B
BESET vs Malwarebytes
Pricing, features, platforms and who each one suits — side by side.
E
Choose ESET if…
- you work on Linux
- you're in its core audience: home users, families
M
Choose Malwarebytes if…
- you want a free plan to start with
- you work on iOS, Chrome
- you're in its core audience: home users, families
Side by side
Feature ESET Malwarebytes
Pricing modelPaidFreemium
Starting price—$5/mo
Free plan
Free trial
API
Open source
PlatformsWindows, macOS, Android, LinuxWindows, macOS, Android, iOS, Chrome
CompanyESETMalwarebytes · since 2004
Full feature lists
E ESET
- Real-time AI-powered malware and ransomware detection
- Anti-phishing and safe banking browser mode
- Firewall, Wi-Fi and router vulnerability testing
- Unlimited VPN data with router VPN option
- File and USB encryption
- Ransomware file recovery with automatic backups
- Dark web scanning and credit report monitoring
- Scanning AI chat responses for malicious links
M Malwarebytes
- Real-time protection against malware, ransomware and exploits
- Free malware scanner and AdwCleaner
- Browser Guard scam, ad and tracker blocker
- WireGuard VPN with no logging and unmetered data
- Scam Guard checks for suspicious links and screenshots
- Dark web, breach and 3-bureau credit monitoring
- Identity theft insurance up to $2 million
- Online personal data remover
Their home pages
What each vendor shows first: the pitch, the plans and the sign-up.
ESET · eset.com
Malwarebytes · malwarebytes.comWhat you'd pay
The cheapest plan that fits, per month, billed yearly where the plan offers it.
| Team size | ESET | Malwarebytes |
|---|---|---|
| 1 person | no published plan | $5 Standard |
| 5 people | no published plan | $10 Standard Family |
| 20 people | no published plan | $10 Standard Family |
All plans and prices
ESET
EssentialVaries by device count
PremiumVaries by device count
UltimateVaries by device count
Malwarebytes
Standard$59.99/yr
Plus$79.99/yr
Ultimate$139.99/yr (discounted from $279.99)
Standard Family$119.99/yr
Plus Family$149.99/yr
Ultimate Family$199.99/yr (discounted from $399.99)
Strengths and limitations
ESET
- Vendor-reported 99.9% malware protection rate
- Small system footprint
- Higher home plans include unlimited VPN data
- Ultimate includes identity recovery with $1M insurance
- Ultimate plan requires at least 5 devices
- Premium includes only 3 VPN connections for 1–10 devices
- Identity protection features are only in the top tier
Malwarebytes
- Free malware remover, AdwCleaner and Browser Guard
- Scam Guard included in all plans
- 60-day money-back guarantee on annual plans
- 24/7 human support
- VPN requires the Plus tier or higher
- Ultimate prices shown are promotional 50% discounts off higher list prices
- Plans are billed annually
More comparisons
Other options to consider
BB
Freemium
B
Antivirus and security suites for homes, small businesses and enterprises
AntivirusFree plan
N
NN
From $1.67/mo
N
NN
Free trial
M
M
See site
A
AA
Freemium
A
AA
Free trial
Facts from each vendor's public pages, prices checked Nov 12, 2026. Editorial policy