Malwarebytes
Antivirus, VPN, scam blocking and identity protection for people and families
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Pricing
Free · from $5/mo
Free trial
Yes
Company
Malwarebytes
Founded
2004
Platforms
What is Malwarebytes?
Malwarebytes is a security suite that detects and removes malware, viruses, ransomware, exploits and potentially unwanted programs on Windows, Mac, Android and iOS. Paid plans add real-time protection, the Browser Guard extension for scam, ad and tracker blocking, and a WireGuard-based Privacy VPN with no data limits.
Higher tiers bundle identity theft protection: dark web and breach alerts, bank and credit account alerts, 3-bureau credit monitoring, identity recovery specialists, up to $2 million in insurance, and a personal data remover. Scam Guard, which checks suspicious links and screenshots, is included in all plans.
Malwarebytes also offers free tools such as a malware remover, AdwCleaner, Browser Guard and scam number/link checks. Plans cover individuals (3 devices), families (10 devices) and small businesses, with a 60-day money-back guarantee on annual plans. The company was founded in 2004.
Key features
- 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
Use cases
Who it's for
Cleaning an infected PC
Run the free scanner to find and quarantine malware, adware or screen-locking threats.
Protecting a family's devices
Family plans cover up to 10 devices across Windows, Mac, Android and iOS.
Safer public Wi-Fi
Plus plans add a no-log WireGuard VPN for hotspots and public networks.
Guarding against identity theft
Ultimate plans monitor credit and dark web exposure and provide recovery specialists and insurance.
Malwarebytes pricing
From the vendor's site, checked Nov 13, 2026. Prices change — confirm on their pricing page.
Standard
year
$59.99/yr
- 3 devices
- Antivirus for PCs, tablets, phones
- Scam and ad blocker
Plus
year
$79.99/yr
- 3 devices
- Adds WireGuard Privacy VPN
- Unmetered data
Ultimate
year
$139.99/yr (discounted from $279.99)
- 1 adult, 3 devices
- Identity protection with $2M insurance
- Personal data remover
Standard Family
year
$119.99/yr
- 10 devices
- Antivirus and Browser Guard
Plus Family
year
$149.99/yr
- 10 devices
- Adds no-log VPN
Ultimate Family
year
$199.99/yr (discounted from $399.99)
- 2 adults, 10 kids, 10 devices
- $2M identity insurance
- Data remover for 2 adults
| Cost for a team, per month | 1 person | 5 people | 20 people |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standardflat, up to 1 | $5 | — | — |
| Plusflat, up to 1 | $6.67 | — | — |
| Ultimateflat, up to 1 | $11.67 | — | — |
| Standard Familyflat | $10 | $10 | $10 |
| Plus Familyflat | $12.50 | $12.50 | $12.50 |
| Ultimate Familyflat | $16.67 | $16.67 | $16.67 |
Billed yearly where the plan offers it. — means the plan doesn't allow that many people.
Which plan do you need?
- NortonIdentity Advisor Plus$1.67/mo
- MalwarebytesStandard$5/mo
Prices are per month on yearly billing; these vendors publish no monthly rate. The cheapest paid plan with a published price that fits. Custom and sales-quoted plans aren't included.
Get an email when Malwarebytes changes its prices
One mail per change, a stop link in each. Nothing else.
How Malwarebytes compares
- Malwarebytes has a free plan; none of the 4 alternatives below do.
| Tool | Starts at | Free plan | Free trial | API | Open source | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MMalwarebytes | $5/mo | — | — | |||
N Norton | $1.67/mo | — | — | — | Malwarebytes vs Norton | |
N Norton | — | — | — | — | Malwarebytes vs Norton | |
M McAfee | — | — | — | — | — | Malwarebytes vs McAfee |
E ESET | — | — | — | — | Malwarebytes vs ESET |
The closest alternatives in our directory by category. “Starts at” is the cheapest paid plan per month, as each vendor lists it.
Pros and cons
Strengths
- 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
Limitations
- VPN requires the Plus tier or higher
- Ultimate prices shown are promotional 50% discounts off higher list prices
- Plans are billed annually
Malwarebytes FAQ
Is Malwarebytes free?
There are free tools including a malware remover, AdwCleaner, Browser Guard and Scam Guard; real-time protection requires a paid plan starting at $59.99/yr.
Which devices are supported?
Windows, Mac, Android and iOS.
Does the VPN log data?
Malwarebytes states its WireGuard VPN does not log or store network data and has no data metering.
Is there a refund policy?
All annual plans come with a 60-day money-back guarantee.
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Malwarebytes
Free · from $5/mo
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