Cybersecurity · head to head
Malwarebytes vs NextRequest
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; NextRequest now sold as part of the CivicPlus product line rather than standalone, and nextrequest.com redirects into the CivicPlus site
- They diverge on capability: Malwarebytes covers Malware detection & removal, NextRequest covers Request Intake.
- Prices and features above were last checked on 30 August 2026.
Where they differ
Only the attributes on which Malwarebytes and NextRequest actually diverge.
| Attribute | Malwarebytes | NextRequest |
|---|---|---|
| Starting price | Free | $300/month |
| Pricing model | freemium | subscription |
| Free tier | Yes | No |
| Platforms | Windows, macOS, iOS, Android | Web |
| Category | Cybersecurity | Government |
| Founded | 2008 | 2015 |
Identical on both: user rating (Not yet rated).
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 NextRequest
- Request Intake
- Workflow Management
- Document Redaction
- Public Portal
- Reporting
- Document Systems
- Payment Processors
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 NextRequest
- Organisations needing real-time malware and ransomware protection via Premium subscriptionnot NextRequest
- Users combining antivirus with privacy via Premium plus Privacy VPN bundlenot NextRequest
NextRequest
- Receiving and routing public records and FOIA requestsnot Malwarebytes
- Tracking request status and statutory deadlines centrallynot Malwarebytes
- Redacting documents before release with RapidReviewnot Malwarebytes
- Invoicing and collecting payment for records requestsnot Malwarebytes
- Publishing a public-facing request portal for residentsnot 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
NextRequest
- Now sold as part of the CivicPlus product line rather than standalone, and nextrequest.com redirects into the CivicPlus site
- Pricing is not published
- Aimed at government agencies, so it is not a general purpose request or ticketing tool
Pricing, plan by plan
Malwarebytes
FreeNo published plan breakdown. See the Malwarebytes review.
NextRequest
$300/month- Standard$300/month
- Request Management
- Document Redaction
- Public Portal
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.
Questions people ask
- Is Malwarebytes or NextRequest better?
- Neither clearly leads. Malwarebytes starts at Free and NextRequest at $300/month, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
- Which is cheaper, Malwarebytes or NextRequest?
- Malwarebytes has a free tier; the other does not. Paid plans start at Free for Malwarebytes and $300/month for NextRequest.
- Does Malwarebytes or NextRequest run on more platforms?
- Malwarebytes runs on Windows, macOS, iOS, Android. NextRequest runs on Web.
- Can I use Malwarebytes for free?
- Yes. Malwarebytes has a free tier, so you can try it without paying. NextRequest starts at $300/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 NextRequest is typically brought in for.
- What can Malwarebytes do that NextRequest cannot?
- Malwarebytes covers Malware detection & removal, Ransomware protection, Real-time protection, Anti-exploit. NextRequest covers Request Intake, Workflow Management, Document Redaction, Public Portal.
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.
SourceNextRequest: What is the price of NextRequest FOIA management?
NextRequest pricing is not published on their website. Customers must request pricing directly through the website contact form or call the sales team at 888-228-2233.
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.
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.
SourceRelated pages
More on Malwarebytes
More on NextRequest
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