Mullvad VPN vs Malwarebytes
Which is better in 2026? Five scores, side by side.
Mullvad VPN is the better app overall, scoring 8.9 to 8.0. Mullvad VPN wins on 5 of the 5 scores, Malwarebytes on 0.
People who want a VPN that knows as little about them as possible
Windows and Mac users who want a trusted cleanup tool and extra scam protection
Score by score
The details
| Feature | Mullvad VPN | Malwarebytes |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Privacy & Security | Privacy & Security |
| Category rank | #7 of 10 | #10 of 10 |
| Developer | Mullvad VPN AB | Malwarebytes |
| Pricing | Subscription | Free + paid plans |
| Usable for free | No | Yes |
| iPhone & iPad | ✓ | ✓ |
| Android | ✓ | ✓ |
| Mac | ✓ | ✓ |
| Windows | ✓ | ✓ |
| Linux | ✓ | — |
Common questions
Is Mullvad VPN better than Malwarebytes?
Mullvad VPN is the better app overall, scoring 8.9 to 8.0. Mullvad VPN wins on 5 of the 5 scores, Malwarebytes on 0.
Which is cheaper, Mullvad VPN or Malwarebytes?
Mullvad VPN: Flat €5 a month (about $5.61); no free plan and no long-term discounts. Malwarebytes: Free cleanup scanner; Standard from $59.99/year for 3 devices. On value for money, Mullvad VPN scores higher.
Do Mullvad VPN and Malwarebytes work on the same devices?
Only Mullvad VPN runs on Linux.
Which is more private, Mullvad VPN or Malwarebytes?
Mullvad VPN scores higher on privacy (9.9/10). App Store label: Data Not Collected. You sign up with a random account number, no email, and can pay with cash or crypto. Apps are open source and servers run from RAM.
Strengths and weaknesses
Mullvad VPN
- Collects almost nothing about you
- One flat price with no renewal surprises
- Open-source apps and independent audits
- Less reliable for unblocking streaming services
- No free plan, and no port forwarding
Mullvad is the most privacy-focused VPN you can use. You sign up with a random account number instead of an email, can pay with cash or cryptocurrency, and pay one flat €5 a month with no upsells. The apps are open source, servers run from RAM, and DAITA helps hide your traffic patterns. Its App Store label says it collects no data at all. It has fewer streaming tricks than mainstream VPNs.
Full Mullvad VPN review
Malwarebytes
- Free scanner is great for cleaning up infections
- Light enough to run alongside built-in antivirus
- Simple, clear interface
- Real-time protection requires a subscription
- Frequent upgrade prompts and in-app offers
Malwarebytes is a strong second line of defense. The free version is a handy on-demand scanner for cleaning up an infected PC or Mac, and paid plans add real-time protection plus web and scam blocking. On iPhone it focuses on scam texts, risky links and sketchy Wi-Fi, and Scam Guard can now check anything you share to it. The downsides are frequent upgrade prompts and overlap with protection already built into your system.
Full Malwarebytes review
