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Windows Security VS Malwarebytes

Compare Windows Security VS Malwarebytes and see what are their differences

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.

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0 reviews
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Alternatives Is it good?
Malwarebytes

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

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0 reviews
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Alternatives Is it good?
AxCrypt
AxCrypt is a powerful, easy-to-use encryption tool that protects your files, passwords, and personal information with strong AES-256 security. Available on Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS, it keeps your data safe wherever you go. sponsored

Which is more popular?

Based on our record, Malwarebytes seems to be more popular. It has been mentioned 42 times since March 2021.

social mentions
0 vs 42
Security & Privacy popularity
28% vs 72%
alternatives listed
148 vs 240+

Base details

Website, pricing, platforms and company facts side by side.

Windows Security
Malwarebytes
Website microsoft.com malwarebytes.com
Pricing —
Official pricing
Company — Startup from the United States
Listed in
Security & Privacy Cyber Security Antivirus Malware Protection +1
Cyber Security Security & Privacy Malware Protection Antivirus +1

Features and specs

What each product offers, as listed by its team.

Windows Security 6 features
Malwarebytes 6 features
  • Built-in Protection
    Windows Defender is integrated directly into Windows 10 and 11, meaning there is no need for an additional download or installation. This integration ensures that users are protected right out of the box.
  • Real-Time Protection
    It offers continuous monitoring and real-time threat protection, which helps in identifying and mitigating potential threats as they occur.
  • Cost
    Windows Defender is free to use for Windows users, making it an economical choice compared to many third-party antivirus solutions that may require a subscription fee.
  • Minimal Performance Impact
    Windows Defender is optimized to work seamlessly with Windows, resulting in minimal system performance impact compared to some other antivirus software.
  • Automatic Updates
    It regularly receives updates via Windows Update, ensuring that it has the latest virus definitions and security improvements.
  • Integration with Windows Security
    It is part of the Windows Security suite, which includes firewall, system health features, and parental controls, offering a more comprehensive security package.

Possible disadvantages

  • Advanced Threat Detection
    While Windows Defender is competent in general threat detection, it may not be as effective as some specialized third-party antivirus solutions in identifying highly sophisticated or zero-day threats.
  • Features and Customization
    Compared to premium antivirus software, Windows Defender may lack some advanced features, such as detailed scanning options, firewall controls, and network security tools that some users might find essential.
  • False Positives
    There have been instances where Windows Defender has flagged legitimate software or files as threats, which can be inconvenient for users who have to manually whitelist these items.
  • No Multi-OS Support
    Windows Defender is exclusive to Windows operating systems, meaning users running multiple OS environments (e.g., macOS, Linux) would need to look for other security solutions.
  • User Interface
    For some users, the interface might seem less intuitive or less user-friendly compared to other antivirus software, which often have more polished and easier-to-navigate designs.
  • Lack of Dedicated Customer Support
    Unlike many paid antivirus solutions that offer dedicated customer support and technical assistance, users of Windows Defender primarily rely on Microsoft's general support channels and community forums.
  • Effective Malware Detection
    Malwarebytes is known for its robust malware detection capabilities. It employs advanced algorithms and heuristics to identify and remove various types of malware, including viruses, trojans, worms, and ransomware.
  • User-Friendly Interface
    The software has an intuitive and easy-to-navigate interface, making it accessible for both technical and non-technical users.
  • Real-Time Protection
    Offers real-time protection against emerging threats by constantly monitoring your system for malicious activity.
  • Lightweight Performance
    Malwarebytes is designed to run efficiently in the background without significantly impacting system performance.
  • Frequent Updates
    The software receives regular updates to its malware definitions and features, ensuring it can tackle the latest threats.
  • Free Version Available
    Malwarebytes offers a free version that provides essential malware removal capabilities, making it accessible for individuals who may not want to invest in a paid antivirus solution.

Possible disadvantages

  • Limited Features in Free Version
    The free version lacks real-time protection and some advanced features, which are only available in the paid version.
  • Higher Cost
    The premium version can be relatively expensive compared to other antivirus solutions that offer similar levels of protection.
  • No Firewall
    Malwarebytes does not include a built-in firewall, which is a standard feature in many other comprehensive security suites.
  • Occasional False Positives
    There are reports of false positives, where legitimate software is incorrectly flagged as malicious, which could lead to unnecessary disruptions.
  • Resource Usage During Scans
    While lightweight during normal operation, the software can be resource-intensive during comprehensive system scans, potentially slowing down other activities on the computer.
  • No Email Protection
    Malwarebytes lacks integrated email protection features, which are critical for users who want comprehensive protection against phishing and email-based threats.

Analysis

An editorial look at what each product does well and who it suits.

Windows Security
Malwarebytes

Overall verdict

  • Windows Security is generally considered a good and reliable option for protecting Windows devices.

Why this product is good

  • Windows Security, formerly known as Windows Defender, is an integrated antivirus and security solution provided by Microsoft. It offers real-time protection, firewall capabilities, and system performance improvements. Its advantage lies in seamless integration with Windows operating systems, ensuring updates and support directly from Microsoft, without additional cost to the user. The software has consistently improved over the years, earning high marks for detecting and neutralizing threats efficiently.

Recommended for

    Windows Security is recommended for users who desire solid protection without the need for advanced features. It's ideal for individuals looking for a lightweight, easy-to-use security solution that doesn't require extra expenses or cumbersome configurations. It's suitable for both casual users and small businesses that rely heavily on Windows environments.

Overall verdict

  • Overall, Malwarebytes is regarded as a reliable and effective solution for enhancing your computer's security. Its strong reputation in the cybersecurity community and positive user reviews support its standing as a good choice for malware protection.

Why this product is good

  • Malwarebytes is generally considered a good anti-malware tool because it effectively detects and removes a wide range of malware, including viruses, ransomware, trojans, and worms. It offers real-time protection and has a user-friendly interface, making it accessible for both technical and non-technical users. Additionally, its frequent updates ensure that it can combat the latest threats, and its scanning process is often praised for being thorough yet not overly resource-intensive.

Recommended for

    Malwarebytes is recommended for individuals and businesses seeking additional malware protection. It's particularly suitable for users who already have an antivirus program in place but want extra security against advanced threats like spyware, adware, and rootkits. It is also beneficial for those who prefer an easy-to-use tool with comprehensive scanning capabilities.

Videos

Walkthroughs and reviews on video.

Windows Security 3 videos + Add
Malwarebytes 1 video + Add

Windows Defender Antivirus HONEST REVIEW

More videos

  • - Windows Defender Antivirus Test & Review 2020 - Antivirus Security Review - High Level Test
  • - Is Windows Defender Good Enough in 2020?

Malwarebytes 4.1 Test vs Malware

Category popularity

How often each product is chosen within a category, 0–100% relative to the other.

Score bands 0–20 21–40 41–50 51–60 61–100
Windows Security
Malwarebytes
28% 28%
Security & Privacy
72% 72%
27% 27%
Cyber Security
73% 73%
33% 33%
Antivirus
67% 67%
100% 100%
Malware Protection
0% 0%

User comments

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Reviews and articles

External articles and on-site reviews we used to compare the two products.

Windows Security no reviews yet
Malwarebytes no reviews yet

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Social recommendations and mentions

Recommendations tracked on public social media and blogs since March 2021.

Windows Security 0 mentions
Malwarebytes 42 mentions

Tracking Windows Security since Mar 2021.

  • Was I hacked?
    You can also check for malware using malwarebytes.com for free. Source: over 3 years ago
  • Ready, set…
    Run malwarebytes.com on all your devices. It doesn't catch everything, but it's free and pretty solid. Source: over 3 years ago
  • Command prompt opens 5-10 mins after I turn on my pc
    Github is a legitimate website owned by microsoft, used for publishing the source code of open source programs. They do have a desktop client, however if you did not install it, it could be malware pretending to be it. Run a malwarebytes... Source: over 3 years ago

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Alternatives to Windows Security and Malwarebytes

When comparing Windows Security and Malwarebytes, you can also consider the following products.

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