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Malwarebytes' Premium antivirus earned 6 of 6 for protection, performance and usability in AV-TEST's August 2026 Windows test. The free version is a good second-opinion scanner for cleaning up an infected PC, but it only finds and removes threats; real-time protection needs a paid plan. Paid plans list from $59.99 a year for 3 devices, with first-year discounts that don't carry over to renewal, and a 60-day money-back guarantee. Choose it if you want simple protection plus Browser Guard; skip the higher tiers if you only need antivirus, since Windows already includes Microsoft Defender for free.
Your options
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Malwarebytes This company pays BestGuide when you connect with it through our site. Verified partners are scored on our partner verification program and can be listed first. Payment never changes what we report about fees, terms or complaints. This review People who want light, well-tested antivirus with web scam blocking, or a free second-opinion scanner to clean up an infected PC.
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TotalAV This company pays BestGuide when you connect with it through our site. Verified partners are scored on our partner verification program and can be listed first. Payment never changes what we report about fees, terms or complaints. Alternative People who want an easy antivirus app across several phones and computers and will manage the renewal date themselves.
- Standard (antivirus)
- Listed from $59.99 a year for 3 devices; Standard Family $119.99 a year for 10 devices; single-device option sold separately1
- Plus (antivirus and VPN)
- Listed from $79.99 a year for 3 devices; Plus Family $149.99 a year for 10 devices1
- Ultimate (adds identity protection)
- $139.99 first year (50% off $279.99) for 1 adult and 3 devices; Family $199.99 first year (off $399.99) for 2 adults, 10 kids and 10 devices; $2 million identity insurance and 3-bureau credit monitoring1
- Money-back guarantee
- 60 days; discounts apply to the first year only1
- Free version
- Free scanner finds and removes malware; real-time protection requires Premium2
- Lab results
- AV-TEST August 2026 (Windows 11): 6 protection, 6 performance, 6 usability, Top Product award3
- BBB
- A+, accredited since January 15, 2025; 138 complaints in the last 3 years4
- Platforms
- Windows, Mac, Android and iOS1
Pros
- Perfect 18 of 18 AV-TEST score in August 2026
- Free scanner for cleaning up an infected device
- Entry plan covers 3 devices across Windows, Mac, Android and iOS
- 60-day money-back guarantee
- 4.5 out of 5 on Trustpilot across about 5,800 reviews
Cons
- Free version has no real-time protection
- First-year discounts disappear at renewal
- Fewer extras than Norton or Bitdefender suites (no backup or parental controls listed)
- Reviewers report trouble reaching live support about accounts
Best for: People who want light, well-tested antivirus with web scam blocking, or a free second-opinion scanner to clean up an infected PC.
Skip it if: You want a full suite with backup and parental controls, or Windows' free Defender already covers what you need.
Malwarebytes vs. competitors
| Company | Listed starting price | Devices on entry plan | Money-back | AV-TEST Aug 2026 (protection, performance, usability) | Next step |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Malwarebytes | From $59.99 a year | 3 | 60 days | 6, 6, 6 | Visit site |
| Norton | $29.99 to $99.99 first year; renews $59.99 to $189.99 | Varies by plan | 60 days | 6, 6, 6 | Visit site |
| Bitdefender | $24.99 first year (Antivirus Plus, 1 device) | 1 or 3 | 30 days | 6, 6, 6 | Read review |
| McAfee | $29.99 first year, renews $89.99 | 1 | 30 days (60 on renewals) | 6, 6, 6 | Read review |
| Microsoft Defender | Free with Windows | Each Windows PC | Not applicable | 6, 5.5, 6 |
Antivirus software we reviewed
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Malwarebytes This company pays BestGuide when you connect with it through our site. Verified partners are scored on our partner verification program and can be listed first. Payment never changes what we report about fees, terms or complaints. This review BestGuide rating: 4.6 out of 5. Set by our editorial team from published factors such as cost, credentials, reputation, customer experience, services and guarantees. Verified partners are scored on our partner verification program and can be listed first; they are always labeled BestGuide Partner. Best for: People who want light, well-tested antivirus with web scam blocking, or a free second-opinion scanner to clean up an infected PC. -
TotalAV This company pays BestGuide when you connect with it through our site. Verified partners are scored on our partner verification program and can be listed first. Payment never changes what we report about fees, terms or complaints. BestGuide rating: 4.8 out of 5. Set by our editorial team from published factors such as cost, credentials, reputation, customer experience, services and guarantees. Verified partners are scored on our partner verification program and can be listed first; they are always labeled BestGuide Partner. Best for: People who want an easy antivirus app across several phones and computers and will manage the renewal date themselves. -
AVG BestGuide rating: 4.7 out of 5. Set by our editorial team from published factors such as cost, credentials, reputation, customer experience, services and guarantees. Verified partners are scored on our partner verification program and can be listed first; they are always labeled BestGuide Partner. Best for: Windows users who want a free antivirus with strong lab results, or a cheap first year of protection for one PC or a 10-device household. -
Webroot This company pays BestGuide when you connect with it through our site. Verified partners are scored on our partner verification program and can be listed first. Payment never changes what we report about fees, terms or complaints. BestGuide rating: 4.7 out of 5. Set by our editorial team from published factors such as cost, credentials, reputation, customer experience, services and guarantees. Verified partners are scored on our partner verification program and can be listed first; they are always labeled BestGuide Partner. Best for: People with older or slower PCs who want light, low-maintenance antivirus across a few devices and will manage renewal themselves. -
PC Matic This company pays BestGuide when you connect with it through our site. Verified partners are scored on our partner verification program and can be listed first. Payment never changes what we report about fees, terms or complaints. BestGuide rating: 4.5 out of 5. Set by our editorial team from published factors such as cost, credentials, reputation, customer experience, services and guarantees. Verified partners are scored on our partner verification program and can be listed first; they are always labeled BestGuide Partner. Best for: People who mainly use well-known programs and want inexpensive, low-maintenance protection on several devices. -
ESET This company pays BestGuide when you connect with it through our site. Verified partners are scored on our partner verification program and can be listed first. Payment never changes what we report about fees, terms or complaints. BestGuide rating: 4.4 out of 5. Set by our editorial team from published factors such as cost, credentials, reputation, customer experience, services and guarantees. Verified partners are scored on our partner verification program and can be listed first; they are always labeled BestGuide Partner. Best for: People who want proven antivirus that stays light on older or lower-powered computers, without paying for a large bundle. -
Trend Micro Best for: Families who want scam protection and parental controls across many devices, including Chromebooks. -
Intego This company pays BestGuide when you connect with it through our site. Verified partners are scored on our partner verification program and can be listed first. Payment never changes what we report about fees, terms or complaints. BestGuide rating: 4.3 out of 5. Set by our editorial team from published factors such as cost, credentials, reputation, customer experience, services and guarantees. Verified partners are scored on our partner verification program and can be listed first; they are always labeled BestGuide Partner. Best for: Mac owners who want a native antivirus and firewall in one app, especially families covering several Macs.
Malwarebytes pricing at a glance
Malwarebytes personal plans, as listed on malwarebytes.com, October 12, 20261
| Plan | Listed price per year | Devices | What it adds |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard | From $59.99 | 3 | Antivirus, Browser Guard scam and ad blocking, data breach alerts |
| Plus | From $79.99 | 3 | Standard plus a no-log WireGuard VPN with unmetered data |
| Ultimate | $139.99 first year (list $279.99) | 1 adult, 3 devices | Plus identity protection, $2 million insurance, 3-bureau credit monitoring, data remover |
| Standard Family | From $119.99 | 10 | Standard features for a household |
| Plus Family | From $149.99 | 10 | Antivirus and VPN |
| Ultimate Family | $199.99 first year (list $399.99) | 2 adults, 10 kids, 10 devices | Full identity protection for a family |
Malwarebytes shows first-year discounts that change often (our antivirus guide saw Standard at $35.99 the first year on October 11, 2026) and states discounts are first year only. Check the renewal price in your account before the term ends.
Malwarebytes, step by step
Try the free scanner
Download Malwarebytes for free to scan and remove malware already on the device. It does not block new threats in real time.
Pick a plan
Standard covers antivirus and Browser Guard, Plus adds the VPN, and Ultimate adds identity theft protection and credit monitoring.
Install on each device
Sign in on Windows, Mac, Android or iOS and activate from your Malwarebytes account. Features vary by operating system.
Manage renewal
Plans renew yearly. Check the renewal price in MyAccount, and cancel the renewal there or through support if you don't want to be charged.
Refund if needed
Ask for a refund within 60 days under the money-back guarantee.
Malwarebytes legitimacy and licensing
Yes. Malwarebytes is a Santa Clara, California security company that the BBB lists as founded in 2008. It holds an A+ BBB rating and has been accredited since January 15, 2025, with 138 complaints in the last three years. Trustpilot reviewers rate it 4.5 out of 5 across 5,799 reviews.
Its protection holds up in independent testing. In AV-TEST’s August 2026 Windows 11 test, Malwarebytes Premium scored 6 of 6 for protection, performance and usability, earning a Top Product award. Download it only from malwarebytes.com or official app stores; scammers use pop-ups that name well-known antivirus brands and ask you to call a number.
Malwarebytes pricing and renewal
On October 12, 2026, malwarebytes.com listed Standard from $59.99 a year for 3 devices, Plus (with VPN) from $79.99 and Ultimate (with identity protection) at $139.99 for the first year, down from $279.99. Family tiers cover 10 devices: Standard Family $119.99, Plus Family $149.99 and Ultimate Family $199.99 for the first year, down from $399.99.
Malwarebytes runs frequent first-year promotions and says discounts apply to the first year only. Our antivirus guide recorded Standard at $35.99 for the first year on October 11, 2026. Before your plan renews, log in and check the renewal price. Every plan has a 60-day money-back guarantee.
What you get
- Antivirus: protection against viruses, ransomware, Trojans, spyware, exploits and phishing on Windows, Mac, Android and iOS. Exact features vary by operating system.
- Browser Guard: blocks scam sites, ads and trackers in the browser.
- VPN (Plus and Ultimate): WireGuard-based, no-log, with unmetered data.
- Identity protection (Ultimate): dark web and breach alerts, bank and card alerts, social media monitoring, 3-bureau credit monitoring, an online data remover, recovery specialists and $2 million in identity insurance.
What customers say about Malwarebytes
Recurring themes across the review sites and complaint records listed above, not individual quotes.
Common praise
- Finds and removes malware other tools missed
- Light on system resources
- Simple, clear interface
- Free scanner that works alongside other antivirus
Common complaints
- Hard to reach a live person about an account
- Confusion over renewals and charges
- Dashboard and license management that some find confusing
- Slow or unclear replies to support tickets
Malwarebytes complaints and how to avoid problems
Most complaints are about accounts, not protection. Reviewers describe difficulty reaching a person without calling, confusion managing licenses on the dashboard, renewal charges they didn’t expect and slow ticket replies. Malwarebytes replies to 94% of negative Trustpilot reviews.
- Note your renewal date and price when you buy.
- Cancel the renewal in MyAccount or through support if you plan to switch.
- Request refunds within the 60-day window.
- Never call a phone number shown in a virus pop-up; real antivirus apps don’t ask you to call.
Cancellation and refunds
Malwarebytes offers a 60-day money-back guarantee on its plans. Plans renew yearly. To avoid another annual charge, manage the subscription in MyAccount or contact Malwarebytes support before the renewal date. If a charge you didn’t expect appears, contact Malwarebytes support within the 60-day window, and if that fails, dispute it with your card issuer.
Alternatives to Malwarebytes
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Microsoft Defender Antivirus
Free and built into Windows, with a 17.5 of 18 AV-TEST score in August 2026; pair it with the free Malwarebytes scanner for occasional second opinions.
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BitdefenderCheaper first-year pricing and a free Windows antivirus, with top lab scores.
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Better if you want a full suite with backup and parental controls in one plan.
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A free real-time antivirus, though its owner was ordered by the FTC in 2024 to stop selling browsing data.
Next steps
Malwarebytes reviews
Written by readers, read by our moderators, never edited by the company.
No reader reviews yet. If you have used Malwarebytes, yours will be the first.
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Frequently asked questions
Is Malwarebytes safe?
Yes. Malwarebytes is an established U.S. security company with an A+ BBB rating, and its Premium antivirus scored 18 of 18 in AV-TEST's August 2026 Windows test. Download it only from malwarebytes.com or official app stores.
Is Malwarebytes free really free?
Yes, the free scanner costs nothing and removes malware it finds. It does not protect you in real time, which requires a paid plan.
Is Malwarebytes a good antivirus?
Its lab results are strong: 6 of 6 for protection, performance and usability in August 2026. It has fewer extras than Norton or Bitdefender, so it suits people who want straightforward protection.
How much does Malwarebytes cost?
On October 12, 2026 it listed Standard from $59.99 a year for 3 devices, Plus from $79.99 and Ultimate at $139.99 for the first year. Family plans for 10 devices start at $119.99. First-year discounts don't apply at renewal.
Does Malwarebytes remove all viruses?
No antivirus catches everything, but Malwarebytes scored full protection marks in AV-TEST's August 2026 test. If you still have problems after a scan, run a second scanner or get professional help.
Can I use Malwarebytes with Windows Defender?
Yes. Many people keep Microsoft Defender for real-time protection and use the free Malwarebytes scanner for on-demand checks. Running two real-time scanners at once can slow your PC.
Does Malwarebytes include a VPN?
Yes, on Plus, Ultimate and their family versions. Standard does not include the VPN.
Does Malwarebytes have identity theft protection?
The Ultimate plans add identity monitoring, 3-bureau credit monitoring, a personal data remover, recovery specialists and $2 million in identity insurance.
What is the Malwarebytes refund policy?
Malwarebytes offers a 60-day money-back guarantee. Cancel the renewal in MyAccount or through support if you don't want the plan to renew.
Is Malwarebytes better than Norton?
Both scored 18 of 18 with AV-TEST in August 2026. Norton bundles more features like backup and parental controls; Malwarebytes is simpler and has a free scanner.
Sources (7)
Facts on this page come from company websites, government agencies and regulators, checked on the dates shown. Editorial standards
- Malwarebytes: Pricing (accessed October 12, 2026)
- Malwarebytes: Virus scanner FAQ (free version) (accessed October 12, 2026)
- AV-TEST: Best antivirus software for Windows home users, August 2026 (accessed October 12, 2026)
- BBB: Malwarebytes business profile (accessed October 12, 2026)
- Trustpilot: Malwarebytes reviews (accessed October 12, 2026)
- Apple App Store: Malwarebytes Mobile Security (accessed October 12, 2026)
- Malwarebytes: Free download (accessed October 12, 2026)
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