Malwarebytes for Mac[1] is a product of the same name cybersecurity company Malwarebytes.
The US-based antivirus vendor provides reliable and trustworthy security solutions for home users and businesses. Malwarebytes was founded in 2008 and since then successfully operates the security software industry. Since its foundation, the company aims to offer its customers advanced and award-winning protection against malware, ransomware, adware and other cyber threats.[2]
Malwarebytes provides home users with protection for all the major operating systems including Windows PCs, Macs, Android and iOS devices.
Malwarebytes for Mac offers proven Malwarebytes technology against MacOS-based threats.
Malwarebytes for Mac successfully detects and removes malware in real time using advanced Malwarebytes anti-malware technology. Malwarebytes finds and stops dangerous threats, malicious programs and other types of malware so users are protected completely. It also works quietly in the background so users will not even have to think about it.
Malwarebytes offers a Free version of the software which cleans infected Macs. It applies the disinfection scanner to reveal threats and removes them. However, the free version does not protect users against threats, as the Premium does. Malwarebytes for Mac Premium aims to completely replace a traditional antivirus software for Macs. It prevents Mac-based viruses, spyware and malware infections, as well as blocks adware and other unwanted programs.
Malwarebytes costs similar to other brands, about $39.99 per year. If you to protect multiple devices under the same subscription, it will be $79.99 for up to five devices.
Test Results
Malwarebytes for Mac was reviewed about 10 days on our highly-infected Mac.
Antivirus protection
Malwarebytes for Mac protects users against Mac-based threats. As we installed Malwarebytes Free on highly-infected Mac, the full scan managed to detect most of the installed malicious programs and infections and cleaned the system. However, the free edition will not protect a system, it will only catch and remove existing threats.
The paid version also protects users against various Mac-based threats. However, it does not protect Windows-based threats, which is common among other companies, as it prevents malware from sharing.
Malwarebytes for Mac also does not include protection against malicious or fraudulent websites, but knowing that many security vendors provide browser extensions for free, it is not a big deal.
When it comes to big tests, Malwarebytes for Mac was not tested by AV-TEST,[3] the independent German-based testing lab, so it is unknown how would the application be rated in bigger tests. However, all in one Malwarebytes for Mac is praised by consumers and has a very good reputation.
Additional features
Malwarebytes for Mac Free cleans infected Macs and that’s about it. It also includes a free trial of the Premium version for 30 days.
Malwarebytes for Mac Premium includes antivirus protection and prevention against virus, spyware and malware infections, it also includes Ad-blocker which proactively blocks adware and unwanted programs. The Premium version also provides updates to the latest Malwarebytes protection automatically.
As you can see Malwarebytes for Mac covers the essentials but does not include any premium features, such as parental controls or anti-theft features. It would be a great tool for those, who do not require a full-featured security suite.
System-performance impact
When it comes to system-performance impact, the application is a very lightweight and does not consume much, in terms of system resources. It has almost zero impact on a system and will not cause you any interruptions or lags, even is your Mac is outdated and below the average. Malwarebytes does not take much space and is really quick.
Scanning performance
Malwarebytes Free offers only one scan choice which is a full-system Threat Scan. The Premium version includes a few types of scans, such as the ultra-fast Hyper Scan or a Custom Scan and a Full Scan. It is worth to mention that the full scan is also very quick as it took only about five minutes to complete. Keep in mind that the average is about 40-50 minutes.
User interface
Malwarebytes has a very simple user interface. It cannot be resized but can be moved around.
At the first sign it also can seem a bit complex, since it includes many details and multiple icons, however, once you get used to it, Malwarebytes looks simple and very easy to navigate.
| Feature | Score |
| Anti-malware protection | Advanced |
| Security and privacy features | The paid version protects against all types of malware |
| System-performance impact | Minimal |
| Scanning performance | Super Quick |
| User interface | Intuitive and simple to use |
The final verdict
Malwarebytes for Mac aims to replace a traditional antivirus system, however, it only includes antivirus and anti-malware features. The free version is good for those who already have an infected Mac, as Malwarebytes for Mac will clean it for free, however, the paid version is relatively expensive in comparison to other brands that offer a full set of features together with reliable antivirus protection. It is worth to mention that Malwarebytes for Mac will not protect you against Windows-based malware, which can lead to sharing malicious files across multiple devices and operating systems.
Malwarebytes for Mac is very lightweight on the system, so we recommend it for those users who do not look for additional features, but rather have lightweight and super fast protection for their Macs.
Jake Doe is a security expert and news editor of Reviewedbypro.com. His major is Communication and Journalism, which he obtained from the Washington and Jefferson College.
- ^ Malwarebytes for Mac. Malwarebytes.
- ^ Malwarebytes. Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.
- ^ AV-TEST. Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.
