ie8 fix
Click Here

Malwarebytes Anti-Malware

CNET Editors' note:

The Malwarebytes Free edition offers users the option of installing a trial version of Malwarebytes Anti-Malware Pro.

CNET Editors' review

by: Seth Rosenblatt on February 10, 2009

Malwarebytes Anti-Malware is a surprisingly effective freeware antimalware tool. It's a relatively speedy malware remover, with the quick scan taking about 8 minutes even with other high-resource programs running. The heuristics engine proved on multiple computers during empirical testing that it was capable of determining the difference between false positives and dangerous apps.

The app has some nice features rolled in, too. It supports multiple drive scanning including networked drives, context menu options including a scan-on-demand for individual files, and the FileAssassin option under the More Tools section for removing locked files. The interface is simple, but pleasant-looking and well-organized. Tabs live just below the oversized logo, with few options per tab to keep down the clutter. The installation process was fast enough, but interestingly offered up the well-kept changelog and an instant definition file update.

Do note that the real-time protection is restricted to the paid version, as is the scheduler for updates and scans. Overall, though, Malwarebytes Anti-Malware is a responsive malware remover that does what it should with a minimum of fuss.

Watch the CNET video review of Malwarebytes Anti-Malware:
Click Here!
100 Million Trust AVG. Free Download.

Publisher's Description

From Malwarebytes:

Malwarebytes Anti-Malware combines powerful new technologies designed to seek out, destroy, and prevent malware infections.

Malwarebytes Anti-Malware is an easy-to-use anti-malware application available in both a Free and PRO version. The Free version is well-known for its detection and removal capabilities, and the PRO version uses advanced protection technologies to proactively stop malware infections. Additionally, Malwarebytes offers a host of extra utilities as well as an approachable forum community to help you combat any piece of malware that exists in the wild.

What's new in this version: This version fixes several bugs from 1.60

More Popular Spyware Removers downloads

 
Mix music and other audio recordings live!
All User Reviews
  • All versions:

    4.5 stars

    out of 5,229 votes

    • 5 star: 3486
    • 4 star: 1233
    • 3 star: 195
    • 2 star: 101
    • 1 star: 213
  • Current version:

    4.4 stars

    out of 11 votes

    • 5 star: 6
    • 4 star: 4
    • 3 star: 0
    • 2 star: 1
    • 1 star: 0
  • My rating:

    0 stars

    Write review

Results 1-10 of 11

  • 2.0 stars

    "clogged up the system"

    February 5, 2012  |   By rossviss

    Version: Malwarebytes Anti-Malware 1.60.1

    Pros

    ?????????????

    Cons

    it found nothing in my system and slowed the computer down

    Summary

    have deleted the programe

    Reply to this review

    Was this review helpful? (0) (0)

  • 5.0 stars

    "free and easy"

    February 5, 2012  |   By spelingchampeon

    Version: Malwarebytes Anti-Malware 1.60.1

    Pros

    Free
    Easy to use
    Layout
    Options

    Cons

    none that can see so far!

    Summary

    What's not to like about the program. It is chock-full of options, seems to be very thorough, and doesn't take much time in running scans. It hasn't caught any bad stuff so far, so I can't validate how accurate or inaccurate the program is yet. I do however, feel more at ease with it being on my machine, and would recommend it as one of the better anti-malware programs.

    Reply to this review

    Was this review helpful? (0) (0)

  • 4.0 stars

    "As Advertised"

    February 4, 2012  |   By pete 743

    Version: Malwarebytes Anti-Malware 1.60.1

    Pros

    It does what it was intended to do.

    Cons

    None, well maybe it could be faster but I'm not sure if this is possible while doing it's intended job.

    Summary

    Seems to do a good job and it's free, what more can you ask for in a free piece of software?

    Reply to this review

    Was this review helpful? (0) (0)

  • 5.0 stars

    "Five ***** Stars for Malwarebytes Anti-Malware!"

    February 4, 2012  |   By compuable

    Version: Malwarebytes Anti-Malware 1.60.1

    Pros

    I have used the Malwarebytes "Pro version" very successfully (but the freeware version is sufficient). The program works really wonderfully and has served me well for a while now. I actually test freeware programs as a hobby on the side; and I probably download and install around a dozen or so of new full applications and/or utility programs to test out each month so I have to be careful. I first tried using Malwarebytes freeware version and afterwards I upgraded to Malwarebytes Anti-Malware pro. It consequently caught about 10-15 or so 'baddies' while I was trying to test the new freeware programs onto my computer as well as immediately warning me while I was in the process of downloading the installation .exe files for the new programs.

    Cons

    No cons at all, really. The only thing I can think of is that the "full scans" (which test your entire system); can take a very long time in order to entirely run its course; therefore if you choose the "Perform Full Scan" option I would strongly suggest you run it overnight; and without any other programs running in order to get the most out of it.

    Summary

    Another nice thing is that it detects many remote and 'seemingly innocuous' Adware programs that many other anti-malware programs miss. It then lists them and offers a 'right-click' link option which leads to a more thorough explanation of what they are, what they do as well as describing how dangerous (or docile) they are and then offers the option to remove them or not to.As for the Malwarebytes "Pro version" cost I believe it ran me around 25 dollars (US) but it was well worth it.

    Although I'm always looking for freeware alternatives to shareware programs; in this case I didn't really mind ponying up for the Malwarebytes "Pro version" version, in order to support the programs development and updates. One of the great things about it is that it updates every single day, runs quietly in the background and it thus far has not interfered with any of my other anti-malware/antivirus/firewall programs; but by far, the best thing about it is that you only have to pay for it ONCE and it is yours to KEEP! (and the updates and support offered are 'perpetual' which is always a good thing).


    Important Side Note: If you decide to try it out I would strongly suggest reading the helpful installation and program use step-by-step post listed at the following link:

    Using Malwarebytes Anti-Malware [authored by MajorGeeks Support Forum Admin chaslang]

    Good Luck!

    COMP

    Reply to this review

    Was this review helpful? (1) (0)

  • 4.0 stars

    "xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx"

    February 4, 2012  |   By Screenfan1

    Version: Malwarebytes Anti-Malware 1.60.1

    Pros

    Other than the problem stated below, I like the product.

    Cons

    The only problem I have with this product is this..........When in active mode on my toobar, I get pop-up windows every time malware tries to sneak in. And there are a lot of viruses that try to invade my OS. That is somewhat frustrating when I try to focus on my internet shows. I have found no way to set preferences on that.

    Reply to this review

    Was this review helpful? (0) (0)

  • 5.0 stars

    "Outstanding software."

    February 2, 2012  |   By aer2001us

    Version: Malwarebytes Anti-Malware 1.60.1

    Pros

    Outstanding software.

    Cons

    No complaints for this software.

    Reply to this review

    Was this review helpful? (0) (1)

  • 4.0 stars

    "Great Product!"

    February 2, 2012  |   By andrea083110

    Version: Malwarebytes Anti-Malware 1.60.1

    Pros

    Deletes ALL threats to computer!

    Cons

    Wish it were a little faster, but worth the wait!

    Reply to this review

    Was this review helpful? (1) (0)

  • 4.0 stars

    "great in removing unwanted guests"

    February 2, 2012  |   By kcyclist51

    Version: Malwarebytes Anti-Malware 1.60.1

    Pros

    easy to use and scan with

    Cons

    i don't know of any

    Reply to this review

    Was this review helpful? (0) (1)

  • 5.0 stars

    "A Software With No Problems At All"

    February 2, 2012  |   By likeca

    Version: Malwarebytes Anti-Malware 1.60.1

    Pros

    By using it for a long time,I think I have the right to say something,this one is your best choice of all.very useful app

    Cons

    just take your time

    Reply to this review

    Was this review helpful? (1) (0)

  • 5.0 stars

    "Great application that I have used for several years."

    February 1, 2012  |   By randallfournier

    Version: Malwarebytes Anti-Malware 1.60.1

    Pros

    Easy to use and will do a complete scan on my system in less than one hour.

    Cons

    Had to unload the software because my new system security tool wanted it gone. However, I did reload it again.

    Reply to this review

    Was this review helpful? (1) (0)

Results 1-10 of 11

Add Your Review

or Log in or create an account to post a review.
You are logged in as . Please submit your review for Malwarebytes Anti-Malware 1.60.1
Add Your Review

The posting of advertisements, profanity, or personal attacks is prohibited.
Click here to review our site terms of use.

Submit your reply

Submit

The posting of advertisements, profanity, or personal attacks is prohibited.
Click here to review our site terms of use.

cancel

E-mail this review

Submit cancel

Report offensive content

If you believe this comment is offensive or violates the CNET's Site Terms of Use, you can report it below (this will not automatically remove the comment). Once reported, our staff will be notified and the comment will be reviewed.

Select type of offense:

Offensive: Sexually explicit or offensive language
Spam: Advertisements or commercial links
Disruptive posting: Flaming or offending other users
Illegal activities: Promote cracked software, or other illegal content
Submit cancel

See more CNET content tagged:

Previous Versions:

Click Here

Error

close

ERROR MESSAGE

If you think this is an error, please contact CNET TechTracker Support for further assistance.

Ok

Running Request

close

loading

Smart Install Software

close

CNET TechTracker will now automatically install software without requiring further action by you. (Note: This feature automatically accepts associated EULAs and third party applications on your behalf.)

You have selected the following software to Smart Install:

CNET TechTracker will attempt to install this software without interrupting you again. If an application requires manual installation, CNET TechTracker will download the installer and prompt you to take further action.

Proceed with Smart Install?

Confirm Standard Install Cancel

Submit a problem report for Malwarebytes Anti-Malware

close

Please describe the problem you have with this software. This information will be sent to our editors for review.

Problem:

The CNET Installer isn't working as expected

The download link does not work

The software has a newer version

The software contains malware

Other

Description:

Please select a feedback type.

Please enter a description.

Submit Problem Report

Problem Report submitted

close

Thank you for submitting a problem report! The Download team is committed to providing you with accurate software information.

OK