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Software · head to head

Malwarebytes vs Signal

Malwarebytes logo

Malwarebytes

Software

Protects every device, everywhere

From
Free
Rated
-
Signal logo

Signal

Software

Speak Freely

From
Free
Rated
-

The short version

  • Each has a real cost: Malwarebytes free version limited to on-demand scanning and removal; no real-time protection; Signal signal must be installed on a phone before the desktop app can be used, so there is no phone-free desktop-only account
  • They diverge on capability: Malwarebytes covers Malware detection & removal, Signal covers End-to-end encryption.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which Malwarebytes and Signal actually diverge.

Attributes where Malwarebytes and Signal differ
AttributeMalwarebytesSignal
Pricing modelfreemiumfree
PlatformsWindows, macOS, iOS, AndroidWindows, Macos, Linux, Ios, Android
Founded20082010

Identical on both: starting price (Free), free tier (Yes), 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 Malwarebytes

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

Only in Signal

  • End-to-end encryption
  • Disappearing messages
  • Screen security
  • Group chats
  • Voice calls
  • Video calls
  • File sharing
  • No data collection

Both cover

  • Cloud deployment

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 Signal
  • Organisations needing real-time malware and ransomware protection via Premium subscriptionnot Signal
  • Users combining antivirus with privacy via Premium plus Privacy VPN bundlenot Signal

Signal

  • Private messagingnot Malwarebytes
  • Secure group communicationnot Malwarebytes
  • Confidential conversationsnot Malwarebytes
  • Journalism communicationnot Malwarebytes
  • Family messagingnot Malwarebytes

Where each one falls short

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

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

Signal

  • Signal must be installed on a phone before the desktop app can be used, so there is no phone-free desktop-only account

Pricing, plan by plan

Malwarebytes

Free

No published plan breakdown. See the Malwarebytes review.

Signal

Free
  • FreeFree
    • End-to-end encrypted messaging
    • Voice and video calls
    • Group chats

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 Signal if

  • You need end-to-end encryption.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Windows, Macos, Linux, Ios, Android.
  • You also want disappearing messages.

Questions people ask

Is Malwarebytes or Signal better?
Neither clearly leads. Malwarebytes starts at Free and Signal at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, Malwarebytes or Signal?
Malwarebytes starts at Free and Signal at Free.
Does Malwarebytes or Signal run on more platforms?
Malwarebytes runs on Windows, macOS, iOS, Android. Signal runs on Windows, Macos, Linux, Ios, Android.
Can I use Malwarebytes for free?
Both have a free tier, so you can try either at no cost before committing.
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 Signal is typically brought in for.
What can Malwarebytes do that Signal cannot?
Malwarebytes covers Malware detection & removal, Ransomware protection, Real-time protection, Anti-exploit. Signal covers End-to-end encryption, Disappearing messages, Screen security, Group chats. Both handle Cloud deployment.

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