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Comparison · Antivirus software

ESET vs Malwarebytes: which is better in 2026?

ESET85.5#4 in best antivirus softwareMalwarebytes87.0#3 in best antivirus software

Malwarebytes ranks higher in our list of antivirus software (#3 against #4, score 87.0 against 85.5), but the gap is small and the better choice depends on what you need.

  • 85.5
    Editorial score
    87.0
  • 4
    Platforms
    4
  • No
    Free to use
    Yes
  • No
    Open source
    No

Which should you choose?

Choose ESET if you want

Subscription antivirus for Windows and Mac.

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.

Choose Malwarebytes if you want

Free malware scans and paid ongoing protection.

A free malware scanner and device cleaners, with paid Premium Security for ongoing protection, a VPN and a browser guard. It covers PCs, Macs, Android and iPhone with a 60-day money-back guarantee.

The main differences

  • Only ESET runs on Linux.
  • Only Malwarebytes runs on iOS.
  • Malwarebytes can be used for free; ESET requires payment.

Side by side

ESETMalwarebytes
Score85.587.0
Rank in list#4 of 7#3 of 7
PriceSubscriptionSubscriptions with a 30-day free trialFree plan, paid upgradesFree scanner and cleaners; paid Premium Security plans
Free to useNoYes
Open sourceNoNo
PlatformsWindowsmacOSAndroidLinuxWindows, macOS, Android, LinuxWindowsmacOSAndroidiOSWindows, macOS, Android, iOS
Made byNot statedNot stated
Free versionNoYes
Extra toolsAnti-phishing, Wi-Fi protection, VPNVPN, browser guard, cleaners
Best forSubscription antivirus for Windows and MacFree malware scans and paid ongoing protection
Strengths
  • Antivirus for Windows, macOS, Android and Linux
  • Anti-phishing and Wi-Fi protection on home plans
  • 30-day free trial without a credit card
  • Free malware scan and device cleaners
  • Covers PCs, Macs, Android and iPhone
  • 60-day money-back guarantee on paid plans
Limits
  • No free version after the trial
  • No iOS app is listed
  • Ongoing protection and the VPN come with paid plans
  • Pricing is shown per year with discounts that expire
LinksVisit site Visit site

Questions about ESET vs Malwarebytes

Is Malwarebytes better than ESET?
Malwarebytes ranks higher in our list of antivirus software (#3 against #4, score 87.0 against 85.5), but the gap is small and the better choice depends on what you need. ESET is best for: subscription antivirus for Windows and Mac. Malwarebytes is best for: free malware scans and paid ongoing protection.
Which is cheaper, ESET or Malwarebytes?
ESET: Subscriptions with a 30-day free trial. Malwarebytes: Free scanner and cleaners; paid Premium Security plans.
Do ESET and Malwarebytes run on the same platforms?
ESET supports Windows, macOS, Android, Linux. Malwarebytes supports Windows, macOS, Android, iOS.