Duo Security vs Malwarebytes: Complete Comparison (2026)

By Elena Kowalski, Security & Enterprise Editorยท12 years of experienceยทUpdated 2026-04-24ยท8 min read

In comparing Duo Security and Malwarebytes in 2026, Malwarebytes is the stronger choice for individuals and businesses needing reliable malware detection and removal due to excellent malware detection rates. Duo Security excels for organizations wanting easy-to-deploy mfa for all employees with very easy user experience for mfa. Duo Security offers MFA push notifications, Device trust, SSO starting at $3/user/mo with a free plan. Malwarebytes provides Malware removal, Real-time protection, Ransomware protection from $3.75/device/mo with a free tier. For teams prioritizing value, Malwarebytes delivers a hiltonsoftware Score of 76/100. Duo Security and Malwarebytes compete in the cybersecurity segment of the SaaS market, where cloud-native solutions, API integrations, and workflow automation drive enterprise and SMB adoption. Other leading cybersecurity tools include Okta, 1Password, Cloudflare. Duo Security serves 50K+ orgs users globally (founded 2010) while Malwarebytes reports 60K+ orgs active users (founded 2008).

Duo Security vs Malwarebytes at a Glance

Duo Security
Malwarebytes
Starting Price
$3/user/mo
$3.75/device/mo
Free Plan
Yes
Yes
User Rating
4.6/5
4.6/5
Best For
Organizations wanting easy-to-deploy MFA for all e...
Individuals and businesses needing reliable malwar...
Users
50K+ orgs
60K+ orgs
Founded
2010
2008
hiltonsoftware Score
75/100
76/100
Pricing verified: March 2026 ยท Based on official vendor data
๐Ÿ‘ฅ
Duo Security
Cybersecurity
75
hiltonsoftware.co Score
VS
๐Ÿฆ 
Malwarebytes
Cybersecurity
76
hiltonsoftware.co Score
RECOMMENDED

What are the main differences between Duo Security and Malwarebytes?

Duo Security and Malwarebytes differ across ease of use, features, value, support, integrations, scalability, and learning curve. Malwarebytes leads in 4 of 7 categories.

Duo SecurityMalwarebytes
87Ease of Use85
81Features83
76Value for Money75
69Customer Support72
63Integrations64
64Scalability63
77Learning Curve78

What are the pros and cons of Duo Security vs Malwarebytes?

Duo Security
+Very easy user experience for MFA
+Trusted enterprise brand
-Advanced Zero Trust features are expensive
-Free tier is very limited
Malwarebytes
+Excellent malware detection rates
+Easy to use for non-technical users
-Business version is expensive
-Can conflict with other AV software

Which is better, Duo Security or Malwarebytes?

After evaluating Duo Security and Malwarebytes across features, pricing, integrations, and user satisfaction, Malwarebytes earns a higher hiltonsoftware Score of 76/100 versus Duo Security at 75/100. Malwarebytes stands out for "excellent malware detection rates" and "easy to use for non-technical users". Duo Security delivers competitive advantages in "very easy user experience for mfa", making Duo Security a viable alternative.

Both Duo Security and Malwarebytes offer free plans. Duo Security paid plans start at $3/user/mo while Malwarebytes begins at $3.75/device/mo. ROI depends on which features justify upgrading.

Bottom line: Choose Duo Security for organizations wanting easy-to-deploy mfa for all employees. Choose Malwarebytes for individuals and businesses needing reliable malware detection and removal. Both Duo Security and Malwarebytes are established cybersecurity platforms.

CHOOSE DUO SECURITY IF:

Organizations wanting easy-to-deploy MFA for all employees.

CHOOSE MALWAREBYTES IF:

Individuals and businesses needing reliable malware detection and removal.

Duo Security vs Malwarebytes: Frequently Asked Questions

Is Duo Security better than Malwarebytes in 2026?
Malwarebytes outperforms Duo Security in the 2026 hiltonsoftware.co analysis with a score of 76/100 compared to 75/100. Duo Security excels in MFA push notifications, Device trust, SSO, making Duo Security the better choice for Organizations wanting easy-to-deploy MFA for all employees. Malwarebytes is the stronger option for Individuals and businesses needing reliable malware detection and removal due to excellent malware detection rates. For teams needing malware removal, hiltonsoftware.co recommends Malwarebytes.
How does Duo Security pricing compare to Malwarebytes in 2026?
Duo Security starts at $3/user/mo and includes a free plan. Malwarebytes starts at $3.75/device/mo and offers a free plan. Duo Security includes features like MFA push notifications, Device trust, SSO. Malwarebytes provides Malware removal, Real-time protection, Ransomware protection. Duo Security serves 50K+ orgs users while Malwarebytes serves 60K+ orgs users. Evaluate total cost of ownership based on team size and required integrations.
What are the main differences between Duo Security and Malwarebytes?
Duo Security specializes in MFA push notifications, Device trust, SSO, earning a 75/100 hiltonsoftware Score. Malwarebytes focuses on Malware removal, Real-time protection, Ransomware protection, scoring 76/100. Duo Security is best for Organizations wanting easy-to-deploy MFA for all employees. Malwarebytes is best for Individuals and businesses needing reliable malware detection and removal. Both Duo Security and Malwarebytes serve the Cybersecurity market but target different user profiles.
Can I migrate from Duo Security to Malwarebytes?
Migrating from Duo Security to Malwarebytes is possible since both operate in the Cybersecurity space. Export data from Duo Security and verify Malwarebytes import capabilities. Key features to evaluate: MFA push notifications, Device trust, SSO (Duo Security) versus Malware removal, Real-time protection, Ransomware protection (Malwarebytes). Running both Duo Security and Malwarebytes in parallel during a trial period ensures a smooth transition.
Is Duo Security or Malwarebytes better for small business?
Both Duo Security and Malwarebytes offer free plans. Duo Security (75/100) is ideal for Organizations wanting easy-to-deploy MFA for all employees. Malwarebytes (76/100) fits Individuals and businesses needing reliable malware detection and removal. Evaluate both during trial periods.

Reviewed by Elena Kowalski, Security & Enterprise Editor. Last updated: 2026-04-24. Pricing verified: March 2026.

Read our scoring methodology to understand how the hiltonsoftware Score is calculated.

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