Best Malwarebytes Alternatives
The best alternatives to Malwarebytes, ranked by rating and value.
We compared 4 Malwarebytes alternatives. Bitdefender is the top pick at 4.6/5 (from $3/mo). 1 rate higher than Malwarebytes itself (4.5/5).
Why look for a Malwarebytes alternative?
Malwarebytes rates 4.5/5 and is genuinely strong at excellent cleanup — most people switch because of a specific trade-off:
- •Fewer suite extras
- •VPN sold separately
Malwarebytes alternatives compared
| Tool | Starts at | Rating | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Malwarebytes (the original) | Free | 4.5/5 | Users wanting simple cleanup |
| Bitdefender | $3/mo | 4.6/5 | Performance-conscious users |
| Norton 360 | $3/mo | 4.4/5 | Families & individuals |
| Kaspersky | $3/mo | 4.3/5 | Protection-focused users |
| McAfee | $3/mo | 4.1/5 | Families with many devices |
The best Malwarebytes alternatives, ranked
Top protection with a light footprint
Why switch: Best-in-class detection. Best for Performance-conscious users.
All-in-one security with VPN & backup
Why switch: Excellent protection scores. Best for Families & individuals.
Strong protection (with regional caveats)
Why switch: Excellent lab scores. Best for Protection-focused users.
Identity-focused security for many devices
Why switch: Unlimited devices option. Best for Families with many devices.
Pick by priority
Best rated → Bitdefender
4.6/5 across 9,800 reviews. Best-in-class detection.
Cheapest → Bitdefender ($3/mo)
The lowest entry price of the alternatives here.
Closest fit → Bitdefender
Our top overall pick for people leaving Malwarebytes. Suits Performance-conscious users.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best alternative to Malwarebytes?+
Bitdefender is our top-ranked Malwarebytes alternative, rated 4.6/5 and starting at $3/mo. Best-in-class detection is its standout strength, and it suits Performance-conscious users.
Are there free alternatives to Malwarebytes?+
None of these offer a permanently free plan. The cheapest way in is Bitdefender at $3/mo. Free trials are often available.
Why do people look for Malwarebytes alternatives?+
The most common reasons are: fewer suite extras, VPN sold separately. Malwarebytes still rates 4.5/5, so the right move depends on which trade-off matters to you.
Which Malwarebytes alternative is rated highest?+
Bitdefender at 4.6/5, versus 4.5/5 for Malwarebytes.