# ESET vs Malwarebytes for antivirus software

ESET and Malwarebytes are closely matched for core workflows. Both offer a trial; both support macos protection, android protection, ios protection, and real-time malware protection. ESET has confirmed windows protection, webcam protection, and microphone protection. Malwarebytes has confirmed web protection.

## Key decision points

- ESET has confirmed windows protection; windows protection is not yet confirmed for Malwarebytes.
- Malwarebytes has confirmed web protection; web protection is not yet confirmed for ESET.
- ESET has confirmed webcam protection; webcam protection is not yet confirmed for Malwarebytes.
- ESET has confirmed microphone protection; microphone protection is not yet confirmed for Malwarebytes.

## Choose ESET if…

- Choose ESET if confirmed windows protection matters to you; this detail is not yet confirmed for Malwarebytes.
- Choose ESET if confirmed webcam protection matters to you; this detail is not yet confirmed for Malwarebytes.
- Choose ESET if confirmed microphone protection matters to you; this detail is not yet confirmed for Malwarebytes.

## Choose Malwarebytes if…

- Choose Malwarebytes if confirmed web protection matters to you; this detail is not yet confirmed for ESET.

## Platforms

| Feature | ESET | Malwarebytes |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Windows protection | Yes (verified 5 September 2026; [source](https://help.eset.com/home_eset/en-US/products_features.html)) | Not confirmed |
| macOS protection | Yes (verified 5 September 2026; [source](https://www.eset.com/us/)) | Yes (verified 5 September 2026; [source](https://www.malwarebytes.com/)) |
| Android protection | Yes (verified 5 September 2026; [source](https://help.eset.com/home_eset/en-US/products_features.html)) | Yes (verified 5 September 2026; [source](https://www.malwarebytes.com/)) |
| iOS protection | Yes (verified 5 September 2026; [source](https://help.eset.com/home_eset/en-US/products_features.html)) | Yes (verified 5 September 2026; [source](https://www.malwarebytes.com/)) |

## Features

| Feature | ESET | Malwarebytes |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Real-time malware protection | Yes (verified 5 September 2026; [source](https://www.eset.com/us/)) | Yes (verified 5 September 2026; [source](https://www.malwarebytes.com/)) |
| Ransomware protection | Yes (verified 5 September 2026; [source](https://www.eset.com/us/)) | Yes (verified 5 September 2026; [source](https://www.malwarebytes.com/)) |
| Phishing protection | Yes (verified 5 September 2026; [source](https://www.eset.com/us/)) | Yes (verified 5 September 2026; [source](https://www.malwarebytes.com/)) |
| Web protection | Not confirmed | Yes (verified 5 September 2026; [source](https://www.malwarebytes.com/)) |
| Firewall | Yes (verified 5 September 2026; [source](https://www.eset.com/us/)) | Not confirmed |
| VPN included | Yes (verified 5 September 2026; [source](https://www.eset.com/us/)) | Yes (verified 5 September 2026; [source](https://www.malwarebytes.com/)) |
| Identity monitoring | Not confirmed | Yes (verified 5 September 2026; [source](https://www.malwarebytes.com/)) |
| Dark web monitoring | Yes (verified 5 September 2026; [source](https://www.eset.com/us/)) | Yes (verified 5 September 2026; [source](https://www.malwarebytes.com/)) |
| Webcam protection | Yes (verified 5 September 2026; [source](https://www.eset.com/us/)) | Not confirmed |
| Microphone protection | Yes (verified 5 September 2026; [source](https://www.eset.com/us/)) | Not confirmed |

## Pricing

| Feature | ESET | Malwarebytes |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Free trial | Yes (verified 5 September 2026; [source](https://www.eset.com/us/home/protection-plans/)) | Yes (verified 5 September 2026; [source](https://www.malwarebytes.com/)) |
| Money-back guarantee | Not confirmed | 60 (verified 5 September 2026; [source](https://www.malwarebytes.com/)) |

## Commercial

| Feature | ESET | Malwarebytes |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Affiliate programme | Not confirmed | Yes (verified 5 September 2026; [source](https://www.malwarebytes.com/)) |

## Evidence

- **ESET — Windows protection:** Yes. Last verified 5 September 2026. Source: https://help.eset.com/home_eset/en-US/products_features.html. Evidence: “ESET NOD32 Antivirus ✔”
- **ESET — macOS protection:** Yes. Last verified 5 September 2026. Source: https://www.eset.com/us/. Evidence: “Available also for macOS”
- **Malwarebytes — macOS protection:** Yes. Last verified 5 September 2026. Source: https://www.malwarebytes.com/. Evidence: “Protects PCs, Macs, Androids, and iPhones”
- **ESET — Android protection:** Yes. Last verified 5 September 2026. Source: https://help.eset.com/home_eset/en-US/products_features.html. Evidence: “ESET Mobile Security     ✔”
- **Malwarebytes — Android protection:** Yes. Last verified 5 September 2026. Source: https://www.malwarebytes.com/. Evidence: “Protects PCs, Macs, Androids, and iPhones”
- **ESET — iOS protection:** Yes. Last verified 5 September 2026. Source: https://help.eset.com/home_eset/en-US/products_features.html. Evidence: “ESET Mobile Security     ✔”
- **Malwarebytes — iOS protection:** Yes. Last verified 5 September 2026. Source: https://www.malwarebytes.com/. Evidence: “Protects PCs, Macs, Androids, and iPhones”
- **ESET — Real-time malware protection:** Yes. Last verified 5 September 2026. Source: https://www.eset.com/us/. Evidence: “Real-time antivirus protection Our security shields you from more than just viruses, protecting against malware, ransomware, spyware, phishing, and more.”
- **Malwarebytes — Real-time malware protection:** Yes. Last verified 5 September 2026. Source: https://www.malwarebytes.com/. Evidence: “Malwarebytes Premium Security is a user-friendly and effective antivirus solution designed to protect your personal devices and data in real-time.”
- **ESET — Ransomware protection:** Yes. Last verified 5 September 2026. Source: https://www.eset.com/us/. Evidence: “Real-time antivirus protection Our security shields you from more than just viruses, protecting against malware, ransomware, spyware, phishing, and more.”
- **Malwarebytes — Ransomware protection:** Yes. Last verified 5 September 2026. Source: https://www.malwarebytes.com/. Evidence: “Advanced antivirus protection against malware, ransomware, and more”
- **ESET — Phishing protection:** Yes. Last verified 5 September 2026. Source: https://www.eset.com/us/. Evidence: “Real-time antivirus protection Our security shields you from more than just viruses, protecting against malware, ransomware, spyware, phishing, and more.”
- **Malwarebytes — Phishing protection:** Yes. Last verified 5 September 2026. Source: https://www.malwarebytes.com/. Evidence: “Protection from malicious Websites and scams”
- **Malwarebytes — Web protection:** Yes. Last verified 5 September 2026. Source: https://www.malwarebytes.com/. Evidence: “Protection from malicious Websites and scams”
- **ESET — Firewall:** Yes. Last verified 5 September 2026. Source: https://www.eset.com/us/. Evidence: “Firewall, Wi-Fi and network shield Filter unwanted content, secure access to your network, and test your home router and smart devices for vulnerabilities.”
- **ESET — VPN included:** Yes. Last verified 5 September 2026. Source: https://www.eset.com/us/. Evidence: “Unlimited VPN Traffic Shield your connection and prevent unwanted tracking—anytime, anywhere.”
- **Malwarebytes — VPN included:** Yes. Last verified 5 September 2026. Source: https://www.malwarebytes.com/. Evidence: “Privacy from Wi-fi snoopers”
- **Malwarebytes — Identity monitoring:** Yes. Last verified 5 September 2026. Source: https://www.malwarebytes.com/. Evidence: “Our comprehensive identity theft monitoring and insurance keep your identity where it belongs—with you.”
- **ESET — Dark web monitoring:** Yes. Last verified 5 September 2026. Source: https://www.eset.com/us/. Evidence: “Dark web scanning Scanning thousands of websites, including those on the Dark Web, blogs and other data sources to detect the illegal trading of your personal information.”
- **Malwarebytes — Dark web monitoring:** Yes. Last verified 5 September 2026. Source: https://www.malwarebytes.com/. Evidence: “Malwarebytes Identity Theft Protection scans the dark web and other sources for your personal information.”
- **ESET — Webcam protection:** Yes. Last verified 5 September 2026. Source: https://www.eset.com/us/. Evidence: “Lock and track missing devices, secure access to your webcam, and monitor microphone activity for enhanced privacy and control.”
- **ESET — Microphone protection:** Yes. Last verified 5 September 2026. Source: https://www.eset.com/us/. Evidence: “Lock and track missing devices, secure access to your webcam, and monitor microphone activity for enhanced privacy and control.”
- **ESET — Free trial:** Yes. Last verified 5 September 2026. Source: https://www.eset.com/us/home/protection-plans/. Evidence: “Free 30-day trial No credit card required”
- **Malwarebytes — Free trial:** Yes. Last verified 5 September 2026. Source: https://www.malwarebytes.com/. Evidence: “Download today to start your free virus and malware scan.”
- **Malwarebytes — Money-back guarantee:** 60. Last verified 5 September 2026. Source: https://www.malwarebytes.com/. Evidence: “60-day money back guarantee on all annual plans”
- **Malwarebytes — Affiliate programme:** Yes. Last verified 5 September 2026. Source: https://www.malwarebytes.com/. Evidence: “PARTNER WITH MALWAREBYTES Computer Repair Affiliates Strategic Business Partnerships Resellers”