Malwarebytes is an anti-malware software that finds and removes malware. It debuted in 2006 and, over time, developed into one of the best malware cleanup tools available. There are free and paid versions of this well-known malware removal software. Regarding malware removal, both versions are very effective, although they differ in some ways.
Key Takeaways
- Malwarebytes Free provides basic scanning and malware removal, while Premium offers real-time protection, scheduled scanning, and ransomware protection.
- Premium users benefit from automatic updates, ensuring constant protection against new threats, whereas Free users must manually update.
- Malwarebytes Premium includes priority customer support, while Free users can access limited support resources.
Malwarebytes Free vs Premium
Malwarebytes Free is the foundational edition which includes a free, trustworthy virus scanner. It provides protection on demand. But in the free edition, URL filtering isn’t provided, and a bundled VPN is also not available. Malwarebytes Premium provides paid services. This edition contains real-time protection.
The security suite included in Malwarebytes Free is quite basic. It just offers the option to perform a scan to examine the drives for viruses, which is how it functions. However, this functionality is quite strong as it protects your device from anything malicious and comes with no cost because this version is free.
Beyond the fundamental malware-hunting power you get with the free edition, Malwarebytes Premium adds several features to the mix. Additional defence against ransomware and potential exploits, URL filtering, and safety from any dubious links are some of these features. Malwarebytes Premium is a useful tool for effective security.
Comparison Table
| Parameters of Comparison | Malwarebytes Free | Malwarebytes Premium |
|---|---|---|
| Service | Free | Paid |
| Protection | On-demand | All the time |
| Back-up antivirus | Required | Not required |
| URL filtering | Not provided | Provided |
| Bundled VPN | Not available | Available |
| Overall Features | Basic | Advanced |
What is Malwarebytes Free?
The foundational edition of Malwarebytes includes a trustworthy virus scanner and is completely free. Both viruses and undesirable programs can be found and removed using the software from your computer.
Malwarebytes Free aims to find malware that has recently entered the market, has advanced, or is firmly buried on your computer. The best way to think of this free edition is as an expert, and you may call on-demand when you think there might be an infection in your device and need to get rid of any malware.
You can run a routine scan that will look for any harmful stuff in your device’s startup items and memory. You can ignore, delete, or quarantine the dangerous content after it has been found. Additionally, you can specify the locations you want to scan and build up a bespoke scan.
Archives, registry entries, and memory objects can all be scanned. You can select which drivers or folders to scan from your device. Finally, you can set the software’s response in case it finds any unwanted apps. Malwarebytes free can operate even if you run windows defender at the same time. This feature is quite helpful in making your device much more secure.
What is Malwarebytes Premium?
The features in the Premium version of Malwarebytes are identical to those in the Free version. The Premium edition differs from the Free version, nevertheless, in a number of ways. The Premium edition contains Real-Time Protection, while the Free version has fantastic on-demand malware scanning.
Real-time protection means that Malwarebytes Premium constantly monitors and protects your device from threats. Because it functions just like a typical antivirus, Malwarebytes Premium can be used in place of Malwarebytes Free as the sole protection program on your computer.
Malwarebytes Premium does include some sophisticated options and the ability to perform activities like running custom scans, but it’s mostly made to be simple to use and merely run in the background, protecting your device effortlessly and automatically.
That means you won’t need to worry if you’re uncomfortable using computers because Malwarebytes Premium will keep you safe on its own. While with the free version, you would be required to have a much better understanding of how computers work.
Web Protection, Malware Protection, Ransomware Protection, and Exploit Protection are the four features that make up Real-Time Protection of the Malwarebytes premium.
If you visit a malicious website or download a harmful file while using the Free version, your computer will become infected, and you will have to conduct the scan yourself.
When you conduct the scan in the Free edition, it will first try to identify the virus before removing it. Whereas the harmful files will be immediately identified when you attempt to launch them when using Malwarebytes Premium, keeping your PC safe.
The same holds true for websites that are hazardous or host unwanted software, so you’ll always be protected.
Main Differences Between Malwarebytes Free and Premium
- As the name suggests, no money would be required for Malwarebytes free. On the contrary, Malwarebytes premium might cost you a considerable amount.
- One major benefit of Malwarebytes Premium is the inclusion of real-time protection from malware. This means that Malwarebytes Premium always protects your device from anything hostile. Malwarebytes free, on the other hand, only works when called upon.
- Because of the on-demand service of Malwarebytes free, a backup antivirus is required for complete protection from harm. Malwarebytes Premium can operate solo without any backup anti-virus.
- Among many other advances of Malwarebytes premium is the supply of URL filtering, a feature that can not be enjoyed with Malwarebytes free.
- A recently updated version of Malwarebytes Premium comes with a bundled VPN. Malwarebytes Free does not offer this level of security.
- Overall, Malwarebytes Premium has more advanced features, while Malwarebytes Free has very basic ones.
Last Updated : 28 July, 2023
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Sandeep Bhandari holds a Bachelor of Engineering in Computers from Thapar University (2006). He has 20 years of experience in the technology field. He has a keen interest in various technical fields, including database systems, computer networks, and programming. You can read more about him on his bio page.
