MalwareBytes: Is It Worth the Premium Cost?

As the time for renewing my MalwareBytes subscription approaches, I find myself questioning whether it is worth the cost. While many tout MalwareBytes as the silver bullet for protecting Macs, I have yet to reach a definitive conclusion. Below, I explore the pros and cons of the premium service and how other built-in security features fare in this constantly evolving digital landscape.

Performance and False Security

One of the main concerns with the premium service is the significant performance hit. I avoided buying it in the first place, fearing that it would run constantly and slow down my Mac. With built-in features like XProtect and Gatekeeper already in place, the need for constant scanning is questionable, especially for those who are not super-gullible.

Personal Risk Tolerance and Diverse Protection

Ultimately, whether MalwareBytes or similar services are worth the cost depends on your personal risk tolerance. Given the constant evolution of malware, no single product can provide 100% protection. MalwareBytes and Apple's built-in XProtect both rely on malware signatures, which are only effective against known threats. The majority of modern malware relies on user behavior and tricking the user into installing potentially unwanted programs.

My Experience with MalwareBytes

After three years of using MalwareBytes, I can confidently say that it has not noticeably impacted my computer's performance. Moreover, I have not encountered any malware infestations that either MalwareBytes or XProtect failed to detect. Both systems complement each other in their approach to security, making it a robust defense strategy. Regularly updating macOS and using Gatekeeper ensures that my system remains secure.

The Privacy Feature Revisited

While the privacy feature of MalwareBytes Privacy offers benefits, macOS 12 Monterey beta already includes features like Private Relay and Hide My Email. These features provide similar protection with the added benefit of no internet speed reduction. As for the premium part, no product can offer complete protection, but MalwareBytes does provide additional smart threat detection, which can be valuable.

Public Perception and Real-World Protection

With that said, I have not found any verified examples supporting MalwareBytes' claims of superior protection. When I researched the subject, I found more articles written by MalwareBytes itself scaremongering about the shortcomings of Apple's security features. The lack of concrete evidence leaves me wondering if MalwareBytes is truly adding value beyond its built-in features.

The ranking of MalwareBytes in reputable security lists also speaks volumes. In Macworld's list of top antivirus tools in 2021, MalwareBytes did not make the cut. This juxtaposition further questions the value of the premium service.

Conclusion

For now, I find that using both MalwareBytes and macOS built-in security features provides sufficient protection. However, every year when my MalwareBytes subscription comes up, I will re-evaluate whether it is worth the cost. Until then, I will continue to keep my system updated and remain vigilant, trusting that both systems will effectively defend against potential threats.