Malwarebytes VPN Review—Analyzing Speed, Security, and Value
Estimates put the number of worldwide Virtual Private Network (VPN) users at 1.6 billion[1]. The broad user base reflects the escalating global concern for online privacy and the VPNs' critical role in protecting web traffic and bolstering digital security.
Developed by Malwarebytes, a security software company, Malwarebytes Privacy VPN is one of the newer additions to the market. In this Malwarebytes VPN review, we will examine the VPN's security features, network size, devices it supports, and more.
If you're looking to protect your financial information while shopping online, this article will also present a tool that can help you do that.
Disclaimer: All information is valid as of May 2024. For the latest updates, visit the Malwarebytes VPN website.
Malwarebytes VPN's Key Features
To review Malwarebytes Privacy VPN, we'll examine these six areas:
- Privacy and security
- Speed and performance
- Server network
- Device compatibility
- User experience and support
- Plans and pricing
Privacy and Security
Malwarebytes VPN employs the WireGuard VPN protocol and 256-bit encryption. WireGuard is one of the newest VPN protocols, developed to deliver both speed and security, and 256-bit encryption is the highest level of encryption available today.
Other privacy and security features and measures Malwarebytes Privacy VPN provides include:
Speed and Performance
User reports indicate that Malwarebytes Privacy VPN can cause slowdowns of up to 30%[4]. However, a number of independent tests have found that the VPN can deliver good speeds, which is consistent with the VPN's implementation of the fast WireGuard VPN protocol.
Slower connections are possible with VPN use since both encryption and routing of traffic through remote servers can cause a loss of speed. VPN speed generally depends on factors such as:
- Base internet speed
- Proximity to the server
- Server load
- VPN protocol
- Security features such as double VPN
Global Server Network
Malwarebytes Privacy VPN offers over 500 servers in more than 80 locations spread across 45 countries[5]. Having access to a large number of servers helps users optimize their connection speed as it allows them to find a server nearby. A widespread network can also help users access local content from a broader range of locations.
Users who prioritize access to servers in as many locations as possible should consider the following VPN providers:
- Surfhark VPN—3,200+ servers in 100+ countries
- NordVPN—6,300+ servers in 111 countries
- CyberGhost VPN—8,000 servers in 100 countries
- Ivacy VPN—6,500+ servers in more than 60 countries
- Hotspot Shield VPN—1,800+ servers in 73+ countries
- Proton VPN—4,900+ servers in 91 countries
- HideMyAss VPN—over 1,100 servers across 290 locations in more than 210 countries and territories
- Turbo VPN—over 21,000 servers spread across 111 locations in 47 countries
Device Compatibility and Support
Malwarebytes VPN is compatible with various operating systems[5], including:
- Windows 7 (or higher)
- macOS Catalina 10.15.4 (or higher)
- iOS 14 (or higher)
- Android 9 (or higher)
Users can protect up to 20 devices simultaneously, and Malwarebytes allows them to choose the exact number of devices they want to protect on the checkout page.
User Experience and Customer Support
Malwarebytes Privacy VPN app has a clear interface with a prominent "on" button and immediate access to the list of server locations. The settings menu is easy to reach and well-organized.
For support, users can refer to Malwarebytes' Help Center for guides and troubleshooting advice. Malwarebytes also employs an AI Chatbot, which can answer questions or help users get in touch with a human support agent via live chat or contact form[6].
Plans and Pricing
Malwarebytes Privacy VPN is available as a standalone subscription service and as part of comprehensive plans that include Malwarebytes' other security products and services.
For the standalone VPN service, the company offers annual and biannual subscriptions. The pricing is also affected by the number of devices the user wants to protect. For example, a two-year subscription for a single device costs $3.33 per month. On the most expensive end, a one-year subscription for 20 devices would cost $15 per month.
Malwarebytes Privacy VPN is available as part of a product bundle starting at $5 a month. All plans are billed as a single payment for the duration of the plan. Malwarebytes also has a 60-day money-back guarantee.
Challenges VPN Use Doesn't Address
Even with a solid offering of security features, there's only so much a Virtual Private Network can protect you from.
Encryption and secure tunnels can't stop hackers from trying to access your system using software vulnerabilities. VPNs aren't designed to protect against phishing attacks, and they can't block you from accessing fraudulent websites that can infect your computer with malware.
VPNs also can't protect the payment card information you provide during online transactions—as soon as it's stored on the merchant's servers, it becomes vulnerable to potential data breaches.
To further increase the security of your data online, you can consider adding some additional methods of protection:
- Antimalware programs can protect your system from intrusive malware.
- Regular software updates can ensure your system has the latest security patches and updates.
- Multi-factor authentication can increase account security.
Paying with virtual cards can protect your payment card details against potential data breaches. These cards are connected to a real funding source, such as a debit card or a bank account, but they replace those details with random card numbers at checkout. Any hacker who manages to access a merchant’s servers will only be able to see your virtual card information, not your actual financial data.
Besides banks such as American Express® and Capital One®, you can obtain virtual cards from independent providers such as Privacy. The company provides comprehensive security and control features, making online transactions safer and more convenient.
Privacy Virtual Cards Secure Your Financial Data
Privacy helps boost the security of your financial data when making online purchases by allowing you to use Privacy Virtual Cards instead of your real payment cards.
Privacy is a BBB®-accredited company, and it offers additional security features to increase the protection of your funds and your account:
- Two-factor authentication (2FA)—An additional form of authentication is required when accessing your account.
- Transaction alerts—This feature tracks transactions in real time and notifies you whenever a Privacy Card is used or declined, helping detect unusual activity.
- Fraud protection—Privacy investigates potentially unauthorized or fraudulent charges, and it initiates a chargeback request against the merchant on your behalf if there are grounds for it.
Privacy Virtual Cards and Features
Privacy offers three types of virtual cards:
- Single-Use Cards—They become invalid shortly after your first transaction, making them useless to potential hackers who would try to steal them. Single-Use Cards are perfect for transactions with new or untrustworthy merchants.
- Merchant-Locked Cards—These cards "lock" to the first merchant you use them with, and any attempts to pay with them elsewhere will be declined. You can use Merchant-Locked Cards for recurring payments, such as subscriptions and bills, and to shop at familiar and reputable stores.
- Category-Locked Cards—They "lock" to a specific category of merchants, such as online retailers or transportation services. You can use a Category-Locked Card only with merchants that belong to the same category, which can help you manage expenses.
Privacy lets you pause or close your virtual cards at any time, and once you do, the company declines any further charges. This feature can be helpful when you want to cancel a subscription and avoid any unexpected charges while going through the cancellation process.
You can also set spending limits on your Privacy Cards, and ensure that any charge above the limit will be declined. This feature may help you with budgeting, but it can also protect your bank account against hidden fees and overcharging.
Privacy Convenience Features
Privacy offers a number of features with the main purpose of making your online transactions more convenient. These include:
- Privacy Browser Extension—Available for Chrome, Edge, Firefox, Safari, and Safari for iOS, the browser extension autofills your virtual card details at checkout, streamlining your shopping experience.
- Privacy App—Available for iOS and Android, Privacy's mobile application allows you to create and use your cards on the go.
- 1Password integration—If you use 1Password and Privacy, you can create, store, and manage your virtual card numbers from the password manager's browser extension.
- Shared Cards—Privacy lets you share your virtual cards with friends, family, or employees, helping you manage shared expenses.
- Card Notes—You can create notes on your Privacy Cards and use them as a reminder of subscription renewal dates or merchant information.
How To Get a Privacy Virtual Card
To start using Privacy, you need to:
- Visit the signup page
- Enter the required Know-Your-Customer (KYC) information
- Include a funding source (debit card or bank account)
- Submit your request and get your first virtual card
Privacy offers four subscription plans:
