Malwarebytes and Bitdefender are two of the most recognized names in the cybersecurity market for the latest antivirus software, endpoint detection and response (EDR), and endpoint protection platforms (EPP). While Bitdefender offers better core endpoint protection features, Malwarebytes delivers an easy-to-use platform and faster installation process. To help you choose, I’ve evaluated both vendors’ business-level endpoint services, capabilities, and more.
- Malwarebytes: Better for ease of use and implementation ($5.75 per endpoint per month for ThreatDown Core plan)
- Bitdefender: Better overall for endpoint protection and pricing ($10.8 per month per 5 devices for GravityZone Business Security plan)
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Malwarebytes vs Bitdefender at a Glance
 |  | |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly Pricing (Billed Annually) | • Teams: $10 for 3 devices • ThreatDown Core: $5.75/endpoint | • Antivirus Plus: $2.50 for 3 PCs • Total Security: $4+ for 5 devices • GravityZone Business Security: $10.8 for 5 devices |
| Free Trial | 14 days | 30 days |
| Free Tools | Virus scanner, free antivirus for windows, ios, android, ad blocker | Bitdefender Antivirus Free |
| Supported OS | Windows, macOS, Android, iOS | Android, Windows, macOS, iOS, Linux |
| Supported Platforms | Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Safari | Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Safari |
| Visit Malwarebytes | Visit Bitdefender |
Malwarebytes and Bitdefender deliver comparable offerings for malware detection, endpoint support, and incident response. However, Bitdefender stands out for its cheaper cost, broader functionality, and strong performance in independent security testing and MITRE evaluations. See more of how these two endpoint protection vendors compare or skip down to see how I evaluated them.
Malwarebytes Overview
Better for Ease of Use & Implementation
Overall Rating: 3.9/5
- Core features: 4.4/5
- Pricing and transparency: 4.2/5
- Ease of use and implementation: 4/5
- Endpoint security solutions: 3.9/5
- Customer support: 3.2/5
- External security assessments: 2.3/5
Malwarebytes is well-known for providing user-friendly antivirus and endpoint protection software. Malwarebytes’ ThreatDown also expands its user-friendly approach to endpoint security by combining detection, cleanup, and a simple interface in a scalable, single-agent platform that successfully protects individuals, devices, and data. Their free tools, including a virus scanner and malware removal, make it ideal for budget-conscious consumers.
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Neat admin console for easy management | No full AV scan option in Mac |
| Customizable policies | Anti-malware isn’t Linux-compatible |
| Intuitive platform | ThreatDown generates some false positives |
Key Features
- Malwarebytes EDR: Reduces infection spread by leveraging expedited investigation workflows to securely explode malware in a sandbox environment.
- Multi-layered security: Provides protection against a range of malware types, including viruses, worms, Trojans, ransomware attacks, and phishing attempts.
- Security advisor: Utilizes AI so users can rapidly uncover vulnerabilities, update security measures, and optimize defenses through natural language interaction.
- Browser guard: Protects against pop-up advertising, phishing sites, and online trackers via a free browser plug-in.
- Detection history: Displays a complete scanning history, including threats detected and recent software updates, for improved transparency and security management.
Bitdefender Overview
Better Overall for Endpoint Protection & Pricing
Overall Rating: 4.3/5
- Core features: 4.7/5
- Pricing and transparency: 4.8/5
- Ease of use and implementation: 3.8/5
- Endpoint security solutions: 4.7/5
- Customer support: 3.5/5
- External security assessments: 3.7/5
Bitdefender provides complete cybersecurity solutions, such as endpoint protection, cloud security, and antivirus software. GravityZone plans offer tiered protection that includes system hardening, threat prevention, machine learning, and behavioral analysis. Internet Security features firewall protection, and spam filtering, while Total Security provides cross-platform security for Windows, macOS, and more — all managed through Bitdefender Central.
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Real-time protection | Lengthy initial configuration and permissions |
| Budget-friendly price for all plans | The iOS app lacks some features |
| Consistently high security evaluation scores | Needs to enhance web protection |
Key Features
- Advanced threat control: Continuously monitors active processes and examines suspicious actions, such as code execution in another process’s memory area, to improve security.
- HyperDetect: Uses powerful machine learning and stealth attack detection to protect against zero-day attacks, advanced persistent threats, fileless attacks, and ransomware.
- Network attack defense: Detects network attacks on endpoints, such as brute-force attacks, network exploits, password stealers, and Trojan infections.
- Sandbox analyzer: Automatically submits potentially dangerous files from endpoints in order to detect hidden threats that bypass signature-based antimalware protection.
- Endpoint risk analytics: Identifies and corrects Windows endpoint flaws using security risk scans, resulting in a full network risk status overview.
Better for Pricing: Bitdefender
| | |
|---|---|---|
| Consumer/Teams Monthly Pricing | • Malwarebytes Teams: $10 for 3 devices | • Total Security: $4 for 5 devices • Internet Security: $3.5 for 3 PCs • Antivirus Plus: $2.5 for 3 PCs |
| Business Monthly Pricing | • ThreatDown Core: $5.75/endpoint • ThreatDown Advanced: $7/endpoint • ThreatDown Elite: $8+/endpoint • ThreatDown Ultimate: $10/endpoint | • GravityZone Small Business Security: $8.7 for 5 devices • Business Security: $10.8 for 5 devices • Business Security Premium: $24 for 5 devices |
| Enterprise Pricing | Contact sales | Contact sales |
| Free Trial for Business | 14 days | 30 days |
| Free Tool Offerings | Virus scanner, free antivirus for windows, ios, android, ad blocker | Bitdefender Antivirus Free |
| Visit Malwarebytes | Visit Bitdefender |
Winner: Malwarebytes and Bitdefender both provide economical endpoint protection, but Bitdefender is a more cost-effective option for full endpoint security solutions.
Malwarebytes offers both a premium plan and a popular free AV tool, although it lacks full coverage. For more comprehensive endpoint protection needs, they offer ThreatDown, which costs $69 per endpoint per year. It includes next-generation antivirus, incident response, and vulnerability assessment. Though initially more expensive than Bitdefender, it offers long-term savings if you decide to stick with them. They also offer a 14-day free trial for business testing.
Bitdefender is one of the most affordable endpoint protection solutions on the market, offering low-cost plans for five devices and above, plus a free plan for both Windows and macOS. The free version provides minimal protection, which includes malware scanning, while the paid plans offer more advanced security features. GravityZone’s pricing varies according to device count, and it includes a 30-day free trial and a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Better for Core Features: Bitdefender
| | |
|---|---|---|
| Real-Time Protection | Yes | Yes |
| Built-in VPN | Privacy VPN add-on | Yes; limited to 200 MB/day |
| Machine Learning/AI Detection | Yes | Yes |
| Customizable Scans | Yes | Yes |
| Device Optimization | Add-on cleaner | One-click optimizer |
| Visit Malwarebytes | Visit Bitdefender |
Winner: Malwarebytes offers good security for your endpoint, but Bitdefender stands out for its improved core features, which include a built-in VPN, device optimization tools, and extra functionalities for full protection.
Malwarebytes features a free version that performs basic on-demand virus scanning. Their premium plan enhances security with real-time threat defense, including ransomware protection. The software is simple to use, with automatic scans for viruses, Trojans, and other threats, and it also offers active ransomware protection. This simplified technique ensures that your system’s security is resilient and steady.
Bitdefender offers top-tier protection, including powerful ransomware and threat detection. Its main features include a centralized management panel and an easy-to-use risk dashboard. GravityZone improves security through machine learning, behavioral analysis, and constant monitoring. It responds quickly to threats, mitigates ransomware, prevents network threats, and regulates online traffic, all from a single integrated console.
Better for Ease of Use & Implementation: Malwarebytes
| | |
|---|---|---|
| Central Management Console | No | Bitdefender Central |
| Automatic Onboarding | Yes | Limited |
| Extensive User Documentation | Yes | Yes |
| Quick Installation | Yes | Requires longer setup time |
| Visit Malwarebytes | Visit Bitdefender |
Winner: While both vendors are user-friendly, Malwarebytes outperforms Bitdefender in terms of ease of use and implementation, thanks to its faster installation process and higher user satisfaction ratings for simplicity and configuration.
Malwarebytes has an intuitive, constantly updated user interface that makes it much easier to use. It successfully communicates release notes and updates to users, keeping them informed. After installation, ThreatDown provides immediate protection. The user-friendly interface makes monitoring security status and managing alarms easier, providing seamless threat management and robust system protection with little user effort.
Bitdefender’s central management platform simplifies product installation, but poor connections can make your setup challenging. Despite having a larger installation size than Malwarebytes, Bitdefender strikes an effective mix between ease of use and multi-app integration through their single console. To avoid the issue of conflicting security software, Bitdefender also offers Security Lite, which scans less frequently to avoid system overload.
Better for Endpoint Security Solutions: Bitdefender
| | |
|---|---|---|
| Endpoint Detection & Response | Available for Advanced to Ultimate plans | Yes |
| Antivirus | Yes | Yes |
| Incident Response | Yes | Yes |
| Firewall | Integrated with Windows Firewall Control | Yes |
| Endpoint Protection Platform | Yes | Yes |
| Visit Malwarebytes | Visit Bitdefender |
Winner: Bitdefender outperforms Malwarebytes in endpoint security, delivering complete solutions that include EDR across all plans, as well as antivirus, firewall, and more capabilities to provide comprehensive protection for a wide range of endpoint demands.
Malwarebytes provides a variety of endpoint solutions, including Malwarebytes Privacy VPN, which protects online privacy using strong encryption and global servers. Its antivirus and anti-malware software offer strong protection. They also offer mobile security, free scans for viruses, spyware, Trojans, rootkits, and ransomware protection. Other tools and solutions include an ad blocker, Adw Cleaner, a secure browser, and full internet security.
Bitdefender offers AI-powered malware and ransomware prevention with continuous monitoring. GravityZone provides unified and scalable security management that ensures compliance with standards. Their solutions include scam and fraud prevention, limitless VPN traffic, email protection, and a complete package solution for business assets. Other extra tools and solutions include patch management, mobile security, and full disk encryption.
Better for Customer Support: Bitdefender
| | |
|---|---|---|
| Live Chat | ➕ | ✔️ |
| Phone Support | ➕ | ➕ |
| Email Support | ➕ | ➕ |
| Live Demo or Training | ✔️ | ✔️ |
| Community Help | ✔️ | ✔️ |
| Visit Malwarebytes | Visit Bitdefender |
✔️=Yes ❌=No/Unclear ➕=Add-On/Limited
Winner: Bitdefender surpasses Malwarebytes in customer service, with live chat available to all users and higher satisfaction ratings, guaranteeing rapid and effective assistance.
Malwarebytes offers customer support via an AI chatbot, which can be accessed through your account or the Help Center website. You can open a support issue with the chatbot and receive responses via email. Their Help Center is well-structured, with substantial resources arranged by topic, ranging from subscription management to security solutions assistance.
Bitdefender offers assistance to all users, regardless of your subscription level. You can get support through live chat, which connects you immediately to dependable operators. Additionally, Bitdefender offers a complete help website with FAQs, tips, and other resources. Bitdefender Central also provides direct contact to the support team, which ensures comprehensive and rapid assistance.
Better for Security Assessments: Bitdefender
| | |
|---|---|---|
| MITRE Evaluation for Stopped Tests | 7/13 | 12/13 |
| MITRE Detection Visibility Score | 82.52% | 91.61% |
| MITRE Evaluation for Missed Steps | 38 missed steps | 14 missed steps |
| AV-Test Malware Protection Score | 5.5/6 | 6/6 |
| AV-Test Performance Score | 5.5/6 | 5.5/6 |
| Visit Malwarebytes | Visit Bitdefender |
Winner: Last year’s MITRE ATT&CK testing revealed that Bitdefender excelled in telemetry detections, with a higher overall detection rate than Malwarebytes. However, Malwarebytes also scored well in protection tests.
Malwarebytes still performs well in independent security tests, despite it not leading in all categories. In MITRE evaluations, it successfully halted 7 of 13 tests, getting an 82.52% detection visibility score while missing 38 steps. Its AV-Test scores are also impressive, with 5.5/6 for malware protection and performance. These results demonstrate Malwarebytes’ reliable endpoint protection capabilities.
Bitdefender scores remarkably strong in independent security tests. In MITRE evaluations, it stopped 12 of 13 tests, with a detection visibility score of 91.61% and only 14 missing steps. Its AV-Test scores confirm its AV solution’s quality, with a 6/6 for malware protection and a 5.5/6 for performance, displaying exceptional overall performance and effectiveness.
Who Shouldn’t Use Malwarebytes or Bitdefender
Malwarebytes and Bitdefender provide excellent endpoint security, but they may not be suitable for every organization or security team’s unique needs and requirements.
Who Shouldn’t Use Malwarebytes
If you fall into any of the following categories, you should look for an alternative:
- Businesses using multiple devices but with restricted budgets: Malwarebytes may be too expensive for larger installations with several devices.
- Users that require a built-in firewall: It lacks a built-in firewall, although it integrates with Windows Firewall.
- Admins who need device optimization: Malwarebytes does not have extensive device optimization features.
Who Shouldn’t Use Bitdefender
If you fit into these categories, you may want to consider other options:
- MacOS and iOS users: Some Bitdefender features may be inaccessible or limited on these platforms.
- Small businesses seeking unlimited VPN: Bitdefender’s VPN service is restricted to 200 MB per day, which may not be sufficient for those who require unlimited data.
- Teams largely relying on password manager security: Bitdefender’s password manager may lack some of the advanced security features found in dedicated password management products.
3 Best Alternatives to Malwarebytes & Bitdefender
If you believe another product might be a better fit for your business, then look into Microsoft Defender, Trend Micro, or Cybereason for potentially more suitable security solutions and features.
 |  |  | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monthly Pricing | Contact sales | Contact sales | Contact sales |
| Free Trial | 30 days | 30 days | ❌ |
| Threat Hunting Features | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ |
| Threat Remediation | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ |
| Visit Microsoft Defender | Visit Trend Micro | Visit Cybereason |
✔️=Yes ❌=No/Unclear ➕=Add-On/Limited
Microsoft Defender for Endpoint
Microsoft Defender for Endpoint offers AI-powered protection for Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, and IoT devices. As part of Microsoft Defender XDR, it provides next-generation antivirus, detection, and response. Other key capabilities include anti malware, cyberattack surface reduction, device control, endpoint firewall, and web control. They provide a 30-day trial and you can request the pricing details through their sales team.
Trend Micro Vision One
Trend Vision One specializes in managing hybrid IT environments by automating procedures and offering skilled cybersecurity services. It provides detailed insights into cyber dangers by leveraging artificial intelligence, significant research, and 250 million sensors. This ecosystem improves control over attack surface risks by offering prioritized mitigation recommendations. Trend Vision One provides a 30-day free trial; contact Trend Micro for details on pricing.
Cybereason
Cybereason provides powerful visualization and digital forensics tools, with integrations for Google, AWS, and Microsoft Azure. Its XDR defends container environments, while MalOps centralizes threat data to provide complete views. The Defense Platform analyzes threat data to offer context for hostile activities. Contact them for pricing on Enterprise, Enterprise Advanced, and Enterprise Complete bundles.
How I Evaluated Malwarebytes vs Bitdefender
To examine Malwarebytes and Bitdefender, I created a rubric with six criteria, including core features, cost and transparency, ease of use, endpoint solutions offered, customer support, and external security assessments. Each criterion has a sub-criteria or specific features offered by the vendor. I scored both providers on a five-point scale. Based on their scores, I identified the leading provider per category and overall, plus determined their use cases.
Core Features – 25%
I considered core features as the most significant criterion for evaluating endpoint protection vendors. This category covers platform support, malware detection, web protection, behavior-based blocking, zero-day protection, AI/machine learning, customizable scans, and sandbox analysis. I also considered additional features such as VPN, remote access protection, ad blockers, real-time protection, phishing protection, device optimization, and more.
Pricing & Transparency – 20%
In this criterion, I included free trials, free tiers, and varying plan costs for different user categories, including SMBs and businesses. It also includes transparent pricing information and annual membership discounts. This is essential for consumers because it allows you to better understand the cost structure, compare possibilities, and make informed selections based on your budget and requirements.
Ease of Use & Implementation – 20%
This consists of features such as a single management panel, automated onboarding, up-to-date documentation, and easy installation. Gartner and Capterra ratings for integration, deployment, and simplicity of use also helped me provide additional insight into how efficiently the solution can be installed and managed, showing its usability and operational efficiency.
Endpoint Security Solutions – 15%
This category covers critical components such as the endpoint protection platform, antivirus, incident response, and endpoint detection and response. It also has firewall protection, personal anti-malware coverage, and Active Directory connectivity. These components offer strong security management, threat protection, and quick incident handling for complete endpoint security.
Customer Support – 10%
I also looked into the availability of live chat, phone, and email support, as well as live demonstrations and training. My evaluation took into account user reviews from platforms like Gartner and Capterra about support quality and customer service. These criteria assess the breadth and efficacy of the help supplied, providing dependable assistance and user satisfaction.
External Security Assessments – 10%
I reviewed external security assessments by studying the outcomes of MITRE evaluations and AV-Test. Key data were MITRE’s stopped tests, detection visibility score, and missing steps. I also considered AV-Test’s malware protection and performance results. These evaluations, conducted independently, provide a thorough view of the effectiveness and reliability of security solutions.
Bottom Line: Malwarebytes vs Bitdefender
Malwarebytes and Bitdefender both offer comprehensive endpoint protection, securing IT systems with comparable coverage. To remain competitive, they continuously enhance their features and solutions to keep up with the different industry needs. Both vendors provide basic free tools and trials to help you evaluate their products. Utilize these trials to discover which choice is best for your needs.
Widen the scope of your protection from endpoints to your entire network infrastructure. Learn the most common types of network security solutions, and explore the different ways to secure your network.
Sam Ingalls contributed to this article.
