Cybersecurity · head to head
Malwarebytes vs Microsoft Defender
Microsoft Defender
Cybersecurity
Always-on protection for you and your family's data and devices
- From
- $12/month
- Rated
- -
The short version
- Only Malwarebytes has a free tier, so it costs nothing to try first.
- Each has a real cost: Malwarebytes pricing page information is incomplete or dynamically loaded, making transparent pricing comparison difficult for potential customers; Microsoft Defender defender Suite requires existing Microsoft 365 E3 or equivalent base licensing
- Prices and features above were last checked on 30 August 2026.
Where they differ
Only the attributes on which Malwarebytes and Microsoft Defender actually diverge.
| Attribute | Malwarebytes | Microsoft Defender |
|---|---|---|
| Starting price | Free | $12/month |
| Pricing model | freemium | subscription |
| Free tier | Yes | No |
| Platforms | Windows, macOS, iOS, Android | Web |
| Founded | 2008 | Unknown |
Identical on both: 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 Malwarebytes
- Malware detection & removal
- Ransomware protection
- Real-time protection
- Anti-exploit
- Anti-phishing
- Browser Guard
- VPN
- Brute Force Protection
Only in Microsoft Defender
Nothing recorded that Malwarebytes does not also cover.
What people use each for
The jobs each tool is most often brought in to do.
Malwarebytes
- Budget-conscious users performing manual scans via free versionnot Microsoft Defender
- Organisations needing real-time malware and ransomware protection via Premium subscriptionnot Microsoft Defender
- Users combining antivirus with privacy via Premium plus Privacy VPN bundlenot Microsoft Defender
Microsoft Defender
- Endpoint security and threat protectionnot Malwarebytes
- Identity and access securitynot Malwarebytes
- Email threat protectionnot Malwarebytes
- SaaS application security monitoringnot Malwarebytes
Where each one falls short
Documented limitations, not opinions. Every one is a constraint you would hit in normal use.
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
Microsoft Defender
- Defender Suite requires existing Microsoft 365 E3 or equivalent base licensing
- Some Defender products use pay-as-you-go pricing with variable costs
- Prices vary based on Microsoft agreements, requiring sales contact for custom quotes
Pricing, plan by plan
Malwarebytes
FreeNo published plan breakdown. See the Malwarebytes review.
Microsoft Defender
$12/month- Microsoft Defender Suite$12/month
- Endpoint protection
- Identity threat detection
- Email security
- Microsoft 365 E5 with Defender$60/month
- Includes Defender Suite
- Microsoft Teams included
- Comprehensive security and compliance
- Microsoft Defender Vulnerability Management Add-on$2/month
- Vulnerability scanning and management
- One-month free trial available
- Annual commitment required
Which should you pick?
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.
Choose Microsoft Defender if
Nothing in the data separates Microsoft Defender from Malwarebytes on the points above - pick on price and on how each one feels to use.
Questions people ask
- Is Malwarebytes or Microsoft Defender better?
- Neither clearly leads. Malwarebytes starts at Free and Microsoft Defender at $12/month, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
- Which is cheaper, Malwarebytes or Microsoft Defender?
- Malwarebytes has a free tier; the other does not. Paid plans start at Free for Malwarebytes and $12/month for Microsoft Defender.
- Does Malwarebytes or Microsoft Defender run on more platforms?
- Malwarebytes runs on Windows, macOS, iOS, Android. Microsoft Defender runs on Web.
- Can I use Malwarebytes for free?
- Yes. Malwarebytes has a free tier, so you can try it without paying. Microsoft Defender starts at $12/month.
- What is Malwarebytes best used for?
- Malwarebytes is most often used for budget-conscious users performing manual scans via free version, organisations needing real-time malware and ransomware protection via premium subscription, users combining antivirus with privacy via premium plus privacy vpn bundle. Of those, budget-conscious users performing manual scans via free version and organisations needing real-time malware and ransomware protection via premium subscription are not what Microsoft Defender is typically brought in for.
- What can Malwarebytes do that Microsoft Defender cannot?
- Malwarebytes covers Malware detection & removal, Ransomware protection, Real-time protection, Anti-exploit.
Answered from the vendors’ own pages
Malwarebytes: 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.
SourceMicrosoft Defender: How much does Microsoft Defender Suite cost?
Microsoft Defender Suite costs $12/user/month (paid yearly), but requires existing Microsoft 365 E3 or equivalent base licensing. It includes endpoint protection, identity threat detection, email security, and SaaS application monitoring.
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.
SourceMicrosoft Defender: What add-ons are available for Microsoft Defender?
Microsoft Defender Vulnerability Management Add-on costs $2/user/month with annual commitment and includes a one-month free trial. Additional pay-as-you-go products include External Attack Surface Management, Cloud Security Posture Management, and Sentinel.
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.
SourceMicrosoft Defender: Is Defender included in Microsoft 365 E5?
Yes, Microsoft Defender Suite is included in Microsoft 365 E5 at $60/user/month (paid yearly with Teams). Prices may vary based on Microsoft agreements, requiring contact with Sales for customized quotes.
SourceRelated pages
More on Malwarebytes
More on Microsoft Defender
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