SpyHunter 5 Review 2026: Is It Safe, Free and Worth It?

SpyHunter 5 at a glance

SpyHunter is an anti-malware program made by EnigmaSoft Limited, a software company registered in Dublin, Ireland ^[2]. The current Windows edition is SpyHunter 5, on the market since June 2018. A separate SpyHunter for Mac followed in April 2020 ^[2].

It finds and removes trojans, ransomware, worms, spyware, rootkits, keyloggers, browser hijackers, adware and potentially unwanted programs ^[1]. Paid versions add real-time System Guards, a vulnerability scan and a built-in support desk that can send you a fix made for your own computer ^[1][5].

The download and the scan are free. Removing the malware the scan finds needs a paid subscription, which EnigmaSoft bills every six months ^[1][2]. That is the short answer to most of the questions people ask about SpyHunter, and the rest of this review explains each part.

• Best for: Windows users with adware, hijackers or a stubborn infection that their antivirus did not clear, who value hands-on help from a support team.
• Platforms: Windows 7, 8, 8.1, 10 and 11, including Windows on ARM; macOS 10.13 or newer ^[1].
• Price: SpyHunter 5 Basic from $29.70 and SpyHunter Pro from $35.70 per six months in the US on 2026-10-08 ^[1].
• Independent tests: AV-TEST certified SpyHunter 5.16 for Windows in its March and April 2024 test, with 15 of 18 points ^[8].
• Refund: full refund within 30 days of purchase, no reason needed ^[1][2].

How we reviewed SpyHunter and how we earn money

Our original SpyHunter review came from hands-on use of SpyHunter 5 on Windows. The screenshots of the scan and the HelpDesk in this article come from that test, so some screens in the current version look different.

For this 2026 update we checked every fact against EnigmaSoft's own pages: the product page, the EULA, the HelpDesk page, the trial and billing FAQs and the uninstall guide ^{[1][2][3][4][5][6]}. We read AV-TEST's report on SpyHunter and the Wikipedia article on the program for its history ^[8][10]. All prices are as shown on 2026-10-08.

2-spyware.com earns a commission only from partner products such as the Fortect offer shown on this page. Earlier versions of this review carried a 2-spyware affiliate link to the SpyHunter installer. This version has no such link, we have no deal with EnigmaSoft today, and we earn nothing if you buy SpyHunter after reading it.

What is SpyHunter and who makes it?

SpyHunter is developed and sold by EnigmaSoft Limited, company registration number 597114, with its registered office at 1 Castle Street, Dublin 2, Ireland ^[2]. The company's chief executive is Patrick Morganelli ^[9]. EnigmaSoft also makes RegHunter 2 and a free browser extension called SpyHunter Web Security ^[7].

The program has been around for a long time. Wikipedia describes it as an anti-spyware program that receives daily definition updates, with a free version that scans and a purchase required to remove what it finds ^[10]. That model has not changed in 2026.

What sets SpyHunter apart is its support model rather than its scanner. Most antivirus programs stop at automatic removal. SpyHunter adds a HelpDesk inside the app, where you can send a diagnostic report and get back a custom fix built for your system ^[5].

SpyHunter is not a full security suite. It has no firewall, password manager, VPN or backup tool ^[1]. It works as a malware remover with real-time guards, and many people run it next to Microsoft Defender or another antivirus.

SpyHunter 5 for Windows: features

SpyHunter 5 comes in two editions. SpyHunter Basic is the classic SpyHunter 5. SpyHunter Pro, available since September 2022, adds optimization and privacy tools on top ^[2]. The core protection is the same in both ^[1].

Malware and PUP detection and removal

The scanner checks files, memory, startup objects and the registry for malware and potentially unwanted programs ^[1]. EnigmaSoft calls its engine adaptive. It is backed by cloud-based threat analysis and heuristics that try to unmask rootkits and other hidden threats ^[1].

PUPs such as adware and toolbars are flagged too, and you can exclude any program you want to keep ^[1]. In our earlier test, each result came with a severity level, which made it easy to see what mattered most.

System Guards

The System Guards run in the background and block malware before it downloads or starts ^[1]. They come with the paid subscription and with certain free trial versions ^[1]. AV-TEST measured them in its 2024 test, as described below ^[8].

Compact OS for stubborn malware

Some malware locks its own files while Windows runs. SpyHunter can boot into Compact OS, a small custom system that runs beneath Windows, and remove those files from there ^[1]. Its files sit in a fixed folder, C:\SH5LDR, and the uninstaller removes them ^[2].

Vulnerability scan and privacy items

The vulnerability scan lists installed programs with known security holes, so you can update them ^[1]. SpyHunter also flags tracking cookies that EnigmaSoft rates as a privacy risk. Free users can remove those cookies at no charge ^[1].

SpyHunter Pro extras

• Optimization scan: finds unnecessary system data and potentially invalid registry objects ^[1].
• Enhanced privacy protection: clears browsing history and other Windows and browser traces ^[1].
• File Shredder: erases files with DoD, NIST or NSA deletion methods, including the Recycle Bin ^[1].
• Secure Disk Erase: wipes a whole drive before you sell or give it away ^[1].
• Duplicate File Scan and Large File Scan: find copies by content and files over 256 MB ^[1].

These Pro tools can be switched off in the settings if you do not want them ^[2]. If you only need malware removal, Basic covers it.

SpyHunter Web Security (free)

SpyHunter Web Security is a free extension for Chrome, Firefox and Edge. It marks search results as safe, potentially unsafe or uncategorized, and blocks pages that EnigmaSoft rates as unsafe ^[1]. It works on its own, without SpyHunter installed.

The SpyHunter HelpDesk and custom fixes

The HelpDesk is the feature most reviews undersell. It is built into SpyHunter and gives paid subscribers, and certain trial users, direct access to EnigmaSoft's technical support team ^[5].

If SpyHunter cannot remove something automatically, you generate a Diagnostic Report from the HelpDesk tab. The support team analyzes it. If they find a problem, they build a custom fix for your system, which arrives in SpyHunter and runs with one click ^[5].

EnigmaSoft says you can use the HelpDesk as many times as you need, at no extra cost ^[1][5]. Technicians are reachable through HelpDesk tickets, email and phone. On request, they can also connect to your computer in a remote session ^[5].

This is valuable when an infection keeps coming back, or when malware has damaged settings that a normal scan does not restore. Few malware removers include this kind of one-on-one help in the base price.

Support details from the EULA: phone +1 (888) 360-0646 in the US and +353 76 680 3523 in Ireland and internationally, and email at support@enigmasoftware.com ^[2].

SpyHunter for Mac

SpyHunter for Mac launched in April 2020 ^[2]. It scans for Mac malware, trojans, ransomware, keyloggers, browser hijackers, adware, PUPs and vulnerabilities. You can scan files, memory, browser cookies, privacy issues and vulnerabilities separately ^[1].

The Mac app also includes cleanup tools that the Windows Basic edition does not have ^[1]:

• Optimization scan for caches, app leftovers and other junk files.
• Duplicate File Scan and Large File Scan.
• App Uninstaller that removes apps together with their leftover files.
• Startup Manager to control which apps start with the Mac.
• HelpDesk with one-on-one support for paid users.

System Guards are included with the paid Mac subscription and certain trial versions ^[1]. The product page lists version 1.10.0, a 26.7 MB download, and support for macOS 10.13 and higher with 250 MB of free disk space ^[1].

Our older review said macOS 10.12. EnigmaSoft now lists 10.13 as the minimum ^[1]. One more note from the old review still applies: Spy Hunter for Mac is also the name of an old driving game by Aspyr Media. It has nothing to do with this security app.

Is SpyHunter free? The free scan, the trial and the paid version

SpyHunter is not free malware removal. The scan is free, and removal needs a paid subscription. The EULA says some scan and diagnose features may be available without buying, depending on current offers. A subscription is required for full removal of malware ^[2].

The 7-day free trial

EnigmaSoft also offers a SpyHunter trial. The trial lasts 7 days, and it needs a payment method upfront ^[3][4]. EnigmaSoft says the card is not charged during the trial, although your bank may see an authorization check ^[3].

If you do not cancel before the 7 days end, the subscription charge is processed right after the trial expires ^[4]. If you cancel during the trial, access ends at once ^[2][4]. If a charge goes through that you did not want, you can still cancel and get a full refund within 30 days ^[4].

This is a fair setup as long as you know it. Put a reminder in your calendar on day 5 or 6 if you are only testing.

What about the old 48-hour wait?

Our older review described a free remover that became available 48 hours after installation. EnigmaSoft no longer describes that offer on its product page or in the current EULA ^[1][2]. Today the options are the free scan, the 7-day trial where offered, and the paid subscription.

SpyHunter prices in 2026

SpyHunter is sold as a subscription billed upfront for six months. The product page showed these US prices on 2026-10-08 ^[1]. Prices may differ by country, and the EULA says the price and term are set on the purchase pages ^[2].

The yearly figure is our own math, two six-month payments at the price shown. EnigmaSoft also offers multi-license quotes on request ^[1]. Payment methods include American Express, Visa, MasterCard, PayPal and Discover ^[2].

Our older review quoted about $40 a year. Prices and billing have changed since then, so ignore that figure. At current prices, Basic costs a little under $60 a year, which is in line with mainstream antivirus subscriptions.

Renewal, cancelling and refunds

Automatic renewal

SpyHunter renews on its own. When the first period ends, EnigmaSoft renews the subscription for the same period and charges your saved payment method ^[2]. It sends reminder emails before upcoming renewal payments ^[2].

The EULA describes the renewal price in two places. One section says renewals are charged at the same purchase rate. Another says they are charged at the then applicable standard fee ^[2]. Your order confirmation email states the exact terms, so keep it.

If EnigmaSoft raises a price for an auto-renewing subscription, it must tell you in advance. You then have 14 days to cancel before the new price applies ^[2].

How to cancel a SpyHunter subscription

1. Go to enigmasoftware.com and click Login at the top right ^[2].
2. Sign in with your username and password ^[2].
3. Open Order/Licenses in the menu and click the cancel button next to your order ^[2].
4. If you have several orders, cancel each one separately ^[2].

You can also cancel by email at support@enigmasoftware.com, by phone, through a HelpDesk ticket, or through the payment partner named in your confirmation email ^[2][4]. Include your name, order number and the email address on the order ^[2].

After you cancel a paid subscription, it keeps working until the end of the period you paid for ^[2]. Uninstalling SpyHunter does not cancel your account or billing ^[2].

Refunds

EnigmaSoft offers a 30-day money-back promise. Within 30 days of the purchase date you can cancel and get a full refund, and you do not have to give a reason ^[1][2]. Access stops once the refund is issued ^[2].

After 30 days there is no refund for the current period, and no partial refunds for unused months ^[2]. The EULA adds that local consumer law can give you more rights in some countries ^[2].

Detection and independent tests

AV-TEST, the German testing institute, tested SpyHunter 5.16 on Windows 11 in March and April 2024 as one of 17 home user products ^[8]. SpyHunter earned the AV-TEST certificate with 15 of 18 points ^[8][9].

The result is solid. SpyHunter caught every one of the 19,228 widespread malware samples in both months, and it had a light touch on system speed ^[8]. Its 0-day protection was a little under the industry average, and it raised more false alarms than average in March ^[8].

AV-TEST awards its certificate at 10 points or more ^[8]. A score of 15 puts SpyHunter well above that line. Note the date. This is a 2024 test of version 5.16, and the product page now lists version 5.22.12 ^[1].

Our older review cited a perfect detection rate from an AV-TEST report in September 2018. The 2024 report is newer and more complete, so we use it instead.

Other certifications EnigmaSoft lists

• AppEsteem: EnigmaSoft says SpyHunter 5 is a certified Deceptor Fighter, blocking every Deceptor app and unwanted program in AppEsteem's test ^[1]. AppEsteem's list loads by script, and we could not open it to confirm the current status.
• OPSWAT: EnigmaSoft says SpyHunter 5 for Windows holds OPSWAT Platinum Certification for Anti-Malware ^[1]. We did not open the OPSWAT record.
• Checkmark Certified: EnigmaSoft lists a Checkmark certificate, formerly run by West Coast Labs ^[1]. We did not open it.

We found no SpyHunter results from AV-Comparatives or SE Labs, and EnigmaSoft does not cite any ^[1]. That is common for specialist malware removers. Most of those test series focus on full antivirus suites.

Is SpyHunter safe, legit or a virus?

SpyHunter is a legitimate commercial anti-malware program, not a virus. It comes from a registered Irish company with a public address, phone numbers and a published EULA ^[2]. It holds a current AV-TEST certificate from its 2024 test ^[8].

The question still comes up because of SpyHunter's history, so here are the facts in short.

Why some people called SpyHunter a scam

SpyHunter has drawn criticism for years, mainly because its free version showed detections that only the paid version removed. Wikipedia files it under rogue security software and notes that it was often labeled a potentially unwanted program ^[10].

In 2016, Malwarebytes began flagging SpyHunter as a potentially unwanted program. In October 2016, EnigmaSoft sued Malwarebytes for anti-competitive behavior ^[10]. A US District Court dismissed the case in November 2017. The Ninth Circuit reversed on the immunity question, the Supreme Court declined to hear Malwarebytes' appeal, and Malwarebytes later won on the merits ^[10].

Also in 2016, EnigmaSoft sued the tech support site Bleeping Computer over what it called a smear campaign, and Bleeping Computer countersued. The two settled in March 2017 and both cases were dismissed ^[10].

Press reception was mixed but fair. PC Magazine gave SpyHunter 4 three of five stars in 2016 and wrote that it does what it promises ^[10].

What has changed since

• The EULA now states plainly that full removal needs a paid subscription ^[2].
• Free users can remove detected tracking cookies at no charge ^[1].
• The trial terms, including the upfront payment method, are explained on EnigmaSoft's support pages ^[3][4].
• SpyHunter passed AV-TEST certification in 2024 ^[8].
• EnigmaSoft states AppEsteem Deceptor Fighter certification for SpyHunter 5 ^[1].
• Cancelling is a button in the online account, and refunds within 30 days need no reason ^[2].

One more thing worth knowing for privacy. Like most cloud-assisted security tools, SpyHunter sends EnigmaSoft the names, paths, sizes and hashes of files that start automatically, plus the program version, IP address and a hardware ID ^[2]. The EULA says IP addresses are not stored beyond ordinary server logs ^[2].

Our verdict on safety: install the real SpyHunter from EnigmaSoft and it is a safe, legitimate tool. The risk comes from fake copies, covered next.

How to download SpyHunter 5 safely

Get SpyHunter only from enigmasoftware.com. The SpyHunter product page has a Download Now button for Windows and a separate tab for SpyHunter for Mac ^[1]. We do not link the installer here; go to the vendor's site yourself.

1. Open enigmasoftware.com, go to Products and choose SpyHunter 5 for Windows or SpyHunter for Mac ^[1].
2. Check the version on the page. On 2026-10-08 it listed 5.22.12 for Windows and 1.10.0 for Mac ^[1].
3. Click Download Now. The Windows installer is named SpyHunter-Installer.exe ^[6].
4. Run it, accept the EULA, and let it install. SpyHunter adds a desktop shortcut and starts with Windows ^[2].
5. Run a first scan. To remove what it finds, buy a subscription or start the trial inside the app ^[2].

SpyHunter is available in 31 languages, including Spanish, Portuguese, Turkish, German, French and Lithuanian ^[1]. So searches like spyhunter descargar, spyhunter gratuito or spyhunter indir all lead to the same official download.

Is there a SpyHunter 5 portable version? EnigmaSoft does not list one ^[1]. SpyHunter installs Compact OS files to a fixed folder and loads at startup, so it is built to be installed ^[2]. A portable SpyHunter offered elsewhere is not an official product.

Fake SpyHunter downloads, cracks and SpyHunter ransomware

SpyHunter is a well known name, and criminals use well known names. In April 2019 a ransomware strain appeared that called itself SpyHunter. Its main file was named SpyHunter5.exe, and its ransom note, $HOWDWCRYPT$.txt, claimed to come from Enigma SpyHunter5s.

That ransomware has nothing to do with EnigmaSoft. It came from the developers of GarrantyDecrypt. Our SpyHunter ransomware removal guide explains how to deal with it.

Before April 2020 there was no SpyHunter for Mac at all, so anything sold under that name earlier was fake. Today the real Mac app exists, but it still comes only from enigmasoftware.com ^[1].

SpyHunter 5 crack, keygen, torrent and shared logins

Many searches look for a SpyHunter 5 crack, a serial key, a keygen, a torrent or a SpyHunter 4 email and password. We do not help with any of those, and the reason is practical as well as legal.

Researchers from the National University of Singapore tested 750 pirated software samples from hard drives, discs and peer-to-peer downloads with seven antivirus engines ^[11]. They found adware and Trojans at average rates of 34% and 35% ^[11]. Installing the pirated software also weakened firewall and account protection settings ^[11].

A cracked security tool is a poor way to protect a computer. SpyHunter also needs its cloud lookups and updates, which the EULA ties to a valid paid or trial account ^[2]. A shared login can be blocked by the vendor, and it does not include the HelpDesk.

The legal ways to try SpyHunter for free are the free scan, the free Web Security extension and the 7-day trial with the 30-day refund behind it ^[1][3][4].

SpyHunter versions: SpyHunter 4, SpyHunter 5, Pro and Mac

If you still run SpyHunter 4, move to SpyHunter 5. It is the version EnigmaSoft supports and updates, and the EULA warns that older versions may lose features or stop working ^[2]. EnigmaSoft does not list a SpyHunter app for Android or iPhone among its products ^[7].

System requirements

• Windows: Windows 7, 8, 8.1, 10 or 11, 32-bit or 64-bit, and Windows 11 on ARM ^[1].
• Windows hardware: 1 GHz CPU, 1 GB of RAM and 200 MB of free disk space or more ^[1].
• Mac: macOS 10.13 or higher with 250 MB of free disk space ^[1].

Windows XP and Vista, listed in our older review, are no longer supported ^[1].

How to uninstall SpyHunter

SpyHunter uninstalls like any normal program. These are EnigmaSoft's own steps ^[6].

Uninstall SpyHunter 5 on Windows 11

1. Right-click the SpyHunter icon in the system tray, choose Exit, and confirm with Yes, Exit SpyHunter ^[6].
2. Open Start, then Settings, then Apps, then Installed apps ^[6].
3. Search for SpyHunter, click the three dots next to it and choose Uninstall ^[6].
4. Confirm, allow the User Account Control prompt, and click Yes in SpyHunter's uninstaller ^[6].
5. Restart if asked, then delete any leftover SpyHunter-Installer.exe or shortcut from the desktop ^[6].

On Windows 10 the entry is under Settings, Apps, Apps and features. On Windows 7 and 8 it is in Control Panel, Programs and Features ^[6]. Our guide on how to uninstall a program on Windows covers other ways if the entry is missing.

Uninstall SpyHunter for Mac

1. Quit SpyHunter for Mac ^[6].
2. Open Finder, then Applications, and find SpyHunter ^[6].
3. Drag it to the Trash or right-click and choose Move to Trash, then empty the Trash ^[6].

EnigmaSoft notes that a few small leftovers such as logs and settings may remain, as with most Mac apps ^[6]. To remove the Web Security extension, right-click its icon in the browser and choose remove ^[6].

Remember that uninstalling does not stop billing. Cancel the subscription in your EnigmaSoft account as described above ^[2].

SpyHunter vs Malwarebytes, McAfee, Webroot and Spybot

People often compare SpyHunter with these four. They are different kinds of products, so the right pick depends on what you need. Facts about the other products come from our earlier comparison pages; check current prices with each vendor.

SpyHunter vs Malwarebytes: both remove malware and PUPs well. Malwarebytes lets you remove threats for free by scanning manually, which SpyHunter does not. SpyHunter's edge is the HelpDesk and custom fixes when automatic removal is not enough. More in our SpyHunter vs Malwarebytes comparison.

SpyHunter vs McAfee: McAfee is a full suite, while SpyHunter focuses on malware removal. Many people run a suite or Microsoft Defender for daily protection and SpyHunter for cleanup. See our SpyHunter vs McAfee comparison.

SpyHunter vs Spybot: Spybot is free for home use and covers basic anti-spyware needs. SpyHunter adds frequent definition updates, real-time guards and paid one-on-one support. Details in our SpyHunter vs Spybot comparison.

SpyHunter vs Webroot: Webroot is a light, cloud-based antivirus with extras like identity protection in its higher plans. SpyHunter offers a free scan, which Webroot does not, and hands-on help for hard infections.

Who should use SpyHunter

SpyHunter fits best when a Windows PC has adware, browser hijackers, unwanted programs or an infection that keeps returning. The free scan shows what is there, and the paid version, with the HelpDesk behind it, handles the cleanup.

It also suits people who are not comfortable fixing things by hand. Sending a diagnostic report and applying a fix is easier than following a long manual guide. If you already know which program you want gone, our free guides, such as how to reset your browser, may be enough.

If you only need everyday protection on a new PC, Microsoft Defender is built in and free. SpyHunter adds the most value as a second layer and as a cleanup and support tool.

If your Windows problem is crashes, damaged system files or a slow PC rather than malware, a repair tool fits better. Our Fortect review covers that kind of product. On a Mac with adware, our Combo Cleaner review is a useful comparison to SpyHunter for Mac.

What changed since our earlier review

• Editions: SpyHunter Pro was added in September 2022 next to SpyHunter 5, now called Basic ^[2].
• Prices: billing is per six months, from $29.70 for Basic and $35.70 for Pro and Mac, not about $40 a year ^[1].
• Trial: a 7-day trial with a payment method upfront replaces the old 48-hour free removal description ^[3][4].
• Lab results: the 2024 AV-TEST certificate, 15 of 18 points, replaces the 2018 figure ^[8].
• Certifications: EnigmaSoft now lists AppEsteem Deceptor Fighter and OPSWAT Platinum ^[1].
• Systems: Windows 11 and Windows on ARM are supported; XP and Vista are gone; Mac needs 10.13 or newer ^[1].
• Cancelling: there is a cancel button in the online account under Order/Licenses ^[2].
• Disclosure: the old affiliate link to the installer has been removed from this page.

What still holds from the old review: SpyHunter is easy to use, it removes adware, hijackers and rootkits well, the HelpDesk is its strongest feature, and there is a 30-day refund window ^[1][5].

SpyHunter pros and cons

Pros

• HelpDesk with one-on-one support and custom fixes included in the price ^[5].
• AV-TEST certified in 2024, detecting every widespread malware sample ^[8].
• Compact OS removes malware that locks its files under Windows ^[1].
• Light on system speed, 5.5 of 6 in AV-TEST performance ^[8].
• Free scan, free cookie removal and a free Web Security extension ^[1].
• Windows and Mac versions, 31 languages, Windows on ARM support ^[1].
• 30-day refund with no reason needed, and a cancel button in the account ^[2].

Cons

• Removing malware needs a paid subscription ^[2].
• The trial needs a payment method and bills if not cancelled within 7 days ^[3][4].
• More false alarms than average in AV-TEST's March 2024 scan ^[8].

Verdict: is SpyHunter worth it?

SpyHunter 5 is a legitimate, capable malware remover with a feature most rivals lack: real people who will build a fix for your specific infection ^[5]. Its 2024 AV-TEST certificate backs up the detection side, and its impact on system speed is low ^[8].

The model is clear once you know it. The scan is free, and removal is paid, at about $59 a year for Basic ^[1]. The trial needs a card, so set a reminder. The 30-day refund makes it low risk to try ^[2].

If you have an infection that will not go away, or you want a second layer next to your antivirus with support behind it, SpyHunter is a strong choice. We rate it 8.6 out of 10.