Malwarebytes vs Kaspersky
A detailed head-to-head comparison of Malwarebytes and Kaspersky based on our 100-point scoring system.
Winner
Malwarebytes
Malwarebytes Premium
86/100
Very Good4.5
14,630 reviews
Kaspersky
Kaspersky Total Security
84/100
Very Good4.1
24,300 reviews
Side-by-Side Comparison
Metric
Malwarebytes
Kaspersky
Overall Score
86/100
84/100
Price
$44.99
$30.00
Customer Rating
4.5/5
4.1/5
Review Count
14,630
24,300
Best For
Best Malware Removal Tool
Best Detection Rate
About Page
Yes
Yes
Contact Info
Yes
Yes
Malwarebytes — Score Breakdown
Protection Quality22/25
Performance Impact14/15
Feature Set12/15
Price & Value12/15
Ease of Use10/10
Customer Support8/10
Update Frequency8/10
Kaspersky — Score Breakdown
Protection Quality0/25
Performance Impact0/15
Feature Set18/15
Price & Value0/15
Ease of Use5/10
Customer Support3/10
Update Frequency0/10
Pros & Cons
Malwarebytes
Free on-demand scanner lets users evaluate core detection capability before purchasing, lowering the barrier to trying the product.
Specialized detection for advanced malware categories that conventional signature-based antivirus engines historically miss.
Low system performance impact with a dedicated Play Mode that pauses non-critical background activity during games and media playback.
98.5% detection rate, while strong, falls below the 99.7-99.9% scores achieved by Bitdefender, Kaspersky, and ESET in standardized independent lab evaluations.
No bundled VPN or password manager, meaning users who want those features need to purchase separate subscriptions.
The $44.99 annual price for 3 devices is comparatively high given the feature set relative to competitors offering 5-device plans with VPN and password manager included at similar or lower prices.
Kaspersky
99.9% malware detection rate from independent AV-TEST and AV-Comparatives certifications places Kaspersky at the very top of consumer antivirus detection performance.
Comprehensive feature set at $30/year for 5 devices — VPN, password manager, parental controls, and file backup included — delivers strong value relative to competitors charging similar prices for fewer features.
Low system performance impact means Kaspersky provides maximum protection without the slowdowns that some heavier security suites introduce, particularly on older hardware.
US government ban on Kaspersky sales (effective 2024) makes it unavailable for new US customers and raises legitimate geopolitical concerns about data routing and potential government access for users in any country.
VPN is limited to 300MB/day in the base plan — sufficient for occasional private browsing but not for streaming or continuous use without upgrading to Kaspersky Plus or Premium.
The brand's reputational position in Western markets has been materially damaged by government security warnings from the US, UK, and EU, creating trust friction that competitors headquartered in Western Europe do not face.
Our Verdict
Malwarebytes comes out ahead with a score of 86/100 compared to 84/100. Malwarebytes is best for best malware removal tool. However, Kaspersky may be a better fit if you prioritize best detection rate.
No cybersecurity software can guarantee 100% protection. Always practice safe browsing habits and keep your software up to date. Results may vary based on system configuration.