Webroot
Webroot delivers cloud-powered antivirus and security for PCs, Macs, mobiles, an...
Malwarebytes
Malwarebytes is a comprehensive antivirus and anti-malware solution that provide...
Webroot vs Malwarebytes: Which Is Better in 2026?
Comprehensive comparison of Webroot and Malwarebytes covering features, pricing, pros & cons, and our expert verdict to help you make the right choice for your business.
Webroot vs Malwarebytes: Overview
Choosing between Webroot and Malwarebytes is a common dilemma for antivirus users. Both tools offer robust solutions, but they cater to different needs and budgets.
Webroot starts at $24.99/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.
Webroot is best known for extremely lightweight with minimal system resource usage, 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
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:
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 Webroot and Malwarebytes.
| Feature | Wb Webroot | M Malwarebytes |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | |
| VPN | Total Protection or standalone | Plus and Ultimate plans |
| 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 | |
| Real-time Protection | Premium plans only | |
| Ransomware Protection | Premium plans only | |
| Browser Guard | Free browser extension | |
| Web Protection | Blocks malicious websites | |
| 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 Webroot and Malwarebytes offer core antivirus functionality, but their feature sets differ in key areas.
Shared features: Ransomware protection, VPN.
Webroot unique strengths: Real-time antivirus/malware protection, Phishing/anti-phishing protection, Browser protection. This makes it ideal for individuals needing lightweight antivirus for 1-5 personal devices.
Malwarebytes unique strengths: Real-time Protection, Browser Guard, Web Protection. This makes it better suited for users seeking lightweight antivirus protection.
Webroot offers 12 core features with 8 integrations, while Malwarebytes provides 10 features and 5 integrations.
Our Verdict
After extensive testing and analysis, Webroot edges out as the winner in this comparison. While both tools excel in their respective areas, Webroot offers more features for the price. Malwarebytes remains a strong alternative, especially for users who prioritize users seeking lightweight antivirus protection.
Webroot
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 WebrootMalwarebytes
Best for Users seeking lightweight antivirus protection and Businesses needing endpoint security. Minimal impact on system performance.
Try MalwarebytesPros & Cons
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
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.
💰 Prices last verified: March 9, 2026
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
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
Webroot Pricing: Paid plans start at $24.99/annually. 4 plans available: Webroot Essentials, AntiVirus for PC Gamers, Webroot Premium, Webroot Total Protection.
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: 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 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
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 Webroot if: You need individuals needing lightweight antivirus for 1-5 personal devices or gamers requiring non-intrusive pc protection. It excels at extremely lightweight with minimal system resource usage and fast cloud-based scans.
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: Webroot 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 Webroot vs Malwarebytes
Webroot vs Malwarebytes FAQ
What are the main differences between Webroot and Malwarebytes?
Webroot focuses on individuals needing lightweight antivirus for 1-5 personal devices with extremely lightweight with minimal system resource usage, 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 Webroot or Malwarebytes 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 Webroot and Malwarebytes?
Webroot starts at $24.99/month, while Malwarebytes starts at $39.99/month with a free tier available. Both offer multiple pricing tiers with different feature sets.
Can Webroot integrate with Malwarebytes?
While direct integration may vary, both Webroot and Malwarebytes support third-party integrations through platforms like Zapier. Webroot integrates with Microsoft Edge, Mozilla Firefox, Google Chrome, while Malwarebytes works with Windows, macOS, Android.
Which tool is easier to use, Webroot or Malwarebytes?
Based on user reviews, Webroot 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. Webroot is known for fast cloud-based scans.
Does Webroot or Malwarebytes offer better customer support?
Both Webroot and Malwarebytes provide customer support, with options varying by plan tier. Webroot offers support through standard support channels. Check each tool's specific plan for support details.
What are the pros of Webroot compared to Malwarebytes?
Webroot's main advantages include: Extremely lightweight with minimal system resource usage, Fast cloud-based scans, Real-time threat blocking without daily updates. Compared to Malwarebytes, it's particularly strong for individuals needing lightweight antivirus for 1-5 personal devices.
What are the cons of Webroot compared to Malwarebytes?
Webroot's potential drawbacks include: No free tier or trial available, Limited standalone options for 1-3 devices in premium plans. Malwarebytes may be a better choice if these limitations affect your use case.
Should I switch from Webroot 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, Webroot leads in this comparison with a 4.2 rating. However, the best choice depends on your specific requirements. Webroot excels for individuals needing lightweight antivirus for 1-5 personal devices, while Malwarebytes is ideal for users seeking lightweight antivirus protection.