Antivirus
Top Companies in 2026
dfndr security vs Malwarebytes
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- Free core protection (virus scanning, anti-phishing) with millions of users
- Comprehensive feature set (antivirus, anti-theft, cleaning, etc.) in one app
- Easy to use with decent malware detection scores (AV-TEST certified)
- Application hardening
- Behavior monitoring
- Free plan available
- Very ad-heavy in free mode
- Premium version is relatively expensive and Android-only
- Some features (battery booster, etc.) add little value
- No live customer support
- Free version functions as a scanner only
- Customer support concerns
- Missing advanced tools
dfndr security, developed by Brazilian cybersecurity firm PSafe, is a well-known antivirus app for Android phones and tablets. Launched in the mid-2010s, they quickly gained popularity, amassing over 100 million downloads on Google Play thanks to their robust free offering. They aim to shield users from mobile threats, scan for malware, block phishing links, and alert users to potential scams, even within messaging apps. Over the years, PSafe has enriched dfndr security with extra features such as phone location tracking for lost devices, an app lock to protect privacy, and data breach monitoring to help users stay ahead of identity thieves. Users of dfndr security praise its ease of use, comprehensive toolkit, and free basic protection. The app’s interface is straightforward, making complex tasks like clearing junk files or securing the device accessible with a single tap. They also enjoy a strong reputation in the antivirus industry’s tests, having achieved perfect scores in some AV-TEST evaluations. However, the free version is known for frequent ads and notifications, which can be intrusive. Customer support is limited to email and online help, reflecting its focus on the mass Android market. Overall, dfndr security stands out as a solid, accessible option for Android users seeking free antivirus tools, though those wanting ad-free use or broader device support may find better value elsewhere.
Malwarebytes was founded in 2008 and is based in California. They offer cybersecurity solutions designed to prevent and remove threats like malware, ransomware, phishing attempts, and spyware. Their software is available on all major platforms, including Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS. Key features include real-time malware blocking, behavior-based threat detection, a secure VPN, browser protection, and identity monitoring. While their free version provides basic on-demand scanning, their paid plans offer broader protection with tools like scheduled scans, ransomware defense, and web filtering. Their pricing starts at $44.99 per year for one device, with higher-tier options that bundle VPN and identity theft protection. Small businesses can opt for the Teams plan, starting at $119.99 per year for three devices, which includes additional controls and priority support. Customer feedback is largely positive regarding ease of use, performance, and threat detection. Many users highlight the software’s low system impact and clean interface. However, some have reported issues with customer support and billing, particularly during cancellations or subscription changes. Still, Malwarebytes stands out for offering solid, user-friendly protection at an affordable price.
- Security Rating : Good
- VPN : Not included
- Price : Free version available (with ads); Pro plan $29.9/year; Ultra plan $69.9/year (approximately, for one device)
- Customer Experience : Fair
- Firewall : Not included
- Free Trial : 3 days
- Trustpilot Score : N/R
- Security Rating : Good
- VPN : Available
- Price : Starting at $44.99/year
- Customer Experience : Good
- Firewall : True
- Free Trial : 14-day free trial
- Trustpilot Score : 3.7 out of 5
- Real-time scam protection for WhatsApp/SMS messaging specifically
- Built-in identity theft monitoring for mobile
- One of the most downloaded antivirus apps globally (200M+ installs)
- Affordable pricing
- Browser Guard extension
- Adware Removal
- Anti-Phishing
- Anti-Spam
- Anti-Theft
- Anti-Tracking—Undisclosed
- Behavior Analysis—Undisclosed
- Cloud Scanning—Undisclosed
- Dark Web Scanning
- Dedicated Ransomware Protection
- E-mail Scan
- File Encryption
- Free Version
- ID Protection
- Intrusion Detection System (IDS)
- Malware Removal
- Mobile App
- On Demand Scan
- Real-Time Protection
- Spyware Removal
- Vulnerability Scanner
- Webcam Protection
- Adware Removal
- Anti-Phishing
- Anti-Spam
- Anti-Theft
- Anti-Tracking
- Behavior Analysis
- Cloud Scanning
- Dark Web Scanning
- Dedicated Ransomware Protection
- E-mail Scan
- File Encryption
- Free Version
- ID Protection
- Intrusion Detection System (IDS)
- Malware Removal
- Mobile App
- On Demand Scan
- Real-Time Protection
- Spyware Removal
- Vulnerability Scanner
- Webcam Protection
- Boot Time Scans—Undisclosed
- Browser Cleaner
- Disk Cleaner
- Junk Files Removal—Undisclosed
- Software/Driver Updater
- Boot Time Scans—Undisclosed
- Browser Cleaner
- Disk Cleaner
- Junk Files Removal
- Software/Driver Updater
- Cloud Storage Backup
- Live Updates
- Parental Control
- Password Manager
- Rescue Mode
- USB Rescue Toolkit
- USB Vaccination
- Cloud Storage Backup
- Live Updates
- Parental Control
- Password Manager
- Rescue Mode
- USB Rescue Toolkit
- USB Vaccination
- Android
- Browser Plugins
- ChromeOS
- Fire OS
- iOS
- Linux
- macOS
- Windows
- Android
- Browser Plugins
- ChromeOS
- Fire OS
- iOS
- Linux
- macOS
- Windows
- Community Forum
- FAQs
- Help Guides
- Live Chat
- Phone
- Social Media
- Ticket
- Community Forum
- FAQs
- Help Guides
- Live Chat
- Phone
- Social Media
- Ticket