Scans any file or folder you want (including the entire disc). Scans your memory and startup programs for active infections. Scans key areas of your device’s system, memory, and startup programs. Malwarebytes has four different virus scans you can choose from: Malwarebytes uses a signature-based approach as well as heuristics to detect malware. This means that Malwarebytes has a malware database that it uses to detect malware on your system, and it also examines files for suspicious behavior in order to identify new malware that hasn’t yet been added to its database. Visit Malwarebytes Malwarebytes Security Features Virus Scanner That said, if you’re looking for a basic, no-frills antivirus that offers good malware protection, Malwarebytes is an excellent, low-cost option. Malwarebytes’s top plan does include a VPN, but competing brands like TotalAV, McAfee, Bitdefender, Avira, or Kaspersky also offer VPNs, along with a wider range of extra features.

Malwarebytes has all of the core security features that I expect from an antivirus program, including real-time malware protection, ransomware protection, and web protection.īut unlike so many of its competitors, Malwarebytes hardly offers any additional features, like a firewall, system tuneup tools, a password manager, or parental controls. Try Malwarebytes Risk-Free for 60 Days Malwarebytes Full Review

Malwarebytes doesn’t provide nearly as many additional features as top competitors like Norton and Bitdefender but it’s reasonably priced, offers a 14-day free trial, and provides a generous 60-day money-back guarantee on all premium plans. While Malwarebytes is lacking many of the protections I’m used to seeing in top antivirus software (like device optimization tools, parental controls, and a password manager), I think Malwarebytes is a good choice for users who want a simple, install-and-forget antivirus that’s able to detect and block the majority of malware.

Users can also upgrade to the Premium + Privacy plan to get a VPN, which is a good option for hiding online activity (but it’s missing a lot of the features and functionalities found in standalone VPN competitors. Other than the malware scanner, Malwarebytes has a web protection feature that is pretty good (it had near-perfect detection rates during my phishing tests). In terms of real-time protection, Malwarebytes successfully blocked 98% of the malware files, which is excellent. During my testing, Malwarebytes detected 95% of the malware files I had previously downloaded to my device, which is a pretty good result.

Malwarebytes is a minimalistic, easy-to-use antivirus program that provides good protection against malware, but not much else.

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