ESET vs Malwarebytes: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between ESET and Malwarebytes comes down to understanding what each tool does best. This comparison breaks down the key differences so you can make an informed decision based on your specific needs, not marketing claims.
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
ESET
Cybersecurity solutions for businesses and consumers
Best for you if:
Malwarebytes
Cybersecurity and malware protection
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (8.2/10 vs 7.8/10)
- • You want to try before committing
| At a Glance | ||
|---|---|---|
Price | Paid | Free + Paid |
Best For | Security | Security |
Rating | 78/100 | 82/100 |
| Feature | ESET | Malwarebytes |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Paid | Freemium |
| Editorial Score | 78 | 82 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | Security | Security |
Understanding the Differences
Both ESET and Malwarebytes solve similar problems, but they approach them differently.ESET positions itself as "cybersecurity solutions for businesses and consumers" while Malwarebytesfocuses on "cybersecurity and malware protection". These differences matter depending on what you're trying to accomplish.
When to Choose ESET
ESET makes sense if you're looking for a comprehensive paid solution.
When to Choose Malwarebytes
Malwarebytes is worth considering if you need a flexible option with both free and paid tiers tool. Scoring 82/100, it edges ahead in our evaluation.
Who Should Use What?
Bootstrapped or small team?
Malwarebytes won't cost you anything to start, which is exactly what early-stage teams need.
We'd pick: Malwarebytes
Growing fast?
Your team doubled last quarter and you need tools that won't break when you add 50 more people. Malwarebytes is built for teams that are leveling up.
We'd pick: Malwarebytes
Enterprise with complex needs?
You need SSO, compliance certifications, and a support team that picks up the phone. ESET is built for organizations like yours.
We'd pick: ESET
Still not sure? Answer these 3 questions
How much can you spend?
Want to test first? Malwarebytes has a free tier to get you started.
Do you care what other users think?
Both have similar review counts. Read a few before you commit.
Expert opinion or crowd wisdom?
Our team rated Malwarebytes higher (82/100). But the community has upvoted Malwarebytes more (0 votes). Pick your source of truth.
Key Takeaways
What Malwarebytes Does Better
- Higher overall score (82/100)
- Our recommendation for most use cases
Consider ESET If
- Its specific features better match your workflow
- You prefer its interface or design approach
The Bottom Line
If we had to pick one, we'd go with Malwarebytes (82/100). But the honest answer is that "better" depends on your situation. Malwarebytes scores higher in our analysis, but ESET might be the right choice if its specific strengths align with what you need most. Take advantage of free trials to test both before committing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is ESET or Malwarebytes better?
Based on our analysis, Malwarebytes scores higher with 82/100. ESET ispaid while Malwarebytes is freemium. The best choice depends on your specific needs and budget. We recommend testing both with free trials if available.
Can I switch from ESET to Malwarebytes easily?
Migration difficulty varies. Check if both tools support data export/import in compatible formats. Some tools offer migration assistance or have integration partners who can help with the transition.
Do ESET and Malwarebytes offer free trials?
Most software in this category offers free trials or free tiers. ESET is paid with potential trial.Malwarebytes is freemium with a free tier. Visit their websites for current trial offers.