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:
1. Up to 25% faster Quick scans for 64-bit operating systems.
2. Chameleon usability enhancements.
3. Enhanced reliability of program updates with additional security checks.
4. Password command line enhancements (paid version only).
More Popular Anti-Spyware downloads
- Malwarebytes Anti-Malware
452,143 downloads
- Ad-Aware Free Antivirus +
140,523 downloads
- Spybot - Search & Destroy
28,614 downloads
- SpywareBlaster
13,249 downloads
- SuperAntiSpyware Free Edition
13,161 downloads
-
All versions:
4.5 starsout of 5,412 votes
-
Current version:
4.5 starsout of 60 votes
-
My rating:
Write review
-
"My new number one Anti-virus"
Version: Malwarebytes Anti-Malware 1.61
Pros
+ More effective than orther anti-virus programmes
+ Translated in lot of languages
+ FASTER!Cons
-Can't find any CONS!
Summary
I Got 2 antivirus programmes until last week.I deleted them because my camputer used to be srats with malware(Look hosts.exe problem) .Than i googled for good antimalware.now im fine with my new anti-virus programme.
-
"Works quickly and competently. Doesn't miss much"
Version: Malwarebytes Anti-Malware 1.61
Pros
Low on resource use and I have found that not much gets past this great software.
Cons
I don't have any thing to fault.
-
"Good supplementary"
Version: Malwarebytes Anti-Malware 1.61
Pros
Works great with other Anti-Virus programs.
Cons
None at all.
-
"Spybot cannot find Malware, but Malwareytes founds 23"
Version: Malwarebytes Anti-Malware 1.61
Pros
It is definitely the best anti-malware. Recently I have a problem to type into the URL as the malwares keep trying to erase my typing. I tried with Advanced System Care FREE V5 and Spybot-Search & Destroy without solving the problems. I installed the Malwarebytes Ant-Malwares 1.61 and it caught 23 malwares. Incredible. It even scan all my email messages (that I have stored in my PC) and catches malwares.
Cons
The complete (not the quick scan) scan is slow which take more than 2 hour to scan my 320GB Hard Disc (in C and D). Well, it still do the jobs that All Anti-Virus and other Anti-Malwares cannot detect.
Summary
Wish that all those Anti-Virus and Anti-Malwares software that claim to be the best should not cheat on the users. We should pay these cheaters at all.
-
"Great Program"
Version: Malwarebytes Anti-Malware 1.61
Pros
User friendly
Effective
Has automatic update feature
Can make exceptions to sites you know are safe
You will see each time Malwarebytes blocks a potential problemCons
None and I've had it for years.
Summary
This program has saved my computer numerous times. I was about to have it repaired when a friend of mine suggested this program. It solved my problem, and I am shocked at how many times it has blocked Malware. Go for it.
-
"Works well for me"
Version: Malwarebytes Anti-Malware 1.61
Pros
Don't get hit with malware.
Cons
Cannot think of any
-
"Insanely Good"
Version: Malwarebytes Anti-Malware 1.61
Pros
Everything
Cons
And nothing
Summary
No Anti-Virus program can give you 100% protection, to say the least. So you should absolutely always have a back up scanner on hand. This should be the one, and it'll be the only back up you need. Combine this with the likes of Avira, FortiClient Lite, or UnThreat, you'll likely have 100% protection. The few that those A.V.'s let slip through, Malwarebytes' with catch.
-
"Easy to use"
Version: Malwarebytes Anti-Malware 1.61
Pros
I am by no means a techno geek - get very frustrated when my computer doesn't work. Got brave when my computer recently developed Alzheimer's (super slow, dazed and confused on how to do things)and tried the Malwarebytes, since it was rated "OK" on CNET.Very easy to follow directions, and it worked quickly and noticeably! Very happy with my decision to try it!
Cons
None - very happy with the results I was able to do by myself!
Summary
If I can do it, so can you - even if you only understand how to turn the computer on! Easy to use, and does the job. What else can you ask for - it's already FREE!
-
"Awesome program that actually works!!!!"
Version: Malwarebytes Anti-Malware 1.61
Pros
I have the fully functioning versions of AVG and Kaspersky Internet Security. They are the best anti-virus software on the market. If they are supposed to be the best, how come they couldn't detect the browser redirect virus on my computer? After serveral false reports from AVG and Kaspersky telling me "no viruses found" I found Malwarebytes Anti-Malware and it detected and removed the virus in less than 10 minutes on th efirst try! Absolute must have, don't waste your money on the top virus programs. Malwarebytes is all you need!
Cons
None, this is the best anti-virus software I ever had.
Summary
Once you download it, you will not be able to deny it's virus removing power!
-
"Does exactly what it says on the box"
Version: Malwarebytes Anti-Malware 1.61
Pros
Very good software which finds little nasties that others didn't
Cons
None I can think off.
Summary
This was easy to install, and update and instructions were easy to understand. I have tried it on three different laptops and it found malware on all three that other software didn't.
Add Your Review
Submit your reply
E-mail this review
Report offensive content
See more CNET content tagged:
Previous Versions:
