Malwarebytes vs. Windows Defender

Here’s a handy guide to help you choose the best cybersecurity protection for you and your family.

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Choosing the right cybersecurity protection is tricky.

At Malwarebytes, we prioritize our customers by designing products that are simple, effective, and accessible—offering free, easy-to-use threat scanning and detection tools. While Windows Defender may offer similar features for Windows we encourage you to consider your immediate needs up front to ensure you get the most value and protection for all devices for your entire family.

Compare Malwarebytes and Windows Defender side-by-side

Available features*
Malwarebytes
Windows Defender
Device Security

Comprehensive threat scanning and Windows Firewall Control

Antivirus, anti-malware, scam, and exploit protection

Trusted Advisor with personalized protection score

Fast and seamless software installation across all devices

Windows, Mac iOS, Android

Windows only

Mobile call protection

iOS

Not supported

Browser protection

Multi-browser malware and phishing protection

In-browser ad and adware blocking

Online credit card skimmer protection 

Breached sites alerts

Auto GDPR cookie blocks

Multi-browser IT tech support scam protection
Virtual private network (VPN)

Wi-Fi security and anonymous browsing

Blind Operator security
(disables remote and local server access for privacy)

Unrestricted VPN
(no data limits or metering across VPN plans)

Identity theft protection

Identity theft protection and dark monitoring alerts

Up to $2 million USD identity theft protection insurance**

3 bureau credit monitoring

Social media account monitoring

Global identity theft protection insurance availability

Free Digital Footprint scanner

Free personal data scanner and DIY remover 

                     *Features vary by OS **US only
Compare Malwarebytes plans

Try Malwarebytes Standard FREE for 14 days >

Why choose Malwarebytes?  

It just works.

In the past 30 days, Malwarebytes protected people from: 

  • 49.1 million pieces of malware and PUPs
  • 90.3 million malicious websites
  • 13,700 ransomware attacks
  • 2.5 million exploits 

Malwarebytes Browser Guard also blocks countless third-party ads and unwanted content for people online, speeding up their browsing by up to 4x. 

We’ve got your back.

We’re a human-led outfit for a people-first internet. Malwarebytes provides:  

  • 24/7 human support
  • 60-day money-back guarantee
  • $2 million-backed identity theft protection insurance 
  • Expert guidance and tailored security assessments

We know what we’re talking about. 

We’re the internet’s investigators. Our engineers and researchers have uncovered cybercrime networks, tracked ransomware gangs in real time, warned companies about attacks against their networks, and secured novel patents in cybersecurity.  

We’re regularly trusted to explain modern security to people through The New York Times, the AP, Wired, The Verge, and more.  
 
Cybersecurity cannot stand still. In constantly evolving our learning, we constantly evolve what we offer you.

AVLab Product of The Year 2026

Malwarebytes was awarded Product of the Year 2026 by AV Lab.

When all else fails, Malwarebytes prevails

Watch live as our software detects things other programs have overlooked.

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Don’t just take our word for it.

4.6 rating | 22,798 reviews

  • Seamless and easy to use.
    I love that I can install (so easy) and pretty much forget about it because the software protects 24/7. It gives me instant information that I am protected even if I have been online for two or three hours or more!
  • Low resources and high, high-end benefits.
    The same strong anti-malware engine for your desktop and laptop comes to the Android. Runs seamlessly in the background protecting you, and does a great job of keeping your system secure.

Reviewed and awarded by those you trust.

AVLab Product of The Year 2026
Best of CNET Award
PC Mag Best Antivirus
MRG Effitas Top Consumer Protection
Digital Trends Recommended Product
Parent Tested Certification Parent Approved

Expert built, expert run.

Malwarebytes experts have been quoted and referenced in many news publications.

6 factors to help you choose the right antivirus software.

Whether it’s Malwarebytes, Windows Defender, or another antivirus solution, your security, privacy, and identity concerns must drive the decision.

1. Real-time protection and threat detection

Your antivirus should be more than a cleanup tool—it needs to actively monitor your system to block threats before they cause damage.

2. System performance impact

Antivirus tools shouldn’t slow your computer to a crawl. 

3. Multi-device and cross-platform coverage

If you use a combination of Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS devices, look for antivirus software that offers cross-platform protection and centralized management for all your devices.

5. Customer support and updates

Cyber threats evolve quickly—your antivirus software should, too. 

4. Privacy protection add-ons

Not all antivirus solutions include privacy features such as internet browser protection, VPN, and identity theft monitoring. These features can offer an added layer of protection for your personal information and online activity. 

6. User-friendly interface

Even the most powerful antivirus software won’t help if it’s too complicated to use. Choose an option with a clear, easy-to-navigate dashboard that makes security management simple for all users. 

Online safety is more than just antivirus

Defend your security, privacy, and identity at every step, wherever you’ve been, are now, or are headed.

For your devices

For your identity

For your money

For your privacy

For your family

Quick check

What are your unique needs and concerns?

A: Malwarebytes offers comprehensive, fast, free access to real-time scanning tools, while Microsoft Defender scans for threats, only Malwarebytes has dedicated scanning and remediation tools that erase threats.

If your device has a virus or malware infection, there are some telltale signs, including: 

  • Reduced speed: Your device slows down significantly. 
  • Pop-ups: You have started to see a lot of unexpected pop-ups. 
  • System crashing: Your system unexpectedly crashes, either by freezing or by giving you a blue screen. 
  • Loss of disk space: A lot of your device’s storage has been taken up unexpectedly. 
  • Settings changed: Device or browser settings have changed without your knowledge. 
  • Files encrypted: You are locked out of your files or your entire device. 

Different types of malware use your device’s resources in different ways, such as making it part of a botnet to perform DDoS attacks, mining cryptocurrency without your knowledge, or other nefarious activities. 

A: As we spend more time on our phones, scams feel more personal and frequent than ever. Our new Scam Guard feature within the Malwarebytes mobile security app for iOS and Android offers real-time chat support for all scam related concerns at no additional cost. Simply upload text, screenshots, suspicious links, and more for immediate guidance.

Ransomware attacks can be hard to spot. Malwarebytes Free is a cleanup tool for cyberattacks that have already damaged a device. Malwarebytes Premium Security stops these attacks from happening in the first place. It runs automatically on an ongoing basis, giving you peace of mind. 

A: While both Malwarebytes and Microsoft Defender offer identity protection benefits, only Malwarebytes offers Digital Footprint Scanning and Personal Data Remover support, going beyond cybersecurity to keep your information safe from criminals. 

Check here to see if your personal info was exposed to hackers for free with Malwarebytes Digital Footprint Scanner. Have you already been exposed? Malwarebytes Personal Data Remover helps delete your info from search results, spam lists, people search sites, data brokers, and more.

A: Only Malwarebytes offers around the clock live support from real cybersecurity experts to all users without extra premiums. 

A: Only Malwarebytes offers Trusted Advisor, which includes a built-in personal privacy score, personalized suggestions, and tips that aim to keep you safe and your device(s) as secure as possible. 

Protection for you and all your devices!

Security you can trust. All plans include our free customer support and a 60-day money back guarantee.

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