Security is one of the fundamental aspects of any computer. There are more and more dangers that are hidden in the network, and these are increasingly more aggressive and complicated both to detect in time and to mitigate. Therefore, the first thing we should do on our computer, even before connecting to the Internet for the first time, is to install a good antivirus. And, although there are many security programs on the market, surely two of them have been on our minds more than once: Windows Defender and Malwarebytes Anti-Malware. Which of the two is capable of offering us better security?
Windows Defender: the essential antivirus for Windows
When we install Windows 10 or Windows 11, the operating system activates its own antivirus, the well-known Windows Defender . This is Microsoft‘s security software, the evolution of the disastrous Security Essentials, with which we can be protected against all kinds of threats on the network. Although it did not get off to a very good start, Microsoft has known how to work on its antivirus to make it the best free antivirus for Windows , as all independent security tests show.
This security program not only protects us from viruses, but also has its own firewall, a protection shield and application control, and even monitors the system memory and the kernel to prevent an exploit from attacking any of the processes . Of course, one of the best capable of protecting our computer. And, furthermore, being from Microsoft and being included as standard in Windows, it is guaranteed not to have problems.
Malwarebytes: from “antimalware” to “antivirus”
Malwarebytes is another of the security programs that has been around for the longest time. This program has always been considered something different from a conventional antivirus, being in charge of eliminating all the threats that antiviruses tend to ignore. However, for some time now, its developers have wanted to go further and turn it into a complete security suite, with an antivirus engine, capable of protecting us not only from malware, but also from viruses, ransomware, and hackers.
Of course, these functions are only available to users who purchase the Premium version of the program. If we choose to use the free version, we will only have the possibility to search for and eliminate malware on demand (that is, by hand, whenever we want), but we will not be able to use this program as security software.
Which one do I stay with?
The truth is that Windows Defender beats Malwarebytes in almost everything: it’s a totally free antivirus, it’s capable of protecting us from all kinds of threats (including ransomware), and also from exploits and hackers. In addition, security tests reveal that it is one of the most accurate antiviruses when it comes to detecting all kinds of threats, even the newest ones. Your weak point? It suffers from performance problems when installing and running programs for the first time.
Malwarebytes has improved a lot in recent months. According to the latest security tests, it has gone from being one of the last to winning the Top antivirus award, just like Defender. However, it is still not as accurate as its rivals (although it will continue to improve until it is). Your problem? That despite not being as predictable as its rival, it is a payment program, and we will have to pay every month to have lower security.
So should I uninstall this program from the PC? Not much less. Malwarebytes Anti-Malware is still one of the best programs to scan your PC and clean it of all the threats that may have missed the antivirus. An essential security must-have that, in its free version, can work perfectly together with Windows Defender to get second opinions.
