes both offer support from live agents 24/7 via chat , as well as earpiece and email sustenance . Bitdefender ’s alive schmoose , telephone set , and e-mail options are well-fixed to find .
In my experience , Bitdefender subsist Old World chat is dissipated and helpful . Malwarebytes know chat was as well-disposed and solved my job quickly . Both companies have a good reputation for take care of customers .
There ’s a large depository library of support topics and residential district forums on Bitdefender and Malwarebytes websites if you ’re more of a do - it - yourself mortal .
Free versions
If you keep your computer uninfected , appease spanking , and use two component authentication everywhere , you might be capable to get out with asimple , free antivirus softwaresolution . Malwarebytes ’ remedy single-valued function make it easy to see how much respectable its solvent is than Microsoft Defender .
Bitdefender and Malwarebytes each extend spare Windows version for manual antivirus scans . However , neither offers springy malware protection . Paid subscription can also include extra features and usefulness like ransomware and phishing aegis , VPNs , and word managers .
Protect your PC and Mac
We sleep together hackers are alreadyusing AI to make a new moving ridge of forward-looking malware , so the built - in Microsoft Defender might not be enough to protect your PC . You necessitate a more racy security system of rules to keep your Windows laptop or desktop safe .
While macOS come with XProtect software system , your Mac could still use more comprehensive antivirus softwareto avoid a maturate battery of cybersecurity threats .
Bitdefender and Malwarebytes each extend robust protection for your Windows and macOS estimator , as well as wandering machine running Android , iOS , and iPadOS . However , at the instant , Bitdefender volunteer a better note value and the more consistently reliable antivirus tribute .
