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 5,235 votes
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Current version:
4.2 starsout of 17 votes
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My rating:
Write review
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"up to now, its caused no problems"
Version: Malwarebytes Anti-Malware 1.60.1
Pros
this programme, like others of a similar genre, can only prove its worth by being completely unobtrusive. well up to now it has, I presume its doing its job efficiently in the background.
Cons
No major problems,I let it perform the full scan overnite as it takes quite a while, and up to now its detected two exceptions,
Summary
seems to be doing what its supposed to do, so Im more than satisfied with it at present !
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"Not what is claims to be."
Version: Malwarebytes Anti-Malware 1.60.1
Pros
Does a good job at finding Malware.
Cons
Even tho it says it's a freeware version, it really is not. It's free to download but it's a trial version. Unfortunately I have ''0 days remaining on my trial, Please upgrade''. Now if i want to continue using this and staying protected I have to UpGrade. = (
FAIL! -
"Look out bad guys"
Version: Malwarebytes Anti-Malware 1.60.1
Pros
Worked great, downloaded quickly without any problem, found bugs that my other program ( will not mention name ) didn't pick up.
Cons
Had to uninstall it after I used it to sweep out the nasties because continued use apparently conflicted with my current PAID security system. so more of a con with other program not being compatible
Summary
will download it on a regular basis to clean out anything my current system misses, a great back up, "spring cleaning" program. Thanx.
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"works well"
Version: Malwarebytes Anti-Malware 1.60.1
Pros
Clear and simple to use
Cons
Exceptions method took a while to understand, it kept stopping Avast AV from updating.
Summary
with simplified exception interface, this would have got five stars.
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"this product keeps my PC in top running order."
Version: Malwarebytes Anti-Malware 1.60.1
Pros
I have used this for years and am very pleased with it, it does what it says. Keep up the good work.
Cons
I have nothing bad to say about this product.
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"Saves people HUNDREDS of dollars"
Version: Malwarebytes Anti-Malware 1.60.1
Pros
I fix computers for a living. This program saves my clients money. The registered version "prevents" malware and the free one only removes it. Prevention keeps from having to repair the operating system from damage done by the malware installation.
Cons
It takes a while to load but well worth the wait.
Summary
FAR better than having to pay a pro to remove some of these really bad maleware infections. In todays world people really need both antivirus and anti malware software. Keep in mind some maleware renders an anti virus useless. The one time fee for malewarebytes is a real bargain.
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"clogged up the system"
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
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"free and easy"
Version: Malwarebytes Anti-Malware 1.60.1
Pros
Free
Easy to use
Layout
OptionsCons
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.
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"As Advertised"
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?
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"Five ***** Stars for Malwarebytes Anti-Malware!"
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
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