Malwarebytes is an Android antivirus app from Malwarebytes, installed more than 50 million times. Google Play is where you get it. Installing is free, there are no ads, and extra features are sold as in-app purchases.
Scams, ransomware and spam calls on one phone
A phone holds banking apps, photos and saved logins, so one bad download or one fake delivery text can cause real damage. Malwarebytes targets that mix of threats: malware, ransomware, phishing messages and nuisance calls. Its feature list mentions 4 million daily threats blocked and AI-powered antivirus protection.
The publisher says the app is meant for everyone from professionals to first-time smartphone users. The content rating is Everyone.
Scanning, Scam Guard, call filtering and a 62-country VPN
On the malware side, the app lists automatic scanning of new apps and downloads, zero-day detection and a ransomware shield. Scam Guard checks links in texts, emails and messaging apps, and flags phishing and brand impersonation.
Call protection flags scam calls and hidden numbers, blocks known spam callers and lets you whitelist trusted contacts. The VPN uses AES-256 encryption with WireGuard across 62+ countries, and the developer claims a third-party audited no-logs policy. A junk cleaner is also included.
Identity features include a dark web footprint scanner and breach alerts. The developer also mentions live-agent support and up to $2 million in identity theft insurance.
What to check before installing on Android 10 or newer
The current version is 5.33.0+585 and it needs Android 10 or later. Google Play lists a 4.4 rating from about 691.3 thousand ratings.
Because the app has in-app purchases, check which of the VPN, identity and monitoring tools are locked before you rely on them. Review the permissions prompt on Google Play before installing. A Windows version also exists.
Malwarebytes pros and cons
Pros
- No ads, according to the Google Play listing data
- Covers malware, ransomware, scam links and spam calls in one app
- VPN with WireGuard and AES-256 across 62+ countries
- Rated 4.4 on Google Play from about 691.3 thousand ratings
- Maintained since 2013, last updated October 22, 2026
Cons
- Contains in-app purchases for some features
- Requires Android 10 or newer
- No file size or permission details in the available data
Is Malwarebytes safe?
The publisher is Malwarebytes itself, as named on Google Play, and the content rating is Everyone. Install it from Google Play only. The app shows no ads, though we have no permission list for it and no independent review of its code to point to.
How to install Malwarebytes
- Press the Google Play button on this page.
- Check the listing in the Play Store and press Install.
- Open Malwarebytes when the install finishes. Updates arrive through Google Play.
