Malwarebytes vs Webroot: Complete Comparison Guide [UK]

Choosing cybersecurity software requires navigating countless options, each promising comprehensive protection. Malwarebytes and Webroot consistently emerge as leading contenders, yet their approaches differ significantly. This guide offers an independent, data-driven comparison to help UK users choose the right solution.

Both Malwarebytes and Webroot offer robust malware protection, but Malwarebytes excels at thorough detection and removal, whilst Webroot prioritises minimal system impact through cloud-based technology.

This comprehensive analysis examines their features, performance benchmarks, pricing structures, and real-world effectiveness to determine which best suits your specific requirements. We’ll explore detection rates from independent laboratories, system performance impacts, user experiences, and cost analyses—all with UK pricing and context. This article will help you make an informed decision between Malwarebytes and Webroot, two of the most respected cybersecurity solutions available.

At a Glance: Malwarebytes and Webroot — The Essential Breakdown

Before examining detailed comparisons, here’s how Malwarebytes and Webroot stack up across key factors:

Feature / Aspect	Malwarebytes Premium	Webroot SecureAnywhere
Primary Focus	Advanced anti-malware, ransomware, PUP removal	Lightweight, cloud-based threat prevention
Detection Method	Heuristics, behaviour, signatures, anomaly detection	Real-time cloud lookup, journaling, behaviour monitoring
System Impact	Moderate (more noticeable during scans)	Extremely low (minimal CPU/RAM usage)
Annual Cost (UK)	From £29.99 (1 device)	From £24.99 (1 device)
Key Strength	Comprehensive clean-up & browser protection	Fast scans, robust identity theft prevention
Ideal For	Proactive users, post-infection cleanup needs	Performance-focused, always-on protection
AV-TEST Detection Rate (2023)	99.9%	99.7%
Free Version Available	Yes (limited features)	Yes (very limited)

Quick Answer: Malwarebytes and Webroot Pricing (2025 UK)

Understanding costs helps narrow your decision quickly. Both Malwarebytes and Webroot offer competitive pricing with different value propositions, though exact GBP prices vary by vendor, promotional periods, and regional checkout.

1. Malwarebytes Pricing:
   • Premium single-device: UK pricing varies by retailer and promotions; an official vendor checkout is required for the current GBP price.
   • Premium multi-device packs: UK retailers commonly list 5-device annual licences for around £34.99.
   • Premium + Privacy bundles: Combined protection and VPN bundles available; pricing varies by region—confirm at Malwarebytes UK checkout.
2. Webroot Pricing:
   • SecureAnywhere AntiVirus (1 device): Official Webroot UK product pages show single-device pricing around £29.99; third-party retailers may offer promotional pricing.
   • Internet Security Complete and Plus: Multi-device tiers available with identity protection features; exact GBP pricing varies by vendor and promotional period.

Value Comparison: Multi-device packs typically offer better value per device than single licences for both vendors. UK retail examples show 5-device Malwarebytes Premium packs at approximately £34.99 (roughly £7.00 per device). Both Malwarebytes and Webroot provide 30-day money-back guarantees. Prices fluctuate with vendor promotions—always verify current pricing at official vendor checkouts or authorised UK retailers before purchase. VAT is included in the final prices, which are displayed at checkout.

Malwarebytes: Comprehensive Protection for Active Users

Malwarebytes has established itself as a trusted name in anti-malware protection since its founding in 2008, initially gaining recognition for detecting threats that traditional antivirus often missed. Today, the platform has evolved into a comprehensive security suite addressing multiple threat vectors.

Core Features and Capabilities

Malwarebytes Premium includes real-time malware protection that blocks ransomware, zero-day threats, and exploits before they execute. The web protection component prevents access to malicious websites and phishing attempts, whilst dedicated ransomware protection stops file encryption attacks. Privacy protection blocks trackers and unwanted advertisements, maintaining online anonymity. The malware removal engine scans and eliminates existing infections, thoroughly cleaning the systems. Cross-platform availability extends protection to Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS devices, allowing unified management across all personal technology.

Malware Detection Performance

Independent testing consistently demonstrates Malwarebytes’ detection capabilities. AV-TEST awarded scores reflecting 99.9% detection rates against known malware in 2023 evaluations. The software excels at identifying potentially unwanted programs (PUPs) that other solutions overlook, making it particularly effective for users who frequently install software or browse diverse websites. Real-time protection intercepts threats at multiple stages, from initial download through execution attempts. The heuristic analysis engine identifies suspicious behaviour patterns, catching novel threats before signature updates become available.

System Performance Impact

Resource consumption varies depending on active features and scan types. Real-time protection maintains a minimal footprint during typical usage, consuming approximately 150-200 MB of RAM. Full system scans temporarily increase CPU usage, which may affect performance on older machines with limited processing power. Most users report negligible impact during everyday activities like web browsing, document editing, or video streaming. Installation requires approximately 300 MB of disk space, and scan times vary based on drive size and file quantity—typically completing in 30-45 minutes for standard consumer systems.

User Interface and Experience

The interface features a straightforward design that is accessible to users regardless of their technical expertise. The dashboard clearly displays the protection status, recent scan results, and any detected threats. One-click scanning makes regular security checks simple, whilst advanced users can access detailed settings and custom scan configurations. Installation completes in under five minutes, requiring minimal user input beyond accepting the licence terms and creating an account. Browser extensions integrate seamlessly with Chrome, Firefox, Edge, and Safari, providing real-time warnings about website reputations.

Webroot: Lightweight Cloud-Based Security

Webroot, acquired by OpenText (formerly Carbon Black) in 2019, brings over 20 years of cybersecurity experience with a distinctive cloud-based approach. This architectural choice enables extremely lightweight local software whilst maintaining comprehensive protection.

Cloud-Based ThreatSeeker Technology

The ThreatSeeker Network represents Webroot’s core innovation, leveraging cloud infrastructure to analyse threats before they reach user devices. This distributed intelligence system processes threat data from over 30 million endpoints globally, enabling rapid identification of new malware variants. The approach delivers three key advantages: minimal local software footprint (typically under 20 MB), immediate threat intelligence updates without traditional signature downloads, and continuous learning that improves detection accuracy over time. Behaviour-based analysis monitors application activities, identifying suspicious patterns even from previously unknown threats.

Detection Rates and Real-World Performance

AV-TEST evaluations show that Webroot achieved a 99.7% detection rate against established malware threats in 2023 testing. The software excels particularly in blocking known threats through its extensive cloud database, preventing infections before files execute locally. Phishing protection intercepts fraudulent websites and email scams, safeguarding personal information and credentials. Some limitations exist with highly targeted, brand-new malware that hasn’t yet entered the cloud database, though behaviour monitoring provides secondary protection. The journaling feature records system changes, enabling a complete rollback if threats slip through initial defences.

Minimal System Footprint

System resource consumption remains exceptionally low across all operations. The software consumes approximately 10-15 MB of RAM during active protection—significantly less than traditional antivirus solutions, which typically require 150+ MB. Scans complete rapidly, typically finishing in under two minutes for full system checks by examining only potentially risky files rather than every document.

The CPU impact remains negligible even during active scans, making Webroot particularly suitable for older devices, budget laptops, or systems where performance is a priority. Installation requires under 10 MB of disk space, and the cloud-based architecture eliminates the need for large signature database downloads that consume bandwidth and storage.

Webroot and Carbon Black: Understanding the Connection

Webroot’s acquisition by Carbon Black (now part of OpenText) occasionally confuses product comparisons. Webroot SecureAnywhere remains the consumer product, designed for home users and small businesses, whilst Carbon Black focuses on enterprise endpoint protection for large organisations.

For individuals comparing Malwarebytes and Webroot options, Webroot SecureAnywhere represents the relevant product line. Carbon Black’s enterprise solutions target different market segments with advanced threat hunting, managed detection and response services, and centralised administration for thousands of endpoints. This guide focuses exclusively on Webroot’s consumer offerings that directly compete with Malwarebytes Premium tiers.

Head-to-Head Feature Comparison

Direct comparison of Malwarebytes and Webroot across specific capabilities reveals where each product excels and where compromises exist. Understanding these trade-offs enables informed selection based on your priorities.

Malware Protection and Detection Rates

Both Malwarebytes and Webroot demonstrate strong protection capabilities with subtle differences in approach and effectiveness. Malwarebytes achieved 99.9% detection in AV-TEST’s 2023 evaluations, slightly ahead of Webroot’s 99.7% rating. This marginal difference becomes particularly meaningful for users who frequently encounter diverse threats through software downloads or varied web browsing.

Malwarebytes excels at identifying potentially unwanted programs that bundle with legitimate software, whilst Webroot’s strength lies in preventing known threats before execution through cloud-based blocking. Zero-day protection—defence against brand-new, previously unseen threats—shows comparable performance, with both Malwarebytes and Webroot employing behaviour-based detection to catch novel malware. Real-world protection extends beyond detection percentages to include remediation capabilities, where Malwarebytes demonstrates superior infection removal for already-compromised systems.

System Performance and Resource Usage

Performance impact varies significantly between Malwarebytes and Webroot, representing one of the most consequential differences for user experience.

1. Malwarebytes Performance Characteristics:
   • RAM consumption: 150-200 MB during active protection.
   • Full scan duration: 30-45 minutes for typical consumer systems.
   • CPU impact: Moderate during scans, minimal during real-time protection.
   • Installation size: Approximately 300 MB.
   • Suitability: Standard modern computers (2015 or newer).
2. Webroot Performance Characteristics:
   • RAM consumption: 10-15 MB during active protection.
   • Full scan duration: 1-2 minutes for typical consumer systems.
   • CPU impact: Negligible during all operations.
   • Installation size: Under 10 MB.
   • Suitability: All systems, including older or resource-constrained devices.

The performance difference between Malwarebytes and Webroot is particularly relevant for users with older laptops, budget systems with limited RAM, or computers where maximum performance is crucial (such as gaming machines or professional workstations running demanding applications). Webroot’s cloud-based architecture shifts processing overhead to remote servers, keeping local impact minimal.

Additional Security Features

Beyond core malware protection, both Malwarebytes and Webroot offer supplementary security tools with different focus areas.

1. Malwarebytes Extended Features:
   • Browser Guard: Blocks malicious websites, ads, and tracking.
   • VPN (Privacy tier): Unlimited bandwidth VPN service included with Premium + Privacy plans.
   • Privacy tools: Anti-tracking and advertisement blocking.
   • Application behaviour monitoring: Identifies suspicious programme activities.
2. Webroot Unique Offerings:
   • Identity Shield: Monitors websites for exposed personal information.
   • Password Manager: Stores and generates secure passwords (Internet Security Complete).
   • Webcam protection: Blocks unauthorised camera access.
   • System Optimiser: Removes unnecessary files and optimises startup.

Feature depth varies by subscription tier. Malwarebytes’ VPN integration provides genuine value for users prioritising online privacy, whilst Webroot’s identity monitoring appeals to those concerned about data breaches and credential theft. Neither Malwarebytes nor Webroot includes parental controls, so separate products are required for family content filtering.

User Interface and Ease of Use

Interface design has a significant impact on daily interaction and ongoing security management for both Malwarebytes and Webroot.

Malwarebytes employs a clean, modern interface with clearly labelled functions. The dashboard prominently displays protection status, recent threat activity, and scan history. One-button scanning simplifies routine security checks, whilst expandable menus provide access to detailed settings. Notifications appear for detected threats, completed scans, and required updates; however, the notification frequency can be adjusted. The learning curve remains minimal—most users navigate core functions without consulting documentation.

Webroot’s interface emphasises simplicity further, featuring an even more streamlined design. The main window shows protection status and scan options with minimal clutter. Settings are organised logically into categories (PC Security, Identity & Privacy, System Control), making configuration straightforward. The mobile applications maintain a consistent design language, providing familiar experiences across platforms. Installation proves remarkably quick, typically completing in under two minutes with default settings requiring no user configuration.

Both Malwarebytes and Webroot provide adequate customer support through email and telephone channels, with response times typically within 24 hours for email queries and immediate assistance via phone during business hours.

Cross-Platform and Mobile Protection

Mobile device protection has become increasingly important as smartphones and tablets handle sensitive personal information. Both Malwarebytes and Webroot offer mobile solutions.

1. Malwarebytes Mobile Capabilities:
   • Android: Malware scanning, privacy audit, ad blocking.
   • iOS: Safe browsing protection, call blocking, text message filtering.
   • Unified dashboard: Manage all devices through a single account.
   • Feature parity: Mobile apps include most desktop protections.
2. Webroot Mobile Capabilities:
   • Android: Anti-malware, web filtering, secure browsing.
   • iOS: Safe browsing, identity protection monitoring.
   • Lightweight design: Minimal battery and performance impact.
   • Limited advanced features: Fewer configuration options than desktop.

Mobile protection quality generally favours Malwarebytes for feature completeness, though Webroot maintains its performance advantage on mobile devices. Both Malwarebytes and Webroot protect against mobile-specific threats, including malicious apps, phishing websites targeting mobile browsers, and network-based attacks.

Pricing and Value Analysis (2025 UK)

Understanding the complete cost picture for Malwarebytes and Webroot extends beyond initial subscription prices to include renewal rates, feature inclusion, and long-term value. Both vendors offer multiple tiers with different capabilities and device limits.

Malwarebytes Pricing Breakdown

Malwarebytes structures its offerings into three main tiers, each building upon the features of the previous level.

1. Premium (£29.99/year for one device):
   • Real-time malware and ransomware protection.
   • Web protection against malicious websites.
   • Exploit protection against vulnerability attacks.
   • Browser extension for safe browsing.
   • Premium support via email and phone.
2. Premium + Privacy (£44.99/year for one device):
   • All Premium features.
   • Unlimited VPN with no bandwidth restrictions.
   • Privacy protection and anti-tracking tools.
   • Enhanced identity theft safeguards.
3. Family Plan (£67.49/year for five devices):
   • All Premium + Privacy features.
   • Coverage for any combination of Windows, macOS, Android, iOS devices.
   • Centralised management through a single account.
   • Protection for household members or personal device collections.
4. Per-device cost: £13.50 annually

Webroot Pricing Breakdown

Webroot offers three consumer tiers with varying security depth and additional tools:

1. SecureAnywhere AntiVirus (£24.99/year for one device):
   • Core malware and ransomware protection.
   • Cloud-based threat prevention.
   • Fast scans with minimal system impact.
   • Real-time anti-phishing protection.
   • Basic firewall monitoring (Windows).
2. Internet Security Complete (£37.49/year for one device):
   • All AntiVirus features.
   • Identity theft protection and monitoring.
   • Password manager with secure storage.
   • Secure browsing tools.
   • Webcam protection.
   • 25GB online backup storage.
3. Internet Security Plus (£49.99/year for five devices):
   • All Internet Security Complete features.
   • Coverage for five devices (any OS combination).
   • Centralised management dashboard.
4. Per-device cost: £10.00 annually.

Is Malwarebytes Family Plan Worth It?

The Malwarebytes Family Plan presents compelling value for multi-device households. At £67.49 annually for 5 devices, the per-device cost drops to £13.50—representing a £16.49 saving per device compared to individual Premium subscriptions at £29.99 each. A household protecting 5 devices saves £82.45 per year versus individual plans.

The Family Plan includes all Premium + Privacy features across all protected devices, meaning each device receives VPN access, privacy tools, and comprehensive malware protection. The unified account structure simplifies management, allowing one administrator to monitor protection status and threat activity across all household devices. Coverage extends to any operating system combination—protecting Windows laptops, macOS computers, Android phones, and iOS tablets within the same subscription.

This tier proves to be the most economical for households with three or more devices. Users with only 1-2 devices save money with individual Premium plans. The flexibility benefits families with university students or adult children, as Malwarebytes doesn’t restrict devices to a single household address—unlike some competitors requiring all devices to register from the same location.

Long-Term Value and Renewal Considerations

First-year promotional pricing for both Malwarebytes and Webroot frequently differs from renewal rates, making long-term cost comparison essential for budget planning.

Both vendors typically offer discounted first-year subscriptions during promotional periods—sometimes reducing costs by 20-40%. However, the automatic renewal process occurs at standard pricing listed above unless manually cancelled or repurchased during promotional windows. Setting calendar reminders 30 days before renewal allows for comparison shopping of current promotional offers.

Malwarebytes and Webroot both provide 30-day money-back guarantees, allowing risk-free testing. This trial period proves valuable for assessing the impact of system performance, interface preferences, and feature utility before committing to a long-term commitment. Educational discounts may be available for students with a valid .ac.uk email address—contact vendors directly for current student pricing.

Multi-year subscriptions occasionally offer additional savings, but they reduce flexibility if your needs change or superior alternatives emerge. Annual subscriptions generally provide the best balance between cost savings and adaptability.

Who Should Choose Which? Making Your Decision

Selecting between Malwarebytes and Webroot depends on specific priorities, system capabilities, and usage patterns. Understanding these decision factors ensures alignment between product strengths and personal requirements.

Choose Malwarebytes If…

Malwarebytes suits users prioritising thorough protection and comprehensive features over minimal system impact.

Malwarebytes proves ideal when:

1. You frequently install software from varied sources and need robust PUP detection.
2. Your system has adequate resources (8GB+ RAM, modern processor) to handle moderate security overhead.
3. Browser protection and advertisement blocking matter significantly.
4. You need effective malware removal for existing infections, not just prevention.
5. VPN access matters for privacy and you’d benefit from the Premium + Privacy tier.
6. You prefer detailed threat information and scan reports.
7. Your devices include multiple operating systems requiring unified management.
8. You’re comfortable with 30-45 minute scan durations when running comprehensive checks.

The solution particularly benefits proactive users who regularly encounter diverse software, frequently download files, or visit varied websites, where comprehensive scanning provides peace of mind. Technical users appreciate detailed threat logs and granular control over protection settings.

Choose Webroot If…

Webroot appeals to users who value system performance, speed, and set-and-forget convenience over maximum feature depth.

Webroot proves ideal when:

1. System performance takes priority and you use an older or resource-constrained device.
2. Fast scan times matter more than exhaustive checking (1-2 minutes vs 30-45 minutes).
3. You want minimal software footprint consuming under 15 MB RAM.
4. Identity theft protection and monitoring provide significant value.
5. You prefer simplified interfaces with minimal configuration requirements.
6. Your usage patterns remain relatively consistent with lower risk exposure.
7. Gaming, video editing, or performance-sensitive applications run frequently.
8. Quick installation and immediate protection matter (under 2 minutes to full operation).

This solution is particularly suited for users with older laptops (pre-2015 models), budget systems with 4GB RAM or less, or computers where every performance percentage matters. The approach benefits users who prefer hands-off protection that operates invisibly without requiring regular interaction or configuration.

Can You Run Malwarebytes and Webroot Together?

Running Malwarebytes and Webroot simultaneously remains technically possible but requires careful configuration to avoid conflicts and redundancy.

1. Potential benefits of using Malwarebytes and Webroot together:
   • Layered security with different detection methodologies catching complementary threats.
   • Malwarebytes’ superior PUP detection combined with Webroot’s lightweight prevention.
   • Webroot’s cloud-based speed for real-time protection, whilst using Malwarebytes for periodic deep scans.
2. Considerations and potential conflicts:
   • Increased system resource consumption negates Webroot’s performance advantage.
   • Possible conflicts between real-time protection modules monitoring identical system activities.
   • Redundant alerts and notifications require management from two separate interfaces.
   • Combined subscription costs (£54.98 minimum annually) exceed premium single-solution options.
   • Configuration complexity requires careful tuning to prevent interference.

Most users find single-solution protection sufficient for their needs. Those considering running both Malwarebytes and Webroot typically benefit more from choosing the solution that better matches their primary requirements rather than attempting to combine strengths from both. Security professionals occasionally employ this approach for high-risk environments, but home users generally achieve adequate protection with properly configured single-product deployments.

Selecting between Malwarebytes and Webroot ultimately depends on balancing the depth of protection against the impact on system performance, while considering specific feature requirements and budget constraints.

Malwarebytes delivers comprehensive protection with superior detection rates (99.9% vs. 99.7%), excellent identification of potentially unwanted programs, and robust browser protection. The solution suits users with modern systems who prioritise thorough malware removal capabilities and value detailed threat information. At £29.99 annually for single devices or £67.49 for five-device family protection, it represents solid value for comprehensive security.

Webroot excels through exceptional lightweight design, consuming under 15 MB RAM whilst completing scans in 1-2 minutes. The cloud-based architecture proves ideal for older systems, performance-focused users, or those preferring set-and-forget protection. At £24.99 annually for single devices or £49.99 for five-device coverage, it offers cost-effective protection with minimal performance compromise.

Neither Malwarebytes nor Webroot provides categorically superior protection—each excels in different areas. Users seeking maximum detection capabilities and comprehensive features should choose Malwarebytes. Those prioritising system performance, speed, and minimal resource consumption benefit from Webroot’s approach.

Both Malwarebytes and Webroot offer 30-day money-back guarantees, allowing you to test them risk-free and determine which one better suits your specific requirements, system capabilities, and usage patterns. Download options available directly from official UK websites ensure the acquisition of legitimate software with appropriate regional pricing and support.