Comparison
Bitdefender Antivirus vs Malwarebytes for Windows
Bitdefender and Malwarebytes are often compared because they get used for different jobs that overlap in people's minds. Bitdefender is a full real-time antivirus suite meant to be your primary, always-on protection layer, with continuous scanning, firewall features (in higher tiers), and ransomware protection. Malwarebytes started as an on-demand malware and adware cleanup tool and has since added its own real-time protection tier, but many users still run its free version as a secondary scanner alongside a primary antivirus.
Bitdefender's paid plans bundle broader security features — VPN allowances, parental controls, and multi-device licensing depending on the tier — while Malwarebytes keeps its focus narrower, centered on malware, adware, and potentially unwanted program (PUP) detection and removal.
For most home users, the practical question is whether you need one primary real-time antivirus (Bitdefender) or a lightweight secondary cleanup tool to run occasionally alongside your main protection (Malwarebytes free tier), since running two full real-time antivirus engines simultaneously can cause conflicts.
Feature comparison
| Feature | Bitdefender Antivirus | Malwarebytes |
|---|---|---|
| License | Paid — see the developer's pricing page (free trial available) | Free on-demand scanner; paid real-time protection plans |
| Real-time protection | Yes | Yes, on paid tiers |
| Primary antivirus replacement | Yes | Not recommended as sole protection on the free tier |
| Ransomware protection | Yes, on supported tiers | Yes, on paid tiers |
| Firewall included | Yes, on select tiers | No |
| Platforms | Windows, macOS, Android, iOS | Windows, macOS, Android, iOS |
| Independent lab test results | Not verified | Not verified |
Which should you pick?
Primary always-on antivirus protection
Pick: bitdefender-antivirus
Bitdefender is built as a full real-time antivirus suite with continuous scanning and ransomware protection.
Secondary on-demand malware cleanup
Pick: malwarebytes
Malwarebytes' free tier is designed for occasional on-demand scans alongside a primary antivirus.
Bundled extras like VPN and parental controls
Pick: bitdefender-antivirus
Bitdefender's paid tiers bundle additional security features beyond core antivirus scanning.
Targeted adware and PUP removal
Pick: malwarebytes
Malwarebytes has a long-standing focus on adware, PUPs, and browser hijacker cleanup.
Learn more
Frequently asked questions
Can I run Bitdefender and Malwarebytes together?
Running Malwarebytes' free on-demand scanner alongside Bitdefender's real-time protection is common. Running two full real-time antivirus engines at once can cause conflicts, so check each product's guidance before combining paid real-time tiers.
Is Malwarebytes a full antivirus replacement?
The paid Malwarebytes Premium tier includes real-time protection intended to work as primary protection; the free tier is on-demand only and is not designed as a full-time antivirus replacement.
Does Bitdefender have a free version?
Not verified with exact current details — check the developer's pricing page, as free and trial offerings change over time.