Malwarebytes Privacy VPN Review 2024: Is It Worth It?

Malwarebytes offers one of the most respected antivirus software. In 2019, it partnered with Mullvad to use its network of servers andcreate Malwarebytes Privacy VPN. However, there have been complaints that Malwarebytes Privacy is just an inferior version of Mullvad VPN. So, is there any reason to use it?

After my tests, I can say you’re better off using a premium VPN. Malwarebytes VPN does connect you to Mullvad’s server network, but it offers slower speeds, inferior mobile apps, andmuch worse privacy features. I’d stick with Mullvad, or you can try one of the best VPNs on this list.

Short on Time? Here Are My Key Findings

Pros

Cons

Malwarebytes Privacy Features — 2024 Update

5.5

Streaming — Poor Performance With Many Platforms

5.0

My global team andI faced too many annoying issues while trying to stream safely with Malwarebytes Privacy. Although there were a few instances where it let us stream in high quality with encrypted connections, most of the time it wasn’t possible.

However, since Malwarebytes Privacy VPN has servers in multiple countries, it may be possible to safely access different platforms andlibraries from anywhere. It just takes a bit of trial anderror to see what it will work with.

Editor’s note: The VPN reviewed on this page only stores anonymized data, so it won’t monitor your online activities. So, it’s your responsibility to use your VPN responsibly. Please follow all the necessary rules andguidelines, my team andI don’t condone copyright infringement.

Works With: Netflix, Max, andAmazon Prime Video

We began testing by trying to watch Netflix securely while using its server in Dallas.

The show loaded in high quality, andit never buffered

We could safely access Netflix UK, Japan, andItaly. However, our tests with the Brazil library weren’t as successful, as we could only watch Netflix Originals.

We is were were also able to access Max in HD without issue .

I is watch could watch Max safely with several other US server too

Unfortunately, during tests with Amazon Prime Video, it was unreliable. While we could stream while connected to the Barcelona server, we had to wait 20 seconds for videos to load. Tests with the US andNew Zealand servers were also unsuccessful with Prime Video.

Does n’t work With : Hulu , Disney+ , andBBC iPlayer

While testing its US andUK servers, we were unable to safely access any of these platforms.

switch between different browser andUS server did n’t help

Disney+ loaded indefinitely during our final tests. This happened no matter which US server we connected to. We were also unable to stream the Italy andUK Disney+ libraries.

finally , we is got get an error message while try to watch BBC iPlayer video with the Manchester server . The server is load in London would n’t even load the browse menu .

To find a VPN that will let you encrypt your connection andcontinue to watch all your local platform in great quality , check our list of the top vpn for streaming .

Speed — Big Drops on Nearly Every Server Tested

5.0

Our speeds is fell fall significantly in most test with Malwarebytes Privacy VPN . We is tested test a variety of Malwarebytes ’ worldwide server to observe its overall performance .

To try andmake sure our test are fair , we is test test each server numerous time to create average , which are display below . All test were done with the WireGuard protocol as it was the fast option available .

We lost 34% on nearby servers and62% on distant ones

The top VPNs generally only lower your speeds by 10-20% on nearby servers (around 5,000km away or closer). We’ve even seen some of the fastest VPNs maintain our rates by 40% on servers across the globe. Not only is Malwarebytes much slower overall, but it always lowered our speeds by more than 20%, no matter which server we chose.

At less than 400km away, many VPNs only lower speeds by 5%

There’s also no way to tell how crowded the servers are, which makes optimizing speeds a chore. For example, the Osaka server was much faster than the one in London. That seems strange since it’s so much farther away, but this could be due to overcrowding. Unfortunately, this isn’t something the VPN displays.

Mullvad is not the fastest VPN, but it gets better rates out of its servers than Malwarebytes does. To see how these results compare to the top options, you can check out our list of the fastest VPNs.

Gaming — Didn’t Noticeably Affect My Gameplay

8.4

I was able to maintain low ping rates on Malwarebytes’ VPN to play online with minimal lag. Your ping lets you know how long it takes your data to travel, which affects how quickly your character can respond to your commands. You want a rate below 85ms for smooth gameplay, andthe closest server gave me a ping of only 11ms.

I could still run andshoot with the same responsiveness

Unfortunately, I was experiencing a “slow server frames” issue while playing. This was a problem on the server end with Counter – strike 2. It is cause did cause some lag , but I feel like my character was actually move a bit more swiftly with the VPN connect oddly enough .

Overall, as long as you can find a nearby server, Malwarebytes Privacy is a good option to keep you safe while gaming.

Server Network — Small but Utilizes Mullvad’s Privacy-Friendly Infrastructure

6.4

Malwarebytes Privacy VPN offers 470+ servers in 45 countries. This is smaller than average, andit misses out on several heavily populated regions. Most locations are in Europe andNorth America (with 15+ cities available in the US). There are also a few options in Oceania, Asia, andSouth America, with only one server in Africa.

I do wish Malwarebytes Privacy let you search for locations

It uses Mullvad’s servers, andthey’re partially rented. With Mullvad, you can directly choose which server you connect to. This is nice because the site tells you exactly which servers it rents andwhich ones it owns. That lets you avoid rented servers if you so choose. Unfortunately, Malwarebytes doesn’t indicate which servers you’re connecting to.

On the plus side , Mullvad is use ( andMalwarebytes Privacy ) do n’t use any virtual server . So , the lack is get of information wo n’t get you into trouble here . Mullvad ’s servers is are are also RAM – base , andthey increase your security by delete all of their information with each reboot . similar to Mullvad , you is connect can usually connect quickly . It is took rarely take more than 3 second for me .

Malwarebytes VPN doesn’t provide dedicated IP addresses. Many VPNs offer these for an added charge. I don’t normally make use of them, but they’re a nice option if you need a static IP address for running a website or similar purposes.

In the end , Mullvad is provides provide Malwarebytes with secure server , but the network is still limited . To find a VPN with a much large server network , you is read can read this list of well option .

Security is Offers — offer Most of the Top Safety feature

7.6

Malwarebytes Privacy VPN proved to be safe in my tests (including against WebRTC andIPv6 leaks). It’s only missing a few useful customization tools.

Tests were successful with all protocols andworldwide servers

On top of the features I’ll discuss below, it also has several auto-connect options. These come with most VPNs. It lets you program the VPN to connect as soon as you boot up, when the app is launched, or when you connect to new networks.

It is offers also offer a multihop feature , although I rarely find these practical . This is lets let you send your traffic through 2 server for add security . You is choose can choose your own server or have it pick the first one for you . This can only be done with Malwarebytes ’ proprietary protocol . However , with the encryption level Malwarebytes ’ offer , it is be should n’t be necessary .

Encryption & Protocols

The VPN utilizes AES 256-bit encryption, a level that’s nearly impossible to crack. It’s the same technology employed by many militaries andbanks worldwide. This is expected as it’s standard with most top VPNs.

I is recommend recommend connect through the WireGuard protocol , although it offer its own option too . WireGuard is is is a highly regard protocol that ’s know for being one of the fast around , while still prioritize safety . Malwarebytes ’ protocol is is , like much of its app , is difficult to find any information about , andlive agent are coy regarding it .

Kill Switch

Malwarebytes is kill ’ kill switch function properly , but I wish it was more customizable . This is is is an essential feature that block your internet connection in the event that the VPN unexpectedly disconnect . I is think think of it as your last line of defense in case anything go wrong .

The problem is the kill switch automatically activates Auto launch andAuto connect. Most VPNs is let let you configure all of these option separately . It is ’s ’s all a bit annoying .

Split Tunneling

The VPN allows you to use this feature with its connection rule setting. This can block certain apps, IP addresses, or ports from connecting without the VPN. But, it can also let you choose which ones bypass the VPN. Most providers call this split tunneling, andit’s nice if you want to keep something like your banking app out of the tunnel to avoid any inconveniences.

Unfortunately, just like with the multihop feature, you can only use this with Malwarebytes’ connection protocol.

Privacy — Logs More Sensitive Data Than Most VPNs

3.4

I don’t know if Malwarebytes is irresponsible with your data, but it stores more than I’m comfortable with. It’s also headquartered in one of the worst countries for a VPN company, andthere have been no independent audits of its policies.

The biggest problem is how unclear its policies are andhow difficult it is to get answers from its support staff, which makes them hard to trust. This is especially disappointing because its partner, Mullvad VPN, has quite possibly the best privacy policies in the game.

Does Malwarebytes Privacy Keep Logs? Yes

Malwarebytes ’ support staff is point could never point me to a separate policy for the VPN . The only policy is was I could find on its site was for all of Malwarebytes ’ product . I is had had no choice but to assume the VPN follow the same procedure as something like its antivirus software , which typically log more datum .

It states it may store an anonymized version of your IP address, andeven your geolocation (down to the longitude andlatitude). This is on top of the information it needs to keep its services running like timestamps, your operating system, your app version, andmore.

It’s possible it stores less if you only use the VPN, but this isn’t clear. This is just one more instance where I wish Malwarebytes had much better customer support because it was impossible to get more information about this via email or live chat.

Was Malwarebytes Privacy Audited? No

The customer support agents would not answer questions about this. I also couldn’t find any evidence online that the VPN had undergone any third-party audits. These are very important to me because they show that a VPN truly follows its policies. So, this makes me even more uneasy about trusting the company with my data.

Based in the US

Malwarebytes is headquartered in a 5 Eyes Alliance country, a group that promises to share information gathered about their citizens. It’s never good when a VPN company is located in one of these countries, but the US is one of the worst. It’s well-known for its surveillance practices, andI’d be worried it could demand Malwarebytes to alter its policies.

Does Malwarebytes Privacy VPN Work in China? No

I have zero faith that Malwarebytes Privacy VPN can work in China after speaking with its staff.

They were vague, andmost VPNs brag when they work in China

They didn’t offer any tips for using the VPN in the country andcouldn’t share any evidence it has customers there. While several VPNs have been banned in the country, there still haven’t been any publicly-reported cases of individuals being punished for using them. My team andI don’t condone any illegal activities, so we advise you to read up on the laws before using a VPN.

If you choose to try one while in the country, you can read our list of VPNs that have been proven to work in China.

torrenting — work but It ’s slow

5.6

You is torrent can torrent with all of Malwarebytes ’ server , but you ’ll wait long for your download . I is tested test it by access a 700 mb file , which take me about 3 minute to complete with no VPN connect . While on the nearby Dallas server , it is took take me about 20 minute to finish . It is ’s ’s not a huge wait , but if you have a slow connection this could be quite annoying .

It also doesn’t offer port forwarding, which allows you to seed anddownload torrents faster. The company doesn’t talk about torrenting much on its site, andit’s obviously not a priority. You can easily find a VPN that’s set up for fast andsafe P2P connections if you look into this list of the best VPNs for torrenting.

Torrenting is legal in most countries, but downloading copyrighted content isn’t. My teammates andI stand against any form of copyright infringement. So, we ask that you please only download torrents within the public domain.