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Malwarebytes vs Surfshark

Malwarebytes logo

Malwarebytes

Software

Protects every device, everywhere

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
Surfshark logo

Surfshark

Software

Secure your digital life

From
$1.78/month
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Only Malwarebytes has a free tier, so it costs nothing to try first.
  • Each has a real cost: Malwarebytes free version limited to on-demand scanning and removal; no real-time protection; Surfshark smaller server network (4,500+ servers) compared to larger competitors like NordVPN
  • They diverge on capability: Malwarebytes covers Malware detection & removal, Surfshark covers Unlimited devices.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which Malwarebytes and Surfshark actually diverge.

Attributes where Malwarebytes and Surfshark differ
AttributeMalwarebytesSurfshark
Starting priceFree$1.78/month
Pricing modelfreemiumUnknown
Free tierYesNo
PlatformsWindows, macOS, iOS, AndroidWindows, macOS, iOS, Android, Linux
Founded20082018

Identical on both: 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 Surfshark

  • Unlimited devices
  • CleanWeb ad blocker
  • MultiHop
  • Camouflage Mode
  • NoBorders mode
  • Kill Switch
  • Bypasser split tunneling
  • Rotating IP

Both cover

  • Cloud deployment
  • Desktop support

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

Surfshark

  • Vpnnot Malwarebytes
  • Privacynot Malwarebytes
  • Security Suitenot 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

Surfshark

  • Smaller server network (4,500+ servers) compared to larger competitors like NordVPN
  • Lower brand recognition compared to established VPN providers
  • Limited customer service availability in some time zones

Pricing, plan by plan

Malwarebytes

Free

No published plan breakdown. See the Malwarebytes review.

Surfshark

$1.78/month
  • Starter$1.78/month
    • Unlimited simultaneous connections
    • 4,500+ servers
    • Basic VPN
  • One$3.59/month
    • VPN
    • Antivirus
    • Personal data leak alert
  • One+$4/month
    • All One features
    • Incogi included

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.
Malwarebytes review

Choose Surfshark if

  • You need unlimited devices.
  • You work on Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Linux.
  • You also want cleanweb ad blocker.
Surfshark review

Questions people ask

Is Malwarebytes or Surfshark better?
Neither clearly leads. Malwarebytes starts at Free and Surfshark at $1.78/month, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, Malwarebytes or Surfshark?
Malwarebytes has a free tier; the other does not. Paid plans start at Free for Malwarebytes and $1.78/month for Surfshark.
Does Malwarebytes or Surfshark run on more platforms?
Malwarebytes runs on Windows, macOS, iOS, Android. Surfshark runs on Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Linux.
Can I use Malwarebytes for free?
Yes. Malwarebytes has a free tier, so you can try it without paying. Surfshark starts at $1.78/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 Surfshark is typically brought in for.
What can Malwarebytes do that Surfshark cannot?
Malwarebytes covers Malware detection & removal, Ransomware protection, Real-time protection, Anti-exploit. Surfshark covers Unlimited devices, CleanWeb ad blocker, MultiHop, Camouflage Mode. Both handle Cloud deployment, Desktop support.

Answered from the vendors’ own pages

Surfshark: Does Surfshark maintain a no-logs policy?

Yes. Surfshark does not log browsing history, visited IP addresses, bandwidth usage, or network traffic. This policy was independently verified by Deloitte in 2025.

Source
Surfshark: How many simultaneous device connections does Surfshark allow?

Surfshark allows unlimited simultaneous connections on all subscription plans, enabling protection of every device in a household with a single subscription.

Source
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