Malwarebytes Privacy Review: Low-Latency Gaming, Slow Global Speeds, Unclear Logging
Malwarebytes Privacy is a VPN service that uses Mullvad’s server infrastructure and provides native apps for Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS. It emphasizes desktop security features such as AES‑256 encryption, a desktop kill switch, and WireGuard support.
The service may suit users who prioritize strong desktop security and low‑latency connections to nearby servers, including many PC gamers. Performance, unblocking success, and privacy outcomes can vary by region, server, and device, and the provider’s VPN-specific logging disclosures are limited, so results may differ.
At a Glance
Malwarebytes Privacy combines Mullvad’s server infrastructure with Malwarebytes’ client apps; it delivers solid desktop security but exhibits weaker privacy and inconsistent performance. Security features are robust on desktop, but logging practices and US jurisdiction raise privacy concerns.
| Logging | Stores anonymized IP and geolocation; collects timestamps, operating system, app version and other operational data |
|---|---|
| Jurisdiction | United States |
| Audits | No third-party audits reported |
| Protocols | WireGuard; proprietary Malwarebytes protocol |
| Encryption | AES 256-bit |
| Kill switch | Yes (available on desktop apps; mobile apps lack kill switch) |
| Leak protection | WebRTC and IPv6 leak protection confirmed in tests |
| Server network | 470+ servers in 49 countries |
| Connections | 20 devices per license |
| Refund policy | 60-day money-back guarantee |
Our Ratings
The ratings for Malwarebytes Privacy are based on a structured review approach that considers publicly available privacy disclosures, documented technical features, and overall usability across supported platforms.
The category ratings are presented in the table below. An extended review of each category can be found later in the post.
Security & Privacy
Malwarebytes Privacy combines Mullvad’s server infrastructure with Malwarebytes’ client apps, but the provider’s own privacy disclosures are limited and not published as a distinct VPN policy. Privacy disclosures are incomplete and the VPN does not publish a clear, separate logging policy according to the provider.
Logging appears to be more extensive than many competitors, according to the provider’s statements. The service states it may store an anonymized IP address and geolocation (including longitude and latitude), as well as timestamps, operating system, app version and other operational data. It is headquartered in the United States, which has implications for legal data‑access requests.
No independent third‑party audits have been reported. The VPN supports WireGuard and a proprietary Malwarebytes protocol and uses AES‑256 encryption; desktop apps include a kill switch, while mobile apps lack several desktop protections. Leak tests mentioned in published testing confirmed protection against WebRTC and IPv6 leaks, while explicit DNS leak claims are not clearly specified.
| Logging policy | States it may store an anonymized IP address and geolocation, timestamps, operating system, app version and other operational data |
|---|---|
| Jurisdiction | United States |
| Independent audits | No third-party audits reported |
| Protocols and encryption | WireGuard and a proprietary Malwarebytes protocol; AES 256-bit encryption |
| Kill switch | Yes on desktop apps; mobile apps lack the kill switch |
| Leak protection | WebRTC and IPv6 leak protection confirmed in tests; DNS leak protection not clearly specified |
💡 Security tip
Consider enabling the desktop kill switch and using WireGuard where available; mobile apps lack several desktop protections and may not provide the same level of privacy.
Transparency & Ownership
Malwarebytes Privacy is headquartered in the United States. Ownership/parent company – Not available. Public audits or reports: No third-party audits reported.
There have been complaints that Malwarebytes Privacy is an inferior implementation of Mullvad and reviewers have noted limited, unclear VPN-specific privacy disclosures and logging descriptions. Open-source app status – Not available.
| Jurisdiction | United States |
|---|---|
| Parent company / ownership | Not available |
| Public audits or reports | No third-party audits reported |
| Open-source apps | Not available |
| Notable disclosures or limitations | Limited VPN-specific privacy disclosures and unclear logging/data-retention details |
Server Network & Infrastructure
Malwarebytes Privacy uses Mullvad’s infrastructure and reports about 470+ servers across 49 countries, with most locations in Europe and North America and only one server in Africa.
Published information states there are no virtual servers; Mullvad’s infrastructure uses RAM-based servers that wipe data on reboot. Malwarebytes does not specify which servers are rented versus owned and does not offer dedicated/static IP addresses.
- Number of servers: 470+ servers
- Countries/regions covered: 49 countries (mostly Europe and North America; 1 in Africa)
- Virtual locations: No virtual servers
- RAM-only servers: Yes — RAM-based (data wiped on reboot)
- Dedicated/static IP availability: No dedicated/static IPs provided
- Notable server specializations: Not specified
Speed & Performance
VPN speed depends on factors such as distance to the server, server load, and the chosen protocol.
| Nearby servers | During our testing, nearby servers showed significant slowdowns, with speeds dropping by approximately 34% on average when using WireGuard. |
|---|---|
| Distant servers | Our testing revealed much larger drops on long‑distance connections, with speeds falling by about 62% on distant servers. |
| Connection stability | While reviewing, inconsistent performance was observed between different locations; some geographically farther servers outperformed nearer ones, suggesting variable server load and no visible server‑load indicators. |
| Gaming and latency | During our testing, gaming retained low ping on nearby servers (closest server ping measured around 11ms) but experienced occasional server‑side frame issues that caused momentary lag; overall, speeds dropped ~34% on nearby servers and ~62% on distant servers. |
Gaming performance was tested with demanding multiplayer scenarios in mind; during our testing, the closest server produced a ping near 11ms and allowed responsive play on PC, while occasional server frame issues introduced some lag. Provides low latency on nearby servers, making it suitable for fast-paced multiplayer on PC. Latency and inconsistent distant server speeds can limit performance for players connecting to faraway servers.
Streaming & Unblocking
Malwarebytes Privacy produced mixed results when attempting to access streaming platforms during testing. Some services were accessible on particular servers, while others were consistently blocked, and outcomes varied by region and server selection.
Supported Streaming Services
❗ Regional variations
Unblocking success varied by server and region: Netflix worked for UK, Japan and Italy (Brazil limited to Originals); Prime Video streamed on some servers (e.g., Barcelona) but failed on others (US and New Zealand); Disney+, Hulu and BBC iPlayer were generally inaccessible in tested locations. Results may differ by server, country, and device.
Torrenting & P2P Use
Malwarebytes Privacy allows torrenting across its network; according to published testing, downloads completed but were noticeably slower than an unprotected connection. The provider does not offer port forwarding, which can limit upload/download performance for some users.
No SOCKS5 or other proxy/tunneling options are documented. The desktop kill switch is available and functions to block network traffic if the VPN disconnects, helping to prevent IP leaks during P2P use.
| P2P Support | All servers |
|---|---|
| Port forwarding | Not specified |
| SOCKS5/Proxy support | Not specified |
| Kill Switch | Yes, prevents IP leak if connection drops (desktop apps) |
Apps & Compatibility
Malwarebytes Privacy provides native apps for Windows, macOS, Android and iOS and allows up to 20 simultaneous connections. There are no Linux, browser extension, router, or native streaming device/Smart TV apps according to the published information.
Customer Support
Documentation states the provider offers 24/7 live chat for paying customers. The website includes FAQs, and the public chat initially connects to a bot named Zero that supplies links to generic help pages.
Feedback indicates reaching a live agent typically requires logging into the account chat page and can involve long waits; email inquiries have sometimes taken over a week to receive substantive responses.
- Live chat availability: 24/7 live chat for paying customers
- Email/ticket support: Email support available; response times of over a week reported
- Knowledge base/guides: Website FAQs and generic help pages
- Other: Bot (Zero) on site; live agents via logged-in account chat
- Languages: Not specified
Pricing & Plans
Malwarebytes Privacy plans are organized around desktop security features, multi‑device allowances, and access to live chat support for paying customers. The mobile apps lack several desktop protections, which may affect the overall feature set available on lower‑tier plans.
Cheapest plan: $3.33/month (1 device). Other documented plans include $4.16/month (3 devices) and $4.99/month (5 devices). Free trial/free plan: Not available. Money-back guarantee: 60 days.
❗ Pricing considerations
Pricing and promotions may vary over time. This website is updated regularly, but accuracy cannot be guaranteed. Users should verify current plans directly on the provider’s website before purchasing.
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Single Device
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3 Devices
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5 Devices
|
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|---|---|---|---|
| Price |
$3.33/month
|
$4.16/month
|
$4.99/month
|
| Details | Entry plan for one device with desktop security features, WireGuard support, and access to live chat support for paying customers; includes a 60-day money-back guarantee. | Three-device plan for desktop and mobile use with the same security feature set and WireGuard access; suitable for multiple personal devices; includes a 60-day money-back guarantee. | Five-device plan offering broader device coverage with desktop security features and WireGuard; mobile apps lack some desktop protections; includes a 60-day money-back guarantee. |
| Get started | Get started | Get started |
FAQ about Malwarebytes Privacy
Does Malwarebytes Privacy keep logs of user activity?
The provider states it may store an anonymized IP address and geolocation, timestamps, operating system, app version, and other operational data. A distinct VPN-specific logging policy is not published, so detailed retention practices are not clearly specified. This level of logging differs from many privacy-focused VPNs.
Can Malwarebytes Privacy unblock Netflix and other streaming services?
Tests found Netflix worked for UK, Japan, and Italy and some US tests loaded in high quality. Max was accessible in HD on several US servers, while Prime Video was inconsistent and worked only on some servers. Disney+, Hulu, and BBC iPlayer were generally inaccessible in the documented tests.
Will Malwarebytes Privacy slow down my internet speed?
During testing, speeds fell significantly on most servers, with nearby connections showing around a 34% reduction and distant servers about a 62% reduction. Performance varied noticeably between locations and server choices. No server load indicator is provided to help optimize connections.
Does Malwarebytes Privacy work for torrenting and P2P file sharing?
P2P is permitted on all servers but downloads were slower in testing compared with an unprotected connection. The provider does not offer port forwarding, which can limit upload and download performance. The desktop kill switch is available and helps prevent IP leaks if the VPN disconnects.
Is Malwarebytes Privacy available on mobile and desktop platforms?
Malwarebytes Privacy provides native apps for Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS. There are no native Linux apps, browser extensions, router support, or streaming device apps documented. Mobile apps lack several desktop protections such as the kill switch.
Can Malwarebytes Privacy be used in China or high‑censorship countries?
Provider staff were unable to confirm operation in China and did not provide guidance for use there. Public documentation does not show the service as working in China, and no troubleshooting steps were provided. Users should assume it is not documented as functional in that jurisdiction.
Does Malwarebytes Privacy offer a free trial or money‑back guarantee?
There is no free trial or free plan documented for Malwarebytes Privacy. The provider offers a 60-day money-back guarantee on its plans. Payment options are limited to major credit cards and PayPal as documented.
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