Malwarebytes vs Malwarebytes browser extension

[YapperMac]

I have Malwarebytes (free version) installed on my iMac desktop, however, I do not see it as an option to download app on my MacBook Air laptop - only Malwarebytes browser extension is available in App Store. Has browser extension replaced original app? What is the main difference between the two apps or do I need both? Thanks for your guidance

Additional note - there appears to be only Malwarebytes subscription app for iPad or iPhone - is there a free version?

 

[Technerd108]

Most MacOS users don't use a malware or anti-virus software. It is redundant since the OS already has av built in and if you activate the firewall you should be good.

If you really want Malwarebytes on your MBA then I would go to the Malwarebytes website and download it from there. The Apple app store is good for most software but not for malware or av software in my experience.

Try running without anything but if you are a high risk user then Sophos is good for AV and there are a lot of Mac specific AV/malware software out there.

 

[SteveOm]

The product you want is Malwarebytes, a Mac app downloaded directly from their own website at www dot malwarebytes dot com. It has a free option where you run scans manually when you want to, and a subscription option that enables automatic scanning. I use the free one — it has all the safety features and is only mildly inconvenient. It does a great job of detecting and eliminating many (not all) bad things on your machine. I might subscribe soon for greater peace of mind. And it doesn’t slow your Mac down.

The web extension is completely different, only affects your browser, and can be annoying at weird times by breaking functionality on sites you know are okay. I changed its configuration to calm it down, but I still might delete it.

 

[SteveOm]

The product you want is Malwarebytes, a Mac app downloaded directly from their own website at www dot malwarebytes dot com. It has a free option where you run scans manually when you want to, and a subscription option that enables automatic scanning. I use the free one — it has all the safety features and is only mildly inconvenient. It does a great job of detecting and eliminating many (not all) bad things on your machine. I might subscribe soon for greater peace of mind. And it doesn’t slow your Mac down.

The web extension is completely different, only affects your browser, and can be annoying at weird times by breaking functionality on sites you know are okay. I changed its configuration to calm it down, but I still might delete it.

Also, don’t disable “Gatekeeper” which is the Mac’s system that prompts you for permission when you run a program downloaded from the Internet. Instead, every time you see a prompt ask yourself if you feel okay trusting the site where you got the software. For many users GateKeeper plus the free edition of Malwarebytes is sufficient. But if your risks or needs are large then consider Technerd108’s advice on adding a full AntiVirus product as well.

 

[YapperMac]

The product you want is Malwarebytes, a Mac app downloaded directly from their own website at www dot malwarebytes dot com. It has a free option where you run scans manually when you want to, and a subscription option that enables automatic scanning. I use the free one — it has all the safety features and is only mildly inconvenient. It does a great job of detecting and eliminating many (not all) bad things on your machine. I might subscribe soon for greater peace of mind. And it doesn’t slow your Mac down.

The web extension is completely different, only affects your browser, and can be annoying at weird times by breaking functionality on sites you know are okay. I changed its configuration to calm it down, but I still might delete it.

Thanks!

 

[YapperMac]

Most MacOS users don't use a malware or anti-virus software. It is redundant since the OS already has av built in and if you activate the firewall you should be good.

If you really want Malwarebytes on your MBA then I would go to the Malwarebytes website and download it from there. The Apple app store is good for most software but not for malware or av software in my experience.

Try running without anything but if you are a high risk user then Sophos is good for AV and there are a lot of Mac specific AV/malware software out there.

Thank you!