Malwarebytes is a popular anti-malware software that is designed to protect your computer from various threats, such as viruses, spyware, adware, and more. The software comes in two versions: Malwarebytes Free and Malwarebytes Premium. While both versions offer some level of protection, there are significant differences between them. In this article, we will compare Malwarebytes Free and Premium and help you decide which one is right for you.
Price
One of the most significant differences between Malwarebytes Free and Premium is the price. As the name suggests, Malwarebytes Free is entirely free of charge. On the other hand, Malwarebytes Premium comes with a price tag. The cost of Malwarebytes Premium varies depending on the number of devices you want to protect and the length of the subscription. However, you can expect to pay around $40-$50 per year for one device.
Features
Another significant difference between Malwarebytes Free and Premium is the features they offer. Malwarebytes Free provides basic protection against malware, spyware, and adware. It can also scan your computer for threats and remove them. However, it does not offer real-time protection, meaning it cannot prevent malware from infecting your computer in real-time.
On the other hand, Malwarebytes Premium offers advanced features such as real-time protection, which means it can detect and prevent malware from infecting your computer in real-time. It also provides protection against ransomware, which is a type of malware that can encrypt your files and demand payment for their release. Additionally, Malwarebytes Premium comes with scheduled scanning and automatic updates.
Performance
When it comes to performance, Malwarebytes Free and Premium both provide excellent protection against malware. However, Malwarebytes Premium's real-time protection and advanced features make it more effective in detecting and preventing malware infections. Malwarebytes Premium also has a lower impact on system performance than Malwarebytes Free, meaning it does not slow down your computer as much.
User Interface
The user interface of Malwarebytes Free and Premium is quite similar. Both versions have a clean and simple interface that is easy to navigate. However, Malwarebytes Premium has a few additional features, such as real-time protection and scheduled scanning, which are accessible from the main dashboard.
Support
Another difference between Malwarebytes Free and Premium is the level of support you receive. Malwarebytes Free users have access to a limited amount of support through the Malwarebytes support forum. On the other hand, Malwarebytes Premium users have access to a dedicated support team that can help with any issues they may encounter.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Malwarebytes Free is an excellent anti-malware software that provides basic protection against malware. However, if you want advanced features such as real-time protection, scheduled scanning, and protection against ransomware, then Malwarebytes Premium is the way to go. While Malwarebytes Premium comes with a price tag, the additional features and better performance make it worth the cost. Ultimately, the version you choose will depend on your needs and budget.
