listme.name
Sign in

Alternatives

Best Malwarebytes alternatives in 2026

Malwarebytes is malware scanner with free cleaners and paid Premium Security. These 6 alternatives come from the same rankings, ordered by editorial score. Connected products carry a small, disclosed lift.

6 alternatives From best antivirus software How we rank

Ranked alternatives

  1. 1

    Bitdefender

    A free Antivirus version and paid suites that cover five devices per account, with VPN and identity tools bundled. Its many product tiers make the right plan harder to pick.

    Best for Multi-device protection with a free starter

    WindowsmacOSAndroidiOSFree plan, paid upgrades

    90.5score
    Visit Alternatives
  2. 2

    Microsoft Defender Antivirus

    Built into Windows Security at no extra cost and needs no setup. It covers Windows only, and tools such as a VPN come from third-party suites like the ones in this list.

    Best for Windows PCs that need no extra software

    WindowsFree

    89.0score
    Visit Alternatives
  3. 3

    ESET

    Also runs on Linux. Antivirus for Windows, macOS, Android and Linux with anti-phishing and Wi-Fi protection, sold as subscriptions after a 30-day trial. It has no free version after the trial and lists no iOS app.

    Best for Subscription antivirus for Windows and Mac

    WindowsmacOSAndroidLinuxSubscription

    85.5score
    Visit Alternatives
  4. 4

    Norton

    Antivirus bundled with a VPN, scam protection and LifeLock identity options, with mobile apps for Android and iOS. It has no free antivirus, and first-year discounts renew at a higher price.

    Best for Antivirus bundled with VPN and identity tools

    WindowsmacOSAndroidiOSSubscription

    81.0score
    Visit Alternatives
  5. 5

    Avira

    Free Avira Free Security for Windows, with paid Prime plans that include Prime Mobile apps for iOS and Android. The free download is listed for Windows only.

    Best for Free Windows antivirus with paid mobile plans

    WindowsmacOSAndroidiOSFree plan, paid upgrades

    80.0score
    Visit Alternatives
  6. 6

    ClamAV

    Is open source; also runs on Linux. An open-source GPL-2.0 antivirus engine for Windows, macOS and Linux, suited to administrators, mail gateways and developers. It has no interface of its own and is not a consumer app.

    Best for Open-source scanning for servers and mail

    WindowsmacOSLinuxFree and open sourceOpen source

    78.5score
    Visit Alternatives

Narrow the alternatives

Malwarebytes alternatives for Linux

About Malwarebytes alternatives

What is the best alternative to Malwarebytes?
On listme.name the highest-scored alternative is Bitdefender, followed by Microsoft Defender Antivirus. The right choice depends on price, platform and whether you need open source.
Is there a free alternative to Malwarebytes?
Yes. Free options include Bitdefender, Microsoft Defender Antivirus, Avira.