CNET Editors' note: The Malwarebytes Free edition offers users the option of installing a trial version of Malwarebytes Anti-Malware Pro.
CNET Editors' review
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:
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
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All versions:
4.5 starsout of 5,281 votes
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Current version:
4.3 starsout of 63 votes
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My rating:
Write review
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"Moderately effective, support has issues"
Version: Malwarebytes Anti-Malware 1.60.1
Pros
Installs well on clean system but not on many infected systems. In my experience it finds and stops fewer viruses than Avast does.
Cons
Once I finally got it installed on new Windows install it works but does not find everything. Would not install in infected system; common problem with Malwarebytes, due to the way it functions. It hooks kernel and can't do it if kernel is infected. Support was rude and unhelpful, demanded I run something called ComboFix without warning me of any of ComboFix's problems, because he did not want to invest time to disinfect system properly or just tell me Malwarebytes would't work and refund money. Multitude of various discussions and reviews online show ComboFix permanently damages your system half the time it is run, and it's very hard to run correctly and without causing problems, especially on an infected machine. I wouldn't run ComboFix and relations broke down.
Summary
I"m running it on my computer but not highly impressed with it. Malwarebytes needs to clean up their act.
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"Great and easy to use"
Version: Malwarebytes Anti-Malware 1.60.1
Pros
Easy to use
Cons
None that I can see
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"Great product!"
Version: Malwarebytes Anti-Malware 1.60.1
Pros
I downloaded this software based upon a computer installation owner recommendation and it works tirelessly and I haven't noticed any computer problems. I purchased the licensed version based upon the operational capabilities of the free download.
Cons
None that I can think of.
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"Easy to load. Isolated problems quickly."
Version: Malwarebytes Anti-Malware 1.60.1
Pros
No nonsense free program.
Cons
Really no concerns.
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"Better then lot of them one out there!"
Version: Malwarebytes Anti-Malware 1.60.1
Pros
It clean 1599 fills that Norton Missed. Luck I don't have to pay for Norton or I would be p-----. Some times free is better!
Cons
Haven't found any
Summary
Very good free malware program and easy to use.
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"Awesome program!"
Version: Malwarebytes Anti-Malware 1.60.1
Pros
It eliminated a program than kept redirecting my browser, McAfee and Norton couldn't solve the problem over a period of months, Malwarebytes solved it in 2 minutes and its free!
Cons
none I can think of.
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"Seems Like It's Just A Come-On"
Version: Malwarebytes Anti-Malware 1.60.1
Pros
It found some things it said were malware and deleted them so I would guess it works, but don't know if it found everything, if it found things of significance, etc., so can't say if there are Pros.
Cons
Like most other downloaded programs out there, they intimate you can have a "free" version, but in reality it's only a come-on teaser to try and get you to buy their product (I got a notice today that I "...only have 5 days left on my free trial....").
Summary
There are so many programs out there to keep your PC "tuned up" that you'd go broke buying even part of them. It may work wonderfully, but I'm going to save my money.
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"One of the worlds greatest pieces of software"
Version: Malwarebytes Anti-Malware 1.60.1
Pros
Its free and fast
Cons
It attempts to trick you in to buying the paid for version at install time
Summary
Love it, saves hours of heartache
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"easy to use"
Version: Malwarebytes Anti-Malware 1.60.1
Pros
not cost
does a good jobCons
I do not see any cons.
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"Good software but..."
Version: Malwarebytes Anti-Malware 1.60.1
Pros
Been using it for sometime and like it a lot.
Cons
Some installer sneaked a toolbar on my IE without my permission. Tried to scan my computer with MB but it found nothing. Have to find other ways to get rid of the toolbar.
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