Malwarebytes free is one of the best malware removal tools out there. It’s great at finding threats that are already on your computer. It also collects entirely new threats that antivirus software does not recognize or miss.
Many antivirus solutions do not allow more than one solution to be installed or run together on your machine. This tandem operation can cause some headaches when all you want to do is remove threats from your computer.
Here are some antiviruses that work well with Malwarebytes and allow for tandem operation without giving you a hard time.
Bitdefender
Bitdefender has been at the forefront of the antivirus industry for years, and pretty much sets the standard for other companies to follow. It identifies malicious links, websites, and files and does a really good job of stopping them before they have a chance to infect your computer.
This antivirus solution does not take up much space and will not slow down your computer while it is running. You can still watch movies and play online games during deep scans and not experience buffering or lag.
Other features included in Bitdefender are a file shredder, one of the best VPN services, and extra protection when you’re shopping or banking online. Even its basic version includes these features while its higher tier plan includes identity theft protection.
Bitdefender prefers to be the only antivirus it runs, but has no problem working alongside Malwarebytes. You’ll get a message from Bitdefender while downloading and installing Malwarebytes, checking that you want to run this second program.
While other antiviruses require you to uninstall them first before proceeding with Malwarebytes installation, Bitdefender simply takes a backseat for a moment while the malware removal tool does its thing.
avast
Avast security solutions are some of the most popular and downloaded all over the world. It’s been around for a long time, and even its free version is extremely powerful at stopping most malware.
This software is one of the best software for gamers because of its innovative game mode. This feature learns when you visit or start an online game and minimizes the resources you use so you have all the power you need to play without lag or drag.
Avast monitors your network connections and alerts you to anything suspicious, from potential data leaks to apps that exhibit unusual behavior. Any suspicious files are automatically sent to Avast for further analysis to see if it is a real threat or just strange software.
This antivirus has a safe quarantine folder where you can scan for suspicious files before permanently deleting them. Avast One, the all-in-one solution, also includes identity theft protection such as medical ID and password usage alerts.
Avast is one of the best software when it comes to tandem operation. This is especially important if you choose to use one of Avast’s free versions which tend to let some files through more easily than their paid platforms. Malwarebytes can easily be used as a backup to collect missed threats while still taking advantage of Avast’s other security and privacy tools.
Microsoft Defender
Microsoft Defender ships with your Windows operating system with most of its protection tools already turned on by default. It has web filtering and parental controls, which are especially useful for families with children. There is also webcam monitoring, to ensure that no one or any program can click on it without permission.
A firewall and file backup are also included. A firewall is useful if you’re connected to a public network so that hackers and snoopers can’t sneak in and see what’s stored on your device. Backing up files is great for restoring your computer to its original state after a malware attack, especially one that includes ransomware.
Despite being free, Microsoft Defender also doesn’t have the best scores when it comes to detecting malware. It’s better than nothing, but it’s best for those who understand the dangers of clicking random links, or who are careful about their online events to avoid threats.
If you have kids who are happy to click, we definitely recommend an extra layer of protection, which is where Malwarebytes comes in. It works very well with Microsoft Defender, and when running, it will scan and find all threats on your system.
For added protection, we also recommend installing another antivirus, such as Bitdefender or Avast, both of which are slightly better at detecting threats so your system doesn’t get infected in the first place.
Malwarebytes Premium
While the free Malwarebytes is a great on-demand malware removal tool, there is a paid version available. Malwarebytes Premium is a paid platform that is more than a traditional antivirus. You still get invaluable removal tools from the free version.
Malwarebytes Premium has real-time protection. This means that it is always actively looking for threats and stopping them before they infect your computer. This includes blocking phishing schemes, which usually come through email and instant messages, and websites that are known to have malware file links hidden in them.
This advanced antivirus includes browser extensions that help protect you from threats while searching and working online. It checks out ad trackers, stops annoying pop-up ads, and monitors cryptojackers – programs that rely on your system to access online resources while causing your computer to run slower.
With a Malwarebytes Premium subscription, you are given the option to also subscribe to its VPN. This provides another layer of privacy while you’re online by protecting your online identity so that nothing you do can be traced back to you or your computer’s IP address.
Malwarebytes free is a valuable tool to have on hand, especially since no antivirus program is 100% safe all the time. But we recommend the additional features offered by a traditional antivirus. Usually, this is enough to protect you from a malware attack in the first place.