Malwarebytes alternatives: 4 apps ranked by verified data
Common reasons people leave Malwarebytes: real-time protection requires a paid subscription, and higher tiers bundle a VPN and identity services some people won't need. We ranked 4 alternatives by how directly each one replaces Malwarebytes, then by reviews, real visits and how recently each app's facts were checked against its own website. ClamXAV currently ranks first.
No alternatives match these filters.
Show all 4 alternativesThe best Malwarebytes alternative for…
The highest-ranked app in this list for each need.
Best Malwarebytes alternative for most people
ClamXAVMac-focused paid antivirus that stays light on resources, for people who only need to protect Macs.
Best Malwarebytes alternative for a free option
BlockBlockFree and open source; alerts on new persistent software on a Mac instead of relying on signatures.
Best Malwarebytes alternative for a free plan you can upgrade
Avast AntivirusFree edition includes real-time protection, which Malwarebytes Free lacks.
Best Malwarebytes alternative for Mac
KnockKnockFree on-demand Mac scan of everything set to auto-run, useful for checking a machine without a subscription.
Best Malwarebytes alternative for Windows
Avast AntivirusFree edition includes real-time protection, which Malwarebytes Free lacks.
Best Malwarebytes alternative for iPhone and Android
Avast AntivirusFree edition includes real-time protection, which Malwarebytes Free lacks.
Malwarebytes alternatives: common questions
What is the best alternative to Malwarebytes?
ClamXAV ranks first right now. Mac-focused paid antivirus that stays light on resources, for people who only need to protect Macs. BlockBlock and Avast Antivirus follow it in our ranking.
Is there a free alternative to Malwarebytes?
Yes. BlockBlock (open source), Avast Antivirus (free plan + paid) and KnockKnock (open source) have a free option. Check each app's verified facts for current plan limits.
Is there an open-source alternative to Malwarebytes?
None of the 4 alternatives in this list is open source.
Why do people switch from Malwarebytes?
The complaints we hear most: real-time protection requires a paid subscription; higher tiers bundle a VPN and identity services some people won't need; feature set differs between operating systems.
How is this list ranked?
Every app is scored with the same published formula: how directly it replaces Malwarebytes, reviews (weighted by verification), visits from AppBreakup, how recently its facts were checked against its own website, and reader votes.