
Self-hosted Malwarebytes alternatives 2026
7 alternatives reviewed and compared
Malwarebytes alternatives you can run on your own infrastructure — full control over data, hosting, and uptime.
Looking for alternatives to:
Malwarebytes
Lightweight malware remediation and endpoint protection that excels at cleaning infected systems and blocking threats with minimal configuration.
Top alternatives compared
| Software | Rating | Starting price | Best for | Actions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() Palo Alto Cortex XDR Enterprise-grade extended detection and response platform that correlates data from endpoints, network, cloud, and identity sources. | 8.9 | Contact sales | Large enterprises with dedicated security operations centers (SOC) | |
![]() Bitdefender GravityZone Layered endpoint security platform with machine learning, anti-exploit technology, and centralized management for businesses of all sizes. | 8.7 | $3.50/mo | Budget-conscious businesses wanting top-tier malware detection | |
![]() Sophos Intercept X AI-driven endpoint protection with anti-ransomware, exploit prevention, and managed detection and response through Sophos Central. | 8.5 | $28/mo | Mid-market companies wanting strong protection without enterprise pricing | |
![]() Trend Micro Multilayered cybersecurity platform covering endpoints, email, cloud workloads, and networks with XDR correlation across all attack surfaces. | 8.0 | $3.33/mo | Organizations needing unified security across endpoints, email, and cloud | |
![]() ESET PROTECT Lightweight endpoint security platform from Slovakia with one of the lowest system footprints and strong detection against advanced threats. | 8.2 | $3.08/mo | Organizations with older hardware or resource-constrained endpoints | |
![]() Kaspersky Endpoint Security Award-winning endpoint protection from Russia-founded Kaspersky with deep threat intelligence and consistently top AV-TEST detection scores. | 8.4 | $4.17/mo | Organizations outside the US wanting top-tier detection at competitive pricing | |
![]() Fortinet FortiClient Endpoint protection integrated with the Fortinet Security Fabric, combining VPN, vulnerability scanning, and endpoint compliance in one agent. | Free | Organizations already running Fortinet FortiGate firewalls |
Detailed reviews

Palo Alto Cortex XDR
Enterprise-grade extended detection and response platform that correlates data from endpoints, network, cloud, and identity sources.
Best for:
Why pick Palo Alto Cortex XDR over Malwarebytes?
Palo Alto Cortex XDR is priced competitively and is strong at Large enterprises with dedicated security operations centers (SOC).

Bitdefender GravityZone
Layered endpoint security platform with machine learning, anti-exploit technology, and centralized management for businesses of all sizes.
Best for:
Why pick Bitdefender GravityZone over Malwarebytes?
Bitdefender GravityZone is priced competitively and is strong at Budget-conscious businesses wanting top-tier malware detection.

Sophos Intercept X
AI-driven endpoint protection with anti-ransomware, exploit prevention, and managed detection and response through Sophos Central.
Best for:
Why pick Sophos Intercept X over Malwarebytes?
Sophos Intercept X is priced competitively and is strong at Mid-market companies wanting strong protection without enterprise pricing.

Trend Micro
Multilayered cybersecurity platform covering endpoints, email, cloud workloads, and networks with XDR correlation across all attack surfaces.
Best for:
Why pick Trend Micro over Malwarebytes?
Trend Micro is priced competitively and is strong at Organizations needing unified security across endpoints, email, and cloud.

ESET PROTECT
Lightweight endpoint security platform from Slovakia with one of the lowest system footprints and strong detection against advanced threats.
Best for:
Why pick ESET PROTECT over Malwarebytes?
ESET PROTECT is priced competitively and is strong at Organizations with older hardware or resource-constrained endpoints.
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