Malwarebytes vs Kaspersky: which is better? Comparison 2026
By our public methodology Malwarebytes scores 81 out of 100 and Kaspersky scores 76. Below: the factors and facts where they differ, each fact with its source.
Score breakdown
| Malwarebytes | Kaspersky | |
|---|---|---|
| Protection | 80 | 98 |
| Performance | 76 | 96 |
| Features | 75 | 100 |
| Price and refunds | 100 | 17 |
| Reputation | 77 | 0 |
Pros and cons
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
Kaspersky
- 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
- A VPN is included in at least one plan
- No free version, only a trial
Facts side by side
| Fact | Malwarebytes | Kaspersky |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | 98.8% av-comparatives.org | 99.8% av-comparatives.org |
| AV-Comparatives Real-World award | Standard av-comparatives.org | Advanced+ av-comparatives.org |
| AV-Comparatives impact score (lower is better) | 19.1 av-comparatives.org | 3.3 av-comparatives.org |
| Supported platforms (of 4) | 4 malwarebytes.com | 4 kaspersky.com |
| VPN included | Yes malwarebytes.com | Yes kaspersky.com |
| Password manager included | Not verified | Yes kaspersky.com |
| Free version | Yes malwarebytes.com | No kaspersky.com |
| Money-back guarantee | 60 days malwarebytes.com | 30 days kaspersky.com |
| Cheapest plan per year (reference) | $59.99 malwarebytes.com | Not verified |
| App Store rating | 4.5★ itunes.apple.com | Not verified |
| App Store ratings | 112,523 itunes.apple.com | Not verified |
| Company | Malwarebytes Corporation itunes.apple.com | Not verified |
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