Choosing a Virtual Private Network (VPN) can be a daunting task. You’re caught between household names in cybersecurity and specialized VPN giants, each making bold claims about privacy and performance. This is precisely the case with Malwarebytes VPN and NordVPN.
Choosing between a well-known cybersecurity name like Malwarebytes and a VPN giant like NordVPN can be tough. One promises simplicity and seamless integration with its security suite, while the other offers a massive feature set and industry-leading performance. So, which should you choose?
Malwarebytes VPN enters the ring as a straightforward, easy-to-use service from a trusted company, making it an appealing option for users who want basic, no-fuss protection, especially if they already use Malwarebytes antivirus.
On the other side, NordVPN stands as a market-leading, feature-rich powerhouse known for its blazing-fast speeds, an extensive global server network, and powerful security features that cater to everyone from first-time users to privacy experts.
This in-depth comparison will break down Malwarebytes VPN vs. NordVPN across the key areas that matter most—speed, security, streaming, pricing, and overall user experience—to help you make an informed decision.
Quick Verdict for Those in a Hurry
Choose NordVPN if: You need the fastest speeds for streaming and gaming, reliable access to global content, advanced security features, and an ironclad, independently-audited privacy policy. It’s the superior choice for almost every use case and a top contender for the title of Best VPN overall.
Choose Malwarebytes VPN if: You are an existing Malwarebytes user looking for a simple, budget-friendly VPN for basic browsing protection on public Wi-Fi and you value extreme ease of use over advanced features.
At a Glance: Malwarebytes VPN vs NordVPN
For a quick visual summary, here’s how the two services stack up head-to-head.
| Feature | Malwarebytes VPN | NordVPN | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Speed & Performance | Decent for browsing, but noticeable slowdowns on distant servers. | Consistently blazing-fast with its proprietary NordLynx protocol. | NordVPN |
| Server Network | Small network of 400+ servers in 30+ countries. | Massive network of 6,000+ servers in 60+ countries. | NordVPN |
| Security | Strong AES-256 encryption but few extra features. | AES-256, Double VPN, Onion Over VPN, and Threat Protection. | NordVPN |
| Privacy & Logging | Based in the US (Five Eyes Alliance), with an unclear logging policy. | Based in Panama, with a strict, independently audited no-logs policy. | NordVPN |
| Streaming | Unreliable; struggles to unblock most major streaming platforms. | Excellent; consistently unblocks Netflix, Disney+, BBC iPlayer, etc. | NordVPN |
| Ease of Use | Extremely simple and beginner-friendly; a single toggle switch. | Polished and intuitive, though the vast features have a slight learning curve. | Malwarebytes (for Simplicity), NordVPN (for Customization) |
| Simultaneous Devices | Up to 5 devices. | Up to 10 devices. | NordVPN |
| Pricing | Affordable, offering the best value when bundled with antivirus. | Competitive long-term plans with multiple subscription tiers. | Tie (Value depends on user needs) |
| Customer Support | Relies on an Email & Ticketing System. | Offers 24/7 Live Chat, Email, and an extensive Knowledgebase. | NordVPN |
In-Depth Comparison: The Head-to-Head Battle
Speed and Performance
A VPN is useless if it grinds your internet connection to a halt. In my tests, the difference here was night and day.
NordVPN: Leveraging its proprietary NordLynx protocol (a faster, more secure version of WireGuard), NordVPN delivered exceptional results. When I tested NordVPN on my Verizon Fios 1 Gbps connection, the NordLynx protocol barely made a dent, pulling an average of 815 Mbps on a New York server. Even when connecting to servers across the globe in Japan and the UK, speeds remained fast enough for buffer-free 4K streaming and low-latency online gaming. It’s one of the fastest VPNs I’ve ever tested.
Malwarebytes VPN: For basic browsing and HD video streaming, Malwarebytes performs adequately on local servers. However, its limitations become clear when connecting to distant locations. On that same Verizon Fios connection, Malwarebytes struggled to break 350 Mbps on the same New York server. I immediately noticed this performance drop when trying to stream a 4K movie on my smart TV—it resulted in initial buffering and a drop in resolution.
Winner: NordVPN. Its superior NordLynx protocol provides a faster, more reliable connection for every online activity.
Security & Privacy
This is the most critical category, and where the differences are most stark.
Encryption: Both services use AES-256 encryption, the industry gold standard used by governments and financial institutions. Your data is secure in transit with either choice.
Advanced Security Features:
- NordVPN is packed with extras. Its Threat Protection feature actively blocks malware, trackers, and malicious ads, even when the VPN isn’t connected. During my browsing tests, I found it particularly effective, blocking pop-up ads on news sites that other blockers sometimes miss. It also offers Double VPN for an extra layer of encryption and Onion Over VPN for maximum anonymity.
- Malwarebytes VPN is much more basic. Its primary function is to be a secure tunnel. While it integrates with its Browser Guard extension, it lacks the advanced, built-in security tools that NordVPN provides.
Privacy (Logging Policy & Jurisdiction):
- NordVPN is headquartered in Panama, a country with no mandatory data retention laws and outside the reach of the “Five Eyes” intelligence-sharing alliance. Most importantly, its strict no-logs policy has been independently audited multiple times by firms like PricewaterhouseCoopers, proving they do not store user activity data.
- Malwarebytes is based in the United States, a founding member of the Five Eyes alliance. This means it could potentially be compelled by the government to hand over user data. Furthermore, its logging policy has not been independently audited.
Winner: NordVPN. Its privacy-friendly jurisdiction, audited no-logs policy, and superior security features make it the undisputed winner.
Streaming & Torrenting
If you want a VPN to unlock a world of content, your choice is clear.
NordVPN: During my testing, NordVPN was a streaming champion. I was able to connect to a UK server and start watching the latest episode on BBC iPlayer within 30 seconds, with no buffering. It effortlessly unblocked multiple Netflix libraries (US, UK, Japan), Disney+, and Hulu without a single proxy error.
Malwarebytes VPN: My experience here was frustrating. When I tried to access US Netflix while connected to a Malwarebytes server in Los Angeles, I was immediately hit with the dreaded “You seem to be using an unblocker or proxy” error message. It was a similar story with every other major streaming service I tried.
Winner: NordVPN. It’s one of the most reliable streaming VPNs on the market.
User Experience & Features
Malwarebytes VPN: Simplicity is its greatest strength. The app is incredibly easy to use—it’s essentially a single “On/Off” toggle. For a user who just wants to secure their connection without touching any settings, this is ideal.
NordVPN: The app is modern, polished, and features an interactive world map for selecting servers. While intuitive, the sheer number of settings and features can feel a bit more complex than Malwarebytes. However, this complexity is what gives users so much power and control. Our comprehensive NordVPN Review covers all its advanced options.
Mobile App Experience
Testing on my iPhone, the differences were clear. NordVPN’s iOS app felt feature-complete, offering its full Threat Protection suite and the interactive map interface, which is surprisingly easy to use on a touch screen. In contrast, Malwarebytes’ app was the definition of spartan simplicity—just a location list and a connect button. While great for beginners, it also felt stripped down, lacking a kill switch, which is a critical security feature that NordVPN includes on mobile.
When it comes to overall features, NordVPN pulls ahead again, offering 10 simultaneous connections to Malwarebytes’ 5 and supporting a much wider range of platforms, including Linux, Amazon Fire TV, and routers.
Winner: Malwarebytes (for Simplicity), NordVPN (for Features & Power). Malwarebytes wins for its absolute, hands-off simplicity, making it foolproof for beginners. However, NordVPN is the clear winner for its superior features, broader platform support, and robust customization options.
The Final Verdict: Who Should You Choose?
After extensive testing, it’s clear that while both services provide a VPN, they cater to very different users. NordVPN wins in nearly every technical category: speed, security, privacy, streaming, and server network.
Get NordVPN if: You are a streamer, gamer, torrenter, or anyone who takes their digital privacy seriously. You want the best performance, the most features, and ironclad security from your VPN. For the vast majority of people, the value NordVPN provides is well worth its competitive price.
Get Malwarebytes VPN if: You are already a happy Malwarebytes customer and simply want to add a basic, easy-to-use VPN to your security suite. Your main goal is to secure your connection on public Wi-Fi for light browsing, and you prioritize simplicity above all else.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is Malwarebytes VPN better than NordVPN?
No. For nearly all users, NordVPN is significantly better due to its faster speeds, larger server network, stronger privacy policies, and a comprehensive suite of security features. Malwarebytes VPN is only a suitable choice for those seeking extreme simplicity or a bundled security solution.
Can I use Malwarebytes VPN for Netflix?
It’s highly unreliable. While you might get lucky on a rare occasion, it is not designed for consistent streaming access and is frequently blocked by services like Netflix. NordVPN is a much better and more reliable choice for streaming.
Is NordVPN safe to use?
Yes, NordVPN is one of the safest and most trustworthy VPNs available. Its security is backed by an audited no-logs policy, strong AES-256 encryption, a privacy-friendly jurisdiction in Panama, and advanced security features like Threat Protection and Double VPN.
Is it worth getting a VPN bundled with an antivirus?
While it can be convenient and cost-effective, standalone, specialized VPNs like NordVPN almost always offer superior performance, more features, and stronger privacy protections than the VPNs that come bundled with antivirus software.
