Software Alternatives, Accelerators & Startups

AdwCleaner VS Malwarebytes Anti-Rootkit

Compare AdwCleaner VS Malwarebytes Anti-Rootkit and see what are their differences

AdwCleaner logo AdwCleaner

AdwCleaner is a free removal tool for : Adware (ads softwares)

Malwarebytes Anti-Rootkit logo Malwarebytes Anti-Rootkit

Malwarebytes Anti-Rootkit is a rootkit removal program by the Malwarebytes best known for providing the antimalware program.
  • AdwCleaner Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-10-17
  • Malwarebytes Anti-Rootkit Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-02-02

AdwCleaner features and specs

  • Efficiency
    AdwCleaner is highly effective at detecting and removing adware, potentially unwanted programs (PUPs), browser toolbars, and other types of unwanted software.
  • User-Friendly Interface
    The software features a simplistic and intuitive interface that makes it easy for users of all experience levels to navigate and use.
  • Lightweight
    AdwCleaner is a lightweight tool that does not require installation, meaning it can be run directly from the executable, consuming minimal system resources.
  • Free to Use
    The tool is available for free, making it accessible to users looking for a cost-effective way to clean up their systems from unwanted software.
  • Frequent Updates
    AdwCleaner is regularly updated to keep up with the latest threats, ensuring a higher success rate in detecting new adware and other PUPs.

Possible disadvantages of AdwCleaner

  • Limited Scope
    AdwCleaner primarily focuses on adware and PUPs, meaning it is not designed to replace more comprehensive antivirus or antimalware solutions.
  • Manual Removal
    Some detections require manual intervention to fully remove, which can be cumbersome for less technically savvy users.
  • Potential False Positives
    Occasionally, AdwCleaner may flag legitimate software as unwanted, which requires the user to carefully review the detections before removing any items.
  • Limited Customer Support
    As a free tool, AdwCleaner offers limited customer support options compared to paid security solutions, potentially leaving users without expert assistance.
  • Windows Compatibility Only
    AdwCleaner is currently only available for Windows operating systems, excluding users on macOS or Linux from utilizing this tool.

Malwarebytes Anti-Rootkit features and specs

  • Effective Detection
    Malwarebytes Anti-Rootkit is known for effectively detecting and removing rootkits that can go unnoticed by other security software, providing a higher level of security.
  • User-Friendly Interface
    The tool offers a straightforward and user-friendly interface, making it accessible to users who may not have advanced technical knowledge.
  • Comprehensive Scanning
    It performs deep scans targeting both active and dormant malware, ensuring thorough scanning and cleaning of the system.
  • Regular Updates
    Regular updates to the software ensure it remains effective against the latest rootkit threats and other forms of malware.
  • Free Tool
    Malwarebytes Anti-Rootkit is available at no cost, making it accessible to users who need rootkit protection without incurring additional expenses.

Possible disadvantages of Malwarebytes Anti-Rootkit

  • Standalone Tool
    Being a standalone tool, it may not provide comprehensive protection against other types of malware, making it necessary to use with additional security solutions.
  • Limited to Rootkits
    The focus on rootkits limits its scope, and it may not address other security issues like viruses or trojans unless used with broader antivirus software.
  • System Resource Intensive
    Deep scans can be resource-intensive, which may impact the performance of the system during the scanning process, especially on older machines.
  • False Positives
    There is a potential for false positives, where legitimate files might be flagged as threats, requiring users to manually verify and restore them.
  • Manual Installation
    The tool may require manual installation and execution, which could be inconvenient for users expecting fully integrated security solutions with automated updates.

Analysis of AdwCleaner

Overall verdict

  • Yes, AdwCleaner is considered a good tool for removing adware and unwanted programs.

Why this product is good

  • AdwCleaner, developed by Malwarebytes, is recognized for its effectiveness in detecting and removing adware, potentially unwanted programs (PUPs), and browser hijackers that can impact system performance and privacy. It is lightweight and easy to use, making it suitable for quick scans and cleanup of infected systems. It is also regularly updated to handle new threats.

Recommended for

  • Users who experience unwanted advertisements or browser redirects.
  • Individuals who have installed suspicious or unwanted applications.
  • System administrators seeking a quick tool for cleaning infected machines.
  • Those who want a secondary tool along with their main antivirus solution for additional layers of protection.

AdwCleaner videos

AdwCleaner Test & Review 2019 - Does It Match Up With Other Free Tools? Lets Find Out!

More videos:

  • Review - ADWcleaner review
  • Tutorial - AdwCleaner Tutorial & Review

Malwarebytes Anti-Rootkit videos

Malwarebytes Anti-Rootkit (Beta) - Tutorial & Review

More videos:

  • Review - Malwarebytes Anti-Rootkit - Remove MBR Rootkits with Ease

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to AdwCleaner and Malwarebytes Anti-Rootkit)
Security & Privacy
81 81%
19% 19
Cyber Security
82 82%
18% 18
Antivirus
91 91%
9% 9
Malware Protection
57 57%
43% 43

User comments

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Social recommendations and mentions

Based on our record, AdwCleaner seems to be more popular. It has been mentiond 5 times since March 2021. We are tracking product recommendations and mentions on various public social media platforms and blogs. They can help you identify which product is more popular and what people think of it.

AdwCleaner mentions (5)

  • Help with opensubtitles removal
    From my online research, this program seem to be a PUP, try using Malwarebytes adwcleaner (https://malwarebytes.com/adwcleaner/). Source: almost 2 years ago
  • Search Engine Reroutes, nothing fixes it
    Disable all of your chrome extensions one by one to see if you can find the culprit. Run adwcleaner from Malwarebytes (https://malwarebytes.com/adwcleaner/) in the settings make sure the switch to reset the hosts file is enablee, then hitmanpro (https://www.sophos.com/en-us/free-tools/hitmanpro). Source: almost 2 years ago
  • I need some help.
    If there are none, try scanning for Malware using the ADWCleaner. Source: about 3 years ago
  • Malware/adware issue on macbook Google chrome
    Check for fishy add-ins first and uninstall them.Otherwise try Malwarebytes AdwCleaner (free). Source: about 3 years ago
  • Hi, hope you're all doing okay and still kicking. What is the best AntiVirus for a laptop?
    I only use Microsoft Defender , with good extension uBlock Origin and Poper Blocker. With adwcleaner from time to time . Source: over 3 years ago

Malwarebytes Anti-Rootkit mentions (0)

We have not tracked any mentions of Malwarebytes Anti-Rootkit yet. Tracking of Malwarebytes Anti-Rootkit recommendations started around Mar 2021.

What are some alternatives?

When comparing AdwCleaner and Malwarebytes Anti-Rootkit, you can also consider the following products

Malwarebytes - Malwarebytes protects you against malware, ransomware, and other advanced online threats that have made antivirus obsolete and ineffective. Free Anti-Malware & Malware .

McAfee Stinger - McAfee Stinger is a single purpose program designed to detect and remove the specific virus from the system.

Spybot - Search & Destroy - Spybot Search & Destroy is an anti-malware, adware and antivirus program for safe removal of the threats from the PC and browser.

GMER - GMER is an application that detects and removes rootkits .

Windows Security - Windows 10 security delivers built-in & ongoing protections you can trust: Windows Defender Antivirus, firewall, family settings, ransomware protection, real-time protection & more. Stay up to date & protected at no extra cost.

TDSSKiller - Kaspersky Lab has developed the TDSSKiller utility that allows removing rootkits.