The Best of Both Phone, and Tablet
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: v1.60 Changelog
New Features:
- Malwarebytes Chameleon technology gets Malwarebytes Anti-Malware running even when blocked by infection.
- Incremental updates (paid version only).
- Ability to password protect key program settings. (paid version only)
- Improved reliability and performance of the update process.
- Detection and removal engine enhancements.
- System tray icon now dynamically displays selected language.See all new features
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All versions:
4.5 starsout of 5,417 votes
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Current version:
4.3 starsout of 106 votes
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My rating:
Write review
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"Not Great But Better Than Most"
Version: Malwarebytes Anti-Malware 1.60
Pros
Easy to install and configure. Also very affordable.
Cons
It didn't find, alert me, or quarantine a common trojan virus on one of my computers. I discovered the virus by accident because my http server wouldn't load properly.
Summary
Never rely on anti-virus software alone. Know your computer.
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"Always works perfectly for me."
Version: Malwarebytes Anti-Malware 1.60
Pros
Easy to use, fast and it does the job. My old pc is still running fine, but my mate, who has does not use malwarebytes, has crashed three pc's and thrown them away.
Cons
I don't really have any cons.
Summary
Look, I'm no expert, just an everyday person who wants to surf the net and have no technical crap to put up with. Sure I occassionally might accidentally find myself on a naughty site, but I don't deserve to have my pc destroyed because of this. Malwarebytes was recommended to me by techs at my server when I had some really bad virus problems, and it was the only free programme I could find, that fixed the problem. Try it, you've got nothing to lose.
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"Does a pretty good job of removing threats."
Version: Malwarebytes Anti-Malware 1.60
Pros
I use this to scan my computer at least once a week. A Trojan sneaked through somehow and set me back for a couple weeks. Malwarebytes cornered and removed this insult after a few times through. I now am in the process of restoring my computer to what it was, thanks to Malwarebytes Anti-Malware.
Cons
Full scan takes a long time, but it is very thorough.
Summary
I recommend this program for regular use. It will scan and remove just about any infection if you keep it's data base current.
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"Every Windows user should have this on a flash drive"
Version: Malwarebytes Anti-Malware 1.60
Pros
I rely on malwarebytes. I am a member of bleepingcomputer.com and their methodologies use malwarebytes. I own my own home and small business computer and network support business, so malwarebytes gets a lot of use.
Cons
False positives... not a problem for experienced users.
Summary
Everyone should have malwarebytes, at least on a flash drive, as part of your malware defense and removal methodology.
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"Works well"
Version: Malwarebytes Anti-Malware 1.60
Pros
Prevents malicious websites from loading
Found infections that anti-virus did notCons
Haven't found any yet
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"So far, so good."
Version: Malwarebytes Anti-Malware 1.60
Pros
Easy to set up and get it to do its job. Came highly recommended and doesn't disappoint.
Cons
I only ran it twice so far and haven't found any cons yet. I hope it will continue to only merit pros.
Summary
Free and performing well - what more can you ask for?
A note to CNET: Why ask for reviews so early after a download? Doesn't make much sense to me. -
"Limited cost and great performance!"
Version: Malwarebytes Anti-Malware 1.60
Pros
1. One time cost of $24.95 not yearly!
2. Updates are automatic and behind the scenes.
3. This program will work with other virus checkers such as Microsoft Security Essentials and not confuse them.
4. It catches the 15% that the other commercial virus programs always miss.Cons
1. Sometimes program version updates require the user to click on "install" to make it happen. I think the program version installs should be more automated.
Summary
Great paid program to use in conjunction with another free virus checker. The combination will keep your computer healthy.
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"A Very Effective Freeware Anti-Malware Tool."
Version: Malwarebytes Anti-Malware 1.60
Pros
Quick and easy to download. A simple yet effective program that removes trojans, malware and spyware.
Cons
I have nothing negative to say about this Product.
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"I feel very safe from trojans etc with paid version"
Version: Malwarebytes Anti-Malware 1.60
Pros
Has a great reputation
Cons
None that I can think of
Summary
I recommend this to all my PC friends.
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"I appreciate the application, can't believe it's free."
Version: Malwarebytes Anti-Malware 1.60
Pros
I have truly enjoyed using the application. Thanks for a Great product!
Cons
None for now
Summary
Great, and thank you very much for the application!
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