2026

Malwarebytes vs Kaspersky

Malwarebytes and Kaspersky compared side by side: protection, performance, pricing, and features. Which antivirus suits you better?

Malwarebytes

8.5

/ 10

Malwarebytes has built its reputation as a specialist in malware detection and removal. The Premium version offers real-time protection against malware, ransomware, and malicious websites. The software is particularly lightweight and works well as a complement or replacement for heavyweight suites. The VPN add-on provides extra privacy. The feature set is intentionally focused – those looking for extras like password managers or parental controls will need to look elsewhere.

1st Year PriceCHF 44.90 RenewalCHF 79.90 PlatformsWindows, Mac, Android, iPhone / iPad

Protection 8.9

Performance 9.2

Best for 9.0

First-year price 8.0

Key features 7.8

Support 8.3

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Kaspersky

9.0

/ 10

Kaspersky has been among the absolute top performers in independent antivirus tests for years. The Plus suite offers excellent real-time protection, VPN, password manager, and privacy tools. The Premium version adds parental controls and identity protection. Note: Kaspersky has faced scrutiny in some countries due to its Russian origin – in Switzerland and the EU, the software remains freely available and consistently receives top ratings from independent labs.

1st Year PriceCHF 42.90 RenewalCHF 79.90 PlatformsWindows, Mac, Android, iPhone / iPad

Protection 9.7

Performance 9.0

Best for 8.8

First-year price 8.4

Key features 9.3

Support 8.5

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Our Verdict

Kaspersky narrowly wins – Malwarebytes is the leaner choice.

Kaspersky scores 9.0 / 10 overall and is the stronger pick on protection and feature scope. If you value maximum performance, low resource use and lower renewal costs, Malwarebytes is the better fit. Both are excellent options for Swiss users.

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Our verdict

Kaspersky takes a slight lead in our comparison with an overall score of 9.0 out of 10 – an advantage of 0.5 points over Malwarebytes. The gap is small but consistent across multiple test dimensions.

On price, Malwarebytes currently sits at CHF 45 in year one, Kaspersky at CHF 43. Watch the renewal price closely: both are transparently listed in the table above and matter more long-term than the introductory price.

Strength profiles: Malwarebytes scores highest on system impact, Kaspersky on protection. If you care most about one of those dimensions, the choice is clear. For all-round needs, either product is a safe pick.

Feature-by-feature comparison

Criterion	Malwarebytes	Kaspersky
Real-time protection	Yes	Yes
Built-in VPN	Yes	Yes
Password manager	No	Yes
Anti-tracking / anti-phishing	No	Yes
Parental controls	No	Yes
Identity protection	No	No
Low system impact	Yes	No
Platforms	Windows, Mac, Android, iPhone / iPad	Windows, Mac, Android, iPhone / iPad
Number of devices (standard licence)	5	5
System impact in daily use	Very low	Very low

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Frequently asked questions about Malwarebytes vs Kaspersky

Which scores higher on protection, Malwarebytes or Kaspersky?

Both reach top scores in AV-TEST and AV-Comparatives – the differences are small. The exact scores are in the comparison table above.

Which is cheaper in year 1 and on renewal – Malwarebytes or Kaspersky?

Look at the price columns above: year-one price and renewal price are stated transparently side by side. The renewal delta is often the bigger cost factor over 3 years.

Which is better for families, Malwarebytes or Kaspersky?

Both offer family plans for 5–10 devices. What matters: does the product have a dedicated parental-controls mode, screen-time management and a smooth setup. Details in the feature table.

Do I get better Mac/mobile support with Malwarebytes or Kaspersky?

Platform support is listed in the comparison above. Generally: macOS performance is best with Bitdefender and Intego; Android protection is most mature with Bitdefender, Norton and Kaspersky.