Malwarebytes vs Kaspersky: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Malwarebytes and Kaspersky 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 to try before committing
- • Malwarebytes is endpoint protection software for malware detection and removal
- • It protects devices from malware, ransomware, and malicious websites
Kaspersky
Cybersecurity solutions for individuals and businesses, building a Cyber Immune future.
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (8.4/10 vs 8.2/10)
- • Comprehensive cybersecurity for individuals and businesses.
- • Protects against malware, viruses, ransomware, and identity theft across multiple platforms.
| At a Glance |  Malwarebytes |  Kaspersky |
|---|---|---|
Price | Free + Paid | Paid |
Best For | Vulnerability Scanning | Vulnerability Scanning |
Rating | 82/100 | 84/100 |
| Feature | Malwarebytes | Kaspersky |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Paid |
| Editorial Score | 82 | 84 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | Vulnerability ScanningSecurity Monitoring | Vulnerability ScanningSecurity Monitoring |
How Malwarebytes and Kaspersky Compare
Malwarebytes
Cybersecurity and malware protection
Free tier available · 82/100 score
Kaspersky
Cybersecurity solutions for individuals and businesses, building a Cyber Immune future.
Paid · 84/100 score
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Malwarebytes has a free tier. Kaspersky is paid only.
Go with: Malwarebytes
Want the highest-rated option?
Malwarebytes: 82/100. Kaspersky: 84/100.
Go with: Kaspersky
Value user reviews?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: Kaspersky
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Malwarebytes is freemium. Kaspersky is paid. Malwarebytes lets you start free.
What's your use case?
Both are vulnerability scanning tools. Compare their specific features to decide.
How important are ratings?
Kaspersky scores higher: 84/100 vs 82/100.
Key Takeaways
Kaspersky
- Higher score: 84/100 vs 82
- Our pick for this comparison
Malwarebytes
- Has a free tier
The Bottom Line
Kaspersky (84/100) is our pick. Malwarebytes has a free tier if you want to test without paying.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Malwarebytes or Kaspersky better?
Kaspersky scores 84/100 in our evaluation. Malwarebytes is freemium and Kaspersky is paid.
What are Malwarebytes and Kaspersky used for?
Malwarebytes: Cybersecurity and malware protection. Kaspersky: Cybersecurity solutions for individuals and businesses, building a Cyber Immune future..
What does Malwarebytes cost vs Kaspersky?
Malwarebytes is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Kaspersky is a paid tool. Visit their websites for detailed pricing.