Recommended Free Tools
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AdGuard is the better fit for blocking ads, trackers, and web annoyances; Malwarebytes is the better fit for antivirus-style, real-time malware protection. They overlap in blocking risky websites, but they are not interchangeable: AdGuard is primarily a filtering and privacy tool, while Malwarebytes is primarily a security suite. You can use both, but network filters and VPN features can conflict, so compatibility depends on your devices and setup.
At a glance
| What you need | Better fit | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Browser ad and tracker blocking | AdGuard | Filtering is its central purpose, with options for custom rules and nuisance removal. |
| Filtering across browsers and supported apps | AdGuard full app | Its system-level applications can filter more than a single browser; coverage varies by platform. |
| Real-time malware and ransomware protection | Malwarebytes paid security | Its paid product is designed for ongoing device protection, not just browser filtering. |
| Free on-demand malware scans | Malwarebytes Free | Its free offering is primarily for scanning and cleanup, not continuous real-time protection. |
| VPN or identity features in a security bundle | Malwarebytes plans that include them | These are bundled in selected tiers; they are not substitutes for ad blocking or antivirus by themselves. |
| Lifetime ad-blocking license | AdGuard | AdGuard offers annual and lifetime license options; check the current terms and device coverage. |
This is a comparison of product roles, not an independent head-to-head malware or ad-blocking test. Results and available features vary by product, platform, browser, and plan.
What each product is designed to do
AdGuard’s product family includes browser extensions, full desktop and mobile applications, and DNS-related filtering. Its main job is to filter advertisements, trackers, and unwanted page elements. The browser extension works mainly within its browser; a full application can filter traffic more broadly on supported platforms.
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Malwarebytes is centered on device security. Its paid security product advertises real-time malware, ransomware, and malicious-site protection, alongside Browser Guard and, in selected plans, a VPN and identity or privacy features. Malwarebytes’ plan page describes those features; availability depends on tier and platform.
#1 Best Overall
- Get NVMe solid state performance with up to 1050MB/s read and 1000MB/s write speeds in a portable, high-capacity drive(1) (Based on internal testing; performance may be lower depending on host device & other factors. 1MB=1,000,000 bytes.)
- Up to 3-meter drop protection and IP65 water and dust resistance mean this tough drive can take a beating(3) (Previously rated for 2-meter drop protection and IP55 rating. Now qualified for the higher, stated specs.)
- Use the handy carabiner loop to secure it to your belt loop or backpack for extra peace of mind.
- Help keep private content private with the included password protection featuring 256‐bit AES hardware encryption.(3)
- Easily manage files and automatically free up space with the SanDisk Memory Zone app.(5). Non-Operating Temperature -20°C to 85°C
That distinction is more useful than asking which brand has the longer feature list. An antivirus can block a malicious download without removing page clutter or giving you detailed tracker controls. An ad blocker can block a dangerous domain without providing the same protection model as real-time endpoint security.
Ad blocking and tracker protection: AdGuard has the edge
AdGuard is the more specialized choice if your main frustration is ads, trackers, cookie notices, pop-ups, or other web annoyances. Its browser extension offers ad and tracker blocking, element hiding, annoyance filters, and advanced rules. Full applications can apply filtering beyond one browser on supported devices, and AdGuard also offers DNS filtering.
Malwarebytes Browser Guard can block ads and trackers and warn about suspicious sites or scams. It is useful browser protection, but it is part of a broader security product rather than a dedicated system-wide ad-filtering platform.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →That does not mean AdGuard will remove every ad. Blocking depends on the browser, operating system, filter lists, and how a service delivers its ads. Ads served from the same domain as content, embedded in an app, or protected by platform restrictions can be difficult or impossible to filter reliably. Neither vendor should be treated as guaranteeing ad removal from every streaming service or app.
AdGuard’s full application is also different from its free browser extension. The extension may be enough if you only want browser-level filtering. A paid app is more relevant if you want broader traffic filtering, app-level controls, or more detailed rules. See AdGuard’s product comparison for the distinction.
Rank #2
- Solid state performance with up to 800MB/s read speeds in a portable drive. (Based on internal testing; performance may be lower depending on host device, interface, usage conditions and other factors. 1MB=1,000,000 bytes.)
- Back up your content and memories on a storage solution that fits seamlessly into your mobile lifestyle.
- Take it with you on your adventures—up to two-meter drop protection means this durable drive can take a beating. (Based on internal testing.)
- Secure it to your belt loop or backpack for extra peace of mind thanks to the tough rubber hook.
- From Sandisk, a brand professional photographers trust to take on assignments.
Malware protection: Malwarebytes is the more appropriate choice
If your priority is continuous, antivirus-style protection against malware and ransomware, Malwarebytes is the closer fit. Its paid security product is positioned around real-time device protection. Its free product is primarily an on-demand scanner and cleanup tool; do not assume the free tier provides the same continuous protection as a paid plan. The company’s free-versus-paid feature guide describes the difference.
AdGuard offers protection against phishing and known malicious destinations through filtering, but that is not the same as full antivirus protection. AdGuard itself notes limitations to browser-level protection in its browsing security guidance. Treat AdGuard as a filtering and privacy layer, not a replacement for endpoint security.
This comparison does not establish that Malwarebytes detects more malware than another antivirus in independent testing. No current, directly comparable test is provided here, so a claim about a definitive detection-rate winner would go beyond the evidence.
Privacy: separate filtering, DNS, and VPN
AdGuard’s privacy strengths are its tracker and nuisance filtering, custom rules, and DNS filtering options. These work at different layers: an extension filters browser activity; a full app can filter more device traffic on supported platforms; DNS filtering blocks requests to selected domains. DNS filtering generally cannot do the same page-element or cosmetic filtering as a browser extension or full filtering app.
Malwarebytes Browser Guard also blocks some advertising and tracking content. Selected Malwarebytes plans include a VPN. A VPN routes traffic through another service; it does not automatically remove ads, scan files for malware, or prevent every form of tracking. Malwarebytes makes privacy and logging claims about its VPN on its product page; treat those as vendor claims rather than independent audit findings.
Rank #3
- Capacity Display Variance: 500GB external ssd often appears as around 465GB on Windows. MacOS can show full 500 GB capacity. This is binary calculation difference and doesn’t affect SSD hard drive actual physical storage
- 1050 MB/s Speed: Instantly access to your files with blazing-fast 10Gbps external SSD read up to 1050MB/s and write up to 1000MB/s. LED Light indicates USB SSD instant activity
- Data Security: Solid state drives S.M.A.R.T. health diagnostics and adaptive TRIM optimizing data block management ensures consistent write speeds and extends the longevity of the portable SSD
- USB-C & USB-A Cable: Both cables featuring rapid USB 3.2 Gen2, this USB SSD effortlessly bridges devices, enabling seamless cross-platform file transfers and backup between computers, smartphones, tablets and iPhone
- Always Fast: No slowdowns for large file transfers. With SLC caching (25% of current available capacity allocated as high-speed cache), this external SSD delivers steady 10Gbps for transfers within the cache capacity
Do not assume every AdGuard component has the same data practices: a browser extension, local filtering app, DNS service, and VPN are distinct products and services. Review the privacy information for the specific component you intend to use.
Which one fits your device?
Windows
Choose AdGuard if your main goal is filtering ads and trackers in browsers and supported applications, with more control over rules. Choose Malwarebytes paid security if you want real-time malware and ransomware protection. Windows users may also already have Microsoft Defender and built-in security features; Malwarebytes is an option, not an automatic requirement for every device. If you install both, watch for duplicated web filters and test the combination.
macOS
The roles remain similar: AdGuard for system-level filtering on supported configurations, Malwarebytes for device security. Do not assume the Mac versions expose every control available on Windows. macOS permissions and network-extension behavior can differ by release; check the current product documentation for your version of macOS.
Android
AdGuard is the stronger fit for system-wide ad and tracker filtering. Its full Android application is not distributed through Google Play, according to AdGuard’s documentation. If you install it, use AdGuard’s official download and installation instructions rather than an unofficial APK mirror; sideloading involves Android security warnings and is not as straightforward as installing from Google Play.
Malwarebytes is the more relevant choice for mobile security and scam or malicious-site protection. Feature availability depends on the free or paid tier. Android may limit multiple apps that try to manage local VPN or filtering connections, so check compatibility before running AdGuard filtering and another VPN or network-filtering app together.
Rank #4
- Easily store and access 2TB to content on the go with the Seagate Portable Drive, a USB external hard drive
- Designed to work with Windows or Mac computers, this external hard drive makes backup a snap just drag and drop
- To get set up, connect the portable hard drive to a computer for automatic recognition no software required
- This USB drive provides plug and play simplicity with the included 18 inch USB 3.0 cable
- The available storage capacity may vary.
iPhone and iPad
iOS restricts what third-party apps can inspect. AdGuard can provide Safari content blocking and DNS-related features within Apple’s available mechanisms, but its iOS experience is not equivalent to the broader filtering available in its Windows or Android applications. Malwarebytes offers mobile security features, but an iPhone security app cannot perform unrestricted antivirus-style scanning of the filesystem. Choose AdGuard primarily for Safari ad and tracker blocking, or Malwarebytes for the web, spam, and security features currently available in its iOS app; verify the current feature list before buying.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Free versions and paid plans
For free ad blocking: start with the AdGuard browser extension if browser-only filtering meets your needs. It does not provide the same system-wide scope as a full application.
For free malware cleanup: Malwarebytes Free is aimed at scanning and cleanup. If you want continuous real-time protection, check the paid feature set rather than treating a free scan as a substitute.
AdGuard offers free browser extensions and limited free mobile options, trials of full applications, and paid licenses. Its official license page lists Personal and Family options with stated coverage of three and nine devices respectively, as well as annual and lifetime choices. Confirm current terms, eligible platforms, and limits before purchase.
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Malwarebytes’ consumer plans include Standard for device security, Plus adding a VPN, and Ultimate with additional identity or privacy features, according to its pricing page. Plan names, included features, device limits, promotional prices, and renewal costs can change by region and over time. Check the live checkout page for your country, and compare the renewal price—not only an introductory offer. A bundle is not automatically better value if you do not need its VPN or identity features.
Best Value
- MADE FOR THE MAKERS: Create; Explore; Store; The T7 Portable SSD delivers fast speeds and durable features to back up any endeavor; Build your video editing empire, file your photographs or back up your blogs all in an instant
- SHARE IDEAS IN A FLASH: Don’t waste a second waiting and spend more time doing; The T7 is embedded with PCIe NVMe technology that brings fast read and write speeds up to 1,050/1,000 MB/s¹, making it almost twice as fast as the T5
- ALWAYS MAKE THE SAVE: Compact design with massive capacity; With capacities up to 4TB, save exactly what you need to your drive – from large working files to game data and everything in between
- ADAPTS TO EVERY NEED: Whether using a PC or mobile phone, count on the T7 for extensive compatibility²; It’s a true team player when it comes to heavy-duty application usage or file-saving
- HI RESOLUTION VIDEO RECORDING: Record Ultra High Resolution (4K 60fs) videos directly onto the T7 Portable SSD with your favorite camera or mobile devices; Supports iPhone 15 Pro Res 4K at 60fps video and more³
For current plans and terms, use the vendors’ official pages: AdGuard licenses, Malwarebytes Premium, and Malwarebytes pricing.
Can you use AdGuard and Malwarebytes together?
Potentially. Their main roles can complement each other: use AdGuard for ad, tracker, and nuisance filtering and Malwarebytes for device-level malware protection. But neither compatibility nor improved protection is guaranteed just by installing both.
Conflicts are more likely when both products filter network traffic, inspect HTTPS connections, or try to use a VPN or local network-extension mechanism. Symptoms can include sites or apps failing to load, a VPN not connecting, DNS settings not taking effect, repeated permission prompts, or extra battery and notification overhead on mobile devices. Other antivirus or VPN software can add another layer of overlap.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems2Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute3Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors- Update both products and check their support guidance for your operating system and versions.
- If a site or app breaks, temporarily disable only the relevant filtering or web-protection feature and test again.
- If that identifies the cause, add a narrow exception for the affected site or app, then re-enable protection.
- Avoid turning off every protection feature or allowlisting broad domains unless necessary; remove an exception if it does not solve the problem.
Exact control names differ by product version and operating system. On phones, a platform may restrict which app can control a VPN-style filtering connection at one time. Decide which feature matters more if they cannot run together, and check whether the vendor supports the intended configuration.
Recommendations by situation
- You mainly want fewer ads and trackers: choose AdGuard. Start with its free browser extension if browser-only coverage is sufficient.
- You want real-time malware protection: choose Malwarebytes paid security, or another suitable endpoint-security product. Do not rely on an ad blocker as antivirus.
- You want both jobs covered: use AdGuard for filtering and Malwarebytes for security only if the combination works on your particular devices without network or VPN conflicts.
- You already have antivirus and only want browser filtering: try the free AdGuard extension before paying for a broader filtering app.
- You want a VPN or identity features as well: compare the exact Malwarebytes plan and renewal price against what you would actually use. Neither feature makes it an equivalent replacement for AdGuard filtering.
- You are choosing for iPhone or iPad: base the choice on Safari filtering versus the specific web or spam protections in the current Malwarebytes iOS app, not on desktop antivirus expectations.
- You want a one-time purchase: AdGuard offers lifetime licensing; Malwarebytes’ current consumer offering is subscription-oriented. Verify live license terms before deciding.
For a free setup, use an ad-blocking extension for browser filtering and the security controls already available on your device; add Malwarebytes Free if you want an on-demand malware scan. This is not a guarantee of complete protection, and it does not provide the full paid Malwarebytes real-time feature set.
Quick Recap
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