Malwarebytes vs Webroot

Webroot vs. Malwarebytes

Webroot and Malwarebytes both focus on lightweight antivirus protection, but they differ in their features, security approach, and pricing. Webroot is designed primarily as a standalone antivirus, while Malwarebytes can work as either a primary security tool or an on-demand malware scanner.

Range of services and platform focus

Webroot and Malwarebytes support Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS, with options for individuals, multiple devices, and businesses. Their paid plans provide malware protection alongside extra security and privacy tools, depending on the subscription.

Webroot's higher-tier plans add features such as identity protection, password management, and system cleanup tools. Malwarebytes offers a free version for manual malware scans, while paid plans add real-time protection and, on select tiers, a VPN, identity monitoring, credit monitoring, and personal data removal. Malwarebytes also separates its business security products under the ThreatDown brand.

Ease of use and system performance

Both providers are designed to limit their impact on device performance. Their applications have straightforward interfaces, and basic tasks such as starting a scan or checking security status require little setup.

Webroot relies heavily on cloud-based threat analysis, which keeps its local installation small and allows it to perform quick scans. It is primarily designed to run continuously as a standalone antivirus. Malwarebytes offers more flexibility. Its free version can be used for occasional manual scans alongside another antivirus, while its paid plans provide real-time protection for users who want it as their primary security software.

Security

Both providers include core security features such as malware scanning, real-time protection on paid plans, and protection against malicious websites. Their products have also appeared in independent security testing, although their results and testing histories differ.

Malwarebytes has performed well in recent independent testing, including strong protection scores from SE Labs. Webroot's results have been less consistent across independent tests. Its firewall protection also works alongside the Windows firewall rather than functioning as a fully separate firewall. Malwarebytes has expanded its security offering in recent years with VPN, identity monitoring, and data removal tools, while Webroot continues to rely heavily on its cloud-based threat detection system.

Pricing and value

Both providers offer several subscription levels based on the number of devices and included features. Prices increase as users add device coverage, privacy tools, or identity protection.

Webroot plans generally range from about $29.99 to $159.99 per year, depending on the package, and come with a 70-day money-back guarantee. Malwarebytes offers a free malware scanner alongside paid plans that generally range from about $44.99 to $139.99, with a 60-day money-back guarantee. Malwarebytes may make more sense for users who want a free on-demand scanner or access to privacy tools, while Webroot provides a lower starting price for paid protection.

Conclusion

Webroot and Malwarebytes both provide lightweight antivirus protection across major operating systems. Webroot is geared toward users looking for a standalone antivirus with cloud-based scanning and optional identity tools. Malwarebytes offers more flexibility, with a free manual scanner, full real-time protection on paid plans, and higher tiers that add VPN and identity features.

The better choice depends on how the antivirus will be used. Webroot offers a lower-cost entry point for continuous protection, while Malwarebytes works for users who want anything from occasional malware scans to a broader paid security package.