Is Microsoft Defender Antivirus better than Malwarebytes?

Microsoft Defender Antivirus ranks higher in our list of antivirus software (#2 against #3, score 89.0 against 87.0), but the gap is small and the better choice depends on what you need. Malwarebytes is best for: free malware scans and paid ongoing protection. Microsoft Defender Antivirus is best for: Windows PCs that need no extra software.

Which is cheaper, Malwarebytes or Microsoft Defender Antivirus?

Malwarebytes: Free scanner and cleaners; paid Premium Security plans. Microsoft Defender Antivirus: Included with Windows; no separate purchase.

Do Malwarebytes and Microsoft Defender Antivirus run on the same platforms?

Malwarebytes supports Windows, macOS, Android, iOS. Microsoft Defender Antivirus supports Windows.

Comparison · Antivirus software

Malwarebytes vs Microsoft Defender Antivirus: which is better in 2026?

Malwarebytes87.0#3 in best antivirus software

Microsoft Defender Antivirus89.0#2 in best antivirus software

Microsoft Defender Antivirus ranks higher in our list of antivirus software (#2 against #3, score 89.0 against 87.0), but the gap is small and the better choice depends on what you need.

How we rank Share

87.0
Editorial score
89.0
4
Platforms
1
Yes
Free to use
Yes
No
Open source
No

Which should you choose?

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.

Choose Microsoft Defender Antivirus if you want

Windows PCs that need no extra software.

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.

The main differences

Only Malwarebytes runs on macOS.
Only Malwarebytes runs on iOS.
Only Malwarebytes runs on Android.
Malwarebytes is free plan, paid upgrades; Microsoft Defender Antivirus is free.

Side by side

	Malwarebytes	Microsoft Defender Antivirus
Score	87.0	89.0
Rank in list	#3 of 11	#2 of 11
Price	Free plan, paid upgradesFree scanner and cleaners; paid Premium Security plans	FreeIncluded with Windows; no separate purchase
Free to use	Yes	Yes
Open source	No	No
Platforms	WindowsmacOSAndroidiOSWindows, macOS, Android, iOS	WindowsWindows
Made by	Not stated	Microsoft
Free version	Yes	Yes
Extra tools	VPN, browser guard, cleaners	Personal subscription for other devices
Best for	Free malware scans and paid ongoing protection	Windows PCs that need no extra software
Strengths	Free malware scan and device cleaners Covers PCs, Macs, Android and iPhone 60-day money-back guarantee on paid plans	Included with Windows at no extra cost Needs no separate install or setup Personal subscription available for other devices
Limits	Ongoing protection and the VPN come with paid plans Pricing is shown per year with discounts that expire	Built-in version covers Windows only The built-in version is antivirus only, without a VPN
Links	Visit site	Visit site

Questions about Malwarebytes vs Microsoft Defender Antivirus

Is Microsoft Defender Antivirus better than Malwarebytes?: Microsoft Defender Antivirus ranks higher in our list of antivirus software (#2 against #3, score 89.0 against 87.0), but the gap is small and the better choice depends on what you need. Malwarebytes is best for: free malware scans and paid ongoing protection. Microsoft Defender Antivirus is best for: Windows PCs that need no extra software.
Which is cheaper, Malwarebytes or Microsoft Defender Antivirus?: Malwarebytes: Free scanner and cleaners; paid Premium Security plans. Microsoft Defender Antivirus: Included with Windows; no separate purchase.
Do Malwarebytes and Microsoft Defender Antivirus run on the same platforms?: Malwarebytes supports Windows, macOS, Android, iOS. Microsoft Defender Antivirus supports Windows.