Cybersecurity · head to head
Kaspersky Total Security vs Malwarebytes
Kaspersky Total Security
Cybersecurity
Complete protection for your digital life
- From
- Free
- Rated
- -
The short version
- Each has a real cost: Kaspersky Total Security uS sales banned since June 2024 with support ending September 29, 2024; Malwarebytes pricing page information is incomplete or dynamically loaded, making transparent pricing comparison difficult for potential customers
- They diverge on capability: Kaspersky Total Security covers Safe Money, Malwarebytes covers Malware detection & removal.
- Prices and features above were last checked on 30 August 2026.
Where they differ
Only the attributes on which Kaspersky Total Security and Malwarebytes actually diverge.
| Attribute | Kaspersky Total Security | Malwarebytes |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing model | Unknown | freemium |
| Founded | 1997 | 2008 |
Identical on both: starting price (Free), free tier (Yes), platforms (Windows, macOS, iOS, Android), user rating (Not yet rated), category (Cybersecurity).
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 Kaspersky Total Security
- Safe Money
- Privacy protection
- Parental controls
- Password manager
- File encryption
- Windows Security
- macOS
- Browser extensions
Only in Malwarebytes
- Malware detection & removal
- Anti-exploit
- Anti-phishing
- Browser Guard
- Brute Force Protection
- Windows Security Center
- macOS Security
- Independent lab tested
Both cover
- Real-time protection
- Ransomware protection
- VPN
- AV-TEST Certified
- Cloud deployment
- Desktop support
- Mobile support
- English language support
- German language support
What people use each for
The jobs each tool is most often brought in to do.
Kaspersky Total Security
- Antivirusnot Malwarebytes
- Internet Securitynot Malwarebytes
- Parental Controlnot Malwarebytes
Malwarebytes
- Budget-conscious users performing manual scans via free versionnot Kaspersky Total Security
- Organisations needing real-time malware and ransomware protection via Premium subscriptionnot Kaspersky Total Security
- Users combining antivirus with privacy via Premium plus Privacy VPN bundlenot Kaspersky Total Security
Where each one falls short
Documented limitations, not opinions. Every one is a constraint you would hit in normal use.
Kaspersky Total Security
- US sales banned since June 2024 with support ending September 29, 2024
- VPN limited to 200 MB per day and servers in only 24 countries
- Password manager has privacy concerns with questionable terms and policies
- VPN and password manager only included in Plus and Premium tiers, not in Standard
- Occasionally flags legitimate files as false positives
- Firewall leaves open ports on public networks
Malwarebytes
- Pricing page information is incomplete or dynamically loaded, making transparent pricing comparison difficult for potential customers
- Specific price amounts for different tiers (Individual, Family, Small business) are not clearly displayed on the main pricing page
- No mention of free tier or free trial duration on pricing page, unclear what features are included in each tier
Pricing, plan by plan
Kaspersky Total Security
Free- FreeFree
- Basic antivirus
- No real-time protection
- Standard$38.99/year
- Antivirus
- Firewall
- Anti-phishing
- Plus$52.99/year
- Standard features
- Password manager
- VPN with limit
- Premium$74.99/year
- Plus features
- Identity protection
- Unlimited VPN
Malwarebytes
FreeNo published plan breakdown. See the Malwarebytes review.
Which should you pick?
Choose Kaspersky Total Security if
- You need safe money.
- You want to start without paying.
- You work on Windows, macOS, iOS, Android.
- You also want privacy protection.
Choose Malwarebytes if
- You need malware detection & removal.
- You want to start without paying.
- You work on Windows, macOS, iOS, Android.
- You also want anti-exploit.
Questions people ask
- Is Kaspersky Total Security or Malwarebytes better?
- Neither clearly leads. Kaspersky Total Security starts at Free and Malwarebytes at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
- Which is cheaper, Kaspersky Total Security or Malwarebytes?
- Kaspersky Total Security starts at Free and Malwarebytes at Free.
- Does Kaspersky Total Security or Malwarebytes run on more platforms?
- Both run on Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, so platform support will not decide this one for you.
- Can I use Kaspersky Total Security for free?
- Both have a free tier, so you can try either at no cost before committing.
- What is Kaspersky Total Security best used for?
- Kaspersky Total Security is most often used for antivirus, internet security, parental control. Of those, antivirus and internet security are not what Malwarebytes is typically brought in for.
- What can Kaspersky Total Security do that Malwarebytes cannot?
- Kaspersky Total Security covers Safe Money, Privacy protection, Parental controls, Password manager. Malwarebytes covers Malware detection & removal, Anti-exploit, Anti-phishing, Browser Guard. Both handle Real-time protection, Ransomware protection, VPN, AV-TEST Certified.
Answered from the vendors’ own pages
Kaspersky Total Security: What does Kaspersky Total Security include?
Kaspersky Total Security (Premium tier) includes antivirus, firewall, password manager, VPN with 200 MB daily limit, parental controls (Kaspersky Safe Kids), and anti-ransomware protection.
SourceMalwarebytes: What is the refund policy for Malwarebytes subscriptions?
Malwarebytes offers a 60-day money back guarantee on all purchases. This allows customers to test the product across their devices (PC, Mac, Android, iOS) with full refund protection if unsatisfied.
SourceKaspersky Total Security: How much does Kaspersky Total Security cost?
Kaspersky Standard costs $38.99/year for 3 devices. Plus tier is $52.99/year for 5 devices. Premium is $74.99/year for 10 devices. Multi-year discounts available.
SourceMalwarebytes: What platforms does Malwarebytes support?
Malwarebytes works on Windows PC, macOS, Android, and iOS. Multi-platform protection is available across all subscription tiers including Individual, Family, Small business, and Standard single device options.
SourceKaspersky Total Security: Is Kaspersky available in the United States?
No. The U.S. government banned Kaspersky software sales in June 2024, with support and software updates ceasing September 29, 2024, citing national security concerns regarding Russian government ties.
SourceMalwarebytes: What is included in customer support with Malwarebytes?
Free customer support is included with all Malwarebytes subscription tiers. The product is backed by a 60-day money back guarantee for risk-free purchasing.
SourceKaspersky Total Security: Does Kaspersky have parental controls?
Yes. Premium and Plus tiers include one year free access to Kaspersky Safe Kids parental controls app, which provides activity reports, app monitoring, usage limits, and geo-fencing with location tracking.
SourceKaspersky Total Security: How much does the VPN provide?
Kaspersky's free VPN (Kaspersky Secure Connection) offers only 200 MB per day of traffic, limiting data usage. Full VPN is included in Plus and Premium plans but with limited servers in only 24 countries.
SourceRelated pages
More on Kaspersky Total Security
More on Malwarebytes
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