Malwarebytes Review
Malware removal specialist with real-time protection
Overall Rating
Based on our testing
Quick Answer
Malwarebytes scores 8.2/10 in our testing. It's best for avlab cybersecurity product and excellent at removing. Key strength: AVLab Cybersecurity Product of the Year 2025. Main weakness: Higher false positive rates than competitors.
Quick Summary
Malwarebytes specializes in removing existing malware and preventing new infections. Known for its cleanup capabilities, it works well alongside other antivirus solutions or as standalone protection.
Pros & Cons
What we like
- 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
What could be better
- 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
Typical Promotions
- •Black Friday - up to 50% off
- •Multi-device discounts
Best time to buy: Black Friday
Malwarebytes Pricing
- Manual scans only
- Malware removal
- 14-day premium trial
- 1-20 devices
- Real-time protection
- Browser Guard
- 20 devices
- Identity protection
- $2M identity insurance
- Personal data remover
Key Features
Malwarebytes In-Depth Review
Malwarebytes is Malwarebytes specializes in removing existing malware and preventing new infections. Known for its cleanup capabilities, it works well alongside other antivirus solutions or as standalone protection. With an overall rating of 8.2/10 based on our testing, it delivers strong performance across key metrics in the antivirus software space.
Key Findings
- AVLab Cybersecurity Product of the Year 2025: This stands out in our testing as a key strength of Malwarebytes.
- Excellent at removing existing malware: This stands out in our testing as a key strength of Malwarebytes.
- 100% stalkerware detection (only product to achieve this): This stands out in our testing as a key strength of Malwarebytes.
Performance & Speed
In malware detection tests, Malwarebytes showed solid detection rates with some room for improvement against newer threats. System impact during scans was minimal.
Features & Functionality
Malwarebytes includes real time protection, ransomware protection, vpn included, browser guard. The features cover the essentials, though power users may find some gaps compared to premium alternatives. We particularly appreciated avlab cybersecurity product of the year 2025.
Pricing & Value
Malwarebytes offers a free tier, making it accessible for users to try before committing. Paid plans start at $44.99/month. The free option is genuinely useful, not just a limited trial.
Ease of Use
Malwarebytes's interface has a moderate learning curve. Most users will get comfortable within a few sessions. There's room for UX improvements, but core functionality is accessible.
Our Testing Methodology
Our testing used live malware samples from MalwareBazaar, measured detection rates against zero-day threats, and benchmarked system performance impact. We tested scanning speeds, false positive rates, and the effectiveness of real-time protection across common threat vectors.
- Users who prioritize avlab cybersecurity product of the year 2025
- Users looking for a solid, capable option
- Budget-conscious users who want to try before buying
- Users seeking value without sacrificing essential features
- Users who can't accept higher false positive rates than competitors
- Budget-restricted users who need a more affordable option
The Bottom Line
Malwarebytes is a solid performer that works well for most users. Its strength in avlab cybersecurity product of the year 2025 makes it worth considering, though higher false positive rates than competitors may affect certain users.
Affiliate Disclosure
Some products are sponsored. Rankings reflect our honest assessment. Our editorial content is independent and unbiased. We may earn a commission if you make a purchase through our links. Read our full disclosure
Free tier available • Paid plans from
$44.99/yr
- Best Antivirus for Windows PCTop-rated virus protection for Windows 10 & 11
- Best Antivirus for MacSecurity software designed for macOS
- Best Antivirus for AndroidMobile security for Android phones and tablets
- Best Antivirus for iPhoneiOS security and privacy protection
- Best Antivirus for FamiliesProtect all your family's devices with parental controls
- Best Antivirus for BusinessEnterprise endpoint protection and management
- Best Antivirus for StudentsAffordable protection for laptops and devices
- Best Antivirus for GamingLightweight protection that won't slow down your games
- Best Antivirus for Ransomware ProtectionAdvanced protection against ransomware attacks
- Best Antivirus for Phishing ProtectionBlock scam emails and fake websites
- Best Antivirus for Identity ProtectionDark web monitoring and identity theft protection
- Best Antivirus with VPNSecurity suites with built-in VPN
- Best Lightweight AntivirusMinimal system impact for older computers
- Best Antivirus with FirewallComplete protection with advanced firewall
- Best Free Antivirus SoftwareQuality virus protection that costs nothing
- Best Cheap Antivirus SoftwarePremium protection under $30/year
Malwarebytes FAQ
How much does Malwarebytes cost?
Malwarebytes starts at $0.00/mo for the Free plan. They also offer Standard ($44.99/mo), Plus ($59.99/mo), Ultimate ($99.99/mo).
Is Malwarebytes worth it in 2025?
Malwarebytes scores 8.2/10 in our testing. AVLab Cybersecurity Product of the Year 2025. However, higher false positive rates than competitors.
What are the pros and cons of Malwarebytes?
Pros: AVLab Cybersecurity Product of the Year 2025; Excellent at removing existing malware; 100% stalkerware detection (only product to achieve this). Cons: Higher false positive rates than competitors; Lower AV-TEST scores (5.5/6 vs 6/6); No firewall included.
Is Malwarebytes safe to use?
Malwarebytes is a legitimate antivirus software service. We recommend reviewing their privacy policy for full details.
Does Malwarebytes have a free plan?
Yes, Malwarebytes offers a free plan with Manual scans only, Malware removal. Paid plans start at $44.99/mo.