Bitdefender Antivirus Free vs Malwarebytes Free
Both are free antivirus & security tools. Here is how they actually differ.
Bitdefender Antivirus Free and Malwarebytes Free at a glance
| Feature | Bitdefender Antivirus Free | Malwarebytes Free |
|---|---|---|
| Developer | Bitdefender | Malwarebytes |
| Licence | Free tier | Free tier |
| Cost | Free tier | Free tier |
| Windows | Yes | Yes |
| macOS | No | Yes |
| Linux | No | No |
| Mobile | No | Yes |
| Source code | Closed | Closed |
Bitdefender Antivirus Free: what it's good at
Bitdefender Antivirus Free pairs the detection engine that consistently scores at the top of independent AV comparison tests with a deliberately minimal interface. It is designed to install and then stay out of your way, making it a good fit for machines you maintain for other people.
- Highly rated detection engine
- Very low system impact
- Almost no configuration required
- Real-time threat defence
Malwarebytes Free: what it's good at
Malwarebytes Free is an on-demand scanner that specialises in removing adware, browser hijackers, potentially unwanted programs and infections that traditional antivirus products routinely miss. It is the tool most technicians reach for when a machine is already misbehaving.
- Excellent adware and PUP removal
- Runs alongside your existing antivirus
- On-demand scanning in the free tier
- Real-time protection in the paid version
Which should you choose?
Both are free, so the honest answer is that you can install either and decide for yourself — that is the advantage of free software over a paid trial.
Both run on Windows. Only Malwarebytes Free supports macOS, Android, iOS.
We deliberately do not publish a star rating for either. We have no way to verify a rating that would be honest at scale, and an invented one would be worse than none — so we give you the facts and let you decide.
Frequently asked questions
Is Bitdefender Antivirus Free better than Malwarebytes Free?
Neither is universally better. Bitdefender Antivirus Free minimal-configuration antivirus with a top-rated engine, while Malwarebytes Free the standard second-opinion malware remover. The right pick depends on your platform and workflow.
Are both really free?
Bitdefender Antivirus Free is free tier and Malwarebytes Free is free tier. Both can be downloaded without paying.
Can I install both?
Yes. Since neither costs anything, installing both and comparing them on your own files is usually the fastest way to decide.