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Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Malwarebytes is a cybersecurity company and a family of security products—not just a single malware scanner. Its free software is primarily for scanning and cleaning an infected device; paid plans add ongoing protections, with other offerings for browsers, privacy, identity protection and free utilities. What you get depends on your device and plan.
What is Malwarebytes?
Malwarebytes develops software intended to detect and remove malware and, in paid offerings, help protect devices continuously. The company describes its security products as antivirus and anti-malware protection. Malware is the broad category of malicious software; a virus is one type of malware. Malwarebytes says its products address threats including ransomware, spyware, Trojans, phishing and malicious websites. These are descriptions from the vendor, not independent measurements of product effectiveness. Malwarebytes’ product overview and its free antivirus page explain its stated coverage.
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The company says it began as a free virus remover in 2004. That history is Malwarebytes’ own account, published on its homepage.
Is Malwarebytes an antivirus?
Yes. Malwarebytes describes its device-security software as antivirus and anti-malware protection. Its role is to scan for and address malicious software on a device; features such as real-time protection are included in paid offerings. The exact protections depend on the product, operating system and subscription. The vendor’s description of supported threats should not be mistaken for independent proof that it detects every threat or outperforms another product.
#1 Best Overall
![Malwarebytes Premium 4.5 Latest Version Antivirus Software | 12 Months, 10 Devices (Windows, Mac OS, Android, Apple iOS, Chrome) [software_key_card]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41vut8UN1VL._SL160_.jpg)
- PROTECTS YOUR DEVICES ON MULTIPLE PLATFORMS: Compatible with Windows, Mac, Android devices.
- UNMATCHED THREAT DETECTION: We found malware on 29 percent of devices that already had a third-party antivirus installed. That’s the power of our innovative technology. We block sophisticated cyberthreats that other programs miss, providing an effective way to secure your devices and data.
- INCREDIBLY EASY TO USE: Our simple user interface enables you to fully control your protection to meet your needs without requiring technical expertise. You can schedule scans, adjust protection layers, and choose your desired scan mode. Protecting your devices shouldn’t be complicated.
- ADVANCED MALWARE, RANSOMWARE PROTECTION: Helps protect you from websites that download ransomware, steal login credentials, or run scams. Reduces your exposure to hackers and cyberthreats while protecting your devices and data.
- PROACTIVE EXPLOIT, AND VIRUS PROTECTION: Protection from the financial and reputational risk posed by a ransomware attack. Shields your device and data from vulnerable and unpatched software until it can be updated. Malwarebytes finds more threats compared to traditional antivirus programs so you can restore your device quickly to its pre-infection state.
What is the difference between free and paid Malwarebytes?
The practical distinction is mainly cleanup on demand versus protection that runs continuously. Malwarebytes says its free version can scan for and remove threats. Paid features include real-time protection and additional scheduled or platform-specific protections. Its Help Center describes Free as a tool for cleaning a device or checking it after a cyberattack, while paid features can help protect before an attack. Those are the company’s descriptions, not findings from an independent test. The feature comparison, updated September 8, 2026, shows differences by operating system.
Do not assume the same feature set applies to every device. Windows, Mac, Android, iOS and iPadOS can have different available features. Check the current comparison for your specific operating system and subscription before buying or relying on a particular protection.
What else does Malwarebytes offer?
Malwarebytes’ portfolio extends beyond its core device-security software. Its product pages and listings describe these categories:
The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →- Browser protection: Browser Guard is a browser extension that Malwarebytes says blocks ads, trackers, scams and malicious web content. Coverage and functions depend on the browser and extension. See the Browser Guard overview.
- VPN: Privacy VPN is offered separately or in some bundles. A VPN addresses privacy and network connections; it is not a substitute for software that detects malicious files on a device. Malwarebytes explains the distinction in its VPN and antivirus explainer.
- Identity protection: The company describes services that can include monitoring, alerts, recovery support and insurance. Specific benefits depend on the plan and its terms. Review the current identity-protection details rather than assuming every plan includes the same coverage.
- Free utilities: The official tools listing includes Virus Remover, Browser Guard, Digital Footprint Scanner, Personal Data Remover, AdwCleaner, Scam Guard and Scam Number Check. Availability and functions are described on the free tools page.
How should you choose a Malwarebytes product?
Start with the job you need done, then verify the product’s current terms. A cleanup scan, continuous device protection, browser blocking, a VPN and identity monitoring address different needs; one does not automatically replace the others.
- Identify your goal. If you want to check or clean a device, look at the free scan and removal capabilities. If you want protection running continuously, examine paid features.
- Check your device and operating system. Use the current feature comparison to confirm that the protection you want is available on your Windows, Mac, Android, iOS or iPadOS device.
- Review what is bundled. Compare device coverage, web or ransomware protections, and whether a VPN or identity service is included. Product names and bundles can change; consult the current pricing and plan page for your location.
- Read the current subscription terms. Check device limits, renewal and cancellation terms, and any conditions attached to identity-protection benefits before subscribing. Prices and plan details vary and can change.
What do Malwarebytes’ threat statistics mean?
On October 7, 2026, Malwarebytes’ homepage reported activity for the preceding 30 days: more than 49 million pieces of malware and potentially unwanted programs, more than 90 million malicious websites, 13,700 ransomware attacks and more than 2 million exploits. These are rolling figures reported by the company. They describe its reported threat activity, not independent product-performance results or a comparison with other security products. The homepage is the source for the figures.
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