Bitdefender Vs. Malwarebytes Comparison

Both Bitdefender and Malwarebytes are robust cybersecurity solutions designed to protect against a wide array of online threats, but they cater to different aspects of online security.

Bitdefender is an all-encompassing security suite that offers a gamut of features such as real-time antivirus protection, firewall, VPN and parental controls. It’s an ideal fit for small to midsized businesses that are looking for a comprehensive one-stop solution for all their cybersecurity needs.

Malwarebytes, on the other hand, is lauded for its specialization in malware detection and removal. It offers an efficient anti-malware tool that’s known for its quick scans and minimal impact on system performance. While it lacks some of the additional features such as a built-in firewall and VPN, Malwarebytes is a strong contender for businesses that may already have some security infrastructure in place and are specifically looking to bolster their malware protection capabilities.

Both services offer scalable solutions suited for multi-device environments, making them compatible with business settings. Bitdefender’s premium packages are particularly comprehensive and can provide layered security, which is often essential for businesses that handle sensitive data.

Malwarebytes, although streamlined in its offerings, provides exceptional real-time protection that can work either stand-alone or supplement existing security setups. Given the differing strengths and feature sets, the choice between Bitdefender and Malwarebytes would largely depend on the specific needs and existing security landscape of your business.

Bitdefender

5.0

Our ratings take into account a product's cost, features, ease of use, customer service and other category-specific attributes. All ratings are determined solely by our editorial team.

Pricing From

$39.99 per year for personal plans; $104.99 per year for business

Free Trial Available

Yes

Standout Features

Firewall, Multifactor authentication, VPN, PC Cleaner, File Shredder

Learn More

On Bitdefender's Website

$39.99 per year for personal plans; $104.99 per year for business

Yes

Firewall, Multifactor authentication, VPN, PC Cleaner, File Shredder

Editor's Take

For businesses looking for a comprehensive, one-stop cybersecurity solution, Bitdefender offers a compelling package. Beyond its robust antivirus and anti-malware features, Bitdefender includes a suite of advanced capabilities designed to provide a multilayered security infrastructure. With its built-in firewall, secure VPN and advanced threat detection algorithms, Bitdefender not only defends your network against a wide array of cyber threats but also offers a level of data privacy and network control that is essential for businesses handling sensitive or confidential information. Its scalability and multi-device support also mean that as your business grows, Bitdefender can easily adapt to more complex security requirements, including the needs of remote or hybrid work environments.

Additionally, Bitdefender places a premium on user experience and administrative ease, offering an intuitive, centralized dashboard for managing security protocols across the business. Features such as parental controls and password management, although more consumer-oriented, can be repurposed to offer additional layers of internal security and access management.

The service also provides 24/7 customer support, and its low system impact ensures that business operations continue smoothly without the drag of intensive security scans. With a proven track record in the cybersecurity industry, Bitdefender provides a reliable, feature-rich choice for businesses aiming for comprehensive protection without sacrificing performance.

Pros & Cons

• Comprehensive security suite with antivirus, anti-malware, anti-ransomware and firewall capabilities
• Low system impact
• Advanced features such as VPN and password manager
• 24/7 support

• Premium features and plans are expensive
• Overwhelming for beginners or first-time antivirus users
• Built-in VPN has limited features

Malwarebytes

4.3

Our ratings take into account a product's cost, features, ease of use, customer service and other category-specific attributes. All ratings are determined solely by our editorial team.

Pricing from

$44.99 per device, paid annually

Free Trial Available

Yes

Standout Features

Multifactor authentication, VPN add-on, Identity protection

Learn More

On Malwarebytes' Website

$44.99 per device, paid annually

Yes

Multifactor authentication, VPN add-on, Identity protection

Editor's Take

For businesses specifically focused on tackling malware and ransomware threats, Malwarebytes offers a highly specialized and effective solution. Known for its quick scan capabilities and real-time protection, Malwarebytes excels in identifying and neutralizing a wide range of malware, from common viruses to advanced ransomware attacks.

It’s a go-to choice for organizations that already have a layered security infrastructure but need a dedicated tool to enhance their malware protection. The software’s minimal system impact ensures that your business operations aren’t bogged down during scans, which is crucial for maintaining productivity.

Malwarebytes offers a straightforward, user-friendly interface, making it accessible even for individuals who aren’t tech-savvy. This ease of use doesn’t compromise its power; the software is robust enough to serve as either a primary defense layer or as a complementary addition to existing security solutions.

With scalable offerings that suit various business sizes and real-time protection that actively monitors incoming threats, Malwarebytes provides a focused, efficient approach to cybersecurity. Its compatibility with multiple operating systems and commitment to frequent updates make it a flexible and up-to-date option for businesses keen on fortifying their defenses against malware and ransomware.

Pros & Cons

• Exceptional at detecting and removing malware
• Fast and efficient scanning process
• Minimal slowdown during scans
• Easy-to-navigate interface

• Lacks additional security features such as a firewall and VPN for lower tiers
• Best as a complementary security tool, not a comprehensive solution
• Limited advanced customization options

To give you a better idea of how Bitdefender and Malwarebytes stack up, here is a head-to-head comparison of their most important features.

Impact on System Performance

Bitdefender is known for its minimal system impact, even when running full scans, making it a good choice for businesses that require uninterrupted workflow. Its various modes, such as Game, Movie and Work, know when to halt pop-ups, adjust visual settings and pause unimportant background activities to allow you to enjoy your device to the max.

Malwarebytes also prioritizes system impact, particularly excelling in quick scan times. The software is optimized for efficient scanning of active threats, minimizing CPU usage and allowing other operations to proceed without noticeable slowdowns. But still, Bitdefender’s nuanced control through specialized modes offers better system performance than Malwarebytes.

Password Management

Bitdefender offers a built-in password manager as part of its comprehensive security suite. This feature helps users securely store and manage their passwords, making it easier to maintain strong, unique passwords for different online services. The password manager is integrated into the overall Bitdefender dashboard, providing a unified experience.

Malwarebytes, on the other hand, is primarily focused on anti-malware protection and doesn’t traditionally include a built-in password manager in its standard packages.

Anti-Spam Protection

Bitdefender offers built-in anti-spam features, particularly in its Internet Security, Total Security and Family Pack packages. These features are designed to filter out unwanted emails, reducing the likelihood of phishing scams and spam reaching your inbox. This is especially useful for businesses where email is a critical communication tool.

Malwarebytes, traditionally focused on malware and ransomware protection, does not offer built-in anti-spam features in its standard packages. Its primary focus remains on detecting and removing various types of malware rather than providing a comprehensive set of security features such as anti-spam.

If your business requires built-in anti-spam features as part of its cybersecurity strategy, Bitdefender would be the more complete solution. Malwarebytes, while excellent for anti-malware protection, lacks this specific feature in its core offerings.

When it comes to pricing, Bitdefender and Malwarebytes offer both free and paid options, but there are key differences.

Bitdefender’s basic paid plan starts at around $29.99 per year, while its premium package goes up to approximately $89.99 per year. Add-on features such as VPN premium or Internet Security can cost you more. Malwarebytes, on the other hand, offers its Plus version for around $39.99 per year and a standard version at about $59.99 per year.

Both services offer multi-device support in their premium packages, making them suitable for business environments. While Bitdefender provides a broader range of features in its premium plans, Malwarebytes tends to be slightly more affordable for its specialized anti-malware service.

Customer reviews and ratings offer valuable, real-world insights into a product’s performance, reliability and customer service. They can highlight both strengths and weaknesses that may not be evident in product descriptions or marketing materials. This information is crucial for making an informed decision, especially when investing in critical services such as cybersecurity solutions. Keeping this in mind, let’s look at how the two products perform on different review sites.

The customer ratings for Bitdefender and Malwarebytes reveal key insights into their market reception.

Bitdefender scores exceptionally well on professional platforms including Gartner, Capterra and G2, but its lower Trustpilot rating could suggest some customer service or user experience inconsistencies. Malwarebytes, on the other hand, shows a more consistent high performance across all platforms, even slightly outpacing Bitdefender on Gartner. While both products are generally highly rated, the more consistent customer satisfaction scores for Malwarebytes could be a decisive factor for some businesses. Bitdefender’s lower Trustpilot score, despite its higher ratings on other platforms, might warrant a closer look to ensure it meets specific business requirements.

Overall, both products are highly rated, but Malwarebytes shows a bit more consistency across platforms. This data suggests that both are effective, but your choice may depend on specific needs and settings.

Both Bitdefender and Malwarebytes have made it to Forbes Advisor’s 10 Best Antivirus Software list. Bitdefender has found a place as the best overall antivirus software whereas Malwarebytes is rated best for real-time protection. As you can see, the list has some other antivirus software listed, which are worth exploring.

Bottom Line

In the comparison between Bitdefender and Malwarebytes, the best choice boils down to your specific business needs. If you’re after a comprehensive, all-in-one solution, Bitdefender has the edge. For those seeking specialized, real-time malware protection, Malwarebytes shines. Either way, both offer robust security options that can help safeguard your business effectively.

Just to recap:

Bitdefender is best for:

• Meeting comprehensive security needs
• Supporting multi-device environments
• Building a scalable security solution

Malwarebytes is best for:

• Focusing on malware protection
• Continuous, real-time threat detection and removal
• Adding a protective layer to an existing security setup