If you’re undecided about Malwarebytes for macOS, then you’ve come to the right place. We cover everything you want and need to know, like what makes it stand out, and its top features. Read our review of Malwarebytes for macOS and see if it’s right for you.
Written by Ria du Plessis - Web Developer Updated on September 22 , 2021 |
Malwarebytes for macOS has an excellent reputation, mainly because it doesn't use a lot of system resources and is easy to use. Read on for the pros and cons.
Malwarebytes is a straightforward yet highly effective antivirus program for macOS that doesn’t come overloaded with pointless features. Below you’ll find some of the main tools available on Malwarebytes Premium for macOS.
Malwarebytes for macOS, Premium or free version, has a rule-based system that it uses to find malware. It looks for specific behaviors and characteristics associated with harmful software. It also has the more traditional signature-based malware scans.
Once viruses are detected, Malwarebytes will proactively remove the threats before they infect your macOShine.
If you have any viruses, spyware, or malware on your macOS, Malwarebytes will run a virus scan and ensure that all infected files are quarantined and cleaned off your device. There’s no need for any manual intervention to find the virus yourself or use other system tools. You can use the functionality in Malwarebytes for macOS to get rid of the threats.
Many users don't know the difference between a virus, malware, and spyware. Malware is software that’s been designed to damage and destroy computers and their systems. Common malware includes worms, viruses, spyware, trojan viruses, ransomware, and adware. Malwarebytes for macOS prevents all of the above-mentioned harmful threats from infecting your macOS.
Adware is another name for advertisement-supported software. Creators of adware are advertisements or developers that help distribute software for money. Often ads are embedded into the software themselves. Adware may also encourage you to download additional software created by third-party providers. Malwarebytes for macOS ensures that these types of adware and unwanted programs are blocked before you encounter them.
You can do manual scans from Malwarebytes for macOS. Only with the Premium edition can you schedule scans to take place automatically wherever and whenever you’d like.
Malwarebytes for macOS will automatically get the latest virus definitions for you to ensure that your device is always fully protected against the latest threats. This feature is only available to Malwarebytes for macOS Premium users.
If your macOS identifies that you’re opening software that isn’t from a registered developer with Apple, you’ll get a warning notification. There isn’t always an issue here, but apps developed before Apple ID registration will be highlighted. This means that the app still needs to be reviewed, and macOS can't verify if the app has been broken or modified since its release.
One of the most typical ways of redistributing harmful malware is inserting dangerous code into an existing app and dispensing it from there. This is why apps released by unidentified developers might contain harmful code. Malwarebytes for macOS will automatically block these types of apps that unknown developers release.
Malwarebytes for macOS is a simple tool to use for protecting your macOS. The software doesn’t have too many features and this makes it very user-friendly.
Scanning your device When you scan your system, Malwarebytes for macOS will detect and remove viruses, malware, trojans, and other unwanted potentially harmful items. Users should scan their devices at least once a week, even if they have real-time protection enabled.
You can run a Threat Scan while your macOS is running, and with the Premium version of Malwarebytes for macOS, you have access to scheduled scans. Once the scan finishes, you’ll have the option to view a detailed scan report. Below are some screenshots of how the scans look.
Scanner Overview
Scan Report
One of the most significant features of Malwarebytes for macOS is the extensive reporting that they offer. This way, you’ll always know what has been happening in the backend of your machine.
You’ll have access to the following event reports: scans, licensing, configuration, updates, notifications, quarantine, and miscellaneous. To view these records, see the Detection History card and then the Reports tab.
A more detailed explanation of what the reports look like is available below.
Malwarebytes for macOS is simple and straightforward. It's an antivirus program that doesn't have an overkill of features, making it very easy to use. We'll have a more detailed look below at some of the privacy and security features.
This will give you the fastest and safest web browsing experience and block trackers and malicious websites. It also filters out ads and other unwanted content. Because of this, users will experience web browsing up to four times the speed.
Browser Guard also offers phishing protection. This is beneficial to gamers as phishing sites often mask themselves as popular, secure sites. If online gamers mistakenly enter their login credentials on one of these sites, their details will be stolen.
Top Features Include:
Browser Guard Control Panel
Browser Guard Reporting
Malwarebytes VPN doesn't collect users' online activity logs and offers virtual server connections throughout 30 countries. The company's press release confirmed that any web-related data isn’t collected, not even for themselves once connected to their VPN. This includes IP addresses, user bandwidth, DNS requests, and web traffic.
This sounds like it’s a highly suitable VPN for gaming as this will potentially improve your ping results in-game. With VPN connections offered in multiple locations, this could improve your connection speed to the gaming server and improve packet loss.
Below is a screenshot of the VPN connecting to the USA server location.
| Plan | Devices | Price |
| Malwarebytes Premium 1 | 1 device | $3.33 per month |
| Malwarebytes Premium 5 | 5 devices | $6.67 per month |
| Premium plus VPN | 5 devices | $8.33 per month |
It offers a layout that's stripped back and simple for users to navigate, with the Dashboard acting as the user menu. Below we'll tell you more about the Dashboard screen layout.
The title bar is right on top and displays the version you have. It also shows you if you have the Premium or free version.
The settings button is the gear on the far right-hand corner. This allows you to configure your software, view your license key, and access your scan settings.
The top center of the screen displays the current status of the program. This is where you’ll see if action is required when the Real-Time Protection layer isn’t active. If there’s no action required, you’ll see a notice that tells you that your device is protected.
The main interface page also shows your detection history, your scanner, scheduled scans, and your real-time protection options.
You’ve now completed the uninstallation process.
This is the easiest way to remove all of the components related to Malwarebytes for macOS. You won’t have any additional files remaining in your system.
Malwarebytes for macOS is a great antivirus solution for macOS. It scans your device super quickly and is known for how easy it is to use. If you’re looking for a simple antivirus solution, then this one's for you.
That said, more technically advanced users may want a package that offers more features. So it may be an excellent choice for the technically challenged but too simple for more advanced users.
