Malwarebytes vs Kaspersky
Malwarebytes and Kaspersky are both solid antivirus options, but they prioritize different aspects of security. After testing both with real malware samples and measuring system impact, Malwarebytes edges ahead at 8.2/10.
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Quick Answer
Malwarebytes beats Kaspersky for most users. It scores 8.2/10 vs 6/10 and avlab cybersecurity product of the year 2025. Choose Kaspersky if you need outstanding malware detection rates (international).
Malwarebytes
WinnerMalware removal specialist with real-time protection
Starting from
$44.99/yr
Kaspersky
BANNED IN US - Still available internationally
Starting from
$27.99/yr
Feature Comparison
| Feature | ||
|---|---|---|
| Overall Rating | 8.2/10 | 6.0/10 |
| Starting Price | $44.99/yr | $27.99/yr |
| User Reviews | ||
| Protection | ||
| Malware Detection | 97.8% | 100% |
| Real-Time Protection | ||
| Ransomware Protection | ||
| Firewall | ||
| Extras | ||
| VPN Included | ||
| Password Manager | ||
| Parental Controls | ||
| Coverage | ||
| Devices | Up to 20 | Up to 10 |
| Gaming Mode | ||
| Webcam Protection | ||
Pros & Cons Breakdown
Malwarebytes
- AVLab Cybersecurity Product of the Year 2025
- Excellent at removing existing malware
- 100% stalkerware detection (only product to achieve this)
- Lightweight and fast scans
- Great as a second-opinion scanner
- 60-day money-back guarantee
- Higher false positive rates than competitors
- Lower AV-TEST scores (5.5/6 vs 6/6)
- No firewall included
- Real-time protection not in free version
Kaspersky
- Outstanding malware detection rates (international)
- Safe Money protects online banking
- Low system impact
- User-friendly interface
- Good parental controls
- Competitively priced internationally
- BANNED in United States since September 2024
- Cannot receive updates for US customers
- Russian government ties led to Commerce Dept. ban
- US users auto-migrated to UltraAV
- VPN has daily data limits (300MB on Standard)
Key Difference
The key difference: Malwarebytes offers browser guard while Kaspersky provides firewall. This fundamental distinction shapes who each product serves best.
Which Should You Choose?
Malwarebytes
Choose Malwarebytes if you prioritize avlab cybersecurity product of the year 2025, want to start with a free tier, or value excellent at removing existing malware.
Kaspersky
Choose Kaspersky if you prioritize outstanding malware detection rates (international), or value safe money protects online banking.
Our Verdict
After thorough testing, Malwarebytes is our winner with a rating of 8.2/10 compared to Kaspersky's 6/10. Malwarebytes stands out for its avlab cybersecurity product of the year 2025 and excellent at removing existing malware. Malwarebytes also offers better value at its price point. However, Kaspersky remains an excellent choice if outstanding malware detection rates (international) is your priority. There's no universally "wrong" choice here - both are quality options that serve their target audiences well.
Thinking of Switching?
Consider the migration effort before switching. Most services offer data export, but rebuilding workflows and configurations takes time. Evaluate whether the benefits outweigh the switching costs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Malwarebytes better than Kaspersky?
Malwarebytes scores higher in our testing (8.2/10 vs 6/10). Malwarebytes excels at avlab cybersecurity product of the year 2025, while Kaspersky is better for outstanding malware detection rates (international).
Which is cheaper, Malwarebytes or Kaspersky?
Malwarebytes is more affordable at $0.00/mo vs $27.99/mo. Malwarebytes offers 100% savings.
Malwarebytes vs Kaspersky: which should I choose?
Choose Malwarebytes if you prioritize avlab cybersecurity product of the year 2025. Choose Kaspersky if you need outstanding malware detection rates (international). Both are solid antivirus software options.
What's the main difference between Malwarebytes and Kaspersky?
The main difference is Malwarebytes offers malware removal specialist with real-time protection, while Kaspersky focuses on banned in us - still available internationally.