Malwarebytes VPN Review 2025: Affordable Option for Basic Security and Streaming

Malwarebytes VPN is a virtual private network service from the renowned anti-malware company Malwarebytes. It aims to provide users with a simple and user-friendly way to protect their online privacy and security.

In this updated 2024 review, we‘ll take a fresh look at Malwarebytes VPN‘s features, performance, pricing, and more to help you decide if it‘s the right VPN solution for your needs. We‘ll cover what‘s new, where it excels, and how it compares to other top VPNs.

Pricing and Value for Money

Malwarebytes VPN offers very straightforward pricing, with subscriptions available for 1, 3, or 5 devices. The longer you subscribe, the cheaper the monthly rate:

• 1 Device: $3.33/mo billed annually at $39.99/year
• 3 Devices: $5.00/mo billed annually at $49.99/year
• 5 Devices: $6.67/mo billed annually at $59.99/year

You can also bundle Malwarebytes VPN with the Premium antivirus software for a bigger discount. All plans come with a generous 60-day money-back guarantee.

Compared to many other VPNs, Malwarebytes VPN is very affordable, especially if you only need to protect a few devices. However, the low cost comes with some trade-offs in advanced features and customization. There‘s no option for a month-to-month plan which some may prefer.

Privacy and Security

The core security features of Malwarebytes VPN are solid:

• Strong AES 256-bit encryption
• Modern and lightweight WireGuard protocol
• Kill switch to prevent data leaks if the VPN disconnects
• Zero-logging policy for online activities

However, Malwarebytes is based in the United States, a country known for surveillance and requiring companies to hand over customer data. The company states it does not log user activity, but a third-party security audit would be even more reassuring, as provided by some other top VPNs.

Speed and Performance

In our 2024 speed tests, Malwarebytes VPN delivered mixed results. Connections were reliably stable, but we noticed significant slowdowns on most servers, with download speed drops of up to 85%.

This is likely due to the small network of just over 500 servers in 40+ countries. Having fewer servers can lead to more congestion and slower speeds, especially during peak usage times.

On the plus side, connections were quick to establish, taking just a few seconds. However, Malwarebytes VPN is likely not the best choice for high-bandwidth activities like 4K streaming, file downloading, and gaming.

Streaming and Torrenting

Malwarebytes VPN was able to unblock Netflix libraries in the US, UK, Canada, Japan and more during our tests. We were able to stream in HD without buffering on nearby servers.

However, it struggled with other popular streaming services like BBC iPlayer, Hulu, and Disney+. Access to these platforms was hit or miss.

The lack of dedicated P2P servers with port forwarding also means Malwarebytes VPN is not optimized for torrenting, though it‘s possible on some servers. Torrenters may find other VPNs offering faster speeds and SOCKS5 proxy more suitable.

Compatibility and Ease of Use

Malwarebytes VPN offers decent device compatibility, with user-friendly apps for:

• Windows PCs
• Macs
• Android smartphones and tablets
• iPhones and iPads

However, it lacks support for Linux, routers, smart TVs, gaming consoles and other platforms that some users may want a VPN for.

The apps feature a clean and intuitive interface that makes it easy to connect and get protected quickly. Settings are limited compared to other VPNs but that may be a plus for casual users who prefer simplicity.

Customer Support

Malwarebytes offers 24/7 live chat for immediate assistance, though sometimes it‘s just a bot. There‘s also an extensive knowledge base with setup guides, FAQs and troubleshooting tips. For more complex issues, you can open a support ticket and get email help.

While not the most comprehensive support we‘ve seen from a VPN, it‘s decent for an affordable provider. Some top VPNs offer faster human assistance via 24/7 live chat though.

Final Verdict

Overall, Malwarebytes VPN is best suited for casual users looking for basic privacy protection and access to streaming content at a budget-friendly price.

Its top selling points are ease of use, low cost, Netflix unblocking and the Malwarebytes brand reputation. However, it falls short for more advanced VPN uses cases requiring maximum security, faster speeds, more features and better unblocking capability.

Power users and those with higher security needs will likely find better value in more robust and proven VPNs, even at a higher price. But for its intended audience, Malwarebytes VPN is a decent choice. We rank it 3.8 out of 5 stars.

Pros:

• Affordable pricing with a 60-day refund period
• User-friendly apps for major devices
• Unblocks US Netflix and some other streaming sites

Cons:

• Based in the privacy-unfriendly US jurisdiction
• Slower speeds due to small server network
• Lack of advanced features and customization
• No anonymous payment methods