As someone who works in cybersecurity, I’ve used and tested multiple antivirus and endpoint tools to help me stay current with the latest trends and software. Not to mention, it’s good practice to have a variety of tools in our arsenal. And year after year, I keep coming back to Malwarebytes.
Here’s why I still use it in 2025, what makes it stand out, and why I recommend it to anyone looking for solid protection.
1. A Tool I’ve Trusted for Years
I first downloaded Malwarebytes years ago after reading reviews and seeing how often it came up in recommendations from others. At the time, I was looking for something that was lightweight, updated often, and could catch things that Windows Defender missed, and unsurprisingly, Malwarebytes seemed to always deliver.
Even today, it’s still part of my personal toolkit. I use multiple tools, specially for analyzing, testing, and validating potential malware or suspicious programs. That says a lot, considering how often I rotate through tools professionally.
2. Still Holds Up in 2025
Over the years, I’ve used Malwarebytes on and off, mainly because I’m always evaluating new software. But every time I reinstall Malwarebytes, it reminds me why it’s so well-regarded.
It continues to detect and remove unwanted programs and adware. It’s advanced features can even detect rootkits that slip through other tools. Just recently, I reinstalled it on a system that had only been using Windows Defender and found multiple PUPs that Defender didn’t catch.
3. Real-World Results (That Other Tools Missed)
Here’s what stands out: Malwarebytes doesn’t just sit quietly in the background. It actually finds things, especially when it comes to low-level threats, browser hijackers, and stubborn adware.
That makes it a solid second layer of defense, even if you’re using another AV.
4. I Use It (And Recommend It) to Family and Friends
I run Malwarebytes on my own machines. I’ve even installed it on my old iOS phone (yes, I switched from Apple to Google Pixel – more on that on a future post) and my recently purchased Google Pixel. It’s also something I recommend to friends and family all the time. For people who want solid protection but don’t want to mess around with configuration and settings, it’s one of the easiest tools to get running.
If I install something for a relative, I want it to be:
- Simple to use
- Not bloated
- Beginner-friendly
- Effective without constant popups or upsells
Malwarebytes checks all those boxes.
5. Standout Features I Actually Use
Here’s what I rely on most:
- Real-Time Protection: Stops threats before they run.
- Web Protection: Blocks suspicious or malicious websites before the damage is done.
- Malware Cleanup: Still one of the best scanners I’ve used for cleaning up junk and infections quickly.
The browser extension is lightweight and smart. This is exactly what you want when casually browsing or clicking through email links; something that’ll give you piece of mind when browsing the web.
6. Premium Is 100% Worth It
I use the Premium version, and honestly, for what it gives you, it’s a no-brainer:
- Active threat protection
- Browser and phishing protection
- Ransomware and rootkit blocking
- Optional VPN (on higher-tier plans)
- Scheduled scanning and auto-removal
It’s not just about peace of mind. It’s about lowering your exposure to evolving threats. And in today’s threat landscape, that matters.
7. Straightforward Pricing
Here’s a quick breakdown of their 2025 Personal plans:
👉 Check Out Malwarebytes Plans
8. From a Cybersecurity Perspective
As a security admin, I like tools that do what they say, without being bloated or too flashy. Malwarebytes strikes a great balance between usability, speed, and power. It’s fast, lightweight, and surprisingly effective at catching advanced threats.
Plus, it’s beginner-friendly, which is huge when recommending it to someone who just wants something that works. It is a product that I don’t have to think twice before recommending to someone who is serious about protecting and safeguarding their assets and personal data.
9. Is It for Everyone?
If you’re barely using your PC or only use it for light browsing or email, maybe Windows Defender is enough. But if you:
- Work remotely
- Handle sensitive data
- Browse or download often
- Share devices with others
…then adding something like Malwarebytes is a smart move. Not everyone needs a premium solution, but if you want one, this is the one I recommend.
10. One Thing I’d Like to See Improved
Honestly, the only thing I’d like to see is more flexible device pricing. Sometimes the jump from one plan to another feels steep just to protect a second or third device.
Other than that, it’s one of the few tools that actually doesn’t try to upsell you to death, and I respect that.
Final Thoughts
Malwarebytes has stood the test of time. It’s effective, simple to use, and still one of the first tools I reach for, personally and professionally.
If you’re looking for a reliable security solution in 2025 that won’t slow down your machine or drown you in ads, I’d recommend giving it a shot.