Malwarebytes vs. Windows Defender: Which is Better for Your PC?

When it comes to protecting your computer from malware, there are a lot of options out there. You can use a paid program like Malwarebytes, or you can use the built-in Windows Defender program that comes with your PC. So, which is better?

In this blog post, we will compare Malwarebytes and Windows Defender and help you decide which is best for you to secure your device from cybersecurity threats.

• Malwarebytes vs. Bitdefender

Malwarebytes: An Overview in detail

Malwarebytes is a well-known anti-malware and anti-virus program that protects your computer from infections, adware, spyware, and other types of malware.  

When you install Malwarebytes onto your PC, it will automatically start working in the background to scan files and programs before they run. If it detects any malware, it will quarantine the program or file.

Malwarebytes has a free version that you can download for personal use, as well as paid versions with additional features like real-time protection. When it comes to security,  Malwarebytes is a top program.

In terms of cost, Malwarebytes is one of the most affordable options out there. The free version offers tons of benefits, with additional features available in premium versions. In short, it’s an excellent value for the money!  

Windows Defender: An Overview

Windows Defender, which is now Microsoft Defender, comes pre-installed on your Windows PC. It’s one of the built-in security programs that protect your computer from malware and other infections. 

If you choose to use Windows Defender, it will work in the background to scan your files for any type of malware, including spyware, adware, and viruses. If it detects a threat, it will quarantine or remove it.  

In addition, Microsoft recommends that you run Windows Defender alongside other anti-virus software because the program only detects the most common types of threats.

Price-wise, Windows Defender is free to use, so it’s another excellent value for the money. Plus, Windows Defender is built into every PC so you don’t have to install anything or pay monthly fees.

• Bitdefender vs. Windows Defender

Malwarebytes vs. Windows Defender Comparison

Malwarebytes vs. Windows Defender: Protection

Both Malwarebytes and Microsoft Defender are excellent for protecting your PC from infections, viruses, spyware, and other types of malware. However, the two programs work very differently.

When it comes to detecting threats, Windows Defender works much like a traditional anti-virus program. It will scan your files and then quarantine anything that it detects, similar to how anti-virus programs work.

Malwarebytes, on the other hand, is considered an anti-malware program instead of an anti-virus program because it focuses on removing existing infections rather than just protecting your computer from them.  

To put it simply, Malwarebytes is more of a reactive security tool. It will actually remove infections from your computer once they’re detected, while Windows Defender is more proactive and will try to detect potential threats before they happen.

However, in the latest AV-Test results, it was Windows Defender which performed better than the Malwarebytes.

Windows Defender:

Malwarebytes:

So, when it comes to protection, there is no clear winner.

                                                                Winner: 
                                                       
                                                       

Malwarebytes vs. Windows Defender: Features

Both Malwarebytes and Microsoft Defender have a basic set of features, but there are some dissimilarities as well.

In addition to protecting your computer from malware, Malwarebytes has tons of additional features that aren’t available in Windows Defender. For example, you can use it to protect applications from malicious attacks or create custom scans for specific files.

Malwarebytes also has an extensive set of advanced settings that let you customize the program to monitor specific types of files or programs. Plus, it’s compatible with other software like browsers and security tools.  

So, when it comes to features, Malwarebytes is ahead of Defender.

                                                                Winner: 
                                                       

Malwarebytes vs. Windows Defender: Usability

When it comes to usability, both Malwarebytes and Microsoft Defender are easy to use. However, you will find a few differences.

The first is that Malwarebytes is more user-friendly than Microsoft Defender because it offers far more additional features and settings. Plus, its interface has been designed to be as simple as possible so you can quickly run a scan or change the program’s settings with just a few clicks of your mouse.

On the other hand, for using the Microsoft Defender, you have to search it on Windows Settings. It does not have a UI like other security programs, but it’s still understandable.

                                                                Winner: 
                                                       

Malwarebytes vs. Windows Defender: Performance

In terms of performance, there are some key differences between how Malwarebytes and Windows Defender work.

For example, Microsoft Defender only scans your computer for threats on an as-needed basis. While that may not seem like a big deal, it can slow down the performance of your PC since it takes some time for the program to scan your files after you run a full system scan.

On the other hand, Malwarebytes runs fully automated scans that will constantly monitor your computer for threats without slowing it down. So you can use Malwarebytes to remove infections without worrying about it impacting the performance of your laptop or desktop PC.

                                                                Winner: 
                                                       

Malwarebytes vs. Windows Defender: Compatibility

Both Malwarebytes and Microsoft Defender can run on all versions of Windows. However, Windows 10 is the only Microsoft operating system that allows you to install and use Defender at the same time as other antivirus programs.

To use Malwarebytes on Windows 10, you need to uninstall your existing antivirus program and then download and install Malwarebytes onto your computer.

So, when it comes to compatibility if you’re using Windows 10, Malwarebytes is more compatible than Microsoft Defender.

                                                                Winner: 
                                                       

Malwarebytes vs. Windows Defender: Pricing

The main advantage that Microsoft Defender has over other third-party security tools is the fact that it comes pre-installed on all versions of Windows 10 and 11. Since it’s a standard feature on Windows, you don’t have to pay a dime for it.

Malwarebytes too comes with a free version, but if you want to use all the features of Malwarebytes, you’ll need to purchase a license.

So, when it comes to Windows OS, Defender is a lot better and more than enough than the Malwarebytes.

                                                                Winner: 
                                                       

Malwarebytes vs. Windows Defender: Support

Both Malwarebytes and Microsoft Defender have extensive FAQ pages that can help you find quick answers to questions about compatibility or how to install the software.

However, when it comes to finding more in-depth information about features or how to use them, sometimes you’ll have better luck searching the internet for a third-party review of the program than browsing the help section of Microsoft’s website.

Malwarebytes has a large community of users who are always online to answer questions about how to use each feature. Plus, the program even offers live chat support for users who have more pressing questions they can’t find the answers to on their own.

So, Malwarebytes is better than Windows Defender when it comes to user support.

                                                                Winner: 
                                                       

Final Verdict

When it comes to choosing between Microsoft Defender and Malwarebytes, there’s no clear winner. However, Malwarebytes is a more powerful security tool than Microsoft Defender because of its additional features and settings.

But if your computer is running smoothly without any issues, you can simply stick with the default Windows Defender.

If you’re looking for an effective malware removal tool that has enough features to protect your computer against infections, then you should download Malwarebytes.

While Windows Defender may be baked into the operating system and completely free to use, it doesn’t offer the same amount of advanced features as Malwarebytes

Here is the summary of the above breakdown:

Protection	✔	✔
Features	✔	❌
Usability	✔	❌
Performance	✔	❌
Compatibility	✔	❌
Pricing	❌	✔
Support	✔	❌

So, the need to choose Malwarebytes vs Windows Defender depends on you and your needs and requirements and if you want a free solution for malware protection or not.