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
385,736 downloads
- Ad-Aware Free Antivirus +
250,313 downloads
- Spybot - Search & Destroy
27,682 downloads
- SuperAntiSpyware Free Edition
13,808 downloads
- Trend Micro HijackThis
12,917 downloads
-
All versions:
4.5 starsout of 5,420 votes
-
Current version:
4.5 starsout of 68 votes
-
My rating:
Write review
-
"Malwarebytes does what it says it will do"
Version: Malwarebytes Anti-Malware 1.61
Pros
Good little program; it has found several trojans that I didn't even know I had. I use it about once a week or whenever my computer is acting squirrely.
Cons
None that I can think of.
Summary
I use the free version and I think it's one of the best of the freebies. I have used others but I prefer this one.
-
"great product"
Version: Malwarebytes Anti-Malware 1.61
Pros
easy to use
Cons
none to write about
-
"seems to slow whole system down"
Version: Malwarebytes Anti-Malware 1.61
Pros
finds just about all malware
Cons
slows system down especially browsers
Summary
needs improvrment
-
"Finds the bugs others leave behind"
Version: Malwarebytes Anti-Malware 1.61
Pros
Seems to do a better job on virus and trojans than other mainstream packages. Scan is reasonably fast in background and produces an informative report. It has found several threats in my registry that got past my resident Windows and Norton. The free trial gives you a chance to see what it can do,
Cons
I have not found any
-
"An Absolute must in one's arsenal against intrusions"
Version: Malwarebytes Anti-Malware 1.61
Pros
Have been using this program for over 5 years without a single hitch! This program finds maleware and adware that no others detected including Norton 360. The one time that I failed to update I got a nasty trojan which the tech staff helped me to cleanse and got my system back up and running without any data loss. Many thanx to the staff of techs at Malewarebytes
Cons
haven't been able to find any in the past 5 years of use!
-
"Great anti malware..."
Version: Malwarebytes Anti-Malware 1.61
Pros
Don't get hit with malware.
Cons
None - very happy with the results I was able to do by myself!
Summary
Before you download Malwarebytes Anti-Malware make sure you get your free Pc backup at ****************.com just in case u get some viruses!! Better to be safe then sorry!!
-
"Malwarebytes works!"
Version: Malwarebytes Anti-Malware 1.61
Pros
Thorough without being resource intensive. Easy to use and to understand.
Cons
None that I have found thus far.
-
"Very good. Very useful."
Version: Malwarebytes Anti-Malware 1.61
Pros
Finds more malware than most.
Cons
Doesn't find everything. A bit confusing as to what to do after the problems have been discovered.
Summary
Works well. Doesn't find everything, but finds more than most programs do.
-
"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.
Add Your Review
Submit your reply
E-mail this review
Report offensive content
See more CNET content tagged:
Previous Versions:
