Malwarebytes Review

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What it is: Antivirus and malware removal
Best for: Cleaning up and blocking malware
Price: From $44.99/yr; 60-day money-back, checked October 26, 2026
Prices checked: October 26, 2026

We researched Malwarebytes's official pricing, plan terms, product pages and help documentation. We haven't used Malwarebytes ourselves, so this is a research-based review, not a hands-on test.

Who it’s best for

People who want to remove malware.
People who want simple real-time protection.
People who want a free scanner first.

Who should skip it

Probably not the best fit if you want many extras like backup.

How it works day to day

This part draws on Malwarebytes’s own product pages, help center and documentation, read October 26, 2026 (listed under Sources). We haven’t used Malwarebytes ourselves.

Day to day, Malwarebytes protects in real time and runs scheduled scans.

Key features in use

Malware removal.
Real-time protection.
Web protection.
VPN on higher plans.
Identity features on top plans.

Setup and learning curve

You download the app, run a free scan, then buy a plan to turn on real-time protection.

Integrations

Malwarebytes runs on Windows, Mac, iOS, Android and Chromebook.

Support

Malwarebytes offers support and a help center.

Real-world use cases

Someone cleans an infected PC.
A family protects devices.
A user blocks scam sites.

What it costs

Prices checked October 26, 2026, from Malwarebytes’s own pricing page unless noted. Prices change often, so check the official page before you buy.

Device security plans start at $44.99 a year for 1 device; $59.99 a year for 3 devices.
Plus: $79.99 a year; adds privacy features.
Ultimate: $139.99 a year (shown as 50% off on October 26, 2026).
Bigger household plans cost more. 60-day money-back guarantee.

What we like

Strong malware removal.
Free scanner to try.
Simple apps.
VPN and privacy on higher plans.
60-day money-back guarantee.

What to watch for

Fewer extras than big suites.
Price rises with devices.
Auto-renews.

The fine print

Renews until you cancel.
Discount offers may not last.
Check the device count.

The main alternative: ESET

ESET is the alternative known for light, fast antivirus.

What it costs: See the official site

Read our full ESET review

Pick Malwarebytes if you…

want strong malware removal.
want a simple app.
protect a few devices.

Pick ESET if you…

want a light antivirus.
want advanced settings.

Our take

Malwarebytes is great at finding and removing malware, with simple real-time protection and a free scanner. For a light antivirus with more settings, compare ESET.

Side by side

Company	Best for	Starting price	Trial / refund
Malwarebytes	Cleaning up and blocking malware	From $44.99/yr; 60-day money-back, checked October 26, 2026	60-day money-back
ESET	Light, low-fuss protection	See the official site	30-day trial

From our company records. Check the official pages for current prices.

What we checked

Malwarebytes's pricing page and plan terms, read October 26, 2026
ESET's details: from our existing company record and review, not re-checked on October 26, 2026
Malwarebytes's feature, help and integration pages listed below (links checked October 26, 2026)

Sources

Visit Malwarebytes’s official site

How we review

We read the company's own terms, test the sign-up or booking steps where we can, and compare it with alternatives. A commission never changes what we write. Read our disclosure.