Both Malwarebytes and Bitdefender are listed as top-tier antivirus programs. With its standard membership, Bitdefender provides real-time security, an analysis of susceptible system settings, and a VPN.
On the other hand, Malwarebytes focuses more on online dangers and malware protection. Its Web Protection feature filters out harmful links and phishing websites. Additionally, VPN services for secure browsing are available at more expensive rates.
Since both antivirus suites could appear to be excellent choices at first glance, we want to assist you in identifying those distinctions that might make one solution a better choice for your requirements.
To assist you in deciding which antivirus program is superior, we compare the security, performance, protection capabilities, and price options of Malwarebytes vs Bitdefender.
Should I use Bitdefender or Malwarebytes?
Malwarebytes vs Bitdefender Features Overview
When comparing the features that Bitdefender and Malwarebytes offer, it’s critical to consider the available subscription packages because each company’s subscription plan has a different collection of functions.
Although Malwarebytes offers crucial features to protect your device from ransomware, malware, and internet threats, its premium plan falls short of what Bitdefender offers.
The developer’s most affordable package, Bitdefender Antivirus Plus, only covers the most fundamental capabilities. Though you also receive a VPN, a password manager, a file shredder, and social media security in addition to the system vulnerability assessment, it still has more features than Malwarebytes Premium.
Considering Bitdefender views all of these features as essential, pay attention to this: more sophisticated versions also include parental controls, webcam and microphone protection, and unrestricted VPN access. As a result, in terms of its features, Bitdefender is unquestionably a superior option over Malwarebytes.
Malwarebytes Features
Malwarebytes provides useful features to support your online safety in addition to ransomware, malware, and spyware prevention. It recognizes and filters harmful links and phishing websites that try to steal your data. Additionally, it has a wifi security feature that can alert you if your device connects to an unsecured network.
Additionally, Malwarebytes provides defence against brute force assaults to spot strange connections via remote devices because many individuals are now working remotely. You can also install its browser extension on Chrome, Edge, Safari, and Firefox to eliminate invasive adverts and stop websites from tracking your online activities.
You may also purchase the Malwarebytes Premium plus Privacy membership, which includes a VPN if you’re interested in more sophisticated online security. You can choose from more than 400 servers spread across 30 different locations. Since VPNs are typically sold as standalone items, the antivirus program benefits from having them.
Malwarebytes’ primary flaw is that many of its capabilities are only available to Windows users. This covers the blocking of dangerous links and websites as well as the prevention of brute force attacks and ransomware. The limited capability of your operating system may come as an unpleasant surprise if you choose this antivirus if you use macOS.
Bitdefender Features
The free Bitdefender Antivirus Plus package includes all necessary security features, such as multi-layer ransomware protection, web attack and network threat prevention, and anti-phishing technologies. However, it also comes with a variety of other benefits to give an extra degree of security.
You receive an automated password manager when you browse the web and a password manager to keep all of your passwords in one secure location with the basic membership. Additionally, social network protection technology works to stop scams and dangerous links from spreading through communications on social media.
It’s uncommon that just a select few software companies, like Bitdefender, provide VPN services with a free subscription. All of your internet traffic is encrypted by the built-in VPN to safeguard your online identity. The 200 MB daily traffic cap is the sole drawback. However, subscribing to a more sophisticated subscription plan can quickly gain limitless usage.
Can You Use Malwarebytes with another Antivirus?
Effect on Computer Performance
In comparison to Malwarebytes, which took 23 minutes, Bitdefender’s scanning process took 9 minutes and 25 seconds to complete.
Additionally, Bitdefender and Malwarebytes used 100% of the CPU at peak usage during the scan. But compared to Bitdefender, which consumed 61% of RAM, Malwarebytes only used 51%.
However, Bitdefender offers antivirus services that don’t impair your computer’s speed while no scans are being done. For that, it has a game mode, movie mode, and work mode that pauses unneeded background activity and disables notifications while you’re playing games or working. It also offers a Battery Mode that allows users to temporarily change system settings to conserve power on laptops and tablets.
Additionally, Malwarebytes features a Play Mode that turns off notifications while you’re watching TV or playing video games. There aren’t any further features that could make your PC run faster besides that.
Overall, both antivirus programs make an effort to lessen their harmful effects on your system. Bitdefender is 2.5 times faster than Malwarebytes despite using more resources on your machine for the scans.
Pricing and Plans
Malwarebytes and Bitdefender provide free versions in addition to various subscription plans. When comparing prices, it is crucial to consider the number of simultaneous connections and the subscription length.
For $23.99 a year, you can use Bitdefender Antivirus Plus on three devices as a basic subscription. The same subscription terms are available with Malwarebytes Premium, but it costs more ($33.74 annually) and only protects one device. All subscription plans continue to trend toward greater prices.
Bitdefender is generally less expensive than Malwarebytes. Additionally, it’s unquestionably a superior option if you want to receive high-quality virus protection services without going broke.
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Final Thoughts
Although both antivirus programs are very well-liked by users, Bitdefender performs higher in nearly every category in this product comparison. According to independent testing labs, it has outstanding malware protection rates, doesn’t impair the operation of your device, and costs less money.
The company’s efforts to provide the finest user experience are also clearly evident when looking at the customer service choices and testing the product across all widely used platforms. Furthermore, there is no question that Bitdefender is in the lead.
Malwarebytes is a fantastic product if you’re looking for a mid-level security solution, even though its performance in our comparison isn’t quite as good as Bitdefender’s. However, rather than spending money on several security programs and ultimately buying one powerful antivirus suite for all-around protection, I would advise investing in a top-notch antivirus right away.
FAQs
Q: Can I run Malwarebytes with Bitdefender?
A: No, it is not advised to run two antivirus apps simultaneously on a device as one may conflict with the other and result in a number of problems. IT professionals advise picking and installing just one reliable antivirus program to handle all necessary functions for your device’s safety.
Q: Does Bitdefender have a firewall?
A: By preventing both incoming and outgoing attempts at unwanted connections on both local networks and the Internet, Bitdefender Firewall provides an additional layer of security.
Q: How much is Bitdefender after the first year?
A: $149.99