Malwarebytes vs. Spybot: Anti-Malware Software Review and Comparison

Is it possible to imagine the modern world without the Internet? Everyone is ready to give a negative answer. The Internet is the best way to communicate quickly and effectively and share information. However, is it safe? The answer is also negative. By continuously using the Web, we increase our digital fingerprints daily. We cannot feel protected anymore because malicious software can infect the computer whenever we enter the Net. It gets unauthorized access to all your data or changes the program files.

Thus, you must protect your safety and privacy with the most brand-new and efficient anti-malware software. The choice of antiviruses is pretty comprehensive these days. Here we have considered and compared only two of them – Malwarebytes vs. Spybot. We have tested the main components of both anti-malware programs and can provide you with helpful recommendations.

Comparison Table

Purpose	anti-spyware, anti-warm, anti-Trojan, anti-rootkit, anti-phishing, anti-spam	anti-spyware, anti-worm, anti-Trojan, anti-rootkit, anti-phishing, anti-spam
Free Version		Yes (limited)
Compatibility	Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Chromebook	Windows
Real-Time Scanning
Scanning	hyper-scanning mode, manual virus scanning, startup scan, audio virus scanning, scheduled scan	automated scans, manual virus scanning, USB virus scan, registry-startup scan, auto virus scan, scheduled scan
Portable Device Scanning	Mac	N/A
Threats Protection	prevents and blocks web-based threats	no real-time threat detection
Email protection		N/A
Adware Protection
Mobile Protection	Android, Mac	iPhone Apps scanner, it does not have a mobile app
Webcam Protection		N/A
Fast Scans	lightning-fast scans	advanced and fast scanning
Multi-Device Protection	Yes: across devices and the cloud services	N/A
Performance Optimizer	No smartphone optimizer, adjusts the settings to the purposes	No smartphone optimizer, Startup Program manager
Firewall	No personal firewall	No personal firewall
Password Manager
Trial + Period	Yes (14-day Premium trial)	N/A
Support	email and ticketing, live help over chats	email and ticketing, no live help

Main Differences Between Malwarebytes and Spybot

Despite undoubtful similarities in functioning, Malwarebytes and Spybot differ in their origin, features, compatibility, and popularity. So let’s have a closer look at these features and differences.

Patrick Venne was the author of the idea related to Spybot Search & Destroy software. His computer caught malware in 1999 and was severely affected. Therefore, Patrick developed an antivirus that could eradicate viruses and dangerous programs automatically. The idea was further developed and found its implementation in Safer-Networking Ltd., which has already released several cutting-edge and award-winning anti-spyware programs. So far, this software has remained the main product of the company.

Spybot is similar to Malwarebytes because it also removes spyware and adware, and it is constantly updated. However, it is compatible with Microsoft only, so this is possibly its main drawback. Though such specific compatibility provides additional benefits – the software features fast scanning to immediately remove even the most dangerous threats like Trojans and worms. You can be sure that your online privacy is reliably protected.

The most prominent feature of Spybot is Identity Monitor, which can show you whether hackers have stolen your personal information. You will entirely see and monitor any data breach. It makes it different from Malwarebytes.

Another feature is Anti-Beacon Plus which does not allow Windows to use the telemetry from browsers and deprives its users of privacy issues.

The Live Protection feature examines every process on your computer that is going on or only emerges from outside intrusion. These features are also unique and differentiate the software from other similar programs. Unfortunately, the popularity of Spybot is not as high as that of Malwarebytes. But, on the other hand, it is well-known and appreciated by seasoned computer users.

MalwareBytes Inc. is a company with headquarters in the United States that offers Internet security and complete malware protection. The products are powered by AI and can work across devices and cloud services. Researchers, analysts, and developers have participated in the company’s product releases and updates.

Malwarebytes antiviruses are very popular. More than 60 thousand people install them on their computers every day. As a result, over 95 million daily threats are stopped and eliminated. The latest updates allow for both malware removal and threat prevention.

The software scans threats, customizes their lists, and monitors new malware infections. Boot scanning is a specific feature that allows searching the entire hard drive and marking the suspicious files to remove threats or completely delete them automatically. The software is compatible with Windows, Mac, Android, IOS (partially), and Chromebook.

It supports the protection of multiple devices, including mobile phones. The program uses powerful malware detection algorithms and is very effective against spyware, ransomware, and other threats.

Malwarebytes Features

Malwarebytes offers a lot of advanced scanning options. Its interface is pretty user-friendly and easy to navigate. It allows for direct and flexible customization under your needs. The full-featured functionality is available for free.

The program uses AI-based multiple scans, anti-rootkit, and anti-spyware technologies that extend the range of protection against various threats. It can automatically detect and eliminate Trojans, viruses, worms, and harmful software.

You can run Malwarebytes in two different modes – real-time and on-demand. The real-time mode is helpful when you need continuous scanning of your system. The program will inform you about possible threats via email. When running it on-demand mode, Malwarebytes can execute deep scans and deliver the results to you. In addition, you can make a schedule for these scans to be performed automatically.

The software also offers extended protection with customized backups to secure your sensitive data against intrusions. Such backups can be created and stored in separate locations, for example, on external USB devices or the cloud. Once you have completed the backup formation, you can entirely clean or reinstall your computer’s hardware and software if needed.

Pros and Cons of Malwarebytes

The following benefits and drawbacks complete the overall characteristics of this software.

Spybot Features

Spybot offers the chance to scan all parts of the hard drive, including the login area, settings, a taskbar, hidden files, and the system tray. It provides detailed reports on all detected threats and real-time protection against hackers who may access your PC from a browser. You will also be secured against malicious downloads, scams, and pop-ups. You will see an online scanner if there is a threat, so you must choose what to do with it – remove, send to quarantine, or entirely delete.

The program’s free version includes an extensive threat database to inform you about Trojans, worms, viruses, and keyloggers. All the infections can also be cleaned automatically in real-time. You just have to install an entry to automatic scanning. In addition, the Startup Program Manager lets you specify what functions you want to start automatically.

The software can also create customized definitions for the parameters and features of the PC you want to scan. You may also choose what specific threats you want your program to detect.

Other advanced characteristics represent the online dictionary updates in real-time, stealth detection, daily malware logs, and others. You can also load updated files or websites via the program. Finally, the software can wipe any traces of browser utilization from your computer.

Pros and Cons of Spybot

Here, the customers’ views of the program diverge. Many users like the software for its simplicity and straightforwardness, while others criticize it for the lack of many features they need.

Face-to-Face Comparison: Malwarebytes vs. Spybot

We have also done research based on the users’ review websites and forums and looked at the characteristic features that are especially important for consumers. It helped compare Malwarebytes vs. Spybot as users see them.

Pricing

If we compare Malwarebytes and Spybot by pricing policies to other competitors, we will see that both options are relatively cheap. Moreover, both software providers offer free versions.

However, Spybot’s free version contains fewer characteristics than its paid option. The Home version here is a lifetime subscription. It costs about $19. You can buy it once and use it whenever you need it.

All in all, Spybot provides five different pricing plans with various sets of features. The professional version costs around $28 per device. It is the most popular option among many customers. If you need more features and extended protection, use Business Editions. They cost $46-$69, depending on your chosen type.

Malwarebytes comes in three plans – Free, Premium, and Premium Plus Privacy. The good news is that the Free plan preserves all the main qualities of a good antivirus program. The Premium plan costs $40 annually. Premium + Privacy is much more expensive – you will pay $99.99 annually.

You can also opt for Malwarebytes’ software for small businesses, which costs about $50 per device yearly, or you can contact technical support and ask them for a customized plan.

verdict

The pricing policy of Spybot is more affordable and convenient for users, while Malwarebytes offers more varied plans and customization to your needs. Spybot is your best choice for business and multiple devices if your budget requires some savings.

Supported OS and Browsers

verdict

Malwarebytes works better for different types of OS – it is compatible with Windows. Mac, Android, and, to some extent, iOS. It can even work with Chromebooks. However, Spybot is compatible with Windows only. So, if you need more variety or work on different types of operating systems, Malwarebytes is preferable.

Technical Support

The technical support of Spybot could be better. You cannot connect with the team via phone or live chat. The only available way to do it is by email. However, you can get priority help if you are subscribed to Corporate or Technician Editions.

You can also find an FAQs page on the website. They provide answers to the most common questions there. You can also enter the help forum to make additional inquiries.

As for Malwarebytes, they offer both live chat and a substantial knowledge base on the site. You can find answers to many essential questions there. The email answers are also beneficial, and they use a ticketing system.

The live chatbot’s name is Zero, and it is helpful when you need to solve a complicated and immediate issue. In addition, you will receive a link to the knowledge base to troubleshoot the problem.

verdict

If you are not pretty technology-savvy, Malwarebytes is a better option for you because you can entirely rely on them in the case of any technical issue. If you do not care about any additional support, Spybot is OK. However, you should not require immediate assistance from them.

Final Thoughts

Both programs, Malwarebytes and Spybot, are effective antivirus and anti-malware installations with many powerful features that protect your device against spyware, adware, Trojans, dialers, viruses, and worms of any kind.

However, if we compare Malwarebytes vs. Spybot, we notice that Malwarebytes can remove a more extensive database of malware types. In addition, it has more various tracking sensors and provides powerful web protection. No doubt, it is a leader if you are looking for a reliable anti-malware program. However, remember that its premium plans and editions are more expensive than Spybot’s.

Spybot Search & Destroy is a cutting-edge anti-malware software that is very effective against different threats. It offers more speed and a variety of virus-detecting and removal features. Nevertheless, this software can only work with Windows, so it is the most upsetting drawback if you need such a program for your company’s multiple devices with different operating systems.

While choosing an anti-malware program, you should consider your purposes and requirements first. If they are various, think about Malwarebytes because its functionality is more diverse.