ESET vs Malwarebytes
Updated June 2026 · A structured head-to-head comparison.
Malware protection and cleanup.
The verdict
Both ESET and Malwarebytes are credible antivirus tools, and the right pick comes down to your priorities.
Choose ESET if you want a longer free trial (30 days). Lightweight, effective antivirus.
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.
ESET vs Malwarebytes: side by side
| Dimension | ESET | Malwarebytes |
|---|---|---|
| Starting price | From $3.33/mo | Free – $5/moWinner |
| Free plan | No | YesWinner |
| Free trial | 30 daysWinner | — |
| Pricing model | Subscription | Freemium |
| Best for | Individuals, Smb | Individuals |
| Platforms | Windows, Mac, Linux, Android | Windows, Mac, Ios, Android |
| Rating | 4.5/5 | 4.6/5 |
ESET key facts
- Vendor
- ESET
- Pricing
- Subscription — From $3.33/mo
- Free tier
- Free trial (30 days)
- Platforms
- Windows, Mac, Linux, Android
- Best for
- Individuals, Smb
- Editor rating
- 4.5 / 5
- Founded
- 1992
- Headquarters
- Bratislava, Slovakia
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 ESET better than Malwarebytes?
Neither is universally better — Malwarebytes 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 ESET or Malwarebytes cheaper?
Malwarebytes is the more affordable of the two to get started, at free – $5/mo. ESET starts at from $3.33/mo; Malwarebytes starts at free – $5/mo.
Can ESET 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.