SpyHunter vs Spybot 2026: Free Versions and Prices Compared

SpyHunter vs Spybot in 2026: the short answer

Both programs still exist in 2026, but both have moved on since our first comparison. EnigmaSoft released SpyHunter 5 on June 28, 2018.[2] Its product page lists Windows 7 to Windows 11 and macOS 10.13 or later, with paid plans starting at $5.95 a month billed upfront every six months.[1] Safer-Networking offers Spybot Search & Destroy 2.9 as a free download for Windows 7 and newer.[3]

In short, Spybot is the free, Windows-only option and is still an on-demand scanner at its core. SpyHunter is a paid subscription with a trial and its own support desk, and it also runs on Mac. Neither replaces a full antivirus on its own, so treat either one as a second opinion scanner unless you buy the protection features.

Timeline: how the two tools changed

What changed since 2016

SpyHunter moved from version 4 to version 5. The 2018 launch announcement lists a custom low-level system that runs beneath Windows to remove stubborn threats, faster scans, more control over results and an integrated Spyware HelpDesk for custom fixes.[2] It also says the cookie scanner and real-time malware blockers are free features.[2] SpyHunter now runs on Mac too.[1]

The pricing model became a subscription. The product page shows a price from $5.95 a month, billed upfront for six months, and a one-time 7-day trial of SpyHunter Pro or SpyHunter for Mac.[1] The trial needs a credit card, and you are billed when it ends unless you cancel in time through your account.[1]

Spybot moved from 2.4 to 2.9. Version 2.9 is offered for Windows 7 and newer.[3] Safer-Networking still offers a Free Edition, which it describes as free antispyware and anti-adware removal software for 32-bit and 64-bit Windows.[4] The criticism in our original review below, slow scans and missed detections, came from our tests at the time. We have not re-tested detection rates for this update.

Risks to watch when you download either tool (our analysis)

• Fake download sites. Both names are popular search terms, and look-alike sites bundle adware or worse. Download only from spyhunter.com, enigmasoftware.com or safer-networking.org.
• Forgotten trials. A trial that needs a card turns into a paid plan unless you cancel before it ends.[1] Set a reminder on the day you start.
• Cracked "full version" copies. Searches for a free SpyHunter full version lead to keygens and cracks, a common way to spread information stealers.
• Fake scan pop-ups. A web page that "scans" your PC and shows dozens of threats is an ad, not a real scan. Close the tab.
• Running two real-time shields. Two programs that block files in real time can slow the PC or conflict. Use one as the main shield and the other only for on-demand scans.

How to choose and install safely

1. Check your system. Spybot 2.9 is for Windows 7 and newer.[3] SpyHunter lists Windows 7 to 11 and macOS 10.13 or later.[1] On a Mac, only SpyHunter of the two applies.

2. Use the official site. Download from the vendor's own website. Avoid mirror sites, "full version" cracks and installers that add extra programs.

3. Compare the real cost. Spybot Free Edition costs nothing.[4] SpyHunter starts at $5.95 a month but bills six months upfront.[1] Check the total before you pay.

4. Run a full scan. A quick scan checks common places only. Run a full system scan once after install, and again after you remove anything.

5. Review every result. Both tools let you untick items before removal. Keep programs you know and trust, and look up any name you do not recognise in our removal guides.

6. Track your trial. If you start the SpyHunter trial, cancel through your account before the 7 days end if you do not want to pay, because cancelling ends access at once.[1]

What is still unknown

• Independent detection results for SpyHunter 5 and Spybot 2.9 in 2026. We found no recent lab test that covers both.
• Whether Spybot will add macOS support. Its download page names Windows only.[3]
• How often each vendor changes its prices. The figures above are from the vendor pages we read.

Our original 2016 report

The text below is our report as first published in 2016. We keep it unchanged for the record; the sections above bring it up to date.

At first sight, SpyHunter and Spybot – Search & Destroy seem to belong to the same, anti-spyware, category. However, after downloading each of these programs to the system, it becomes clear that these programs can hardly be compared. Even when taking into account that Spybot can act as an antivirus software on your computer, it is more than obvious that you can hardly trust this security software. According to security experts and researchers, today Spybot is considered neither a reliable anti-virus nor a powerful anti-spyware. To save your time and nerves trying to get rid of this program, we recommend you to select SpyHunter instead.

Latest versions: SpyHunter 4.2; Spybot – Search & Destroy +AV 2.4 at the time of this review (in 2026 the vendors offer SpyHunter 5 and Spybot 2.9, see the update above)

Free versions: SpyHunter Free; Spybot Free

Paid options: SpyHunter Full version; Spybot Professional Edition.

Installation: To install SpyHunter you need to go thru usual steps: click the Download button, get the installer and go thru a Setup Wizard. Typically, this process takes less than a minute. Spybot's installation requires going thru almost identical steps. When on its official website, it's hard to miss the "Donate" button. However, donations are optional, and you can install Spybot for free if you want to test it before making a payment. In fact, we recommend you only this action sequence.

Scanners: SpyHunter runs a Quick system scan right after installation. However, you can also select a Full system scan if you want to check your computer thoroughly. The software returns professional scan results after 10 or less without causing slow downs on your computer. When SpyHunter detects malicious components on your computer, it gives them informative descriptions. However, each of viruses and potentially unwanted programs can be saved by deselecting the check mark given next to its name.

In the meanwhile, Spybot provides a typical System scan and a File Scan letting you check only specific files on your computer. When the program starts scanning, it finishes its work within a couple of minutes. However, you can expect to see a drop in your system speed during this process. Unfortunately, but you cannot schedule a scan on Spybot, so you must make it up with these slow downs. The list of viruses is also provided with checkmarks that can be deselected when needed.

Malware removal: While SpyHunter requires purchasing its full version to remove malware from the system, you can fix your computer with Spybot for free. However, it doesn't mean that it's a better choice if it doesn't require you to purchase its full version. No matter how great the idea of fixing your computer for free seems, you should know that Spybot can leave you infected because it fails to detect more than half of malicious components. Also, as we and some other computer researchers have noticed, Spybot freezes when it starts "fixing" computer. In addition to that, it provides a very poor customer support that may fail to respond to your inquiry for weeks.

Final notes: If you take your computer's security seriously, you should consider buying SpyHunter instead of using Spybot free. Even if you fall for purchasing its Home and Professional editions, you may be unsatisfied with the service. Spybot causes system slow downs, fails to detect a generous amount of malware and can also leave you with no assistance when needed.

To compare SpyHunter 4 to other anti-spyware software, go back to SpyHunter review.

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