SpyHunter vs Malwarebytes in 2026: Which One to Pick
SpyHunter vs Malwarebytes in 2026: the short answer
Both tools still exist and both still remove malware, but the products in our 2015 comparison below are gone. SpyHunter 4 was replaced by SpyHunter 5 in June 2018.[1] Malwarebytes now sells Malwarebytes Security with free and paid features across Windows, Mac, Android and iOS.[3]
The core difference is how you pay and how you get help. Malwarebytes Free cleans an infected device, but real-time protection is a paid feature on Windows and Mac.[3] SpyHunter's free scanner finds threats, while malware removal and the Spyware HelpDesk come with a paid subscription.[2] If you want one-on-one custom fixes, SpyHunter is built around that. If you want a free cleanup tool from a widely used brand, Malwarebytes Free fits.
| Question | SpyHunter 5 | Malwarebytes |
|---|---|---|
| Current product | SpyHunter 5, released June 2018[1] | Malwarebytes Security with free and paid features[3] |
| What is free | Scanner and detection; removal needs a subscription[2] | Cleanup scans; Windows Firewall Control on Windows[3] |
| Real-time protection | Included in paid plans with active guards[2] | Paid feature on Windows, Mac and Android[3] |
| Support model | Spyware HelpDesk with custom fixes[1][2] | Support site and tickets |
| Listed price | From $49.98 per six months (Basic Windows)[2] | See the vendor's current price page |
| Independent test | AV-TEST certified, Sep to Oct 2025[4] | We did not check a 2026 test result |
Timeline: from SpyHunter 4 to the 2025 AV-TEST result
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| October 2015 | 2-Spyware compares SpyHunter 4 with Malwarebytes Anti-Malware 2 |
| June 28, 2018 | EnigmaSoft releases SpyHunter 5 with a new removal engine and the Spyware HelpDesk[1] |
| September to October 2025 | AV-TEST evaluates SpyHunter 5.20 and 5.21 on Windows 11 and certifies it[4] |
| 2026 | Malwarebytes lists real-time protection as paid on Windows, Mac and Android[3] |
| 2026 | EnigmaSoft lists removal and HelpDesk access as part of paid subscriptions[2] |
What changed since 2015
The version names in our original report are outdated. SpyHunter 5 arrived in June 2018. EnigmaSoft says it uses a customized low-level system that runs beneath Windows to remove persistent threats, and it can scan for cookies it considers potentially unwanted.[1] The cookie scanner works in the trial, so the free version can remove those cookies.[1]
Malwarebytes changed its free and paid split. Its support site says Malwarebytes Free is a tool to clean up a device or check for damage after an attack. Paid features add scheduled scans and real-time malware protection.[3] Windows 10 and 11 replaced the Windows XP to 8 systems named in the 2015 text.
There is now an independent result for SpyHunter. AV-TEST tested SpyHunter 5.20 and 5.21 on Windows 11 during September and October 2025. It scored 5.5 of 6 for protection, 6 of 6 for performance and 3.5 of 6 for usability, and received certification.[4] AV-TEST publishes the full breakdown on its product page, so you can read the details before you decide.[4]
Risks to watch when you choose
These points come from the vendors' own terms and our analysis of common user complaints.
- Automatic renewal. SpyHunter subscriptions renew automatically at the standard price unless you cancel in time.[2]
- Trial needs a payment method. The 7-day SpyHunter Pro trial bills you upfront at the end if you do not cancel.[2]
- Free is not full protection. Malwarebytes Free does not include real-time protection on Windows or Mac.[3]
- Fake full version downloads. Cracked "full version" files of either tool are a common way to spread malware. Use the official sites only.
- Two real-time tools at once. Running two always-on scanners can slow the PC or cause conflicts. Pick one for real-time use.
How to choose and set up in six steps
1. Define your need. If the PC is already infected and you need a one-time cleanup, a free scan is a good start. If you want always-on protection, you need a paid plan from either vendor.[2][3]
2. Try the free scan. Run the free version first to see what each finds. SpyHunter shows detections for free, and Malwarebytes Free can clean the device.[2][3]
3. Compare real prices. SpyHunter lists plans from $49.98 per six months for Basic Windows and $79.98 for Pro or Mac, with prices that vary by country.[2] Check Malwarebytes' current price page before you buy.
4. Avoid full version cracks. Searches for a free "full version" lead to cracked files that often carry malware. Our virus and malware removal guides show what such files install.
5. Keep one real-time tool. Choose one product for real-time protection and use the other only as an on-demand second opinion.
6. Track the renewal. Write down the renewal date. Both vendors explain cancellation on their sites, and SpyHunter sends a reminder email before each charge.[2]
What is still unknown
- How Malwarebytes scored in AV-TEST's latest round. We did not check a 2026 result for it.
- Whether SpyHunter's Spyware HelpDesk response times differ from Malwarebytes support today. We found no independent measurement.
- How either tool handles new threats in 2026. Test results change every round, so check the latest reports before you buy.
Our original 2015 report
The text below is our report as first published in 2015. We keep it unchanged for the record; the sections above bring it up to date.
If you are looking for an anti-malware tool, you may end up with a question: "Which one, SpyHunter or Malwarebytes Anti-Malware, is better?" They both are certified by West Coast Labs' Checkmark Certification System, they both are considered the go-to tools for malware removal and so on. This comparison will try to help you figure out what are the pros and what are the cons of SpyHunter and Malwarebytes, and which one could work for you the better.
Latest versions: SpyHunter 4; Malwarebytes AntiMalware 2.
Free versions: SpyHunter Free; Malwarebytes AntiMalware Trial.
Paid options: SpyHunter 4 Full version; Malwarebytes AntiMalware Premium.
Installation: Malwarebytes and SpyHunter can be installed on the system within seconds. You just need to hit the download button, and you will download the installer on your computer. After that, you should go thru Setup Wizard and finish the installation. Both of these programs are compatible with Windows XP/Vista/7/8. At the moment of writing, the developers are preparing their programs for Windows 10.
Scanners: SpyHunter, as well as Malwarebytes, starts its first system scan as soon as it is installed on it. While it may seem that Malwarebytes Premium has a better user interface, it's obvious that SpyHunter is filled with more features. One of the most important ones is Spyware Helpdesk, which allows you to get custom fixes to your particular problems. You can schedule your scans according to your needs with both of these programs.
Some time ago, Malwarebytes was known for its Anti-Rootkit technology that allows avoiding serious threats, like trojans, ransomware, and other viruses. Now, the same technology was added to SpyHunter. Some users have reported about system slowdowns while running a full system scan with Malwarebytes Antimalware. It hasn't been noticed while testing SpyHunter.
Malware removal: As soon as Malwarebytes scan is finished, the results are displayed. Here, you can see the list of identified viruses. The same is done after SpyHunter's scan, but its scan results look more detailed and include more information about detected malware. Viruses can be eliminated with only one click with both of these programs.
What can be done if anti-malware fails to remove malware? If SpyHunter fails to fix an infected computer, you can always use its Spyware Helpdesk feature. This exceptional feature is designed to help people get a custom fix for each of their PC-related problems. In the meanwhile, Malwarebytes Anti-malware offers to write you in its forum and submit an online ticket. You may need to wait for several days to get the answer from its experts.
Final notes: No matter that the developers of Malwarebytes Antimalware are actively promoting their product as a free tool, it's obvious that it's just a marketing trick. Only Malwarebytes Premium has malicious URL blocking, real-time protection and other features that must be on the computer if you want to keep it in its best shape. Because of the Spyware HelpDesk feature, SpyHunter looks more reliable when it comes to scanning the system and helping people to fix their computers. Malwarebytes Customer support is less reliable because you can be left with no help for days.
More comparisons on SpyHunter and other security software are provided in the SpyHunter review.
Related guides on 2-Spyware
Frequently asked questions
SpyHunter vs Malwarebytes: which is better in 2026?
It depends on what you need. SpyHunter 5 is built around paid removal and one-on-one custom fixes through the Spyware HelpDesk.{1}{2} Malwarebytes offers a free cleanup tool and paid real-time protection across Windows, Mac and Android.{3} For a free cleanup, Malwarebytes Free is simpler; for guided help, SpyHunter.
Is SpyHunter safe?
Yes, SpyHunter 5 is a legitimate anti-malware product from EnigmaSoft. AV-TEST certified SpyHunter 5.20 and 5.21 on Windows 11 after testing in September and October 2025.{4} It scored 5.5 of 6 for protection and 3.5 of 6 for usability. Download it only from the official site.
What detection differences are there between SpyHunter and Malwarebytes for PUPs and cookies?
SpyHunter 5 includes a cookie scanner that flags cookies EnigmaSoft considers potentially unwanted, and the trial can remove them for free.{1} Malwarebytes focuses its free version on cleaning malware and unwanted programs.{3} So SpyHunter scan lists often look longer because they include cookies.
Is Malwarebytes free version enough?
Not for always-on protection. Malwarebytes says its free version is for cleaning up a device or checking it after an attack, while real-time protection is a paid feature on Windows and Mac.{3} It works well as a second opinion scanner next to your main antivirus.
Is there a free full version of SpyHunter?
No. SpyHunter's free version scans and shows detections, but removal and HelpDesk access come with a paid subscription.{2} Sites that offer a free SpyHunter full download or a crack are unsafe and often spread malware. Use only the official EnigmaSoft site.
How much does SpyHunter 5 cost?
EnigmaSoft lists SpyHunter Basic for Windows from $49.98 every six months, and SpyHunter Pro for Windows or SpyHunter for Mac from $79.98 every six months.{2} Prices can vary by country and promotion, and the subscription renews automatically unless you cancel.
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