Malwarebytes VPN Review: Security, Speed, and User Experience

In the soft glow of a laptop screen, frustration builds as the loading circle spins endlessly on a streaming service. Another evening ruined by buffering—a familiar scene for many internet users seeking entertainment after a long day. This digital purgatory, where content remains tantalizingly out of reach, has become all too common in our connected lives.

The Malwarebytes VPN Experience

Malwarebytes, a name synonymous with digital security, ventured into the VPN market in 2020. Their Privacy VPN promised to deliver both security and performance—a natural extension for a company with deep roots in the cybersecurity landscape.

The service employs the WireGuard protocol paired with military-grade 256-bit encryption, setting a solid foundation for security. With approximately 450+ servers spread across 30+ countries, Malwarebytes VPN offers a decent, if not extensive, global presence.

User reports indicate that Malwarebytes Privacy VPN can cause slowdowns of up to 30% from base internet speeds. While this isn't unusual for VPN services (encryption naturally creates some overhead), it's worth noting for those prioritizing performance.

For those seeking device coverage, Malwarebytes offers tiered plans:

• $3.33/month for 1 device
• $4.17/month for 3 devices
• $5.00/month for 5 devices

All subscriptions come with a generous 60-day money-back guarantee, allowing users ample time to test the service.

Security Features: The Basics Covered

Malwarebytes VPN includes fundamental security features:

• Kill switch to prevent data leaks
• Split tunneling (called "Connection rules")
• MultiHop functionality (their "Connection mode" feature)

However, the service operates from the United States—a member of the Fourteen Eyes alliance—raising potential privacy concerns for the particularly security-conscious. Their privacy policy, while transparent, does acknowledge collecting some user data.

SafeShell VPN: The Speed-Focused Alternative

Performance remains the Achilles' heel of many VPN services. While Malwarebytes implements the relatively fast WireGuard protocol, users may still experience noticeable slowdowns—particularly problematic for streaming enthusiasts or gamers.

SafeShell VPN has emerged as a compelling option for users who prioritize connection speed without compromising security. Their network is specifically optimized for streaming services—a godsend for those who've experienced the peculiar agony of a buffer wheel appearing during a climactic scene.

Standout Features of SafeShell VPN

🚀 Lightning-Fast Performance : SafeShell's proprietary technology minimizes the speed reduction typically associated with VPN usage. In independent tests, users report significantly lower latency compared to competitors—sometimes as much as 50% faster than services like Malwarebytes VPN.

🌐 Streaming-Optimized Servers : Unlike Malwarebytes' general-purpose network, SafeShell offers specialized servers for different streaming platforms, ensuring optimal performance for Netflix, Hulu, and other services.

🔒 ShellGuard Protocol : SafeShell's proprietary security protocol balances speed and protection, offering an elegant solution to the traditional VPN speed-security tradeoff.

📱 Device Generosity : While Malwarebytes limits connections based on subscription tier, SafeShell allows up to five simultaneous connections on their standard plan, covering an entire household's devices.

🔄 Unique App Mode : SafeShell's innovative feature allows users to access content from multiple regions simultaneously—something Malwarebytes doesn't offer.

Comparative Analysis

Real-World Performance

When testing both services for streaming capability, the difference becomes apparent. Malwarebytes VPN functions adequately for general browsing and basic streaming, but SafeShell demonstrates superior performance with HD and 4K content.

A user might find themselves torn between these options—like choosing between a reliable sedan and a sports car designed for a specific purpose.

For general security needs, Malwarebytes provides adequate protection. However, for those whose online activities center around streaming content or require consistent high-speed connections, SafeShell offers a more tailored experience.

The Verdict on Malwarebytes VPN

Malwarebytes Privacy VPN represents a solid entry in the VPN market from a respected security company. It covers the fundamentals well:

• Strong encryption
• Basic privacy features
• User-friendly interface
• Generous money-back guarantee

However, its limitations become apparent when compared to specialized services like SafeShell VPN, particularly in performance-intensive tasks like streaming.

Looking Forward

As our digital lives become increasingly intertwined with streaming services and high-bandwidth applications, VPN providers will need to evolve beyond basic security offerings. The future belongs to services that can minimize the performance penalty traditionally associated with VPN usage.

SafeShell VPN represents this next evolution—security without sacrifice, protection without performance penalties. For users conducting a malwarebytes vpn review and exploring alternatives, SafeShell offers a glimpse of what VPN services can achieve when speed and streaming optimization become primary design considerations.

In the end, choosing between these services depends on your specific needs. If basic protection suffices, Malwarebytes VPN will serve you well. But if you're unwilling to compromise on speed—particularly for streaming—SafeShell VPN presents a compelling alternative that deserves your attention.