When comparing Windows Defender vs Malwarebytes, the Slant community recommends Windows Defender for most people. In the question“What is the best antivirus software for Windows?” Windows Defender is ranked 1st while Malwarebytes is ranked 3rd.
Specs
Ranked in these QuestionsQuestion Ranking
Pros
Pro No Ads
Pro 100% Detection Rate (according to AV-Test)
As of March 2021, Defender has been scoring perfect 6 in AV-Test ratings in all 3 categories for almost a year. The last time it scored a non-perfect score was in April 2020 which was a long time ago.
Pro Part of Windows
Pro Lightweight
Pro Achieved a perfect score in a test performed by AV-TEST
In 2014 AV-TEST tested 7 different cleaning tools (along with 10 antivirus solutions) Malwarebytes was the only tool that was capable of completely removing and restoring the system. It was concluded by AV-TEST to be the best tool for removing malware from infected computers.
Pro Antimalware
Antivirus is a specific term referring to well-known and established malware, meaning that you'll still remain vulnerable to new and unique malware if you use an antivirus. Malwarebytes is constantly updated to find newer and rarer malware.
Pro Free for manual scans
Offers a completely free scan and removal version for personal use.
Pro Light resource usage
Pro Simple setup
Pro Doesn't ignore adware and toolbars
Malwarebytes removes toolbars that get bundled with software and adware that some other products keep.
Cons
Con It doesn't even get anything
Con Harder to set exceptions and restore for false positives
Defender and its options isn't as accessible as other av programs.
Con Limited free version
Con Free version lacks scan scheduling
Premium version of the software is required to schedule scans in advance.