Malwarebytes vs Webroot
Malwarebytes and Webroot 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 Webroot for most users. It scores 8.2/10 vs 8/10 and avlab cybersecurity product of the year 2025. Choose Webroot if you need extremely lightweight - under 4mb install.
Malwarebytes
WinnerMalware removal specialist with real-time protection
Starting from
$44.99/yr
Webroot
Ultra-lightweight cloud-based protection with fast scans
Starting from
$49.99/yr
Feature Comparison
| Feature | ||
|---|---|---|
| Overall Rating | 8.2/10 | 8.0/10 |
| Starting Price | $44.99/yr | $49.99/yr |
| User Reviews | ||
| Protection | ||
| Malware Detection | 97.8% | 98.9% |
| Real-Time Protection | ||
| Ransomware Protection | ||
| Firewall | ||
| Extras | ||
| VPN Included | Total Protection only | |
| 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
Webroot
- Extremely lightweight - under 4MB install
- Lightning-fast scans (20 seconds average)
- Cloud-based with minimal system impact
- Identity protection and dark web monitoring
- 70-day money-back guarantee
- LastPass password manager included
- No AV-TEST participation since 2019
- Lower detection rates than top competitors
- Web protection not as effective
- Limited macOS feature set
- Renewal prices double after first year
Key Difference
The key difference: Malwarebytes offers vpn included while Webroot 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.
Webroot
Choose Webroot if you prioritize extremely lightweight - under 4mb install, or value lightning-fast scans (20 seconds average).
Our Verdict
After thorough testing, Malwarebytes is our winner with a rating of 8.2/10 compared to Webroot's 8/10. 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, Webroot remains an excellent choice if extremely lightweight - under 4mb install 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 Webroot?
Malwarebytes scores higher in our testing (8.2/10 vs 8/10). Malwarebytes excels at avlab cybersecurity product of the year 2025, while Webroot is better for extremely lightweight - under 4mb install.
Which is cheaper, Malwarebytes or Webroot?
Malwarebytes is more affordable at $0.00/mo vs $49.99/mo. Malwarebytes offers 100% savings.
Malwarebytes vs Webroot: which should I choose?
Choose Malwarebytes if you prioritize avlab cybersecurity product of the year 2025. Choose Webroot if you need extremely lightweight - under 4mb install. Both are solid antivirus software options.
What's the main difference between Malwarebytes and Webroot?
The main difference is Malwarebytes offers malware removal specialist with real-time protection, while Webroot focuses on ultra-lightweight cloud-based protection with fast scans.