Can I run Malwarebytes alongside another antivirus?

Yes, its low resource use makes it a common second-opinion scanner alongside a primary real-time suite.

Does Malwarebytes include a VPN?

No, Malwarebytes Privacy VPN is sold as a separate product.

Is Malwarebytes good at removing adware?

Yes, it's particularly strong against adware, PUPs, and browser hijackers that some traditional antivirus engines miss.

Does Malwarebytes work on Mac and mobile?

Yes, Premium is available for Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS.

WindowsMacAndroidiOSFree PlanReal-Time Protection

Malwarebytes Premium

The go-to second-opinion scanner, now with real-time paid protection

Malwarebytes built its reputation as the best free on-demand cleanup scanner, and Premium adds real-time protection that's light enough to run alongside another suite.

Read full review

Overall score

8.7

out of 10

Price

Free scanner · $44.99/yr (Premium)

Platforms

Windows, Mac, Android, iOS

Best for

Home

Support

Email ticket support

Protection Rate95%

Malwarebytes' detection is strong, particularly against adware, PUPs, and browser hijackers, though it trails the very top scores of Bitdefender and Kaspersky on broad malware sets.

Performance Impact98%

This is one of the lightest real-time engines we test — a common pairing with another suite for a lightweight second layer.

Pros

✓Excellent at removing stubborn adware and PUPs other tools miss

✓Very light on system resources even with real-time protection on

✓Free on-demand scanner is genuinely useful as a second opinion

✓Simple, no-nonsense interface

Cons

–Free tier has no real-time protection, only manual scans

–No VPN or password manager bundled

–Slightly lower raw detection scores than the top all-in-one suites

Features

Premium adds real-time and ransomware protection to the well-known on-demand scanner, plus exploit and brute-force protection.

Real-time malware & ransomware protection (Premium)

Exploit protection

Brute force protection

On-demand deep scan

Browser Guard extension

Scheduled scanning

Pricing

Premium is competitively priced at $44.99/yr, and the free scanner remains genuinely useful as a standalone cleanup tool.

UI / UX

The interface is refreshingly simple — a scan button, a protection toggle, and clear results — with no bundled-feature clutter.

Compare with

Malwarebytes Premium vs Bitdefender Total Security →Malwarebytes Premium vs Norton 360 Deluxe →Malwarebytes Premium vs Kaspersky Premium →

Reviewed by

Jordan Voss · Editor-in-Chief, Security Testing

Frequently asked questions

No — it only runs on-demand scans, with no real-time protection. Pair it with a real-time engine, or upgrade to Premium.