Malwarebytes
Malwarebytes is a comprehensive antivirus and anti-malware solution that provide...
Webroot
Webroot delivers cloud-powered antivirus and security for PCs, Macs, mobiles, an...
Malwarebytes vs Webroot: Which Is Better in 2026?
Comprehensive comparison of Malwarebytes and Webroot covering features, pricing, pros & cons, and our expert verdict to help you make the right choice for your business.
Malwarebytes vs Webroot: Overview
Choosing between Malwarebytes and Webroot is a common dilemma for antivirus users. Both tools offer robust solutions, but they cater to different needs and budgets.
Malwarebytes offers a free tier and starts at $39.99/annually, while Webroot begins at $24.99/annually. But pricing is just one factor—let's dive into features, use cases, and which tool fits your specific needs.
Malwarebytes is best known for minimal impact on system performance, whereas Webroot stands out for extremely lightweight with minimal system resource usage. In this detailed comparison, we'll analyze both tools across pricing, features, ease of use, and ideal use cases.
Quick Overview
Malwarebytes
- Best for: Users seeking lightweight antivirus protection, Businesses needing endpoint security
- Starting price: Free
- Category: antivirus
- Founded: 2008
Webroot
- Best for: Individuals needing lightweight antivirus for 1-5 personal devices, Gamers requiring non-intrusive PC protection
- Starting price: $24.99/mo
- Category: antivirus
- Founded:
Feature Comparison
Side-by-side feature comparison to help you understand the key differences between Malwarebytes and Webroot.
| Feature | M Malwarebytes | Wb Webroot |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | Total Protection or standalone |
| 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 | |
| Real-time antivirus/malware protection | Available on all plans | |
| Ransomware protection | Available on all plans | |
| Phishing/anti-phishing protection | Essentials and above | |
| Browser protection | Essentials and above | |
| Password manager | Essentials and above | |
| Identity protection | Premium and Total Protection | |
| Unlimited backup | Total Protection only | |
| Cloud-based scanning | Low resource usage on all plans | |
| Multi-device support | PC, Mac, Android, iOS, Chromebook | |
| Gaming optimization | Dedicated gaming plan available | |
| PC Optimizer | Available as add-on |
Features Deep Dive
Both Malwarebytes and Webroot offer core antivirus functionality, but their feature sets differ in key areas.
Shared features: Ransomware Protection, VPN.
Malwarebytes unique strengths: Real-time Protection, Browser Guard, Web Protection. This makes it ideal for users seeking lightweight antivirus protection.
Webroot unique strengths: Real-time antivirus/malware protection, Phishing/anti-phishing protection, Browser protection. This makes it better suited for individuals needing lightweight antivirus for 1-5 personal devices.
Malwarebytes offers 10 core features with 5 integrations, while Webroot provides 12 features and 8 integrations.
Our Verdict
After extensive testing and analysis, Malwarebytes edges out as the winner in this comparison. While both tools excel in their respective areas, Malwarebytes offers more features for the price. Webroot remains a strong alternative, especially for users who prioritize individuals needing lightweight antivirus for 1-5 personal devices.
Malwarebytes
Best for Users seeking lightweight antivirus protection and Businesses needing endpoint security. Minimal impact on system performance.
Try MalwarebytesWebroot
Best for Individuals needing lightweight antivirus for 1-5 personal devices and Gamers requiring non-intrusive PC protection. Extremely lightweight with minimal system resource usage.
Try WebrootPros & Cons
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
Webroot Pros & Cons
Pros
- Extremely lightweight with minimal system resource usage
- Fast cloud-based scans
- Real-time threat blocking without daily updates
- Multi-device support up to 5+ devices
- Includes extras like password manager and VPN in higher tiers
- 70-day money-back guarantee
- Affordable starting prices
Cons
- No free tier or trial available
- Limited standalone options for 1-3 devices in premium plans
- iOS protection limited to browser/backup with no app scanning
- Some features Android-only
- Pricing varies across different pages
Pricing Comparison
Compare the pricing plans and see which tool offers better value for your budget.
💰 Prices last verified: March 9, 2026
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
Webroot
subscription- Real-time antivirus protection
- Ransomware protection
- Phishing protection
- Real-time antivirus protection
- Gaming mode optimization
- Minimal resource usage
- All Essentials features
- Identity protection
- Identity Shield
- All Premium features
- VPN protection
- Unlimited backup
Pricing Comparison Analysis
Malwarebytes Pricing: Free tier available. Paid plans start at $39.99/annually. 6 plans available: Free, Standard, Plus, Ultimate, For Teams, Core Endpoint Protection.
Webroot Pricing: Paid plans start at $24.99/annually. 4 plans available: Webroot Essentials, AntiVirus for PC Gamers, Webroot Premium, Webroot Total Protection.
Verdict: Webroot is more affordable at the entry level. However, Malwarebytes may offer better value at scale with more advanced features.
For budget-conscious teams, Webroot 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 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
Choose Webroot if you need:
- Individuals needing lightweight antivirus for 1-5 personal devices
- Gamers requiring non-intrusive PC protection
- Families protecting multiple devices with identity/VPN needs
- Users prioritizing cloud-based, low-resource security
- Mobile users seeking cross-platform coverage
- Extremely lightweight with minimal system resource usage
- Fast cloud-based scans
Final Verdict
Choose Malwarebytes if: You need users seeking lightweight antivirus protection or businesses needing endpoint security. It excels at minimal impact on system performance and strong ransomware protection.
Choose Webroot if: You prioritize individuals needing lightweight antivirus for 1-5 personal devices or gamers requiring non-intrusive pc protection. It's particularly strong for extremely lightweight with minimal system resource usage and fast cloud-based scans.
Overall: Malwarebytes has a slight edge with a 4.2/5 rating from our analysis.
Both tools are solid choices in the antivirus space. Your decision should ultimately depend on your specific requirements, team size, and budget.
Related to Malwarebytes vs Webroot
Malwarebytes vs Webroot FAQ
What are the main differences between Malwarebytes and Webroot?
Malwarebytes focuses on users seeking lightweight antivirus protection with minimal impact on system performance, while Webroot excels at individuals needing lightweight antivirus for 1-5 personal devices with extremely lightweight with minimal system resource usage. Key differences include pricing structure, feature depth, and target user base.
Is Malwarebytes or Webroot better for small businesses?
Malwarebytes 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 Webroot's lower starting price of $24.99/month.
What is the pricing difference between Malwarebytes and Webroot?
Malwarebytes starts at $39.99/month with a free tier available, while Webroot starts at $24.99/month. Both offer multiple pricing tiers with different feature sets.
Can Malwarebytes integrate with Webroot?
While direct integration may vary, both Malwarebytes and Webroot support third-party integrations through platforms like Zapier. Malwarebytes integrates with Windows, macOS, Android, while Webroot works with Microsoft Edge, Mozilla Firefox, Google Chrome.
Which tool is easier to use, Malwarebytes or Webroot?
Based on user reviews, Malwarebytes generally receives higher marks for ease of use with a 4.2 rating. However, ease of use can depend on your specific needs and technical background. Malwarebytes is known for strong ransomware protection.
Does Malwarebytes or Webroot offer better customer support?
Both Malwarebytes and Webroot provide customer support, with options varying by plan tier. Malwarebytes offers support through standard support channels. Check each tool's specific plan for support details.
What are the pros of Malwarebytes compared to Webroot?
Malwarebytes's main advantages include: Minimal impact on system performance, Strong ransomware protection, Free version available with basic protection. Compared to Webroot, it's particularly strong for users seeking lightweight antivirus protection.
What are the cons of Malwarebytes compared to Webroot?
Malwarebytes's potential drawbacks include: Limited malware detection in real-time tests, Free version lacks real-time protection. Webroot may be a better choice if these limitations affect your use case.
Should I switch from Malwarebytes to Webroot 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, Malwarebytes leads in this comparison with a 4.2 rating. However, the best choice depends on your specific requirements. Malwarebytes excels for users seeking lightweight antivirus protection, while Webroot is ideal for individuals needing lightweight antivirus for 1-5 personal devices.