If you’re undecided, let our head-to-head battle settle it for you. May the best software win.
On the surface level, there’s no denying that both Kaspersky and Malwarebytes provide a wide-array of protective services. Both have flexible pricing, while Kaspersky has unparalleled threat detection and Malwarebytes has a great interface and takes the fight to adware and zero-day threats.
Virus detection
If you’re going to fight viruses, your program first needs to be able to detect them. Kaspersky can root out all types of threats from malware to Trojans to rootkits and internet-based threats. Kaspersky automatically scans while you work – when you open an application or surf a website, the software launches a scan without being prompted, in order to spot and stop threats before they emerge. Kaspersky also automatically updates on a constant basis, to stay ahead of the game.
Malwarebytes scans for malware and viruses under three separate options – threat scan, custom scan, and hyper scan. Whenever a threat is detected it is automatically quarantined. Malwarebytes gives you the flexibility to decide which types of scans to run and what to focus on, while providing security solutions for zero-day attacks, exploit kids, and ransomware.
Winner: Kaspersky. Malwarebytes is customizable and can fight a wide variety of threats, but Kaspersky constantly scans to stay ahead of the game and is one of the most adept programs on the market at predicting emergent threats.
Software usability
Installation is easy and fast with both Malwarebytes and Kaspersky, so it shouldn’t take you long to get up and scanning. Both options have easy to interface and are user-friendly. Kaspersky users benefit from the software’s automatic updates which keep your devices protected without you have to direct it or keep on top of things. With Malwarebytes, the color-coded threat detection and elimination system couldn’t be easier to use. There is a bar displayed which shows you if your computer is secure or not, and how long you’ve gone without a scan. When it turns red, that means the system has detected a threat.
Winner: Malwarebytes
The color-coded system is about as user-friendly as it gets, and the interface and set up make the system very easy to use even for a novice.
Features
If you’re looking for features, Kaspersky has you covered – and then some. Kaspersky automatically updates and provides real time protection and removal of a whole series of threats including spyware, worms, Trojans, and viruses, and more, with a 100% protection guarantee. If parents are looking for a little peace of mind, Kaspersky can provide parental controls, while you can use the internet and not worry about malicious sites with Kapersky’s safe surfing mode. In addition, they can keep your details safe with their ID theft protection, and a safe social profile mode which gives you another level of safety online.
Malwarebytes also secures your devices against the whole gamut of security threats, with three different scan options. When a threat sets off the warning bells, Malwarebytes automatically quarantined it for removal. It also protects against zero-day threats and drive-by download attacks.
Winner: Kaspersky just has too much in their toolkit.
Value for Money
At $39.95 for a one-year contract for a single device, Kaspersky is an affordable option that gives you more bang for your buck the more licenses you buy. With a 30-day money back guarantee, you can also give it a test run without making a commitment. That price is the entry level for home protection, the premium home security costs $59.95/year, while the total security package runs at $79.95. For business security solutions, there is yet more flexibility. Their endpoint select package provides 10 licenses for one year $539, while their cloud endpoint is 10 for $485, and their most expensive option, the endpoint security advance, provides 10 licenses for one year at $995.
With Malwarebytes, the pricing is simpler. For the personal premium plan, $39.99 is enough to provide you with one license for a year, while if you sign up for a 2-year plan it drops to $30/license. With their business on-premises package, the price starts at $57.99 for one year, down to $97.99 for two years and three years at $128.99. That is a good discount, though you’re only saving $44.98 dollars over three years by signing up for that plan.
Winner: Malwarebytes’ pricing plan is more straightforward and provides discounts for signing up for longer service plans.
Customer Support
If things go wrong, you’re going to want somebody to swoop in and give you a hand. With Kaspersky, you can rest easy with 24/7 support on the Kaspersky rescue desk, as well as a telephone help line that is answered until 11pm seven days a week in the US and Canada. Help lines are also available in dozens of other countries though at more limited hours. They also have an extensive knowledge base where you can find answers to most questions and an online form and live chat if you’re still in need.
On Malwarebytes, you can access a live chat with a customer support representative from Monday - Friday, 6am to 6pm Pacific standard time. Otherwise, they have an easy to use online form for filling out a service ticket, as well as an extensive knowledge base where answers are provided for a wide variety of questions. Using their phone support system requires a service charge.
Winner: Kaspersky simply has much more extensive customer service options than Malwarebytes.
Overall Winner
Kaspersky was the clear winner in our head-to-head, even though Malwarebytes did best them when it comes to pricing and software usability despite their real shortcomings in customer service and features. Whatever your antivirus security needs, be they business or residential, Kaspersky is a top-of-the-line option that has earned its spot as a leader of the cyber-security industry.
