Malwarebytes Ultimate is making waves in the cybersecurity industry by offering a comprehensive bundle that fuses an advanced antivirus engine with unlimited VPN capabilities and robust identity protection powered by TransUnion. Despite a higher price tag compared to similar offerings, the suite promises robust malware blocking, protection from malicious sites, and extensive identity-theft remediation services.
Features and Benefits
One of the standout features of Malwarebytes Ultimate is its near-flawless malware detection, as evidenced by independent testing. The antivirus component effectively safeguards against various threats, ensuring users maintain a secure digital presence. Also noteworthy is the personal data removal service, which simplifies the process of opting out from data brokers, securing personal information beyond the digital realm.
The integrated VPN supports a selection of numerous server locations, primarily in Europe and North America. By default, Malwarebytes employs WireGuard for VPN connections, alongside its proprietary MBtun tunnel driver that allows split tunneling. Despite lacking multi-hop or traffic obfuscation features, the VPN remains a user-friendly choice embedded directly within the Malwarebytes app.
Pricing and Plan Details
With its Ultimate package, Malwarebytes positions itself at a premium price range, starting at $239.99 per year for a single device. As additional devices or identity protection features for multiple users are required, plan costs increase. For users seeking more economical options, the Essential and Advanced plans provide fewer identity protection features at reduced prices.
Platform-Specific Offerings
Malwarebytes Ultimate provides apps for both Windows and macOS users, featuring an intuitive UI with panels for real-time protection and detection history. The Windows version further offers unique tools enhancing the user experience.
Android users can activate their app effortlessly using a QR code or MB Code, receiving a seamless experience with a Trusted Advisor feature that provides guidance on threat management. Android security tests reflect perfect detection scores in some labs.
On iOS, users benefit mainly from Web Protection and Ad Blocking tailored for Safari, alongside features like Call Protection and Text Message Filtering. However, given the platform's constraints on background operations, the app recommends prioritizing other devices if license availability is limited.
Identity Protection and Remediation
Identity protection, a pillar of the Malwarebytes Ultimate suite, is comprehensive due to its integration with TransUnion's identity monitoring services. It features a detailed online dashboard, Identity Vault, and dark-web monitoring services, offering users tools like BreachIQ for breach tracking and an Action Plan designed to enhance the user's ID Safety Score.
Users are also supported by a dedicated resolution specialist and can avail up to $1 million in insurance coverage for identity theft recovery, with payable sub-limits for certain recovery costs, which doubles at higher plan tiers.
In summary, Malwarebytes Ultimate distinguishes itself with its extensive range of features, especially its identity protection services. While its cost may surpass some competitors, the suite compensates through ease of use and comprehensive security coverage across platforms.
