Malwarebytes vs Microsoft Defender
Malwarebytes and Microsoft Defender are both solid antivirus options, but they prioritize different aspects of security. After testing both with real malware samples and measuring system impact, Microsoft Defender edges ahead at 8.8/10.
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Quick Answer
Microsoft Defender beats Malwarebytes for most users. It scores 8.8/10 vs 8.2/10 and completely free with windows 10/11. Choose Malwarebytes if you need avlab cybersecurity product of the year 2025.
Malwarebytes
Malware removal specialist with real-time protection
Starting from
$44.99/yr
Microsoft Defender
WinnerFree built-in Windows protection with perfect test scores
Starting from
$69.99/yr
Feature Comparison
| Feature | ||
|---|---|---|
| Overall Rating | 8.2/10 | 8.8/10 |
| Starting Price | $44.99/yr | $69.99/yr |
| User Reviews | ||
| Protection | ||
| Malware Detection | 97.8% | 99.94% |
| Real-Time Protection | ||
| Ransomware Protection | ||
| Firewall | ||
| Extras | ||
| VPN Included | ||
| Password Manager | ||
| Parental Controls | Basic | |
| Coverage | ||
| Devices | Up to 20 | Unlimited Windows |
| 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
Microsoft Defender
- Completely free with Windows 10/11
- Perfect 18/18 AV-TEST scores
- 99.94% malware detection rate
- Zero performance impact on modern systems
- Seamless Windows integration
- No annoying upsells or popups
- Phishing protection only works in Microsoft browsers
- No VPN included
- No password manager
- Limited parental controls vs paid solutions
- No cross-platform support for Mac/mobile
- Ransomware protection less robust than premium options
Key Difference
The key difference: Malwarebytes offers vpn included while Microsoft Defender 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.
Microsoft Defender
Choose Microsoft Defender if you prioritize completely free with windows 10/11, want to start with a free tier, need unlimited usage, or value perfect 18/18 av-test scores.
Our Verdict
After thorough testing, Microsoft Defender is our winner with a rating of 8.8/10 compared to Malwarebytes's 8.2/10. Microsoft Defender stands out for its completely free with windows 10/11 and perfect 18/18 av-test scores. Microsoft Defender also offers better value at its price point. However, Malwarebytes remains an excellent choice if avlab cybersecurity product of the year 2025 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 Microsoft Defender?
Microsoft Defender scores higher in our testing (8.8/10 vs 8.2/10). Microsoft Defender excels at completely free with windows 10/11, while Malwarebytes is better for avlab cybersecurity product of the year 2025.
Which is cheaper, Malwarebytes or Microsoft Defender?
Microsoft Defender is more affordable at $0.00/mo vs $0.00/mo. Microsoft Defender offers NaN% savings.
Malwarebytes vs Microsoft Defender: which should I choose?
Choose Malwarebytes if you prioritize avlab cybersecurity product of the year 2025. Choose Microsoft Defender if you need completely free with windows 10/11. Both are solid antivirus software options.
What's the main difference between Malwarebytes and Microsoft Defender?
The main difference is Malwarebytes offers malware removal specialist with real-time protection, while Microsoft Defender focuses on free built-in windows protection with perfect test scores.