Malwarebytes vs. Bitdefender

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

Blue Shield with the Malwarebytes Icon on it with a green checkmark in the right corner

Choosing the right cybersecurity protection is tricky.

Comparing trusted providers and making a final decision can feel overwhelming. At Malwarebytes, we build our products and services with customers top of mind, keeping our threat scanning and identification tools free and easy to use. As brands like Bitdefender seek to offer customers comparable features, we want to be sure you’re considering all your upfront needs, so you can reap the most benefits.

Compare Malwarebytes and Bitdefender side-by-side

Available features*	Malwarebytes	Bitdefender
Device security
Comprehensive threat scanning
Antivirus, anti-malware protection, and Windows Firewall Control
Trusted Advisor with personalized protection score
Fast and seamless software installation
Speedy device threat scanning with minimal RAM usage
Mobile call protection
Browser protection
Malware and phishing protection
Ad and adware blocking
Online credit card skimmer protection
Breached sites alerts
Auto GDPR cookie blocks
IT tech support scam protection
Virtual Private Network (VPN)
Wifi security and anonymous browsing
Blind operator security (disables remote and local server access for privacy)
Unrestricted VPN (no metering across VPN products)
Identity Theft Protection
Identity theft protection and dark monitoring alerts
Up to $2 million USD identity theft protection insurance
3 bureau credit monitoring
Complete identity theft restoration services
Global identity theft protection insurance availability
Free digital footprint scanner
Free personal data scanner and DIY remover

*Features vary by OS

Why choose Malwarebytes

We catch what others miss: beyond basic antivirus

Malwarebytes uses behavior-based detection, machine learning, and real-time protection to block ransomware, spyware, Trojans, and zero-day exploits—the kinds of attacks that most antivirus products miss.

All our free and premium all-in-one security solutions include features like Malwarebytes Trusted Advisor and Malwarebytes Digital Footprint Scanner, delivering truly personal cybersecurity that stands apart.

Explore Plans

We have built-in smart solutions for today’s mobile threats

Scam Guard, by Malwarebytes, offers on-demand AI-powered scam advice for on the go support with addressing threats. Scam Guard is included in all plans and is available within Malwarebytes Mobile Security app. Simply upload a text or media for a quick, personalized response. Alongside call protection and text-filtering, Malwarebytes delivers device level mobile security benefits from safe browsing and ad blocking to built-in VPN for secure connections.

Discover Scam Guard

When all else fails, Malwarebytes prevails

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

See for yourself

Plans that put your safety first

Individual
Family
Small business

Sole
proprietor

[ List Price ]/yr.

Protects 3 devices

Advanced antivirus protection against malware, ransomware, and more

Protection from malicious Websites and scams

Privacy from Wi-fi snoopers

Performance boost from adblocker

Protects PCs, Macs, Androids, and iPhones

Security for your personal and business devices

Get started

Boutique
business

[ List Price ]/yr.

Protects 10 devices

Advanced antivirus protection against malware, ransomware, and more

Protection from malicious Websites and scams

Privacy from Wi-fi snoopers

Performance boost from adblocker

Protects PCs, Macs, Androids, and iPhones

Security for your team’s most critical devices

Get started

Small
office

[ Purchase Price ]/yr.

[ List Price ]/yr.

Protects 20 devices

Advanced antivirus protection against malware, ransomware, and more

Protection from malicious Websites and scams

Privacy from Wi-fi snoopers

Performance boost from adblocker

Protects PCs, Macs, Androids, and iPhones

Security for every device in the office, including personal devices

Get started

60-day money back guarantee on all annual plans

Try Malwarebytes Standard FREE for 14 days

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

Quick check

What are your unique needs and concerns?

A: Malwarebytes offers comprehensive, fast, free access to real-time scanning tools, while Bitdefender reserves this feature for premium customers only.

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. While Bitdefender does offer scam support, its chat feature is not embedded within the app, making it more difficult to use and limiting its functionality.

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 Bitdefender offer dark web monitoring 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.

6 factors to help you choose the right antivirus software.

Whether it’s Malwarebytes, Bitdefender, 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.

Buy now from [ List Price ]/yr.

Try for free

Don’t just take our word for it.

4.6 rating | 22,800 reviews

“I’ve been with Malwarebytes for several years. I have never had a problem with malware or anything else. It is the best system out there. Highly recommended.”

— Thom H.

“There’s nothing to do but to sit back and watch for the report showing what has been stopped.”

— Pat F.

“I like that it offers a full range of protection and has been proven to work. Also, they continue to develop the products as well as the structuring the features based on what the needs are.”

— Richard A.

Expert built, expert run.

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

Reviewed and awarded by those you trust.

Parent Tested Certification Parent Approved

Malwarebytes vs. Bitdefender

Choosing the right cybersecurity protection is tricky.

Compare Malwarebytes and Bitdefender side-by-side

Malwarebytes

Bitdefender

Device security

Browser protection

Virtual Private Network (VPN)

Identity Theft Protection

Why choose Malwarebytes

We catch what others miss: beyond basic antivirus

Explore Plans

We have built-in smart solutions for today’s mobile threats

Discover Scam Guard

When all else fails, Malwarebytes prevails

See for yourself

Plans that put your safety first

Individual

Family

Small business

[ List Price ]/yr.

Try Malwarebytes Standard FREE for 14 days

Quick check

What are your unique needs and concerns?

6 factors to help you choose the right antivirus software.

Don’t just take our word for it.

4.6 rating | 22,800 reviews

“I’ve been with Malwarebytes for several years. I have never had a problem with malware or anything else. It is the best system out there. Highly recommended.”

— Thom H.

“There’s nothing to do but to sit back and watch for the report showing what has been stopped.”

— Pat F.

“I like that it offers a full range of protection and has been proven to work. Also, they continue to develop the products as well as the structuring the features based on what the needs are.”

— Richard A.

Expert built, expert run.

Reviewed and awarded by those you trust.