Malwarebytes vs Checkmarx: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Malwarebytes and Checkmarx 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.
By Toolradar Team · Last updated February 28, 2026 · Methodology
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
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
- • You need vulnerability scanning features specifically
- • Malwarebytes is endpoint protection software for malware detection and removal
- • It protects devices from malware, ransomware, and malicious websites
Checkmarx
Application security testing platform
Best for you if:
- • You need code review features specifically
- • Checkmarx is an enterprise application security testing platform for finding vulnerabilities in code
- • It provides SAST, SCA, and DAST scanning integrated into CI/CD pipelines
| At a Glance |  Malwarebytes |  Checkmarx |
|---|---|---|
Price | Free + Paid | Paid |
Best For | Vulnerability Scanning | Code Review |
Rating | 82/100 | 78/100 |
| Feature | Malwarebytes | Checkmarx |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Paid |
| Editorial Score | 82 | 78 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | Vulnerability ScanningSecurity Monitoring | Code ReviewTesting & QA |
How Malwarebytes and Checkmarx Compare
Malwarebytes
Cybersecurity and malware protection
Free tier available · 82/100 score
Checkmarx
Application security testing platform
Paid · 78/100 score
Malwarebytes is a vulnerability scanning tool. Checkmarx is in code review.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Malwarebytes has a free tier. Checkmarx is paid only.
Go with: Malwarebytes
Want the highest-rated option?
Malwarebytes: 82/100. Checkmarx: 78/100.
Go with: Malwarebytes
Value user reviews?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: Malwarebytes
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Malwarebytes is freemium. Checkmarx is paid. Malwarebytes lets you start free.
What's your use case?
Malwarebytes is a vulnerability scanning tool. Checkmarx is in code review. Pick the category that matches your needs.
How important are ratings?
Malwarebytes scores higher: 82/100 vs 78/100.
Key Takeaways
Malwarebytes
- Higher score: 82/100 vs 78
- Free tier available
- Our pick for this comparison
Checkmarx
- Better fit for code review
The Bottom Line
Malwarebytes (82/100) is our pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Malwarebytes or Checkmarx better?
Malwarebytes scores 82/100 in our evaluation. Malwarebytes is freemium and Checkmarx is paid.
What are Malwarebytes and Checkmarx used for?
Malwarebytes: Cybersecurity and malware protection. Checkmarx: Application security testing platform.
What does Malwarebytes cost vs Checkmarx?
Malwarebytes is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Checkmarx is a paid tool. Visit their websites for detailed pricing.