What is Malwarebytes used for?

Malwarebytes is security software that finds and removes viruses, ransomware and spyware, with optional VPN, scam protection and identity tools for consumers and small teams. It is a good fit for cleaning an infected PC and adding a second layer of scanning on home devices.

Is Malwarebytes free?

Yes. Malwarebytes has a free plan.

Is Malwarebytes open source?

No. Malwarebytes is proprietary (closed-source) software. Open-source alternatives to Malwarebytes include ClamAV.

What are some alternatives to Malwarebytes?

Malwarebytes competes with Norton, Bitdefender and Avast. For open-source options, see Enlisted's ranked list of open-source Malwarebytes alternatives.

Malwarebytes: features, pricing and alternatives

About Malwarebytes

Malwarebytes is a security software company whose main product scans devices for malware and removes it, including viruses, ransomware and spyware. It is aimed at home users who want a straightforward antivirus and cleaner, and at small businesses through a separate teams offering.

Its current lineup pairs antivirus with a privacy VPN, Scam Guard and a Browser Guard extension, and adds identity theft protection, a service that removes personal data from broker sites and mobile apps for iOS and Android. Free utilities include a malware and virus remover, AdwCleaner, scanners for digital footprint and personal data, and a scam number checker, and an antivirus trial is offered.

Malwarebytes is proprietary software installed on Windows, Mac and mobile devices, with an account portal for activating, renewing and adding devices. Free scanners are offered, while the full real-time protection is sold by subscription.

Key features

Malware, virus and ransomware scanning
Spyware and adware removal
Privacy VPN add-on
Scam Guard and browser protection
Removal of personal data from broker sites
Mobile security for iOS and Android

Good fit for

→Cleaning an infected PC
→Adding a second layer of scanning on home devices

Tags: antivirus; anti-malware; security; ransomware; vpn; consumer; scam-protection

Malwarebytes: questions and answers

What is Malwarebytes used for?: Malwarebytes is security software that finds and removes viruses, ransomware and spyware, with optional VPN, scam protection and identity tools for consumers and small teams. It is a good fit for cleaning an infected PC and adding a second layer of scanning on home devices.
Is Malwarebytes free?: Yes. Malwarebytes has a free plan.
Is Malwarebytes open source?: No. Malwarebytes is proprietary (closed-source) software. Open-source alternatives to Malwarebytes include ClamAV.
What are some alternatives to Malwarebytes?: Malwarebytes competes with Norton, Bitdefender and Avast. For open-source options, see Enlisted's ranked list of open-source Malwarebytes alternatives.