Bitdefender vs Malwarebytes: which is better? Comparison 2026
By our public methodology Bitdefender scores 93 out of 100 and Malwarebytes scores 81. Below: the factors and facts where they differ, each fact with its source.
Score breakdown
| Bitdefender | Malwarebytes | |
|---|---|---|
| Protection | 96 | 80 |
| Performance | 89 | 76 |
| Features | 100 | 75 |
| Price and refunds | 83 | 100 |
| Reputation | 82 | 77 |
Pros and cons
Bitdefender
- Top protection score in the latest AV-TEST test
- High protection rate in the AV-Comparatives Real-World test
- Protects Windows, Mac, Android and iPhone
- Permanent free version available
Malwarebytes
- Top protection score in the latest AV-TEST test
- Protects Windows, Mac, Android and iPhone
- Permanent free version available
- A VPN is included in at least one plan
Facts side by side
| Fact | Bitdefender | Malwarebytes |
|---|---|---|
| AV-TEST protection (of 6) | 6 av-test.org | 6 av-test.org |
| AV-TEST performance (of 6) | 6 av-test.org | 6 av-test.org |
| AV-Comparatives protection rate | 99.5% av-comparatives.org | 98.8% av-comparatives.org |
| AV-Comparatives Real-World award | Advanced+ av-comparatives.org | Standard av-comparatives.org |
| AV-Comparatives impact score (lower is better) | 8.7 av-comparatives.org | 19.1 av-comparatives.org |
| Supported platforms (of 4) | 4 bitdefender.com | 4 malwarebytes.com |
| VPN included | Yes bitdefender.com | Yes malwarebytes.com |
| Password manager included | Yes bitdefender.com | Not verified |
| Free version | Yes bitdefender.com | Yes malwarebytes.com |
| Money-back guarantee | 30 days bitdefender.com | 60 days malwarebytes.com |
| Cheapest plan per year (reference) | Not verified | $59.99 malwarebytes.com |
| App Store rating | 4.7★ itunes.apple.com | 4.5★ itunes.apple.com |
| App Store ratings | 38,665 itunes.apple.com | 112,523 itunes.apple.com |
| Company | Bitdefender SRL itunes.apple.com | Malwarebytes Corporation itunes.apple.com |
← Antivirus Software Bitdefender alternatives Malwarebytes alternatives