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Malwarebytes Premium

Specialized malware remover that catches what your antivirus misses.

  • 4.6(11.2k reviews)
  • 💲$39.99/yr· free tier
  • Tested 2026-05-08
  • Updated 2026-05-08
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Our rating

7.6/10

  • Effectiveness
    9.2
  • Ease of use
    5.7
  • Value
    9.2
  • Features
    6.3
  • Trust
    7.8

Overview

Malwarebytes is purpose-built to remove malware, adware, and PUPs (potentially unwanted programs) — the stuff that slips past traditional antivirus. It's the tool computer repair shops reach for when a PC is "infected" with weird popups, browser hijackers, or sluggish performance from unknown sources.

Free version does on-demand scans and one-time removal. Premium ($39.99/yr) adds real-time protection, web protection, and ransomware shield.

Many users run Malwarebytes alongside Windows Defender or Norton, treating it as a "second opinion scanner."

What it does

Key features

Malware removal

Industry-leading at catching hard-to-remove infections.

Real-time protection (Premium)

Blocks threats before they execute.

Web protection

Blocks malicious sites and scam pages.

Ransomware shield

Behavioral protection against encryption attacks.

Scheduled scans

Set-and-forget weekly scans.

The honest take

Pros & cons

What we liked

  • +Best-in-class for malware/PUP removal
  • +Free version excellent for one-time cleanup
  • +Lightweight, doesn't slow down your PC
  • +Works alongside other antivirus products

Where it falls short

  • −Free version has no real-time protection
  • −Premium is pricey for what's essentially supplemental protection
  • −Not a full replacement for traditional antivirus
Solves these

Errors Malwarebytes Premium fixes

PerformanceBeginner

PC Running Slow

Why Is My PC So Slow? 8 Real Fixes That Work in 2026

15-30 minRead fix
FAQ

Common questions

Is Malwarebytes free?
Yes — the free version performs on-demand scans and removes malware. Premium ($39.99/yr) adds real-time protection.
Should I use Malwarebytes alongside Norton or Windows Defender?
Yes — Malwarebytes is designed to coexist with antivirus software. Many users run both for layered protection.
Will Malwarebytes remove existing malware?
In most cases yes. Run a Threat Scan, then Hyper Scan if needed. For stubborn infections, run in Safe Mode.
Malwarebytes vs Norton — which is better?
Different tools. Norton is full antivirus; Malwarebytes specializes in malware/PUP removal. Many use both.
Does Malwarebytes detect zero-day threats?
Premium uses behavior-based detection that can catch some zero-day threats, especially ransomware.
Bottom line

Malwarebytes Premium is a solid niche choice.

Pick this if you specifically need malware or adware. For broader needs, see our other antivirus reviews.

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