MalwareBytes Free vs Paid - Comments Page 2

I use SUPERAntiSpyware and Malwarebytes as well as Avast- all free versions. The SUPERAntiSpyware only seems to pick up tracking cookies while Malwarebytes ignors the tracking and picks up PUPS- I have never had SUPER pick up PUPS, thus, I am wondering whether I should drop SUPER. AVAST Free is detecting suspect sites and I am happy with this program.

Last year, when I had trouble installing an HP Office Jet 4650, I came across an outfit called CTS Maintenance. They helped me and I signed up as a subscriber. don't recall the exact cost but, about $125/yr. when I have a problem, I call them and they fix it. Also, included is a monthly clean up on a date and time I select. It seems to be very thorough. Malware Bytes is one of their tools. It has been very reassuring to know that I have back up when trouble arises.

Hi Bob and thanks for a great article. I have been using Malwarebytes for years in conjunction with Norton. Between these programs, the computer has been virus free. However there were instances where both programs missed some viruses but were eventually caught during whole system scans. I have the paid version and it has blocked bad websites, identified "PUP" programs but it did not pick up tracking cookies. Norton did however but these pesky cookies keep on coming back. To sum up, the Malwarebytes program performed well over the years and it is recommended. That said hope that they keep on improving the program!

As usual, great newsletter. I use combination of bitdefender and malwarebytes free, they seem to do a great job. I do an occasional scan by windows defender, and it has yet to find anything, which seems to confirm the effectiveness of my combo.
Thank you for all your help over all these years.

I have used MBAM ever since it came out. I also run it along side of Norton Security. The only reason I use Norton is because I have used Norton ever since the good old DOS days.I like that MWBAM is easy to use. Set defaults and let it rip. I scheduled it to run every Saturday. On another note Bob, I really enjoy reading your articles. Keep up the good service you provide! You have saved me with your good advise from time to time. For example a good backup can save you hours compared to a reinstall of Windows and all of your programs plus fine tuning.

I have used Malwarebytes for years and I have never (to my knowledge)had a malware issue on my Windows 7 machine. Interestingly, I, too have occasional pop-ups regarding real-time protection having been turned off. I just click the "turn on" button and keep using the machine while feeling a little uneasy.

I, too, am a user of Malwarebytes (Paid) with no issues on my Windows 7 machines or the Windows 10 machine. I believe MBAW flags Advanced System Care as a PUP being there was lawsuit by MBAW against ASC for allegedly stealing propriety information from MBAW.

I've used the paid version for a LONG time, buying several when it was not the subscription model but pay once for a lifetime license. To their credit, they honor the lifetime license and I've updated to the latest versions with the same license (though I've had to re-enter the key after several updates).

Like above users, mbam periodically grabs 25% of the CPU for unknown reasons, and I be had it lockup the computer that has many drives with many files. I just turn ransomware and exploit protections off on my file server and the problem doesn't occur. My other computers run with full protections. I like the program and install the free version on family and friends computers I support.

I have used both the Free and Paid versions of Malwarebytes. I have been a believer of their product for a long time, since the beginning. I also have a Lifetime License for Malwarebytes, and figured out how to get my Lifetime License approval, after they went to a yearly subscription product.

Since the first of the this year, I started using Bitdefender Total Security 2018 and my Malwarebytes Premium program was stopped by Bitdefender. There was no reason given, just that it was stopped and disabled from running.

I can still get it to scan and don't see any results. Bitdefender is doing a great job of protecting me, my Hubby's computer and my Android phone. I also have Bitdefender on my Fire 10 HD Tablet, but it is only the Free version, since Bitdefender is not an Amazon App.

Damn, I do wish that Amazon would get up to snuff, on their apps. They could at least us Google Play or Google Web Store for the apps we want. However, I do love my tablet. I think the app issue will be solved in time, hopefully.

It does bother me that Bitdefender disables Malwarebytes, but Bitdefender is doing an awesome job with so little resources, that I am duly impressed. I do get emails about Bitdefender products, but not pop-ups thank the stars. I was really getting upset with Avast for all of the pop-ups I was getting about more products by Avast.

Heavens, I had purchased their paid version, what more did they want??? I guess I didn't purchased the biggest program. Well I settled that argument, I looked around and purchased Bitdefender Total Security for 3 years for 5 devices that I got so much cheaper than Avast was offering me. It still bothers me, that you can be a long standing customer of a product and still "newbies" will always get the better deal. It's the same with DirecTV, too. It simply pisses me off royally.

We've been using MalwareBytes Paid for several years. Scans are quick, thankfully I've had so few items (other than those darn PUPs) to deal with that I can't even remember when any bad guy was found. The only annoying thing is that sometimes one of their protection features would uncheck itself, which would invariably be fixed by a reboot. However, one must occasionally check to see if rootkits are included in scans--for some reason there is a problem keeping it checked.

However, when all is said and done we have been about 90% pleased with MalwareBytes Premium. After my dreadful experience with Avira, I've decided to just use Windows Defender until, when and if I can decide on another anti-virus.

I've had Malwarebytes premium for a number of years and have been mostly happy with it. On the advice of our tech guy at work, I use Windows 10 security and the two work well together.

I had the problem where various pieces turned themselves off. A couple of months ago, I upgraded to what was then a beta version. I haven't had a problem since.

I also changed the settings so that MB warns me about PUPS rather than just dealing with them.

Tell ya what, used to use the above mentioned AV'a in the beginning, and Malwarebytes- tried both subscribed and free versions...all of them?...JUNK!... Malwarebytes free used to be a good part of a malware clean up protocol, but things have changed with that company. avast! is a complete joke, especially the free version. Since moving over to Kaspersky Internet Security (paid) 5 yrs. ago we've had ZERO issues.

I too have the premium lifetime version of MB and have it set to run every day at 0700 (about the time I turn the computers on). This morning's scan took a tad over 19 minutes and that's for a complete scan-rootkits and all.
In addition I use the Windows Defender for my Win 10 Pro and the combination works trouble free.
About once a week I run Super Anti Spyware to get rid of all the cookie ads and about the same time run CCleaner to knock off the dust and CC also has very good program uninstall built in.
I can't remember the last virus I got, but it was at least 8 or 9 years ago (before MBAM had AV built in as part of their program)

I have used Malwarebytes ever since you recommended it in one of your e-books or newsletters. It seems to work well. You have now put doubts in my mind. I hope you have brought your concerns to the developers of Malwarebytes so that they are attended to

I've used Malwarebytes free and AVG free for several years on my Mac computer with no problems. I'm happy.

Mr. Rankin,
Thank you for this continued series on ‘security suites’.
The task appears to be rather ‘difficile’ to tackle.
----------------------------
“FACILE” from French, meaning EASY (Difficile = Difficult)
[collinsdictionary.com]
“FACILE” (Adjective)
1. Arrived at without due care or effort; lacking depth
2. Performing adroitly and without effort
3. Speaking readily, clearly, and effectively
[wordweb.info]
----------------------------
I am from the camp that believes ‘security should not be so complex, time-consuming, costly and/or subscription-based’.
But then, MAYBE such a dream is not achievable in this day and age.
I have also come to realize that the tested effectiveness of consumer-grade ‘security suites’ is a fast-moving target.
Especially, in light of the fact that even an above average consumer will never know how effective their chosen ‘security suite’ unless they can setup multiple computing systems and do their own vis-à-vis comparison testing under controlled conditions before making statements such as “I use productX; paid $Y and I am malware free!”
Over a decade ago, I (=tail) was forced to raise my white flag and I surrendered my trust (=wag) to Microsoft WindowsOS (=dog).
So that I can state “I use Defender; paid $0, and (I think) I am malware free!”.
But this is NOT to say/mean that I ignore the use of alternative security provisions for protection (e.g. AcronisTrueImage, data encryption, etc.).

A good read, with one error. Rob mentioned that Malwarebytes is the only other product that can be used in conjunction with other programs. Webroot is the only other one. It is a very good program, although I have used Bitdefender since day 1. I've never had an issue with them, but more important, is the fact that they have 24/7 phone and chat support. Not too many programs have this, and it's my number 1 priority in any product or service.