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Malwarebytes for Mac

By Malwarebytes Free to try Editors' Rating

Key Details of Malwarebytes

  • Detect and crush potentially dangerous threats, block unwanted fraudulent disruptions, and stay cyber secure
  • Last updated on 11/15/23
  • There have been 4 updates within the past 6 months

AdwareMedic is now Malwarebytes for Mac.

After the 14-day trial expires, Malwarebytes reverts to a free version without the full real-time protection.

Editors' Review

Download.com Staff Jan 23, 2015

Malwarebytes Anti-Malware for Mac (formerly AdwareMedic) quickly scans your Mac for malware and adware and then lets you remove it with just a few clicks. Additionally, the app offers a wealth of information about how to proceed if you continue to have issues after removing malware and adware.

Pros

Compact and efficient: Malwarebytes Anti-Malware for Mac takes up little space on your computer. In fact, all it downloads is a text document with updated malware and adware definitions, so it can identify all unwanted items on your computer. Scans are completed quickly, and you can delete items right from the list of results, making the process of removing malware and adware from your Mac quick and easy.

Good resources: In addition to removing malware and adware, the app includes a handy set of resources for helping you deal with related issues you may encounter. These resources include helpful tips and links to more in-depth information in case you continue to have issues. Through the software, you can contact the company's support team and send a system snapshot if you are experiencing malware or adware issues not found by the software.

Cons

Basic functionality: This app removes only independent software specifically identified as malware or adware. It can't help you reset your browser settings if adware has changed them, and it can't remove other unwanted programs that may have been installed without your knowledge along with the adware. While the accompanying resources do include information about this, it would be nice if a bit more functionality was included. The scanning process is manual, with no way to schedule scans.

Bottom Line

Malwarebytes Anti-Malware for Mac is a free utility that will eliminate malware and adware from your Mac quickly and efficiently. It's not the most powerful or versatile program (it's a rebranded version of AdwareMedic, not a Mac version of Malwarebytes Anti-Malware for Windows), but if malware or adware is your problem, this is a good solution. Its streamlined process makes it accessible for users of all experience levels, and the additional information provided is a nice touch.

Note: This review was updated to reflect a change in the product name from AdwareMedic to Malwarebytes Anti-Malware for Mac.

Full Specifications

What's new in version 4.21.9.5141

Version may include unspecified updates, enhancements, or bug fixes.

General

Release November 15, 2023
Date Added November 15, 2023
Version 4.21.9.5141

Operating Systems

Operating Systems Macintosh
Additional Requirements
  • macOS Ventura
  • macOS Monterey
  • macOS Big Sur
  • macOS Catalina
  • macOS Mojave

Popularity

Total Downloads 320,272
Downloads Last Week 102
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Developer's Description

Malwarebytes 4 is smarter, faster, and lighter than ever before. Our new Malwarebytes Katana detection engine finds more threats, in less time, with less performance impact. It also tells you more about threats it finds, like their type and behavior, so you can make smarter security decisions. Go beyond antivirus and stop worrying about online threats.

What Malwarebytes 4 does for you:

Cleans your PC in just a few minutes. Our free scanner is what put us on the map. It doesn't just find threats like malware and viruses, it also finds potentially unwanted programs that can slow you down.

Secures your PC, files, and privacy 24/7. Real-Time Protection uses artificial intelligence and machine learning to keep you safe from online threats, even emerging threats that no one has ever seen before.

Protects against online scammers. Web Protection blocks online scams, infected sites, and malicious links. It also blocks phishing scams, which use fake sites to trick you into revealing private info like your bank details.

Stops your files from being held for ransom. Ransomware Protection uses proprietary tech to create a powerful defense against malware that locks down your PC and takes your files and photos hostage.

Respects your space. Scans now use 50 percent less CPU resources than before, and with Play Mode, you can even turn off notifications and updates while you game or watch movies.

Makes your security simple. Our all-new user interface makes it easier than ever to customize your protection. Schedule scans, adjust protection layers, and choose from three scan modes.

For real-time protection that actively prevents infections and protects against malware, viruses, adware, spyware, Trojans and other threats, including blocking unwanted programs, Malwarebytes offers a 14-day free trial of its Malwarebytes Premium software. Basic free version of the software offers manual scanning and removes infections after an attack.

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