Malwarebytes Privacy VPN Review: Can a Trusted Antivirus Protect Privacy Online?

If you’ve ever used Malwarebytes’ service, you know it’s great at tackling malware and keeping your devices safe. So, when Malwarebytes launched its Privacy VPN, the idea of getting the same level of protection for your online privacy might seem like a no-brainer. After all, who wouldn’t want a VPN from a company already trusted to secure their devices?

But here’s the thing: expertise in antivirus protection doesn’t automatically guarantee a seamless VPN experience. While Malwarebytes Privacy VPN aims to deliver essentials like security and privacy, does it truly live up to the expectations of users who already trust the brand? That’s the real question, and we’re here to find out.

Let’s talk about what Malwarebytes Privacy VPN gets right and where it might fall short so you can decide if this is the VPN for you.

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Ease of Use & Compatibility

When it comes to a VPN, the last thing you want is an overly complicated setup or an app that feels like it’s stuck in the early 2000s.

Thankfully, Malwarebytes Privacy VPN delivers a straightforward experience that’s as beginner-friendly as it gets. Whether you’re an experienced tech user or just dipping your toes into VPNs for the first time, you’ll likely appreciate how intuitive it is.

User Interface and App Design

The app design is clean and minimalistic, with no unnecessary bells and whistles to overwhelm you. When you launch it, you’re greeted by a simple connection button and a dropdown menu to select servers. It doesn’t bombard you with settings, which is great for users who want privacy without fussing over technical details.

However, for those seeking advanced customization, the lack of in-depth options might feel limiting. In this scenario, you might have check out NordVPN as it offers customization options not just for the interface but also for its features. On that note, it’s actually the best Windows 11 VPN we’ve had the chance to test.

In our in-depth review, we tested the app across various devices, and the experience remained consistent. Switching between servers was smooth, and the app’s layout made it easy to find what you need without digging through menus.

Device Compatibility

Malwarebytes Privacy VPN works across all major platforms, including Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS. During our analysis, we found the apps (PC versions) to be lightweight, meaning they don’t hog system resources.

However, the lack of support for smart TVs and browser extensions can disappoint users looking to protect streaming devices or individual browser traffic. If this is something important to you, we highly recommend reading our comparison of VPN extensions for Chrome.

Simultaneous Connections and Router Setup

The VPN supports up to five simultaneous connections, which should be enough for most households. While this isn’t groundbreaking compared to VPNs like Private Internet Access, which offer unlimited connections, it’s a solid number for the average user.

Unfortunately, there’s no built-in support for routers, which means you can’t secure your entire home network at once.

Setting up Malwarebytes Privacy VPN was simple. We tested it across devices, and the installation process took just a few minutes. Whether you’re downloading it on your phone or desktop, the app is ready to use right out of the box.

Security Features: How Secure Is Malwarebytes Privacy VPN?

When choosing a VPN, security features are often the dealbreaker. After all, the main reason to use a VPN is to protect your data and keep prying eyes at bay. Malwarebytes Privacy VPN promises strong privacy and encryption, but does it truly deliver on these essentials?

Basic Security Features

Malwarebytes Privacy VPN covers the fundamentals, bringing a solid foundation for everyday users:

• AES-256 Encryption: Often referred to as military-grade encryption, this standard keeps your online activities secure and unreadable to outsiders. This level of encryption makes it nearly impossible for hackers or snoopers to break into your data, even over unsecured networks like public Wi-Fi.
• App Exclusion (Split Tunneling): Allows you to choose which apps go through the VPN and which connect to the internet directly, offering flexibility for users who need access to local services. It’s a handy feature for multitaskers who want to stream local content while securely browsing elsewhere.

• Kill Switch: Automatically disconnects your internet if the VPN connection drops, preventing accidental exposure of your real IP address. This feature is essential for uninterrupted privacy, especially when handling sensitive data or banking online.
• DNS and IP Leak Protection: Protects against leaks that could reveal your real location or browsing activity, even on unstable connections. With this safeguard, your online identity remains hidden, giving you added peace of mind when connecting to servers worldwide.

Advanced Security Features

For those looking for extra layers of security, Malwarebytes Privacy VPN offers some impressive advanced features:

• WireGuard Protocol: Known for its speed and security, WireGuard combines lightweight code with robust encryption and fast connections without compromising privacy. It’s particularly beneficial for users who need quick, reliable connections for streaming or online gaming.
• Mullvad-Backed Servers: Malwarebytes collaborates with Mullvad, a privacy-focused VPN provider, to use their secure and independently audited server network, adding an extra level of credibility and trust. This partnership ensures that your data is handled with the utmost privacy and security standards.

• Real-Time Protection: Integrated real-time protection actively scans for threats, helping block malicious websites and phishing attempts before they can compromise your security. This feature adds an extra layer of defense to your online activities.
• Detection History & Scanner: Malwarebytes’ scanner runs periodic checks on your system to detect vulnerabilities or threats. Combined with detection history, it provides an overview of past scans and actions taken to maintain security.
• Identity Protection: Malwarebytes includes identity monitoring tools to safeguard sensitive information such as email addresses and passwords. This feature helps detect breaches early, so there’s timely action to protect your accounts.

Malwarebytes Privacy VPN focuses on providing robust, no-frills security. With strong encryption, WireGuard protocol, and Mullvad’s trusted server infrastructure, it’s clear that the basics are well covered. While good on paper, let’s find out if Malwarebytes sticks to its promises through various tests.

Encryption Test: Is Your Data Secure with Malwarebytes?

Encryption is at the core of any VPN’s ability to protect your privacy, and Malwarebytes Privacy VPN doesn’t disappoint in this regard. It employs AES-256 encryption, often referred to as “military-grade,” so that your online activities are shielded from prying eyes.

During our in-depth review, we tested its encryption using Wireshark and inspected the packets. From our analysis, we found it to be consistent across all connections, providing a robust layer of security for sensitive tasks like online banking or data transfers.

Additionally, Malwarebytes VPN includes a Multi-Hop feature that routes your traffic through two separate servers, further enhancing your anonymity. This is particularly useful if you’re concerned about targeted surveillance or tracking.

However, during our tests, we noted that pairing servers located far apart can significantly affect speeds, so it’s essential to select servers strategically for the best experience.

While Malwarebytes VPN benefits from its collaboration with Mullvad, it lacks Mullvad’s OpenVPN support, which offers an extra layer of flexibility for advanced users. This omission might disappoint those who need more control over their VPN setup.

IP Leak Test: Keeping Your Real Address Hidden

Your IP address is a critical identifier, and any exposure can compromise your privacy. In our analysis, Malwarebytes VPN excelled at protecting IP data. Using tools like ipleak.net, we ran multiple tests, including frequent server switches, to see if any leaks occurred.

The results were flawless—at no point did Malwarebytes VPN reveal our real IP address.

DNS Leak Test: Protecting Your Queries

DNS queries are often overlooked but can expose your online activities if not properly secured. During our review, we used dnsleaktest.com to evaluate Malwarebytes VPN’s DNS leak protection.

Every test result showed that DNS requests were exclusively routed through the VPN’s servers so that no third-party entities could monitor or intercept them.

WebRTC Leak Test: Safe Browsing Across Platforms

WebRTC leaks are a common issue, especially when using web browsers like Chrome and Firefox. They can inadvertently expose your IP address even while connected to a VPN.

To check Malwarebytes VPN’s reliability in this area, we conducted a series of tests using BrowserLeaks. The results were equally reassuring, with no WebRTC leaks detected throughout our analysis.

Malwarebytes Privacy VPN performs exceptionally well in protecting your privacy, passing all encryption and leak protection tests with flying colors. Its AES-256 encryption and Multi-Hop feature provide top-notch security, while its robust defenses against IP, DNS, and WebRTC leaks keep your identity hidden.

Streaming & Torrenting

For many users, streaming and torrenting are among the primary reasons for considering a VPN. Malwarebytes Privacy VPN shows promise in these areas, but its performance has limitations.

Streaming Experience: Unlocking Major Platforms, With Limits

Malwarebytes VPN delivers solid results when it comes to bypassing geo-restrictions. During our test, we connected to multiple servers across the US, UK, and Australia to evaluate its streaming capabilities.

The VPN successfully unlocked popular platforms like Netflix, Max, and Amazon Prime Video. Streaming was smooth with minimal buffering, and HD playback kicked in almost immediately. However, connecting to long-distance servers occasionally caused delays in loading times, particularly during peak hours. As a result, if you’re far from your home country, Malwarebytes is not the best VPN for watching Kayo Sports outside of Australia.

Another notable feature is the VPN’s ability to block ads, trackers, and malware, which we tested by accessing ad-heavy streaming sites. Malwarebytes effectively blocked intrusive pop-ups and trackers, creating a cleaner and less distracting streaming experience. This feature also adds an extra layer of security, protecting your data from potential threats while you binge-watch your favorite shows.

Malwarebytes VPN’s lack of servers in certain regions, like India, creates a noticeable gap in its streaming capabilities. This means if you’re hoping to catch regional favorites like Hotstar, you’re out of luck. Without a local server presence, bypassing strict geo-restrictions for region-specific content becomes nearly impossible.

In contrast, providers like NordVPN, ExpressVPN, and PIA offer servers in way more countries, so you never miss a show or movie, regardless of where you are. We actually consider all three to be the best VPNs for watching Crunchyroll from anywhere.

Torrenting Capabilities: Secure, But Not the Fastest

Malwarebytes VPN supports P2P file sharing, making it a viable option for torrenting safely. It delivered reliable speeds on regional servers, allowing smooth downloads without any noticeable throttling.

However, download speeds slowed considerably on long-distance servers. If you’re sharing large files regularly or need consistent high-speed connections for torrenting, this could be a limitation.

On the security side, Malwarebytes VPN excels. With AES-256 encryption and a strict no-logs policy, your torrenting activity remains private and secure. One sweet feature is the VPN’s ad and tracker blocking, which adds an extra layer of convenience when torrenting. When testing it out, Malwarebytes blocked a tracker with a Trojan warning so that potentially harmful files didn’t make it through.

To summarize, Malwarebytes Privacy VPN offers a solid balance of privacy, security, and performance for casual streamers and torrent users. While it performs admirably for major streaming services and protects your privacy during file sharing, its limitations in server coverage and advanced features may leave some users wanting more.

Does Malwarebytes Privacy VPN Keep Logs?

Privacy is at the core of why anyone chooses a VPN. After all, a VPN is not just about encrypting your connection—it’s about ensuring that your online activities stay private. This is where the analysis of a VPN’s logging policy comes into play.

No-Logs Policy: A Privacy-First Approach

Malwarebytes Privacy VPN claims a strict no-logs policy, which means it doesn’t track, store, or share your online activities. This includes your browsing history, session timestamps, connection logs, or any personally identifiable information.

Based on our experience, this policy aligns well with the company’s long-standing focus on user privacy, a legacy carried over from its reputable antivirus software. While this no-logs claim is reassuring, it’s worth noting that Malwarebytes has yet to undergo an independent third-party audit to verify its practices.

Many competitors, such as NordVPN and ExpressVPN, have set a high standard by submitting their no-logs policies to thorough tests conducted by industry-recognized firms. An audit could further strengthen Malwarebytes’ reputation among privacy-conscious users.

What Data Does Malwarebytes Collect?

Even with a no-logs policy, it’s common for VPN providers to collect some non-sensitive data for operational purposes. Malwarebytes Privacy VPN gathers basic information, such as:

• Connection Statistics: Aggregated data like server load and connection times to monitor and improve server performance.
• Account Information: Data needed for account creation and subscription management, such as your email address.

Importantly, this data is anonymized and not linked to your browsing activities, so it cannot be traced back to you. However, transparency about how this information is handled would add to user confidence.

Jurisdiction: Operating Under U.S. Laws

Being based in the US and a Five Eyes alliance member raises some eyebrows for privacy enthusiasts. While Malwarebytes’ no-logs policy is reassuring, users looking for maximum privacy might prefer providers like NordVPN or ExpressVPN, which are headquartered in privacy-friendly regions.

What’s more, Malwarebytes partners with Mullvad, a VPN provider based in Sweden, which has a strong reputation for upholding privacy standards. Mullvad’s server infrastructure is independently audited and trusted globally for its focus on security and transparency. By tapping into Mullvad’s expertise, Malwarebytes adds an extra layer of credibility to its privacy claims. It’s a collaboration that works in its favor, so your data is handled with care.

That said, Mullvad itself is known for features like OpenVPN support and even more robust privacy tools, which Malwarebytes doesn’t fully adopt. For those who demand the absolute highest level of privacy, it might not completely tick all the boxes.

At the end of the day, Malwarebytes delivers a solid effort, but it’s not quite at the level of privacy-focused heavyweights like NordVPN or ExpressVPN, both of which are based in countries with more privacy-friendly laws. If jurisdiction is a dealbreaker for you, these alternatives might offer a little extra peace of mind.

Server Speeds and Coverage

When it comes to VPNs, server speeds and coverage are crucial factors that can make or break your experience. Malwarebytes Privacy VPN offers a modest network of over 500 servers spread across 40+ countries, providing decent global coverage.

But how do these servers hold up in terms of performance and reliability? Let’s dive into a detailed analysis to understand how well it delivers.

Regional Speeds

During our speed test, with a base speed of 100Mbps, we found that connecting to regional servers resulted in a speed drop of just 15–20%. This is a promising result, as it allows you to browse, stream, and download files with minimal lag or buffering.

Low ping times further enhance the experience, making these servers ideal for everyday tasks and casual gaming. Whether you’re streaming videos or working on sensitive tasks, the regional servers provide a smooth and reliable experience.

Long-Distance Speeds

The performance took a noticeable dip for long-distance servers. Speeds dropped by around 45–60%, which, while still reliable, isn’t the best for bandwidth-intensive activities like 4K streaming or competitive online gaming.

However, the connections remained stable, and general browsing or streaming in standard definition was unaffected. While Malwarebytes Privacy VPN is reliable for occasional long-distance usage, it’s clear that it’s more optimized for regional connections.

Server Coverage: Enough for Most Use Cases

With more than 500 servers spread across 40+ countries, Malwarebytes Privacy VPN provides a reasonable level of global coverage. The network supports common locations like the US, UK, Canada, and Australia but lacks presence in the Middle East.

This could be a drawback for those trying to access geo-blocked content or users within the country who are trying to bypass heavy censorship. For comparison, VPNs like NordVPN, ExpressVPN, and Private Internet Access offer far greater server diversity for better reliability, even in challenging environments.

On that note, they are featured in our comparison of the best VPNs to use in China.

Malwarebytes Privacy VPN Pricing

When it comes to pricing, Malwarebytes Privacy VPN positions itself as an affordable option. Still, it struggles to offer great value compared to its top rivals in the business, like NordVPN.

Subscription Plans and Costs

Malwarebytes Privacy VPN offers three straightforward plans for 1, 3, or 5 devices. Prices start at $3.75/month for a single device, $5/month for three devices, and $10/month for five devices, with all plans requiring an annual commitment.

Malwarebytes Privacy VPN’s pricing is competitive, but the lack of monthly or shorter-term plans might deter users seeking flexibility. Compared to PIA VPN, which offers lower rates for unlimited devices, Malwarebytes’ value proposition feels a bit limited.

Money-Back Guarantee

One standout feature of Malwarebytes Privacy VPN is its 60-day money-back guarantee, double the industry standard of 30 days. This generous policy allows you to thoroughly test the VPN risk-free, and our review confirmed that the refund process is smooth.

One thing Malwarebytes gets right is its refund process. Initiating a refund is quick and easy, and the response time is about four days, which is impressive compared to industry standards.

Payment Options

Unfortunately, Malwarebytes falls short when it comes to payment flexibility. You can only pay with major credit cards like Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and Discover or via PayPal. The lack of cryptocurrency options or international e-wallet support limits its appeal to users seeking anonymous payment methods.

While Malwarebytes Privacy VPN is affordable, it’s not the best value for money. It relies on Mullvad’s server infrastructure for solid performance, but Mullvad itself offers better speeds, more protocol options, and a stronger privacy policy for roughly the same price.

For users seeking premium features and reliability, NordVPN, ExpressVPN, or Private Internet Access provide more robust alternatives.

Customer Support: Does Malwarebytes Deliver?

When you’re using a VPN, having reliable customer support can make all the difference, especially if you encounter unexpected issues. So, how does Malwarebytes Privacy VPN fare in this area? Let’s dive into the details.

Available Support Options

Malwarebytes Privacy VPN offers 24/7 live chat, an email support channel, and a detailed FAQ section on their website. The FAQ covers basic topics like installation, troubleshooting, and account management, which can be helpful for new users.

However, if you’re facing more advanced technical challenges, you might find the resources a bit lacking.

Our Customer Support Experience

During our test, we explored Malwarebytes’ live chat feature and found it responsive to basic queries. The AI did well to pop up questions about billing, and the general setup was handled efficiently. However, for more technical concerns, responses were slower and sometimes required follow-ups.

Email support, while reliable, had a turnaround time of around 24 hours, which isn’t ideal for urgent issues. Malwarebytes Privacy VPN delivers solid support for everyday inquiries, but it doesn’t quite match up to the comprehensive systems offered by top-tier competitors.

If you prioritize immediate assistance or advanced resources, alternatives like NordVPN or ExpressVPN might better suit your needs. However, for basic support needs, Malwarebytes performs adequately.

Final Verdict: Where Does Malwarebytes Privacy VPN Stand?

After spending time testing Malwarebytes Privacy VPN, our team came away with mixed feelings.

On one hand, it’s a dependable option for users who already trust the Malwarebytes brand and want straightforward security features. Its WireGuard protocol delivers solid speeds for regional connections, and its collaboration with Mullvad-backed servers adds credibility to its privacy claims.

Sadly, while Malwarebytes gets the job done, it doesn’t push boundaries and cut corners that are quite noticeable. The lack of protocol flexibility, fewer servers compared to competitors, and limited support for bypassing strict censorship make it feel like a good-but-not-great choice.

However, if you’re seeking advanced features, better global server coverage, or a VPN that excels in challenging situations like torrenting or restricted regions, options like NordVPN and ExpressVPN may offer a more polished experience. For us, it boils down to what you prioritize: convenience or cutting-edge performance.