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Software · head to head

Malwarebytes vs Zoom

Malwarebytes logo

Malwarebytes

Software

Protects every device, everywhere

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
Zoom logo

Zoom

Software

Video conferencing that's easy, reliable, and secure

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Each has a real cost: Malwarebytes free version limited to on-demand scanning and removal; no real-time protection; Zoom cost creep from add-ons increases pricing from $14/user to $25+/user when including Phone and advanced features
  • They diverge on capability: Malwarebytes covers Malware detection & removal, Zoom covers HD video & audio.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which Malwarebytes and Zoom actually diverge.

Attributes where Malwarebytes and Zoom differ
AttributeMalwarebytesZoom
Pricing modelfreemiumsubscription
PlatformsWindows, macOS, iOS, AndroidWeb, iOS, Android, Windows, macOS
Founded20082011

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 Zoom

  • HD video & audio
  • Screen sharing
  • Recording & transcripts
  • Virtual backgrounds
  • Breakout rooms
  • Polling & Q&A
  • Chat
  • Whiteboard

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

Zoom

  • Team meetingsnot Malwarebytes
  • Webinarsnot Malwarebytes
  • Virtual eventsnot Malwarebytes
  • Online trainingnot Malwarebytes
  • Telehealthnot 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

Zoom

  • Cost creep from add-ons increases pricing from $14/user to $25+/user when including Phone and advanced features
  • Feature set is overwhelming with complex navigation and too many options
  • Limited analytics and coaching features compared to dedicated contact center platforms
  • Call recording and admin oversight lack strict governance needed for regulated industries

Pricing, plan by plan

Malwarebytes

Free

No published plan breakdown. See the Malwarebytes review.

Zoom

Free
  • BasicFree
    • 100 participants
    • 40-minute group meetings
    • Unlimited 1-on-1 meetings
  • Pro$14.99/month
    • 100 participants
    • 30-hour group meetings
    • Cloud recording (5GB)
  • Business$19.99/month
    • 300 participants
    • Single sign-on
    • Recording transcripts
  • Enterprise$25/month
    • 500 participants
    • Advanced admin features
    • Executive business review

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 Zoom if

  • You need hd video & audio.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Web, iOS, Android, Windows, macOS.
  • You also want screen sharing.
Zoom review

Questions people ask

Is Malwarebytes or Zoom better?
Neither clearly leads. Malwarebytes starts at Free and Zoom at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, Malwarebytes or Zoom?
Malwarebytes starts at Free and Zoom at Free.
Does Malwarebytes or Zoom run on more platforms?
Malwarebytes runs on Windows, macOS, iOS, Android. Zoom runs on Web, iOS, Android, Windows, macOS.
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 Zoom is typically brought in for.
What can Malwarebytes do that Zoom cannot?
Malwarebytes covers Malware detection & removal, Ransomware protection, Real-time protection, Anti-exploit. Zoom covers HD video & audio, Screen sharing, Recording & transcripts, Virtual backgrounds.

Answered from the vendors’ own pages

Zoom: What are Zoom's main pricing tiers?

Zoom offers a free Basic plan with 40-minute limits for group meetings, Pro at $14.16/user/month, Business at $15.58/user/month with 300 participant capacity, and Enterprise with custom pricing. Additional costs apply for Phone ($10.50/user/month), Webinars, and Rooms.

Source
Zoom: What integrations does Zoom support?

Zoom integrates with Salesforce, Slack, Microsoft 365, Google Workspace, HubSpot, Zendesk, and many other business applications, though integration depth varies by partner.

Source
Zoom: Can Zoom be used for webinars?

Yes, Zoom Webinars is available as a separate product starting at $66.67 per month, providing larger audience capabilities and specialized webinar features.

Source
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