CrowdStrike Falcon vs Malwarebytes
Updated June 2026 · A structured head-to-head comparison.
Cloud-native endpoint protection (EDR).
Malware protection and cleanup.
The verdict
Both CrowdStrike Falcon and Malwarebytes are credible antivirus tools, and the right pick comes down to your priorities.
Choose CrowdStrike Falcon if you want a longer free trial (15 days). Cloud-native endpoint protection (EDR).
Choose Malwarebytes if you'd rather have a lower starting price (free – $5/mo) and a free plan to start on. Malware protection and cleanup.
CrowdStrike Falcon vs Malwarebytes: side by side
| Dimension | CrowdStrike Falcon | Malwarebytes |
|---|---|---|
| Starting price | Custom | Free – $5/moWinner |
| Free plan | No | YesWinner |
| Free trial | 15 daysWinner | — |
| Pricing model | Subscription | Freemium |
| Best for | Enterprise | Individuals |
| Platforms | Windows, Mac, Linux | Windows, Mac, Ios, Android |
| Rating | 4.7/5 | 4.6/5 |
CrowdStrike Falcon key facts
- Vendor
- CrowdStrike
- Pricing
- Subscription — Custom
- Free tier
- Free trial (15 days)
- Platforms
- Windows, Mac, Linux
- Best for
- Enterprise
- Editor rating
- 4.7 / 5
- Founded
- 2011
- Headquarters
- Austin, TX, USA
Malwarebytes key facts
- Vendor
- Malwarebytes
- Pricing
- Freemium — Free – $5/mo
- Free tier
- Yes
- Platforms
- Windows, Mac, Ios, Android
- Best for
- Individuals
- Editor rating
- 4.6 / 5
- Founded
- 2008
- Headquarters
- Santa Clara, CA, USA
Frequently asked questions
Is CrowdStrike Falcon better than Malwarebytes?
Neither is universally better — CrowdStrike Falcon edges ahead on overall rating, but the best choice depends on price, platforms, and your use case. See the side-by-side table above.
Is CrowdStrike Falcon or Malwarebytes cheaper?
Malwarebytes is the more affordable of the two to get started, at free – $5/mo. CrowdStrike Falcon starts at custom; Malwarebytes starts at free – $5/mo.
Can CrowdStrike Falcon replace Malwarebytes?
Yes for most teams — both are antivirus tools with heavily overlapping features. The main trade-offs are pricing and platform support, covered in the comparison above.