In 2025 , most hoi polloi will necessitate more than Microsoft ’s built - in security to keep their data secure and maintain their privacy . Malwarebytes is among the most well - be intimate andbest antivirus solutions usable for Windowsto protect your microcomputer from the late malware threats .
I reviewed Malwarebytes ’ latest personal plan and tested Premium Plus to find out how easy it is to use , how good client backing is , and whether it ’s worth the subscription monetary value .
Specs
Tiers and pricing
you’re able to get bulge out with Malwarebytes for destitute . If you think your electronic computer might be infect with malware , you may download a computer virus image scanner to find and withdraw anything Windows Defender has missed .
Malwarebytes offers one ofthe well free antivirus optionsyou can find , but there are others to choose from . Most of us need a more robust solution that can forbid malware before it reaches our computers .
A Malwarebytes Premium Standard account starts at $ 45 per yr . That covers the essential antivirus , malware , phishing , and ransomware protection that everyone needs .
Your budget belike has room for another $ 15 annually to use Malwarebytes ’ virtual individual connection ( VPN ) for a year . The $ 60 Plus subscription enables anon. browsing from select locations around the world .
Malwarebytes ’ VPN is n’t meant to be a direction to besiege geo - blocking restrictions but as a privacy feature . If you desire to swarm international substance , the best VPNs extend better focal ratio and obfuscation featuresto lease you browse like a local wherever you are .
For even more security and secrecy , you’re able to choose the Malwarebytes Ultimate programme . The regular cost is $ 240 per annum but is on sale for $ 120 . It includes a bundle of advanced services : $ 2 million in identity operator thievery insurance , societal media monitoring , dark WWW monitoring , three credit bureau reports , and a personal data remover that cleans up let on names , addresses , phone numbers , and e-mail computer address that are found online .
Malwarebytes offers two family design that plunk for 10 equipment startle at $ 120 every year . Ultimate Family Protection is tantamount to Malwarebytes Ultimate but corroborate 2 adults and up to 10 children . The veritable price is $ 465 with sale pricing of $ 232 .
I tested Malwarebytes Personal Plus , which include the VPN and sum up security for two other devices . It ’s a competitively price and affordable elbow room to bask improve cybersecurity as phishing and hack efforts increment . Besides my PC , I can protect my earpiece and tablet . Malwarebytes has apps for Windows , Android , macOS , and iOS .
For most multitude , the Standard or $ 60 Plus program will suffice , but Ultimate could be deserving the added expense if you revere your personal information has already leak out . The indistinguishability theft policy could prove to be essential . It ’s worthchecking out the latest antivirus dealsthat can sometimes add up to large savings . For example , Bitdefender Internet Security for Windows only cost $ 60 to cover three machine . Norton Deluxe provides cross - platform support for five devices for $ 50 .
Design
Malwarebytes is warm and easy to install with helpful baksheesh along the manner . After an initial scan and minimal setup , I saw I needed to make changes to improve my cybersecurity . When the protection musical score meter is full , my datum should be secure from malware .
I started at 90 % and opened that control board to see more particular . I was able to boost my protection score to 100 % . Malwarebytes ’ trust Advisor feature of speech identifies critical issues like web security measure and ransomware weakness and recommend solutions to potential problem .
The loose Malwarebytes web browser Guard extension protect you from websites that contain malware , scams , and tracker with a crop up - up alert .
Features
Malwarebytes offers a good , reliable servicing that stand out at sack up and preventing malware . The company has a actual - time “ remediation map ” on theMalwarebytes websitethat uncover when and where its free malware electronic scanner has expose threats that other security software package missed .
Microsoft was quite mellow on the list when I checked , suggestingWindows ’ built - in Defender antiviruscould be doing more to earn its name . Since this map is hosted on the Malwarebytes website , there ’s ground to be skeptical of the ok detail . We do n’t make love how many competitor detections admit out - of - date security package or disabled features .
For an unbiased measure of malware tribute and prevention , third - party examination is require . I usually turn to Ab - Test or AV - Comparatives , the top two cybersecurity laboratory that publish results forthe best antivirus software for Windows and Mac computers .
fortuitously , independent protection researchers atAVLabtested Malwarebytes Premium in November 2024 . The final result show 100 % protection with 77 % of threat choke up before launch . Good prevention and staring protection are important and Malwarebytes even caught malware thatone of our top pick , Bitdefender , missed . However , it was much sluggish , taking nigh a minute longer on average .
I spot - checked Malwarebytes by head for the hills Wicar ’s malware tests . internet browser Guard block all 13 web internet browser exploits and downloads as expected . If anything slip by the Malwarebytes Premium app should bewitch it before any scathe is done .
Support
Malwarebytes offer support via hot chat . An AI chatbot begin the conversation , but you may bespeak an agent at any clip . I establish the bot to be fairly robust , answering a interrogative about how phishing protection work .
I was capable to mix up the AI with an unusual request , which required a live broker . Switching to a human support representative was as light as asking for an agentive role . Malwarebytes offer 24/7 help via live confab . There was only one other person in the waiting line forward of me , and within a hour , support resolve my question . Malwarebytes was just as tight as it was when I tested support last twelvemonth .
My outcome was related to using a review codification to test Malwarebytes . The subscription worked but it was n’t automatically connected to my email address . Since this is n’t the normal flow for Malwarebytes , this wo n’t be a concern for customers . Still , it was a good chance to check on client documentation .
In my experience , support was nimble , friendly , and helpful — everything you want when dealing with a security companionship .
Privacy and security
Malwarebytes is generally regard a safe and individual service you’re able to intrust . While the fellowship did experience a minor falling out in 2021,Malwarebytesreported that “ the assaulter only gained accession to a limited subset of internal troupe emails . ”
TheMalwarebytesprivacy insurance policy tell your personal information will not be trade and is used only for the role of protection . Malwarebytes may abide by with government requests for your entropy .
Compared to other top antivirus caller , Malwarebytes keep a very good cartroad record with customer data . Some compete solutions have had customer data rift .
A solid choice for antivirus protection
There are plenty of antivirus choices , some good than others . The openhanded names , let in Malwarebytes , tend to offer reliable and complete solutions . If you only involve a nimble malware scan , Malwarebytes Free is a well - known and hope result among experts .
Unless you ’re looking for something specific or need specialized security , one of Malwarebytes ’ personal protective cover architectural plan will cover everything you necessitate . The Premium Plus subscription I tested is a whole pick . The young Family plans offer savings for crime syndicate with multiple phones , tab , and computers . It ’s a good choice if you call for trade protection for 10 or more machine .
For more options , check out our full pathfinder tothe good antivirus software for your Windows PC and Mac .
