⚡ Quick Verdict:
- Pricing: PrivadoVPN starts at $1.11/month. Malwarebytes includes its VPN from the $79.98/yr Plus plan.
- Best for: PrivadoVPN for streaming and free use. Malwarebytes for one antivirus-plus-VPN bill.
- Key difference: PrivadoVPN has a free plan and 10 device slots. Malwarebytes bundles full antivirus software.
- Our pick: PrivadoVPN for most people. It costs less, sits under Swiss law, and streams better.
The bigger security brand doesn’t always build the better VPN.
Malwarebytes is famous for its antivirus software.
PrivadoVPN is a smaller Swiss VPN company with a generous free plan.
On paper, Malwarebytes VPN looks like the safe pick.
But price, privacy laws, and streaming tell a different story.
Here’s how the two stack up where it actually counts.
Overview
This Malwarebytes VPN vs PrivadoVPN comparison covers price, privacy, speed, and streaming.
We reviewed documentation, pricing pages, and user reviews for both tools.
Our writers also spent hands-on time with each virtual private network.
Those notes appear in the “What Our Team Noticed” sections below.
By the end, you’ll know which VPN service fits your devices and budget.
What is Malwarebytes VPN?
Malwarebytes Privacy VPN comes from the company behind Malwarebytes antivirus.
It runs on the WireGuard protocol for quick connections.
Behind the scenes, it uses Mullvad’s server network.
So how does Malwarebytes Privacy VPN work?
It encrypts your web traffic and swaps your IP address for one of its own.
Most people get it bundled with Malwarebytes Premium antivirus.
Here’s a quick look at the app in action.
Malwarebytes VPN
Antivirus and VPN from one security brand. WireGuard speed in a one-screen app. Best if you already pay for Malwarebytes.
Malwarebytes VPN Pricing
Malwarebytes sells its VPN inside yearly security bundles. Here’s what each plan costs.
| Plan | Price | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Standard | $59.99/yr | Antivirus only on 3 devices — no VPN included |
| Plus | $79.98/yr | Antivirus plus VPN on 3 devices |
| Total | $89.99/yr | Device security, VPN, and identity protection |
Pricing verified October 2026.
Free trial: Yes. Malwarebytes offers a 7-day trial period.
Money-back guarantee: 60 days on paid plans.
📌 Note: The Standard plan has no VPN. You need Plus or Total for VPN access. Malwarebytes takes PayPal and credit or debit cards, but not crypto.
💡 Price check: Some sites list a standalone Privacy VPN at $39.99/yr for one device. They show $49.99/yr for three devices and $59.99/yr for five. Confirm the current price at checkout.
⚠️ Warning: Malwarebytes doesn’t discount its VPN plans. VAT in some countries can add up to 20% to the total.
Key Benefits of Malwarebytes VPN
Here’s what makes Malwarebytes VPN worth a look:
- WireGuard Speed: It skips older VPN protocols for faster WireGuard connections. Every session uses AES-256 encryption.
- One Bill for Everything: Plus and Total pair the VPN with an anti malware solution. You manage both from one Malwarebytes account.
- MultiHop Routing: Send traffic through two servers in different countries. That adds a second layer of cover.
- No-Logs Promise: Malwarebytes says it doesn’t store DNS requests, IP addresses, or bandwidth usage. Its own DNS server doesn’t track traffic.
- Connection Rules: Certain apps or IP addresses can skip the tunnel. Handy for banking apps that block VPN traffic.
- Quick Support: Reviews describe customer support as solid. Replies tend to come fast.
What Our Team Noticed
Our writer installed Malwarebytes Privacy VPN on a Windows laptop for everyday browsing. Our full Malwarebytes Privacy VPN review goes deeper, but here’s what stood out:
Malwarebytes VPN Pros & Cons
✅ Pros
- Bundles antivirus and VPN in one subscription
- WireGuard and AES-256 on every connection
- MultiHop routes traffic through two countries
- 60-day money-back guarantee
❌ Cons
- US-based, inside the 5 Eyes alliance
- No third-party audits of its no-logs claims
- Struggles with Hulu, Disney+, and BBC iPlayer
What is PrivadoVPN?
PrivadoVPN is a Swiss VPN service run by Privado Networks AG.
It’s best known for a free plan with 10GB of data every 30 days.
Paid plans unlock unlimited data and 10 simultaneous connections.
The PrivadoVPN app runs on Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Fire TV, and Android TV.
It supports WireGuard plus OpenVPN and IKEv2.
New in 2026, PhantomMode keeps system-level privacy on during brief drops.
This short video walks through the main screens.
PrivadoVPN
Swiss privacy laws and a free plan that streams US Netflix. Paid plans cover 10 devices at once. A strong pick for budget streamers.
PrivadoVPN Pricing
PrivadoVPN rewards longer commitments. Here’s the full price list.
| Plan | Price | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| 24 Month Unlimited VPN+ 3 free | $1.11/month | Lowest price for long-term users |
| 12 Month Unlimited VPN+ 3 free | $1.33/month | One year without a big upfront bill |
| 1 Month Plan | $10.99/month | Short trips or testing paid features |
Pricing verified October 2026.
Free plan: Yes. You get 10GB every 30 days on one device, with 12 free servers.
Money-back guarantee: 30 days on paid plans.
📌 Note: Paid plans unlock unlimited data and 10 devices. You can pay by card, PayPal, or cryptocurrency.
💡 Price check: Some sites list the annual plan at $2.50/month. They show the 2-year plan at $1.99/month. They say renewals rise to $4.99 and $3.99. Confirm the final price at checkout.
⚠️ Warning: The free plan works on one device at a time. Free users don’t get all the same features as paid users.
Key Benefits of PrivadoVPN
Here’s where PrivadoVPN earns its place:
- Free Plan That Streams: Unlike many VPNs, PrivadoVPN’s free version unblocks US Netflix. It shows up on many best free VPNs lists.
- Swiss Jurisdiction: Switzerland has strong consumer privacy laws. It sits outside the 5 Eyes alliance.
- Strict No Logs Policy: Privado says it never logs browsing history, IP addresses, or DNS queries. PrivadoVPN’s servers use disk encryption.
- 10 Devices at Once: Cover phones, laptops, and TVs on one plan. That’s more than most VPNs allow.
- Streaming Access: It unblocks US Netflix, BBC iPlayer, and Amazon Prime Video. Ultra HD plays without buffering on fast lines.
- Extra Tools: You get a SOCKS5 proxy and SmartRoute split tunneling. Privado Sentry adds optional antivirus.
What Our Team Noticed
Our writer started on the free tier. Then they upgraded for our PrivadoVPN review. Here’s what stood out:
PrivadoVPN Pros & Cons
✅ Pros
- Free plan with 10GB of data every 30 days
- Paid plans cover 10 simultaneous connections
- Unblocks US Netflix, BBC iPlayer, and Prime Video
- Based in Switzerland with a zero-log policy
❌ Cons
- No third-party audit of its logging claims
- Small server network of around 330 servers
- No 24/7 live chat support
Feature Comparison
Here’s how Malwarebytes VPN and PrivadoVPN compare across nine features plus price. Each section shows how both apps handle it.
| Feature | Malwarebytes VPN | PrivadoVPN |
|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | $79.98/yr (with VPN) | $1.11/month |
| Free Plan | ❌ (7-day trial) | ✅ 10GB every 30 days |
| Simultaneous Connections | 3 on bundles | 10 |
| Kill Switch | ✅ | ✅ (not on iOS) |
| Split Tunneling | ✅ Connection Rules | ✅ SmartRoute (not iOS/macOS) |
| MultiHop | ✅ | ❌ |
| Built-in Antivirus | ✅ Plus & Total | Add-on (Privado Sentry) |
| Streaming Unblocking | ❌ Weak | ✅ US Netflix, iPlayer, Prime |
| Third-Party Audit | ❌ | ❌ |
| Jurisdiction | USA (5 Eyes) | Switzerland |
| Best For | Existing Malwarebytes users | Budget streamers and free users |
1. Encryption & VPN Protocols
Malwarebytes VPN: It runs only on WireGuard, a modern VPN protocol built for speed. Every connection uses AES-256 encryption. There’s no fallback for networks that block WireGuard.
PrivadoVPN: You get multiple security protocols: WireGuard plus OpenVPN and IKEv2. It also uses AES-256 encryption. Switch protocols in the settings menu if one gets blocked.
Both share the same core security features here. The difference is flexibility, and PrivadoVPN offers more of it.
2. No-Logs Policy & Jurisdiction
Malwarebytes VPN: The company says it doesn’t keep DNS requests, IP addresses, or bandwidth usage. It may store anonymized data, like a public key for the VPN connection. It’s US-based, inside the 5 Eyes alliance.
PrivadoVPN: It claims a strict no logs policy covering browsing history, traffic destination, and DNS queries. It does collect your email and device identifiers. Privado says it never links them to your online activities.
⚠️ Warning: Neither service has passed third party audits of its logging claims. Malwarebytes’ privacy policy has been called unclear. Privado’s policy says some data may be kept indefinitely. It also publishes no transparency reports or warrant canaries. That’s a common gap among smaller VPN companies.
3. Server Network & Speed
Malwarebytes VPN: Malwarebytes servers come from Mullvad’s network: 470+ servers in 45+ countries. Third-party speed tests saw drops of 34% nearby and 62% on distant servers.
PrivadoVPN: PrivadoVPN’s server network is smaller, at around 330 servers in 46 to 49 countries. Speed tests vary widely. One found a 48% average loss, while others saw only 8-15% locally.
Both look small next to rivals with more extensive server networks, like NordVPN and Surfshark. NordVPN alone runs thousands of worldwide servers. Neither publishes how many are physical servers versus virtual servers. And neither is the fastest VPN you can buy.
💡 Pro Tip: Pick nearby VPN servers on either app. Local servers keep download speeds and upload speeds much higher.
4. Kill Switch & Connection Safety
Malwarebytes VPN: Its kill switch blocks all traffic if the VPN connection is lost. You can set it to auto connect on untrusted Wi-Fi. It also routes lookups through its own DNS server, which helps prevent DNS leaks.
PrivadoVPN: Its kill switch feature cuts your internet connection when the VPN connection drops. It’s on Windows and Android, but the iOS app lacks it. PhantomMode adds a backup layer during short drops.
PrivadoVPN also lists DNS leak protection, so your originating IP address stays hidden.
⚠️ Warning: iPhone users get no VPN kill switch on PrivadoVPN. A short drop could expose your real IP address.
5. Split Tunneling
Malwarebytes VPN: Malwarebytes calls this Connection Rules. You choose certain apps or IP addresses that skip the VPN. Reviews say it works best on Windows devices.
PrivadoVPN: Its version is called SmartRoute, built into the Windows app. Split tunneling isn’t available on iOS or macOS. It’s handy for keeping local banking on your normal connection.
6. Streaming, Torrents & Gaming
Malwarebytes VPN: There are no dedicated streaming servers. Reviews say it often fails with streaming services like Hulu, Disney+, and BBC iPlayer. P2P traffic is allowed, so you can download torrents.
PrivadoVPN: It unblocks US Netflix, BBC iPlayer, and Amazon Prime Video. It can’t reach Netflix libraries in Australia, Canada, or Japan. Disney+ stays blocked too.
Gamers should look elsewhere. One test showed PrivadoVPN’s latency rising 83%. Malwarebytes users report high ping as well.
⚠️ Warning: BBC iPlayer access on PrivadoVPN is hit or miss. Some servers work while others don’t.
7. Antivirus & Malware Protection
Malwarebytes VPN: This is where Malwarebytes shines. Plus and Total include Malwarebytes Premium Security against malware and malicious websites. Malwarebytes protects the device first, then the network.
PrivadoVPN: Privado Sentry is an optional real-time antivirus add-on. It uses cloud scanning and quarantines threats. It’s newer and far less proven than the Malwarebytes engine.
Do you need malware protection with a VPN? Yes. Using a VPN hides your traffic, but it won’t stop an infected download.
Malwarebytes also offers AdwCleaner, a free tool that strips adware and junk toolbars.
8. Extra Privacy Tools
Malwarebytes VPN: Malwarebytes products reach past the VPN. Browser Guard blocks ads, trackers, and scam pages in your browser.
PrivadoVPN: Paid plans include a SOCKS5 proxy for faster torrenting. It lacks multi-hop, dedicated IPs, and an ad blocker. Neither service lists port forwarding or Smart DNS.
Malwarebytes’ Total plan adds identity theft protection on top of the VPN.
Dark web monitoring then warns you if your details leak online.
A separate Personal Data Remover scrubs your info from data broker sites.
Together, these tools help shrink your digital footprint over time. PrivadoVPN has nothing similar.
9. Device Support & Customer Support
Malwarebytes VPN: You get a Windows app, a Mac desktop app, an iOS app, and an Android app. There’s no Linux, router, Fire TV, or gaming consoles support. Reviews call the support team quick and helpful.
PrivadoVPN: It adds native apps for Fire TV and Android TV. Support covers live chat and email, but not 24/7, and the help site is thin. Some users report slow connection times.
Both offer mobile apps that keep important features easily accessible on one screen. Malwarebytes opens with a short tour. A pop up window then asks you to sign in to your Malwarebytes account. You can also set it to auto launch at startup.
PrivadoVPN lets you automatically connect when the app opens. You pick server locations from a country list, not a map. Paid users can even run all 10 devices on the same server.
💡 Pro Tip: Having issues downloading either app? Open a support ticket and include your operating system version.
10. Pricing & Cost
Let’s compare the plans side by side.
| Plan Tier | Malwarebytes VPN | PrivadoVPN |
|---|---|---|
| Free option | ❌ (7-day trial) | ✅ 10GB every 30 days |
| Entry plan | Standard: $59.99/yr (no VPN) | 24 Month Unlimited VPN+ 3 free: $1.11/month |
| Mid plan | Plus: $79.98/yr | 12 Month Unlimited VPN+ 3 free: $1.33/month |
| Top / flexible plan | Total: $89.99/yr | 1 Month Plan: $10.99/month |
| Money-back guarantee | 60 days | 30 days |
| Payment methods | PayPal, cards | Cards, PayPal, crypto |
Malwarebytes VPN: You pay more, but the money buys an antivirus suite too. If you’d buy Malwarebytes anyway, Plus turns the VPN into a small add-on.
PrivadoVPN: It’s far cheaper for a VPN alone. The 2-year plan costs a fraction of the Plus bundle. It also undercuts most premium VPN pricing.
Different Scenarios
| If You Need… | Choose | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Tight budget | PrivadoVPN | Free plan and lowest monthly cost |
| Antivirus + VPN in one | Malwarebytes VPN | Full malware suite in the bundle |
| Netflix and iPlayer | PrivadoVPN | Unblocks US Netflix, even free |
| Many devices | PrivadoVPN | 10 simultaneous connections |
| Identity protection | Malwarebytes VPN | Total plan adds ID tools |
| Simplest setup | Malwarebytes VPN | One-screen app with a setup tour |
| Strong privacy laws | PrivadoVPN | Swiss base, outside 5 Eyes |
💰 Your Budget
PrivadoVPN costs less, and its free service costs nothing. Malwarebytes only makes sense if you’d pay for its antivirus anyway.
🔌 Your Devices
PrivadoVPN covers Fire TV and Android TV on top of mobile devices. Malwarebytes sticks to Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android.
📺 How You Use the Internet
Streamers should pick PrivadoVPN for its streaming capabilities. If you mostly bank and email on public Wi-Fi, Malwarebytes works fine.
🎓 Your Experience Level
Both VPN apps suit beginners. Malwarebytes feels simpler, while PrivadoVPN gives you more settings to grow into.
🆓 Free Trials and Demos
Start with PrivadoVPN’s free plan before paying a cent. Malwarebytes gives you a 7-day trial, then a 60-day refund window.
🛟 Support Options
Malwarebytes gets better marks for fast replies. PrivadoVPN has live chat, but not around the clock.
🔒 Privacy and Online Security
A Swiss VPN company beats a US one on paper. Still, both VPN providers skip independent audits.
Switching Guide
Already using one of these tools? Here’s what to expect if you switch.
🔄 Switching from Malwarebytes VPN to PrivadoVPN?
✅ What you’ll gain:
- A free plan and much cheaper paid options
- 10 device slots plus Fire TV and Android TV apps
- Access to US Netflix and BBC iPlayer
❌ What you’ll lose:
- Malwarebytes antivirus, unless you keep the Standard plan
- MultiHop double-server routing
- The longer 60-day refund window
📋 How to switch:
- Turn off auto-renewal for your Malwarebytes VPN plan.
- Create a PrivadoVPN account and test the free plan.
- Install the app, enable the kill switch, and pick a nearby server.
🔄 Switching from PrivadoVPN to Malwarebytes VPN?
✅ What you’ll gain:
- Antivirus and VPN under one bill
- Browser Guard and identity protection tools
- MultiHop routing and Connection Rules
❌ What you’ll lose:
- The free plan with 10GB every 30 days
- Fire TV and Android TV apps
- Swiss jurisdiction and the 10-device limit
📋 How to switch:
- Note your SmartRoute and server settings in PrivadoVPN.
- Buy Malwarebytes Plus or Total, since Standard has no VPN.
- Sign in, turn on the VPN, and rebuild your Connection Rules.
What Our Review Didn’t Cover
This comparison focused on individual users and small households. We didn’t test either app against China’s firewall. Reports suggest Malwarebytes struggles to bypass censorship there. Family bundles, business plans, and long-term renewal costs weren’t part of this review. Features reflect October 2026 versions and may change.
Final Verdict
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| 💰 Pricing | PrivadoVPN |
| 🔐 Encryption & Protocols | Tie |
| 🕵️ Privacy & Jurisdiction | PrivadoVPN |
| ⚡ Speed | PrivadoVPN |
| 📺 Streaming | PrivadoVPN |
| 🛡️ Malware Protection | Malwarebytes VPN |
| 🧰 Extra Privacy Tools | Malwarebytes VPN |
| 📱 Device Support | PrivadoVPN |
| 🛟 Customer Support | Malwarebytes VPN |
| 🏆 Overall Winner | PrivadoVPN |
🏆 WINNER: PRIVADOVPN
PrivadoVPN wins 5 out of 9 categories.
Best for: Budget users, Netflix streamers, and households with many devices
Malwarebytes VPN and PrivadoVPN serve different people. Malwarebytes is a security suite with a VPN attached. PrivadoVPN is a dedicated VPN with a strong free tier.
Malwarebytes is a good add-on if you already trust its antivirus. The bundle keeps malware protection and online privacy under one login. It’s also often compared unfavorably to other VPNs like ExpressVPN and NordVPN.
For most VPN users, PrivadoVPN is the better choice. It costs less, follows Swiss law, and handles streaming far better. Just remember that neither service has been audited yet.
More of Malwarebytes VPN Compared
Here’s how Malwarebytes VPN stacks up against other popular VPN services:
Malwarebytes wins on: A full antivirus engine in the bundle, a simpler app, and 60-day refunds.
NordVPN wins on: Audited no-logs, far more servers, Double VPN routing, and better streaming.
Malwarebytes VPN vs Proton VPN
Malwarebytes wins on: Browser Guard, bundled anti-malware scanning, and identity tools on Total.
Proton VPN wins on: Unlimited free data, audited open-source apps, Secure Core, and Swiss jurisdiction.
Malwarebytes VPN vs Surfshark
Malwarebytes wins on: A long-running malware engine, a longer refund window, and a simpler app.
Surfshark wins on: Unlimited devices, audited no-logs, CleanWeb ad blocking, and more Netflix regions.
More of PrivadoVPN Compared
Here’s how PrivadoVPN holds up against other rivals:
PrivadoVPN wins on: A lower starting price, a SOCKS5 proxy, and a free tier that streams US Netflix.
Proton VPN wins on: Unlimited free data, independent audits, Secure Core multi-hop, and more servers.
PrivadoVPN vs Surfshark
PrivadoVPN wins on: A real free plan, a Swiss base, and a cheaper 2-year entry price.
Surfshark wins on: 3,000+ servers in about 100 countries, unlimited devices, audits, and ad blocking.
PrivadoVPN vs Private Internet Access
PrivadoVPN wins on: A free plan, Swiss rather than US jurisdiction, and a simpler beginner app.
Private Internet Access wins on: Tens of thousands of servers, Deloitte-audited no-logs, unlimited devices, and port forwarding.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Malwarebytes VPN any good?
It’s a decent add-on if you already use Malwarebytes antivirus. As a standalone VPN, it trails most rivals. Its network is small, and streaming is weak.
Does Malwarebytes VPN log data?
The company says it doesn’t log DNS requests, IP addresses, or bandwidth usage. It may keep anonymized data like a connection key. No outside firm has audited this.
Is PrivadoVPN completely free?
There’s a free plan with 10GB of data every 30 days on one device. Unlimited data and 10 simultaneous connections need a paid plan.
Does the PrivadoVPN work with Netflix?
Yes. It unblocks US Netflix, even on the free plan. It can’t reach the Australian, Canadian, or Japanese libraries, and Disney+ stays blocked.
Is PrivadoVPN safe to use?
Yes, for everyday use. It offers AES-256 encryption, a kill switch, and Swiss privacy laws. The catch is that its zero-log policy hasn’t been independently audited.
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