Good Better Best Reviews
Antivirus & Security Software
Malwarebytes logo

Malwarebytes Product Profile

Malware remediation and real-time protection with optional privacy features

Editorial review record is being refreshed.

Affiliate disclosure: Some links may earn a commission on qualifying purchases. Product profiles distinguish provider information from independent editorial reviews; we do not publish a rating or ranking without supporting evidence. Paid content is labelled and cannot buy a score, ranking, or favorable conclusion.

Product resource

Malwarebytes

Custom pricing· Free tier available

Get Malwarebytes

The Bottom Line

Malwarebytes is Malware remediation and real-time protection with optional privacy features. This profile summarizes the product's current positioning, available features, pricing notes, and primary sources while the independent editorial review record is being refreshed.

What is Malwarebytes?

Malwarebytes was founded in 2008 by Marcin Kleczynski in San Jose, CA — who, as a teenager, downloaded malware trying to get a free video game and built his own scanner after no tool could clean his machine. The company grew from a forum-based cleanup tool into one of the world's most downloaded security products, with over 3 billion threats removed. Headquarters: Santa Clara, CA. The company now serves consumers and businesses globally, with products ranging from the free on-demand scanner to Premium real-time protection and Teams plans.

Malwarebytes homepage
Malwarebytes — homepage preview

What does Malwarebytes offer?

Malwarebytes plans vary by device count, real-time protection, browser protection, privacy add-ons, team features, promotion, currency, and renewal terms. Current product pages describe free scanning, paid protection, optional VPN bundles, trials, and refund conditions; verify the exact total and inclusions at checkout.

Editorial assessment refresh

We are re-sourcing our prior score and tier before publishing a numerical rating or testing claim for this product. The product details, pricing notes, and linked sources remain available while that work is completed.

How We Assess Antivirus & Security Software

We distinguish independent lab results, vendor documentation, and editorial analysis. This site does not claim standardized hardware tests, false-positive test suites, phishing-URL runs, or checkout verification unless a dated evidence record is attached to the profile. Check the linked lab or vendor source for the test scope, date, and limitations.

No dated evidence record is attached to this profile yet; testing claims are not being made.

Ready to try Malwarebytes? Free plan available — no credit card required.

Get Malwarebytes

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Malwarebytes worth it in 2026?

Malwarebytes has a current product profile, but we are not publishing an independent value verdict until its editorial review record is sourced. Confirm current pricing, limits, and fit with the provider.

What is Malwarebytes best for?

Malwarebytes is best for: Users whose primary concern is removing existing malware from an infected device, Windows users who want solid real-time protection at a lower price than Norton or ESET, Households that want a proven second-opinion scanner alongside another antivirus.

Does Malwarebytes have a free plan?

Yes — Malwarebytes offers a free tier: Free on-demand scanner (no real-time protection). 14-day Premium trial available..

What are the best Malwarebytes alternatives?

Top alternatives to Malwarebytes include norton-360, eset, bitdefender.

Review the current product details and sources above, then confirm plan limits and pricing directly with the provider before choosing a plan.

Get Malwarebytes

Free tier available — no credit card required