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Software · head to head

1Password vs Malwarebytes

1Password logo

1Password

Software

The world's most-loved password manager

From
$2.99/month
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
Malwarebytes logo

Malwarebytes

Software

Protects every device, everywhere

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Only Malwarebytes has a free tier, so it costs nothing to try first.
  • Each has a real cost: 1Password no free tier; all plans require paid subscription; Malwarebytes free version limited to on-demand scanning and removal; no real-time protection
  • They diverge on capability: 1Password covers Password generator, Malwarebytes covers Malware detection & removal.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which 1Password and Malwarebytes actually diverge.

Attributes where 1Password and Malwarebytes differ
Attribute1PasswordMalwarebytes
Starting price$2.99/monthFree
Pricing modelUnknownfreemium
Free tierNoYes
PlatformsmacOS, Windows, iOS, Android, Linux, WebWindows, macOS, iOS, Android
Founded20062008

Identical on both: user rating (Not yet rated), category (Unknown).

What each one covers

Drawn from each product's published feature list. An absence here means we hold no record of it - not that the product lacks it.

Only in 1Password

  • Password generator
  • Autofill
  • Secure notes
  • Credit card storage
  • Document storage
  • Two-factor authentication
  • Watchtower security alerts
  • Travel mode

Only in Malwarebytes

  • Malware detection & removal
  • Ransomware protection
  • Real-time protection
  • Anti-exploit
  • Anti-phishing
  • Browser Guard
  • VPN
  • Brute Force Protection

What people use each for

The jobs each tool is most often brought in to do.

1Password

  • Password managementnot Malwarebytes
  • Secure document storagenot Malwarebytes
  • Team credential sharingnot Malwarebytes
  • Identity protectionnot Malwarebytes
  • Compliance managementnot Malwarebytes

Malwarebytes

  • Budget-conscious users performing manual scans via free versionnot 1Password
  • Organisations needing real-time malware and ransomware protection via Premium subscriptionnot 1Password
  • Users combining antivirus with privacy via Premium plus Privacy VPN bundlenot 1Password

Where each one falls short

Documented limitations, not opinions. Every one is a constraint you would hit in normal use.

1Password

  • No free tier; all plans require paid subscription
  • Offline access requires prior device sync; cannot add new passwords while offline
  • Enterprise plan does not include free trial access

Malwarebytes

  • Free version limited to on-demand scanning and removal; no real-time protection
  • Upgrade requires purchase of Malwarebytes Premium for automatic protection
  • Privacy VPN add-on requires separate subscription or bundle with Premium

Pricing, plan by plan

1Password

$2.99/month

No published plan breakdown. See the 1Password review.

Malwarebytes

Free

No published plan breakdown. See the Malwarebytes review.

Which should you pick?

Choose 1Password if

  • You need password generator.
  • You work on macOS, Windows, iOS, Android, Linux, Web.
  • You also want autofill.
1Password review

Choose Malwarebytes if

  • You need malware detection & removal.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Windows, macOS, iOS, Android.
  • You also want ransomware protection.
Malwarebytes review

Questions people ask

Is 1Password or Malwarebytes better?
Neither clearly leads. 1Password starts at $2.99/month and Malwarebytes at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, 1Password or Malwarebytes?
Malwarebytes has a free tier; the other does not. Paid plans start at $2.99/month for 1Password and Free for Malwarebytes.
Does 1Password or Malwarebytes run on more platforms?
1Password runs on macOS, Windows, iOS, Android, Linux, Web. Malwarebytes runs on Windows, macOS, iOS, Android.
Can I use Malwarebytes for free?
Yes. Malwarebytes has a free tier, so you can try it without paying. 1Password starts at $2.99/month.
What is 1Password best used for?
1Password is most often used for password management, secure document storage, team credential sharing, identity protection. Of those, password management and secure document storage are not what Malwarebytes is typically brought in for.
What can 1Password do that Malwarebytes cannot?
1Password covers Password generator, Autofill, Secure notes, Credit card storage. Malwarebytes covers Malware detection & removal, Ransomware protection, Real-time protection, Anti-exploit.

Answered from the vendors’ own pages

1Password: Does 1Password offer a free tier?

No. 1Password offers no free tier as of July 2026, but provides a 14-day free trial with no credit card required for all plans except Enterprise.

Source
1Password: Can I access 1Password offline?

Yes. The desktop app allows for offline access to your vault once you have synced your passwords to the device.

Source
1Password: What is the pricing for individuals and families?

Individual plan costs 2.99 USD per month or 35.88 USD annually. Families plan costs 59.88 USD per year and includes five licenses with the ability to add more for 1 USD per month each.

Source
1Password: What platforms does 1Password support?

1Password is available on macOS, Windows, iOS, Android, Linux, with browser extensions for Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Brave, and Safari.

Source
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