Software · head to head
Malwarebytes vs Signal
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.
| Attribute | Malwarebytes | Signal |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing model | freemium | free |
| Platforms | Windows, macOS, iOS, Android | Windows, Macos, Linux, Ios, Android |
| Founded | 2008 | 2010 |
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
FreeNo 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.
Related pages
More on Malwarebytes
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