5 Best Malwarebytes Alternatives for 2024 (Free and Paid)
Reading time: 22 min
Updated on November 16, 2023
Many antiviruses upsell themselves but fall short of complex zero-day cyber threats. It’s easy for beginner users to trust these claims and get an ill-equipped antivirus. That’s why you should get a top antivirus to protect yourself from fast-emerging threats.
While Malwarebytes is good, there are better antiviruses. I tested 20+ alternatives and picked the best 5, by comparing them across multiple categories like real-time protection, web protection, firewall, and extra features.
Norton is my recommended choice as it offers perfect real-time protection with a powerful firewall and low-impact scans. It’s also one of the few antiviruses with cloud backup. You can try Norton risk-free with its 60-day money-back guarantee.
Try Norton risk-free for 60 days
Quick Guide: Best Malwarebytes Alternatives in 2024
- Norton — Norton is the #1 Malwarebytes alternative as it can block 100% of complex and fast-emerging threats and has numerous extra security features.
- McAfee — excellent detection and real-time protection scores, but it has a high impact on system performance.
- TotalAV — multiple optimization tools to improve system performance, but doesn’t have a firewall.
- iolo — includes spyware protection and multiple privacy features, but doesn’t offer useful extras like a VPN, password manager, and parental controls.
- Bitdefender — extremely lightweight with cloud scanning features, but doesn’t always detect complex malware in real time.
Why Look for a Malwarebytes Antivirus Alternative?
Malwarebytes has great malware detection abilities, but it’s not the best antivirus in terms of features. For instance, Malwarebytes lacks a firewall, password manager, or parental controls — these are available on other antivirus plans that cost the same. My dealbreaker was the lack of a firewall. Malwarebytes relies on Windows Defender, which isn’t equipped to deal with complex threats.
Also, Malwarebytes is based in the US, a member of the data-sharing alliance called the 5 Eyes. I recommend you opt out of data collection if you use Malwarebytes just to be safe. In 2021, Malwarebytes was hacked by the Dark Halo hacker group. However, the company claims that the cyber attackers could only access “a limited subset of internal company emails.”
From a price perspective, Malwarebytes has a higher price than other competitors on this list. Combine that with its lack of features and you’ll realize Malwarebytes isn’t as good value for money as other top antiviruses.
The Best Alternatives for Malwarebytes — Fully Tested in 2024
1. Norton — #1 Antivirus With Perfect Detection and Useful Extras
Key Features:
- 100% real-time protection with SONAR analysis
- Web protection browser extension for online safety
- Minimal impact on system performance
- Advanced firewall, cloud backup, parental controls, a password manager, and more
- Easy-to-use apps for Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android
- 60-day money-back guarantee
Norton’s SONAR analysis makes it the #1 alternative to Malwarebytes. It examines the behavior of unknown applications by matching it to known threats to block fast-emerging viruses. In my tests, Norton blocked all 350 EICAR virus samples I planted on my PC. It also stopped me from downloading infected files and opening dangerous sites, giving me a 100% real-time detection score.
Its advanced firewall immediately configures itself depending on your network. It became more strict with traffic when I joined a public network at a local cafe — that’s great for beginners. However, advanced users can set traffic rules, monitor uncommon protocols, check DNS and ARP spoofing, and more. The Intrusion Protection feature was my favorite — it identifies connections with attack signatures and instantly blocks them.
Besides a powerful firewall, Norton offers the following features that aren’t available on Malwarebytes:
- Software Updater — keeps your software and apps up-to-date so that hackers can’t exploit loopholes to get into your system.
- Cloud backup — offers up to 200GB of cloud storage to keep your sensitive files safe with an automatic reminder feature.
- Parental controls — lets you monitor your child’s online and offline activities remotely and restrict access to inappropriate sites and apps.
- Password manager — stores all your passwords and auto-fills them for quick logins, so you’re safe from data-stealing malware like keyloggers.
- Optimization tools — improve your system performance with its Optimize Disk, Startup Manager, and File Cleanup features.
- Safecam — blocks unauthorized access to your webcam, which has little to no in-built security and is an easy target for hackers.
Compared to Malwarebytes, Norton’s full scans were lighter on my system. My CPU and RAM usage levels only jumped by 11% and 17%, respectively. I installed Microsoft Office and Adobe Photoshop and played heavy games like Forza Horizon 5 without any noticeable lag. It also suspends scans and pop-up notifications when you’re in full-screen mode to avoid unnecessary distractions.
I was impressed by Norton’s customer support team’s fast and professional replies. I filled out a short form on its website and immediately connected to a live chat agent. I asked them a question about Norton’s Power Eraser tool and got an instant and detailed answer. The agent asked me if I was satisfied with the answer and if there was anything else they could help me with. You can also phone support or Norton’s online knowledge base to find answers to general questions, but live chat is the fastest way to contact the support team.
Overall, Norton is better at detecting zero-day threats than Malwarebytes and also has more security features. You can get Norton for as low as a year, but the Deluxe plan provides the best value. It includes an unlimited VPN, dark web monitoring, and parental controls. If you’re unsure of committing, you can try Norton risk-free for 30 days with its money-back guarantee to see if it fits your security needs.
Try Norton risk-free for 60 days
2. McAfee — Highly Configurable Firewall Blocks Complex Threats
Key Features:
- Advanced firewall blocks malicious traffic and disables connectivity of certain apps
- Detects 100% of zero-day threats in real-time with powerful web protection
- A vulnerability scanner, tracker remover, parental controls, and password manager
- App and web boost optimization tools for better system performance
- Fast support options include 24/7 live chat, phone support, and online forums
- 30-day free trial and 30-day money-back guarantee
McAfee’s advanced firewall makes it an excellent alternative to Malwarebytes, which doesn’t have one. It has a beginner-friendly user interface but also has advanced features to give you complete control over your incoming and outgoing traffic. With its traffic controller, you can tweak the permissions your apps have when you’re connected to the internet.
I highly suggest running McAfee’s full scan for a thorough checkup of your system. It took roughly 2 hours to scan more than 900,000 files, which is slow compared to Norton. Unlike Malwarebytes which wrongly flagged 5 legitimate files, I didn’t get any false positives with McAfee. You can also run a quick scan but it’ll only check critical areas on your drive, so it might miss complex threats hiding in unassuming areas. McAfee also offers:
- WebAdvisor — blocks opening malicious sites, infected URLs in your inbox, and crypto-jacking and phishing attacks.
- Vulnerability Scanner — updates your apps and operating system so that hackers can’t exploit software vulnerabilities to get into your computer.
- True Key — safely stores all your passwords and credentials with military-grade encryption to keep them safe from snoopers.
- Safe Family — lets you monitor your child’s activities, set up screen time limits, and block specific sites and apps.
With Safe Connect VPN, you can access global content like Netflix US, HBO Max, Disney+, and more with its 2,000+ servers in 23 countries. Unfortunately, my speeds dropped by over 20% on distant servers. While Safe Connect isn’t as good as a standalone VPN like ExpressVPN, it still gives you access to global content, unlike Malwarebytes.
All of McAfee’s apps are intuitive and user-friendly. It took me less than 5 minutes to install McAfee on my PC, MacBook, iPhone, and Android phone. Unfortunately, the Mac app lacks the App and Web Boost optimization tools available on Windows. These tools made my browsing experience faster — I didn’t have any slowdowns with 20+ tabs open on Chrome and McAfee’s full scan running in the background.
Out of all its products, McAfee’s Total Protection offers the best value. Even the basic plan includes all the above-listed features at just a year but only covers 1 device. You can upgrade to the Plus plan if you want to protect more devices. You can try McAfee risk-free for 30 days with its money-back guarantee.
Try McAfee risk-free for 30 days
3. TotalAV — Range of Optimization Tools Improve System Performance
Key Features:
- Optimization tools included in smart scan for improving system performance
- 99.5% real-time protection score with powerful web protection
- Includes a password vault, VPN, and data breach test
- User-friendly apps for Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS
- Fast support through 24/7 live chat, email, phone, and an online knowledge base
- Try risk-free for 30 days with its money-back guarantee
TotalAV’s tune-up facility significantly improves system performance, unlike Malwarebytes which lacks optimization tools. The best part was that I didn’t have to navigate through the tools separately. Instead, I ran a smart scan and TotalAV identified tracking cookies, junk files, auto-run programs, and duplicate files on my PC. I resolved these issues in a few clicks without having to use these tools separately.
The WebShield browser extension is excellent for online security. It works on Chrome, Edge, Firefox, and Opera and blocks ransomware links and phishing sites like clockwork. It immediately prevented me from opening malicious URLs in spam emails, giving me excellent real-time protection. TotalAV’s real-time protection score was better than Malwarebytes’ in my tests. Besides that, you’ll get access to:
- Password manager — generates complex passwords and auto-fills your credentials to make signing in faster.
- VPN — gives you seamless access to global content with fast speeds for UHD streaming and is one of my favorite antiviruses with an in-built VPN.
- Data breach test — checks if your email addresses and their contents have been compromised in a past data breach.
The user interfaces on the Windows and Mac apps are a bit different but easy to use with features neatly labeled on the left bar. The iOS and Android apps include anti-phishing protection, an in-app secure browser, data breach monitoring, and optimization tools. However, the Android app additionally offers real-time protection and App Lock.
Live chat is the quickest way to contact TotalAV’s customer support. However, I had to log out of my account to find the live chat option which was unintuitive. But thankfully, it only took me 10 seconds to connect to an agent after filling out a quick online form. The customer support agent solved my queries immediately.
While the Antivirus Pro costs the lowest at just $19.00 a year, I recommend the Total Security plan. It includes an ad blocker, and a password manager, and protects 6 devices with all the other features. You don’t need to take my word for it — you can try TotalAV risk-free with its 30-day money-back guarantee.
Try TotalAV risk-free for 30 days
4. iolo — Excellent Spyware Protection and Privacy-Focused Features
Key Features:
- Powerful real-time protection that blocks threats like spyware and adware
- Comprehensive tune-up facility to improve your system performance
- Extra privacy features like Privacy Shield, System Guard, and Privacy Guardian
- Password manager and a Search & Recover feature for restoring deleted files
- Get support via live chat, phone support (limited countries), and online guides
- 30-day money-back guarantee
iolo’s additional privacy features make it a better antivirus than Malwarebytes. With System Mechanic Ultimate Defense, you can keep your personal information completely secure online and offline with System Guard, which blocks programs from loading or changing your browser settings without permission. Moreover, Privacy Guardian stops websites from profiling you through browsing activity.
Similar to Malwarebytes, iolo’s System Shield gave me a real-time protection score of 99% — that’s quite good and above the industry average. However, it failed to detect a few metamorphic viruses inside zip files and gave me 5 false positives. Still, I was happy that it gave me a full overview of my system’s level of protection.
While iolo isn’t as feature-rich as Norton or McAfee, it still offers several useful extras that improve your system performance and security. These include:
- Spyware protection — guards your computer against spyware and adware that often go unnoticed and pose a serious threat to your privacy.
- Optimization tools — include a disk and registry cleaner, startup optimizer, disk defragmenter, and RAMJet to provide an instant performance boost.
- Drive Scrubber — can erase your entire disk beyond recovery, much like McAfee’s file shredder except that it permanently deletes the entire disk.
- Password manager — encrypts all your saved data in a secure password vault accessible with a single master password.
When I downloaded the System Mechanic Ultimate Defense app, the program ran a trial version that prompted me to enter the activation code before I could use the premium features. It was easy to use iolo on my Windows PC and Macbook, but it could’ve had a more seamless interface. For instance, there was no “back” button for getting to the main dashboard.
You can get in touch with iolo’s customer support via live chat. However, at times the agent gave me inaccurate information — he said that System Mechanic Pro wasn’t an antivirus despite the web page telling me otherwise. I also noticed a lot of frustrating upselling attempts. It would’ve been nice if iolo also offered email support because phone support is only limited to users in the US and Canada.
The System Mechanic product series is the best in iolo’s line-up. It’s a full antivirus suite with the basic tier costing just $23.99 a year. I recommend System Mechanic Ultimate Defense as it includes real-time protection, extra privacy features, a password manager, and a full range of optimization tools. You can try iolo with confidence as it’s backed with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Try iolo risk-free for 30 days
5. Bitdefender — Much Lighter on System Performance Than Malwarebytes
Key Features:
- Blocks 98.7% of all real-time threats like rootkits, trojans, spyware, and more
- Behavior Monitoring prevents ransomware attacks and recovers your important files
- Advanced firewall, webcam protection, password manager, a VPN, and more
- Works with Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android
- Multiple support options like 24/7 live chat, email, phone, and community forum
- 30-day money-back guarantee
Bitdefender is the most lightweight antivirus on this list, especially when compared to Malwarebytes. I recorded my baseline CPU and RAM usage levels and compared them during a full scan. Bitdefender was slightly lighter on my CPU and RAM without a scan than Malwarebytes. Malwarebytes’ full scan almost quadrupled my usage levels. In contrast, I could still play The Witcher 3 during Bitdefender’s full scan, albeit with irregular frame drops.
| Baseline CPU usage | Baseline RAM usage | CPU usage with full scan | RAM usage with full scan | |
| Bitdefender | 7% | 9% | 22% | 28% |
| Malwarebytes | 10% | 14% | 35% | 42% |
In the security department, Bitdefender detected all the 100+ infected files I had planted on my PC. It gave me a near-perfect real-time protection score of 98.7%, successfully blocking all scam emails, links, and phishing sites. When I downloaded malicious files, Bitdefender warned me with a notification in the browser window and automatically quarantined the file.
Besides having a VPN, password manager, and parental controls, Bitdefender offers:
- Behavior Monitoring — prevents ransomware attacks and uses a remediation tool to recover your files.
- Advanced firewall — gives you complete control of your internet traffic and its Alert Mode notifies you when an app tries to connect to the internet without permission.
- Antispam — connects to your Outlook account and filters out all junk and spam emails, so you don’t accidentally open malicious URLs.
- Webcam protection — ensures no one can hack into your webcam or mic to snoop on your sensitive data.
I was thoroughly impressed by Bitdefender’s fast customer support. I asked a live chat agent about the file shredder and got a helpful response immediately. Even its email support team got back to me in just 1 hour, whereas it typically takes over 6-8 hours with other antiviruses. Phone support is available in multiple languages across 17 countries but it’s a bit slower than email. You can also find useful threads on Bitdefender’s online forum.
The free plan is equipped with all the essential protection tools like real-time, anti-phishing, and web protection and optimization tools. Antivirus Plus is just $24.99 a year, but I recommend getting Bitdefender Total Security. It’s a complete antivirus suite packed with extra features like optimization tools, payment protection, and vulnerability assessment. You can try Bitdefender without risk with its 30-day money-back guarantee.
Try Bitdefender risk-free for 30 days
Warning! Avoid These 3 Antiviruses
1. AVG and Avast
AVG and its parent company, Avast aren’t privacy-friendly antiviruses despite them having very enticing and feature-rich free plans. A 2019 report revealed that Avast was collecting and selling user data to third parties, including browser histories, location, and search queries.
The 2 antiviruses also have bloated software that can cause performance issues due to unnecessary features. Despite having a high-end PC with a powerful CPU, I had numerous instances of freezing while running AVG’s and Avast’s full scans with significant spikes in my RAM and CPU usage levels.
2. Lookout Mobile Security
Although Lookout Mobile Security doesn’t violate your privacy, it’s not effective at catching zero-day and other fast-emerging threats. Its rather basic virus scanner couldn’t block complex viruses like Flame and NIMDA in my tests. These are currently 2 of the most notorious malware.
Unfortunately, Lookout Mobile Security only works on iOS and Android so you can’t protect your Windows or macOS device with it. If you’re paying for an antivirus, it should cover both desktops and mobiles. Consider getting one of the top 10 best antiviruses on this list.
3. Super Cleaner Studio’s Virus Cleaner
Despite its high rating on Google Play Store, I found that Super Cleaner Studio’s Virus Cleaner doesn’t do anything. I scanned my PC and prompted me to fix issues that weren’t even there, just like how some antiviruses show a fake virus alert from Microsoft to coax you into upgrading.
I fixed these issues, restarted my PC, and ran the scan again to find the same viruses again. I ran multiple Norton’s full scans to verify if there were viruses on my system and the results came back negative. Moreover, it missed nearly half the genuine viruses on my computer. I wouldn’t recommend Super Cleaner as it provides sub-par protection.
Quick Comparison Table: 2024’s Best Alternatives for Malwarebytes Antivirus
| Real-time Protection | ID Theft Protection | Webcam Protection | Starting Price | Cloud Storage | Money-back Guarantee | |
| Norton | ✔ | US only | ✔ | ✔ | 60 days | |
| McAfee | ✔ | US only | ✘ | ✘ | 30 days | |
| TotalAV | ✔ | Add-on | ✘ | $19.00 | ✘ | 30 days |
| iolo | ✔ | ✘ | ✘ | $23.99 | ✘ | 30 days |
| Bitdefender | ✔ | ✘ | ✔ | $24.99 | ✘ | 30 days |
3 Easy Steps: How to Install & Use the Best Malwarebytes Alternative
- Download and install the antivirus — I recommend Norton as it offers perfect detection scores and a range of extra security features.
![Screenshot of Norton's plans on its website]()
- Complete the installation process — Run the setup file, follow the installation steps, and set up features once the installation is complete.
![Screenshot of Norton's]()
- That’s it! Run a full scan and remove any malware found on your computer.
How I Tested & Ranked the Top Malwarebytes Alternatives in 2024
Throughout my testing, I evaluated contenders based on the following criteria:
- Virus detection — I tested each antivirus’ different scan types and picked the ones that gave me a perfect or near-perfect detection score.
- Real-time protection — I chose antiviruses that blocked all complex threats like metamorphic viruses in real time.
- Advanced firewall — The antiviruses on this list have powerful firewalls that can detect malicious incoming traffic, keeping you safe online.
- Useful extras — Each antivirus I selected has extra security features like a VPN, password manager, anti-phishing protection, and parental controls.
- Customer support — I contacted the support team via live chat, email, and phone and ensured each contender offers fast and helpful support.
- Money-back guarantee — I evaluated each competitor on how easy it was to get a refund and the time it took to get my money back.
FAQs on Malwarebytes Antivirus Alternatives
Can Malwarebytes be trusted?
Yes, Malwarebytes is decent but other antiviruses I listed are better. While Malwarebytes is excellent at blocking fast-emerging viruses, it lacks many security extras offered by other antiviruses. This includes a password manager, parental controls, and even a firewall.
With 10+ years in the industry, Malwarebytes has a strong track record of detecting and removing malware. But it’s based in the US, a core member of the 5 Eyes Alliance of data-sharing countries. Malwarebytes collect your personal and non-personal data, so I recommend you opt out of data collection.
What’s the best Malwarebytes alternative?
Norton is a better antivirus than Malwarebytes. It has perfect detection and real-time protection scores, whereas Malwarebytes just offers the industry average. Norton is also loaded with many extra security features, such as an advanced firewall, an automatic software updater, cloud storage, a password manager, parental controls, and more.
During my tests, Norton improved my system performance by about 20% more than Malwarebytes. I could install heavy software like Adobe Suite and Microsoft Office and play games like Forza Horizon 5 with Norton seamlessly, but not with Malwarebytes. Norton’s scans were also lighter with minimal impact on my computer’s resources.
Should I uninstall Malwarebytes?
Yes, but only if you’re using a better alternative from this list. I recommend Norton due to its exceptional virus-detection abilities even in real-time. However, you shouldn’t uninstall Malwarebytes if you don’t have any other better antivirus to protect you.
Using 2 antiviruses at once is counterproductive as your system may start lagging or freezing a lot, and it doesn’t have any security benefits. It’s best to just use a single really good antivirus for all your security needs. Consider using one of my top 7 Windows-based antiviruses.
Can I run Malwarebytes and Avast together?
You can, but I strongly advise against that. I’ve explained why you should not use Avast — it has a shady privacy policy and track record as the company was selling user data to third parties without permission.
Running Malwarebytes and Avast together will reduce performance and security. Each antivirus program is designed to scan and protect your computer in a specific way. Both running simultaneously can cause them to interfere with each other’s processes, resulting in missed detection and false positives, making your computer more vulnerable to threats.
Can I use a free Malwarebytes antivirus alternative?
As long as they fulfill the criteria I used to rank top antiviruses — unfortunately, most don’t. Most free antiviruses have severe limitations, can’t detect complex threats, and don’t offer the same level of protection as a top-paid antivirus solution.
Besides some reliable and free antiviruses, most have privacy concerns or may have unwanted add-ons, browser toolbars, or adware. This can significantly slow down your computer. The worst kind of free antiviruses can even infect your device with malware.
Protect Yourself With the Best Malwarebytes Alternative
Malwarebytes is a decent antivirus choice but not the best. Its lack of security features, even the basic ones like a firewall, makes it my last option. Not to mention that you can get a far better antivirus suite at a lower price.
After testing numerous options, I learned that Norton is the best Malwarebytes alternative. This software provides excellent real-time protection due to its advanced malware-detection capabilities. Additional security features include a password manager, VPN, parental controls and more.
You can try Norton risk-freefor 60 days with its generous money-back guarantee. If you change your mind, just submit a refund request via its live chat. I tested its money-back policy firsthand and got my refund in 4 business days.
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