Kaspersky is technically stronger across most categories. But Kaspersky was banned from US consumer sale September 29, 2024, and operates under Russian corporate jurisdiction. Malwarebytes is a US company, globally available, with elite remediation capabilities — weaker as a standalone full AV, but without Kaspersky's legal and jurisdictional constraints.

What you get that Kaspersky can't offer

US availability. Kaspersky cannot be legally purchased or activated by new US customers. Malwarebytes has no such restriction.

A cleaner privacy posture — score 7.7 vs Kaspersky's 2.4. US corporate structure, no Russian government legal authority over data.

Free cleanup tier — useful for remediating existing infections. Kaspersky has no equivalent free remediation product.

What you give up

Full AV strength. Kaspersky's protection score is 8.7 vs Malwarebytes' 7.7, with more complete lab participation. As a standalone real-time AV, Malwarebytes Premium is a step down.

What you get that Malwarebytes doesn't offer

Stronger full AV protection in markets where the product is available — better lab scores, more complete detection stack.

Better bundle value score in available markets: 8.6 vs Malwarebytes' 8.1.

What you give up

US availability — banned September 29, 2024. US users were silently migrated to UltraAV without explicit consent when the ban took effect.

Jurisdictional neutrality. Russian corporate law applies regardless of server location. Privacy score 2.4. BSI and FCC have both issued formal advisories.