Malwarebytes for Mac review

You already have some basic antivirus protection installed on your Mac computer, but it’s possible that Apple’s answer won’t be sufficient in 2024. As a result, it is important to take into consideration purchasing a Malwarebytes antivirus package for macOS.

As a result of Malwarebytes’ inclusion on our list of the best antivirus software in general, I made the decision to evaluate the version of the program that was written specifically for Apple machines on my reliable M1 MacBook Air. Let’s take a look at how effectively Malwarebytes strikes a balance between the pricing, the design, the functionality, and the customer support.

Malwarebytes for Mac review: The price and the tiers?

Malwarebytes provides a free malware scanner that may be used to remove an infection that is present on macOS. For the Mac, it is among the finest free antivirus applications available.

It goes without saying that it is preferable to identify and prevent malware before it becomes an issue, and the subscription options offered by Malwarebytes guarantee that this will happen. Before you commit to buying a subscription, you have the option to begin with a free trial that lasts for fourteen days.

There are three different premium options available for selection. Basic Security offers real-time protection and comes with the Browser Guard extension for Safari, Chrome, and Firefox. This yearly subscription costs $45 and is available for purchase. This makes it an excellent value for antivirus software that has received high ratings.

This adds a virtual private network (VPN) with a chosen location for an additional $15 per year, for a total of $60 per year. Additional features that are included with Complete Protection include monitoring of social media platforms, the dark web, and up to three credit reports, as well as identity theft insurance coverage of up to two million dollars. As a result of these additional services, the annual fee has increased to $120.

Malwarebytes, in contrast to the majority of rival solutions, does not entice you to sign up for a low-cost membership that will significantly rise in price the following year. Alternatively, if you purchase a membership for two years, you will get a discount.

As an example, the most costly plan offered by Bitdefender for Mac laptops costs $90 for the first year, but the price increases to $180 when the subscription is renewed. Although Bitdefender contains a greater number of functions, the extra yearly costs may put a strain on your financial resources.

Malwarebytes for Mac review: Is it design?

In my study, I examined Malwarebytes Premium Plus, which offers protection for up to three devices. These devices include desktops running macOS and Windows, as well as mobile devices running iOS and Android.

In addition, this plan provides me with an unrestricted virtual private network (VPN), which helps me maintain my anonymity when I am accessing the internet. My ability to examine the pricing and availability of items in various countries is made possible by the virtual private network (VPN) feature that allows me to choose a location.

In the same way that the majority of antivirus software does, Malwarebytes gives me the comfort that my Mac is safe at a glance by displaying a meter that is at 100% green when everything seems to be in order. I am able to check the meter in order to increase the level of security in the event that there is an issue.

In addition, the dashboard gives me the ability to manually check for malware, see the history of detections, and modify the settings for the VPN.

Malwarebytes for Mac review: What are the features?

When it comes to cybersecurity software, one of the most essential metrics to consider is how accurately it can identify different types of malware. For the purpose of doing some tests, I went to WICAR.org, which is a website that provides code that ought to activate antivirus protection. It was to be anticipated that Malwarebytes would prevent the downloads.

My preference would be to disseminate the findings of more comprehensive and continuing testing conducted by independent security labs. It is unfortunate that there are no third-party test results available from major security experts for the Mac version of Malwarebytes. AV-Test gave the Windows version a score of 5.5 out of 6, which indicates that it provides adequate protection against malware that targets Windows.

After putting the virtual private network (VPN) through its paces, I went to Amsterdam and searched the internet. In accordance with what was anticipated, Google displayed results for the Netherlands, which included a map and listings for vegan eateries in Amsterdam. Due to Malwarebytes, my whereabouts remained confidential.

The number of features is not enormous at all. Despite the fact that Malwarebytes does a good job of taking care of the fundamentals, it does not contain a password manager or cloud storage, for instance.

Malwarebytes for Mac Review: Assistance?

Within the Malwarebytes app, there is a help option that sent me to the website as a means of receiving assistance. I had the option of using the chat button located in the bottom-right corner of the screen to browse or search through a list of articles for self-service.

I selected chat, and an artificial intelligence assistant made an attempt to assist me. I made a request for an “agent,” and I was offered the choice to get assistance by email or via live chat. I went with the latter option and joined the queue just behind four other individuals. It took me around six minutes to wait. Not all of the time is it so busy. After evaluating the Windows version, I found that the wait time was just two minutes each.

Malwarebytes for Mac review: What about secrecy and safety?

The privacy policy of Malwarebytes is presented in a fairly simple manner. The explanations for each area are both comprehensive and straightforward. The fact that Malwarebytes will not sell your data is the most vital piece of information. The only people who have access to it are those who offer services and those who respond to lawful demands made by administrative bodies.

Particularly inside the antivirus software provider that you rely on to keep your data secure, security is of utmost importance. There has been just one significant data breach in Malwarebytes’ history, which spans several years. This is an excellent track record for the company. In the year 2021, Malwarebytes recorded an incident; nevertheless, the organization said that “the attacker only acquired access to a small subset of internal business emails.”

Should you use Malwarebytes on your Mac computer?

Among the several antivirus software options available for all of your devices, Malwarebytes is among the finest. Competitors make it more difficult to set up and begin using their products, despite the fact that they provide more features and services.

The cloud storage feature is included in Norton, and Bitdefender offers security for folders. Every one of them offers password managers as part of their midrange subscriptions. On the other hand, the renewal fee for those additional features is greater.

The price of Malwarebytes is continuously inexpensive, and it is both fast and simple to use. Malwarebytes might be the best option for your Mac if you are looking for a dependable security solution that requires no effort on your part, a virtual private network (VPN) that will conceal your location, and protection against malware in real time.