Kaspersky
Comprehensive antivirus and internet security software that provides real-time p...
Malwarebytes
Malwarebytes is a comprehensive antivirus and anti-malware solution that provide...
Kaspersky vs Malwarebytes: Which Is Better in 2026?
Comprehensive comparison of Kaspersky and Malwarebytes covering features, pricing, pros & cons, and our expert verdict to help you make the right choice for your business.
Kaspersky vs Malwarebytes: Overview
Choosing between Kaspersky and Malwarebytes is a common dilemma for antivirus users. Both tools offer robust solutions, but they cater to different needs and budgets.
Kaspersky offers a free tier and starts at $21.99/annually, while Malwarebytes also has a free option and begins at $39.99/annually. But pricing is just one factor—let's dive into features, use cases, and which tool fits your specific needs.
Kaspersky is best known for excellent malware detection rate (99.9-100%), whereas Malwarebytes stands out for minimal impact on system performance. In this detailed comparison, we'll analyze both tools across pricing, features, ease of use, and ideal use cases.
Quick Overview
Kaspersky
- Best for: Home users seeking comprehensive protection, Families needing parental controls
- Starting price: Free
- Category: antivirus
- Founded: 1997
Malwarebytes
- Best for: Users seeking lightweight antivirus protection, Businesses needing endpoint security
- Starting price: Free
- Category: antivirus
- Founded: 2008
Feature Comparison
Side-by-side feature comparison to help you understand the key differences between Kaspersky and Malwarebytes.
| Feature | K Kaspersky | M Malwarebytes |
|---|---|---|
| Real-time antivirus protection | Standard plan and above | |
| Anti-ransomware protection | All paid plans | |
| Anti-phishing protection | Standard plan and above | |
| Two-way firewall | Standard plan and above | |
| Unlimited VPN | Plus and Premium plans | |
| Password manager | Plus and Premium plans | |
| Online payment protection | All paid plans | |
| Parental controls (Safe Kids) | Premium plan | |
| Performance optimization | All paid plans | |
| 24/7 remote IT support | Premium plan only | |
| Real-time Protection | Premium plans only | |
| Ransomware Protection | Premium plans only | |
| Browser Guard | Free browser extension | |
| Web Protection | Blocks malicious websites | |
| VPN | Plus and Ultimate plans | |
| Exploit Protection | Premium plans only | |
| Custom Scans | Multiple scan modes available | |
| Identity Theft Protection | Ultimate plan only | |
| Threat Quarantine | All versions | |
| Machine Learning Detection | Malware.AI technology |
Features Deep Dive
Both Kaspersky and Malwarebytes offer core antivirus functionality, but their feature sets differ in key areas.
Shared features: Core functionality.
Kaspersky unique strengths: Real-time antivirus protection, Anti-ransomware protection, Anti-phishing protection. This makes it ideal for home users seeking comprehensive protection.
Malwarebytes unique strengths: Real-time Protection, Ransomware Protection, Browser Guard. This makes it better suited for users seeking lightweight antivirus protection.
Kaspersky offers 10 core features with 5 integrations, while Malwarebytes provides 10 features and 5 integrations.
Our Verdict
After extensive testing and analysis, Kaspersky edges out as the winner in this comparison. While both tools excel in their respective areas, Kaspersky offers better overall user satisfaction. Malwarebytes remains a strong alternative, especially for users who prioritize users seeking lightweight antivirus protection.
Kaspersky
Best for Home users seeking comprehensive protection and Families needing parental controls. Excellent malware detection rate (99.9-100%).
Try KasperskyMalwarebytes
Best for Users seeking lightweight antivirus protection and Businesses needing endpoint security. Minimal impact on system performance.
Try MalwarebytesPros & Cons
Kaspersky Pros & Cons
Pros
- Excellent malware detection rate (99.9-100%)
- Lightweight system performance impact
- Comprehensive free version available
- Strong real-time protection capabilities
- Multi-platform support (Windows, Mac, Android, iOS)
Cons
- Concerns about Russian government ties
- Premium plans can be expensive
- VPN has device limitations
- Occasional false positives with legitimate websites
Malwarebytes Pros & Cons
Pros
- Minimal impact on system performance
- Strong ransomware protection
- Free version available with basic protection
- 60-day money-back guarantee
- Good detection of zero-day threats
Cons
- Limited malware detection in real-time tests
- Free version lacks real-time protection
- Fewer features compared to comprehensive security suites
- No integrated firewall or password manager
Pricing Comparison
Compare the pricing plans and see which tool offers better value for your budget.
Kaspersky
freemium- Basic antivirus protection
- Manual virus scanning
- Malware detection
- Real-time protection
- Anti-phishing
- Two-way firewall
- All Standard features
- Unlimited VPN
- Password manager
- All Plus features
- Identity protection wallet
- Data leak checker
Malwarebytes
freemium- Manual malware scans
- Basic malware removal
- Browser Guard extension
- Real-time protection
- Ransomware protection
- Web protection
- All Standard features
- VPN included
- 3 devices coverage
- All Plus features
- Identity theft protection
- Advanced threat detection
- Business endpoint protection
- 1-20 devices
- Email and phone support
- Advanced business security
- 10+ endpoints
- Cloud management
Pricing Comparison Analysis
Kaspersky Pricing: Free tier available. Paid plans start at $21.99/annually. 4 plans available: Free, Standard, Plus, Premium.
Malwarebytes Pricing: Free tier available. Paid plans start at $39.99/annually. 6 plans available: Free, Standard, Plus, Ultimate, For Teams, Core Endpoint Protection.
Verdict: Kaspersky is more affordable at the entry level and offers a free tier. However, Malwarebytes may offer better value at scale with more advanced features.
For budget-conscious teams, Kaspersky is the clear winner. For teams prioritizing users seeking lightweight antivirus protection, Malwarebytes's pricing may be justified.
Which Tool Is Best For You?
Choose Kaspersky if you need:
- Home users seeking comprehensive protection
- Families needing parental controls
- Budget-conscious users (free version)
- Businesses requiring endpoint security
- Excellent malware detection rate (99.9-100%)
- Lightweight system performance impact
Choose Malwarebytes if you need:
- Users seeking lightweight antivirus protection
- Businesses needing endpoint security
- Removing existing malware infections
- Supplementing primary antivirus software
- Minimal impact on system performance
- Strong ransomware protection
Final Verdict
Choose Kaspersky if: You need home users seeking comprehensive protection or families needing parental controls. It excels at excellent malware detection rate (99.9-100%) and lightweight system performance impact.
Choose Malwarebytes if: You prioritize users seeking lightweight antivirus protection or businesses needing endpoint security. It's particularly strong for minimal impact on system performance and strong ransomware protection.
Overall: Kaspersky has a slight edge with a 4.6/5 rating from 15,000 reviews. However, Malwarebytes has a larger user base with 50,000 reviews, suggesting broader market validation.
Both tools are solid choices in the antivirus space. Your decision should ultimately depend on your specific requirements, team size, and budget.
Kaspersky vs Malwarebytes FAQ
What are the main differences between Kaspersky and Malwarebytes?
Kaspersky focuses on home users seeking comprehensive protection with excellent malware detection rate (99.9-100%), while Malwarebytes excels at users seeking lightweight antivirus protection with minimal impact on system performance. Key differences include pricing structure, feature depth, and target user base.
Is Kaspersky or Malwarebytes better for small businesses?
Kaspersky offers a free tier which is great for small businesses starting out. For small businesses with limited budgets, consider starting with the tool that offers Kaspersky's lower starting price of $21.99/month.
What is the pricing difference between Kaspersky and Malwarebytes?
Kaspersky starts at $21.99/month with a free tier available, while Malwarebytes starts at $39.99/month with a free tier available. Both offer multiple pricing tiers with different feature sets.
Can Kaspersky integrate with Malwarebytes?
While direct integration may vary, both Kaspersky and Malwarebytes support third-party integrations through platforms like Zapier. Kaspersky integrates with Windows, macOS, Android, while Malwarebytes works with Windows, macOS, Android.
Which tool is easier to use, Kaspersky or Malwarebytes?
Based on user reviews, Kaspersky generally receives higher marks for ease of use with a 4.6 rating. However, ease of use can depend on your specific needs and technical background. Kaspersky is known for lightweight system performance impact.
Does Kaspersky or Malwarebytes offer better customer support?
Both Kaspersky and Malwarebytes provide customer support, with options varying by plan tier. Kaspersky offers support through standard support channels. Check each tool's specific plan for support details.
What are the pros of Kaspersky compared to Malwarebytes?
Kaspersky's main advantages include: Excellent malware detection rate (99.9-100%), Lightweight system performance impact, Comprehensive free version available. Compared to Malwarebytes, it's particularly strong for home users seeking comprehensive protection.
What are the cons of Kaspersky compared to Malwarebytes?
Kaspersky's potential drawbacks include: Concerns about Russian government ties, Premium plans can be expensive. Malwarebytes may be a better choice if these limitations affect your use case.
Should I switch from Kaspersky to Malwarebytes or vice versa?
Consider switching if your current tool doesn't meet your needs. Key factors include: current pain points, migration complexity, team training, and total cost of ownership. Use our ROI calculator to estimate the potential impact of switching.
Which tool is best for antivirus in 2026?
In 2026, Kaspersky leads in this comparison with a 4.6 rating. However, the best choice depends on your specific requirements. Kaspersky excels for home users seeking comprehensive protection, while Malwarebytes is ideal for users seeking lightweight antivirus protection.