antivirus–vergleich.ch
2026

Microsoft Defender vs Malwarebytes

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

Microsoft
Microsoft Defender
8.7
/ 10

Microsoft Defender comes pre-installed on every Windows PC and provides solid baseline protection against malware, phishing, and ransomware. In independent tests, Defender now performs well and is often sufficient for users with cautious browsing habits. However, anyone who needs VPN, password manager, extended web protection, or parental controls should consider a paid suite. As a free reference point, Defender is the most important comparison benchmark.

1st Year PriceCHF 0.00 RenewalCHF 0.00 PlatformsWindows
Protection 8.7
Performance 9.0
Best for 9.3
First-year price 10.0
Key features 7.2
Support 7.8
Malwarebytes
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
Visit vendor

* Affiliate link. We may earn a commission – the price stays the same for you.

Our Verdict

Microsoft Defender narrowly wins – Malwarebytes is the leaner choice.

Microsoft Defender scores 8.7 / 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.

See Microsoft Defender in detail

Our verdict

Microsoft Defender is a respectable free baseline for Windows in 2026. Malwarebytes (score: 8.5 out of 10) adds web/phishing filter, ransomware module, VPN and password manager – features Defender still does not provide.

On price, Microsoft Defender currently sits at CHF 0 in year one, Malwarebytes at CHF 45. Watch the renewal price closely: both are transparently listed in the table above and matter more long-term than the introductory price.

Strength profiles: Microsoft Defender scores highest on price-performance, Malwarebytes on system impact. 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 Microsoft Defender Malwarebytes
Real-time protection Yes Yes
Built-in VPN No Yes
Password manager No No
Anti-tracking / anti-phishing No No
Parental controls No No
Identity protection No No
Low system impact Yes Yes
Platforms Windows Windows, Mac, Android, iPhone / iPad
Number of devices (standard licence) 1 5
System impact in daily use Very low Very low

More comparisons with Microsoft Defender

More comparisons with Malwarebytes

Frequently asked questions about Microsoft Defender vs Malwarebytes

Is Microsoft Defender enough or do I need :paid?
Defender is solid baseline protection in 2026 and enough for cautious users on up-to-date Windows with 2FA. :paid adds VPN, password manager, web/phishing filter, ransomware module and anti-tracking – useful for banking, crypto, heavy web research or a family setup.
How much does :paid cost per month vs Defender?
Defender is free; :paid costs roughly CHF 3–8/month in year one (converted) and rises on renewal. The exact price is in the table above.
Does :paid slow my PC more than Defender?
In AV-TEST performance tests most commercial suites match or slightly exceed Defender. In daily use on modern hardware the difference is barely noticeable.
Can I run :paid and Defender at the same time?
No – as soon as :paid is installed, Defender disables itself automatically. Two active real-time scanners cause conflicts and should be avoided.