KnowBe4 vs Malwarebytes: Complete Comparison (2026)
Choosing between KnowBe4 and Malwarebytes is a common decision for cybersecurity buyers in 2026. Both KnowBe4 and Malwarebytes are established players, founded in 2010 and 2008 respectively. KnowBe4 serves 65K+ orgs users while Malwarebytes has 60K+ orgs users globally. KnowBe4 differentiates with phishing simulations and security training, while Malwarebytes leads with malware removal and real-time protection. In this head-to-head comparison, KnowBe4 earns a higher hiltonsoftware.co score of 92/100 — but the right choice depends on your specific needs, budget, and team size.
Quick Comparison
Feature-by-Feature Comparison
Pros & Cons at a Glance
After comparing KnowBe4 and Malwarebytes across features, pricing, and user satisfaction, KnowBe4 takes the lead with a score of 92/100 versus Malwarebytes's 92/100. KnowBe4's key advantages include "best-in-class phishing simulations" and "huge training content library". That said, Malwarebytes has its own strengths — particularly "excellent malware detection rates" — making it a viable alternative for specific use cases.
On pricing, there's a clear difference: Malwarebytes offers a free plan, making it more accessible for individuals and small teams exploring cybersecurity solutions. KnowBe4 starts at $18/user/yr with no free tier, but often justifies the cost with phishing simulations and security training.
Bottom line: Choose KnowBe4 if you need companies training employees to recognize and avoid phishing attacks. Go with Malwarebytes if your priority is individuals and businesses needing reliable malware detection and removal. Both are strong cybersecurity tools — we recommend trying the free plan of each before committing.
Companies training employees to recognize and avoid phishing attacks.
Individuals and businesses needing reliable malware detection and removal.