To find out which antivirus software is the best, we have to compare the significant aspects of both of these software and see which of the software wins in each category. We have compared the following dimensions of Bitdefender and Malwarebytes to conclude:
- Features
- Pricing
- Malware Protection
- System Performance
- Interface
- Compatibility
The issue of Cyber Threats is getting more severe with time, and the need to protect your device with an antivirus suite is becoming more powerful day by day. According to most relevant cybersecurity resources, the greatest threat anyone can face online is a cyberattack based on extracting your data, hacking your device, and introducing malware into your system. Even though we have already told our audience how to protect their privacy while being online via a VPN, the need for an antivirus suite should not be taken lightly for security & protection.
Both of the antivirus software under discussion, i.e., Bitdefender and Malwarebytes, are among the top listed antivirus software, and they compete directly with software like Norton, Avast, and Kaspersky. So, there is no doubt that both of these software are heavyweights and should not be taken lightly.
However, before using antivirus software, you need to understand the proper functionality, features, and overall compatibility of the software in the long run for the ultimate security and protection of your devices. Going for free antivirus software can cause several problems. It will keep the RAM of your device occupied for no reason whatsoever, push you notifications, and slow down your device’s CPU to a great extent, thus causing performance issues. Some people don’t even use antivirus software as they don’t want to pay for the subscription every month, which is sad, as there is so much at stake which they don’t even realize.
Getting your computer infected with a virus, malware, or any malicious software can be very destructive. That’s why we always urge our readers to opt for antivirus software and run scans on their devices regularly.
That’s why we are here discussing two of the best antivirus software (Malwarebytes and Bitdefender), the advantages and disadvantages, pricing, etc., so you can make an informed decision to address online threats.
Undoubtedly, you can achieve conclusive protection only if you buy premium versions of antivirus software, i.e., a paid antivirus suite. The premium versions of antivirus software will cover:
- Performance factors.
- Privacy concerns.
- Security features.
Even some VPNs like Surfshark VPN are now offering an antivirus suite as an add-on for their VPN product in their Surfshark ONE Bundle. So, even the top VPN companies know that VPN is not enough to deal with cybersecurity threats.
What are the threats Antivirus Software protects you from?
Whether it be Malwarebytes or Bitdefender, they protect you from cyber threats by offering features like:
- VPN
- Anti-trackers
- Anti-phishing
- Password manager
- Cloud backup
- Parental control
- File shredder
- Zero-day exploits
- Ransomware attacks protection
- Safe online banking
- System optimization tools
- Vulnerability protection
- Block ads/pop-ups
- Customer support
Most of these protection and security features are offered in the premium versions of antivirus software.
Malwarebytes Vs Bitdefender: Major Differences
Features | Bitdefender consists of a massive list of features compared to Malwarebytes; however, Malwarebytes features are much better in functionality. |
|---|---|
Lightweight | Bitdefender puts more load on your device’s CPU, whereas Bitdefender is lightweight as it is light antivirus software. |
Live Chat Support | Bitdefender addresses their customers’ queries via their live chat support. Bitdefender only offers customer support via tickets or over the phone. |
Compatibility | The free version of Malwarebytes is available for both Mac & Windows. Bitdefender’s free version is only compatible with Windows. |
Comparison Outline for Malwarebytes Vs Bitdefender
Malwarebytes and Bitdefender are both great antivirus products that protect your devices from online threats and viruses. Both offer great competitive prices, subscription plans, and huge lists of varying features. Here are some of the significant comparative factors which we’ll discuss in this article:
Features
The features list offered by Bitdefender is vast and promises you great defence against online threats, privacy breaches and optimizes your device’s performance overall. On the other hand, Malwarebytes does not provide their customers with extra defence features, and their product only assures stringent protection against online threats (which is still not bad).
System Performance
The AV-Test run for analyzing the system’s performance of both of these antiviruses has proved to be marvellous. They have both achieved almost the same amount of points in all the tests. These test results mean that your system’s performance will not be impacted, distorted, or lagged by any of the two software, and you will not even notice that your system performance is compromised while these software are running in the background.
Malware Protection
According to the AV-Test for testing the malware protection performance of Malwarebytes and Bitdefender, both scored the same and passed the test with the highest marks (near to Norton). It ensures that you’ll get protection from all kinds of online threats in real-time while determining that no viruses or malware reach your device undetected.
Compatibility
Both Bitdefender and Malwarebytes offer excellent compatibility across all the major platforms like:
- Windows
- Mac
- iOS
- Android
Additionally, Malwarebytes is compatible with other antivirus products also. The two software under discussion has limited functionality in Mac and iOS devices (which is normal).
Interface
The best part about both Malwarebytes and Bitdefender is their organized user interface which enhances the user experience to a great level. Every feature, report, and element in the software is well-organized and neatly placed. You will not face any user usability issues in both of them.
Pricing
Even though Malwarebytes is optimized to give you overall antivirus protection, the features listed offered by Bitdefender makes it an excellent value for money Antivirus software. Both offer competitive pricing and subscription plans, which is lovely as it covers all types of demands by their users.
Overview: Bitdefender Vs Malwarebytes
Malwarebytes and Bitdefender both provide significant protection for your devices from all types of threats and malware. The software is equipped with state of the art threat detection technologies, and both of them are compatible with Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android platforms.
Both the software offer excellent user interface, user usability and does not affect your system’s performance while running in the background. Malwarebytes lacks features, whereas Bitdefender has a great list of features. Also, with a single subscription plan, Malwarebytes will cover up to five devices simultaneously, and Bitdefender will support up to 15 devices at one given time.
Features
Here is a complete discussion on features offered by Malwarebytes and Bitdefender:
Malwarebytes Features
Bitdefender has a great list of features, whereas Malwarebytes has featured in a compact form and manner optimized to deliver outstanding protection against all types of virus and malware-related threats.
Some of the significant feature functions offered by Malwarebytes are as follow:
- Real-time protection
- Scanning tools
- Remains undetected against malware
- Malware identification
- Develops a blacklist for websites with spammy activities.
- Cleaning of viruses
- Protection against new infections
Malwarebytes is capable of protection, detection, identification, and destruction of threats like:
- Malware
- Ransomware
- Trojans
- Viruses
- PUPs
- Adware
- Keylogger
- And more.
It uses advanced virus signature identification and behaviour analysis techniques to block websites and add them into a separate blacklisted list. Thus, protecting your devices from any potential attacks like phishing and hacking. Also, you will be protected from bad domains and scripting attacks. Your online banking information will also be protected on these fake fishy sites and guarantee that your financial information will not get stolen somehow.
Moreover, the real-time protection will run in the background of your device, ensuring that no malicious activity is being done in the background of your system and keep on running scans on unconventional files for identification of any arising threats.
The HyperScan mode offered by Malwarebytes will always be on the lookout for any active threats, thus decreasing the chances of your system getting possessed by some uncertain malicious activity.
Finally, the developers of Malwarebytes have made this software undetectable to viruses, hackers, and malicious software so that none of them can disable or break your installed Malwarebytes antivirus application.
Bitdefender Features
The above-discussed features of Malwarebytes are all offered in the Bitdefender antivirus application. The only difference is that Bitdefender offers additional protection features, which significantly values the feature department in the Malwarebytes Vs the Bitdefender debate.
Some of the significant feature/functions offered by Bitdefender are as follow:
- File shredder
- Technical support
- Privacy securing tools
- Password manager database (encrypted)
- Malware protection (even on social media)
- Modes (Rescue, Game, Battery, Movie, etc.)
- Link checker (secure browsing)
Bitdefender is optimized with a set of features that will prevent ad tracking software from getting a hold of your device and block all types of online tracking activities which can harm your devices.
Moreover, features like Password Database and File Shredder work efficiently. The password encryption feature will encrypt all of your passwords via AES-256 encryption, which is military-grade encryption and remains uncrackable today.
Further, Bitdefender will provide security for your social media by removing all the bad links. Also, the file shredder feature will remove the data/files of that data that is stored or copied multiple times over your device’s hard drive.
Suppose your device gets affected by ransomware or a virus. The rescue mode of Bitdefender will rescue your device by cleaning your system and help your PC by rebooting it.
Malware Protection
Bitdefender and Malwarebytes deliver ultimate protection and a comprehensive security suite against viruses, malware, malicious software, and online threats.
Initially, suppose we discuss Bitdefender’s malware protection plan. In that case, it is integrated with one of the best antivirus engines, malware detection technology, and cyber threats intelligence to identify and remove malware, viruses, and malicious software from your device’s hard drive. Thus, you will be protected from brute force attacks and botnets.
When we look at AV-Test done on both of these software to check their malware protection abilities, we see that they have performed marvellously by getting 6 out of 6 scores in this category. The AV-Test uses various samples of viruses and malware to check the resistance offered by these antivirus software against threats like infections, zero-day attacks, and hacking.
System Performance
Malwarebytes and Bitdefender both are very lightweight software, and unlike Avast Antivirus Software, it does not take that much amount of space in your PC or Mac operating system. Both will not cause a problem in your system’s performance while scanning and running in the background.
Bitdefender is integrated with Photon technology for adaptation purposes to adapt itself to your system’s software and hardware configurations. This allows Bitdefender to run smoothly and deliver an all-inclusive performance.
Furthermore, Bitdefender operates on cloud technology for its scanning features. It does not use your system resources, although you have the liberty to set up your system with various profiles so that the antivirus software can work much more efficiently. Also, the antivirus application of Bitdefender can be used to block unnecessary background processes, which can help you increase your system’s performance.
The independent testing body AV-Test performs various tests like files operations, installing/deleting applications, launching apps, downloading, and browsing while keeping the antivirus application running to see if the software has any negative performance impact on everyday usage of your computer.
When these tests were run on Bitdefender and Malwarebytes, they both secured 6 out of 6 points in this category, thus hitting a tie in this sector.
Interface
One of the factors that most users get affected by is the user interface of a digital product. If the product cannot deliver a great experience, the user will unsubscribe from the service irrespective of its significant effect.
Bitdefender and Malwarebytes both have great user-friendly interfaces, which enhances the general usability of the products. A good interface means better user interaction with features, functionalities, and elements within the software.
Bitdefender
- The user interface hosts all the necessary features.
- Navigation is easy.
- No complexities.
- Organized features and elements.
- Accessibility
Malwarebytes
- Minimalistic and is not overcrowded.
- Main dashboard has all the functionalities listed in an orderly fashion.
- Settings icon is easily findable.
- Detailed pane of settings option has an intuitive interface, thus making it easy to navigate
Pricing Comparison
Looking at both Bitdefender and Malwarebytes subscription plans, you’ll see that they have covered every type of consumer based on their demands and needs. Following is a comprehensive analysis of both of these current software prices:
Currently, Bitdefender has five subscription plans for all of its five products. The overall subscription range ranges from one year to three years while giving their customers a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Following are the initial price demands by Bitdefender for their five products for the first year:
Product | Devices | Subscription |
|---|---|---|
Bitdefender Antivirus Plus | 3 | $29.99 |
Bitdefender Internet Security | 3 | $34.99 |
Bitdefender Total Security | 5 | $39.98 |
Bitdefender Family Pack | 15 | $49.99 |
Bitdefender Premium Security | 10 | $64.99 |
Product | Devices | Subscription |
|---|---|---|
Malwarebytes Premium | 1 | $39.99 |
Malwarebytes Premium | 5 | $79.99 |
Malwarebytes Premium Plus | 5 | $99.99 |
Final Say
Undoubtedly, Malwarebytes and Bitdefender both deliver excellent protection capabilities as antivirus software. Bitdefender has more features to offer, whereas Malwarebytes comes with a wholly optimized automated system functionality. Irrespective of this difference, both provide outstanding protection against viruses, malware, and malicious software.
You can opt for any of the two software, depending on your preferences and budget. However, we here at TechNinjaPRO suggest that you go for Bitdefender as its additional features make it an excellent value for money antivirus product.
