Malwarebytes vs Guardio
Malwarebytes and Guardio both offer free protection in your browser and paid plans that block scam and phishing sites. They part ways on what the paid plans add and on the yearly bill.
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Malwarebytes
Stops scam sites and malware, with a free browser extension
This button can earn us a commission. You pay the same price.
Guardio
Browser protection that blocks scam sites and AI-written phishing messages.
Prices last checked on
| Feature | Malwarebytes | Guardio |
|---|---|---|
| Our score | 3.9 / 5 | n/a |
| Price | From $5/mo | From $9.99/mo |
| Free plan | ||
| Best for | Blocking phishing and malware on three devices | Blocking phishing and scam sites in your browser |
| Category | Scam and phishing protection | Scam and phishing protection |
| Provider | Malwarebytes Inc. | Guardio Inc. |
| Visit Malwarebytes This button can earn us a commission. You pay the same price. | Visit Guardio |
Our verdict
Malwarebytes is the better choice for most people who want scam sites blocked without paying for more than they need. Its Browser Guard extension is free and stops scam pages, ads and trackers. Standard costs $59.99 a year for three devices, less than the $119.88 Guardio charges for Individual billed yearly.
Guardio does have a case if AI-written messages are what worry you: its pricing page promises to block "AI-crafted scam messages", and Individual adds data leak alerts and covers every device a member uses. Malwarebytes includes breach alerts only from Plus, at $79.99 a year, which is still less than Guardio's yearly price.
“A sound pick for phishing and malware protection on a few devices, with the free Browser Guard as a starting point. Standard covers the core; the higher plans add a VPN, breach alerts and identity protection. Our reservation: Ultimate's half-price offer lasts one year, then the price doubles.”Editorial team, on Malwarebytes
Frequently asked questions
Is Guardio better than Malwarebytes Browser Guard?
Not if you want to pay nothing. Browser Guard is free and blocks scam and malicious pages, ads and trackers. Guardio's Free plan is limited to basic browser protection and a manual security scan for one member; its fuller scam and phishing protection starts with the paid Individual plan. Guardio becomes interesting once you want its detection of AI-crafted scam messages and are ready to pay for a plan.
How much does Guardio cost?
Guardio Individual costs $14.99 a month when billed monthly, or $119.88 a year billed yearly, which works out to $9.99 a month. That covers one member on phone, tablet, laptop and desktop. The Free plan costs nothing but offers only basic browser protection and a manual scan. For comparison, Malwarebytes Standard is $59.99 a year for three devices, with no introductory discount.
Does Malwarebytes detect AI-generated scam messages?
Malwarebytes does not promise that in so many words. Its paid plans guard against phishing, viruses and ransomware, and the free Scam Guard lets you check a suspected scam or phone number yourself. Guardio is the one that names "AI-crafted scam messages" on its pricing page. With either tool, a message that rushes you to pay or asks for a code deserves a call back on a number you already trust.
Can I use Guardio outside the US?
Most likely, although Guardio never says so in one sentence. Its privacy policy explicitly covers users in EU member states and processing under the GDPR, and it notes that its servers may be outside your country. The pricing page shows US dollars only, with no local currency option. Malwarebytes, by contrast, runs a separate Dutch pricing page with prices in euros.