Comparison

F vs Malwarebytes

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

F

This app offers comprehensive mobile security and identity protection. It safeguards your devices from malware, spyware, and phishing attacks, while also providing features to prevent data theft and monitor for data breaches. Enjoy secure browsing and Wi-Fi protection for peace of mind.

Highlights
  • Malware, spyware, adware, and phishing protection
  • Device location tracking and remote lock/wipe
  • Data breach alerts and identity theft protection
  • Secure Wi-Fi and safe browsing with VPN
  • Low battery location saving (Signal Flare)
Features
Read full description

F-Secure provides premium mobile security and identity protection for all your devices. Receive protection from malware and spyware, and rest assured you’re in safe hands with F-Secure Mobile Security, the only all-in-one mobile security app. With our identity theft protection services, you receive instant security from threats and personal data theft. Stay ahead of any malware, spyware, phishing attacks and other threats with the F-Secure Mobile Security app. Protect your devices and identity from threats, stay up-to-date with the latest security protection, and scan for anything suspicious—all in one easy to use mobile security app. Mobile Security - Premium mobile security & identity protection for all of your Apple devices. - Receive protection from malware, spyware, adware, & phishing. Secure Your Device and Personal Data - Receive instant security from threats, and personal data theft. - Locate & Alert: Map the location of your device & make it sound an alarm - even on silent! - Signal Flare: Automatically save your device’s location when the battery is low. F-Secure Security Features - Total mobile security and features to protect your mobile device, data and privacy. - Data Breach Report: Receive alerts on how to secure your data whenever a company, app, or service you use has a data breach. - Data Lock & Wipe: Remotely lock your device, post a custom message & erase your data. Browse The Internet with Confidence - Safe WiFi: Keep your data and internet connection safe and secure from phishing and other Wi-Fi attacks. - Privacy Guard: Prevent redirection to malicious websites - Safe Browsing: Use a VPN service on URLs to alert you of potential threats to your personal information. Personal Data & Identity Protection - Identity theft protection (US only): Enjoy the added benefit of Identity theft protection, an invaluable service that keeps your identity safe from threats. Experience the peace of mind that comes with F-Secure Mobile Security, where your device, data, and identity are our top priorities. Trust F-Secure Mobile Security to protect your privacy and what matters most to you. Insurance coverage is provided by a third-party & is subject to the terms, conditions & exclusions of the insurance policy available at www.f-secure.com/en/legal/terms/lms/terms-of-service. F-Secure is not a licensed insurer or insurance agent. Subscription Information: If you subscribe through the app, your subscription will be charged to your Apple account. Your subscription will automatically renew at the end of each subscription term, unless you turn off auto-renewal. Auto-renewal may be turned off at any time by going to your settings in the App Store after purchase, but must do so within 24 hours before the end of your current subscription term to avoid renewal. Any unused portion of a free trial period, if offered, may be forfeited when you purchase a subscription.

About

Malwarebytes

This app offers comprehensive mobile security and privacy protection for Apple devices. It includes features like ad blocking, scam text filtering, and identity protection. A free trial is available, with ongoing free protection and optional premium subscription features.

Highlights
  • Ad Blocking for Safari
  • Text Message Filtering
  • Digital Footprint Scanner
  • Identity Protection
  • Secure VPN
  • Web Protection
  • Call Protection
Features
Read full description

Malwarebytes delivers mobile security and digital protection beyond your device. We help protect you against online scams, harmful websites, annoying ads, sketchy calls, identity risks, and more. From banking to personal accounts, your phone carries some of your most important information. Malwarebytes keeps you safe with simple, smart security. Malwarebytes is designed for everybody: professionals, families, and first-time smartphone users. No complicated setup. No IT expertise needed. Just easy protection that safeguards your digital life. Start your 7-day free trial to unlock all features. SCAM & CALL PROTECTION Scammers use fake calls, texts, malicious links, and websites to imitate banks, delivery services, retailers, and other trusted brands. Alongside robocall filtering, Malwarebytes helps protect against: - Suspicious text scams and phishing attempts - Malicious links and unsafe websites - Brand impersonation and social engineering attacks - Annoying spam calls SAFER BROWSING & AD BLOCKER Web Protection: Blocks phishing sites and risky links before you enter payment or personal data. Ad blocking: Reduce intrusive ads and trackers while browsing. FAST VPN FOR PRIVATE BROWSING Incognito alone does not hide all of your online activity. Malwarebytes VPN helps protect your privacy on public Wi-Fi or while traveling. Encrypt your internet connection for added privacy Shield your IP address from trackers and advertisers Browse more safely on public Wi-Fi IDENTITY THEFT PROTECTION Your email addresses, passwords, and personal information may be exposed in data breaches without you knowing. Digital Footprint Scanner: Run an email scan and check where your personal information may have been leaked. Data breach insights: See where your information may have been exposed and review steps to help secure affected accounts. 24/7 monitoring: Get real-time support and up to $2 million in identity theft insurance WHY CHOOSE MALWAREBYTES? - Mobile security against scams, spam calls, sketchy websites, and more privacy risks. - Built by Malwarebytes, with 17+ years as a trusted name in antivirus and cybersecurity. - Secure VPN and digital footprint tools for added privacy - Simple protection without complicated setup - No third-party ads in the Malwarebytes app - 4 million daily threats blocked Malwarebytes for iOS FAQs: - Can Malwarebytes help protect my iPhone from scam texts and phishing links? Malwarebytes helps detect suspicious text scams, phishing attempts, malicious links, and brand impersonation. - Can Malwarebytes protect me on public Wi-Fi? Malwarebytes VPN encrypts your internet connection, protects your privacy on public Wi-Fi, and alerts you to turn on VPN whenever you join an unsecure network. - Can Malwarebytes check whether my information was exposed in a data breach? The Digital Footprint Scanner checks your email against known data breaches and shows you how to secure your accounts. - Does Malwarebytes scan iPhones for viruses? Because of iOS platform restrictions, Malwarebytes does not perform traditional malware-file scans on iPhone. Instead, it focuses on proactive protection against phishing sites, scam texts, spam calls, malicious links, and unsafe websites. TRIAL & DEVICE INFORMATION 7-day free trial: Unlock device protection features during the trial (Identity Theft Protection not included). Premium features require a subscription after the trial unless canceled. Manage your subscription in Apple ID settings. Family Sharing: Premium subscription features are not eligible for Family Sharing. Compatible with iOS 18 or later with an active internet connection. iPad users can benefit from Web Protection (Premium) and Ad Blocking (Included) for safer Safari browsing. Identity Protection features vary by region. Terms: https://www.malwarebytes.com/tos EULA: https://www.malwarebytes.com/eula

Screenshots

F4 screens
Malwarebytes4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is monetization model: Malwarebytes at free with in-app purchases against F's subscription. Malwarebytes also leads on update cadence (every 3 weeks vs every 6 weeks) and chart position (#35 vs #171). F's advantage is review sentiment (57% vs 48%) and iOS requirement (13.0 vs 18.0). On price, rating, ratings volume and ads there is nothing between them.

Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

Both are free to download. F sells 10 in-app purchases, starting at $2.99 per month and Malwarebytes sells 6 in-app purchases, starting at $2.49 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 4.6 for F against 4.5 for Malwarebytes. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 107K and 109K respectively. Written reviews are what separate them: 57% of F's written reviews are positive against 48% of Malwarebytes's.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

F ships an update every 6 weeks, Malwarebytes every 3 weeks. Both last shipped on September 24, 2026.

Scorecard5 real differences · 6 level
F versus Malwarebytes: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterFMalwarebytes
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.6 (107K ratings) — better4.5 (109K ratings)
Positive reviews57.3% of reviews — better47.6% of reviews
Number of ratings107K109K — better
Update frequencyEvery 6 weeksEvery 3 weeks — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesYes
MonetizationSubscriptionFree with in-app purchases — better
Best chart rank#171#35 — better
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPod — betteriPhone, iPad
Requires iOS13.0 — better18.0
Further details — not scored
Size104 MB128 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperF-Secure CorporationMalwarebytes

Customer experience

F

All ratings107,009 ratings
Positive91.6%
Neutral4.1%
Negative4.2%
Written reviews548 reviews
Positive57.3%
Neutral6.0%
Negative36.7%

Malwarebytes

All ratings109,165 ratings
Positive88.4%
Neutral4.2%
Negative7.4%
Written reviews2,825 reviews
Positive47.6%
Neutral9.2%
Negative43.2%

User reviews

F

From 107K App Store ratings

What we love

  • 🚀 Exceptional app
  • 🔒 Safe and secure
  • 🔒 Excellent protection
  • 🚀 Reliable and stable
  • 🔒 Keeping me safe online

Room to improve

  • 🐛 Crashes all the time
  • 🐛 Not working
  • 🐛 Lookout upgrades without consent
  • 🐛 Impossible to cancel
  • 🐛 Cancels ad-blockers

Malwarebytes

From 109K App Store ratings

What we love

  • 🚀 Keeps devices updated and protected
  • 🔒 Provides security and peace of mind
  • 👍 Easy to use and set up
  • 🚀 Excellent protection and performance

Room to improve

  • 🐛 Activation and subscription issues
  • 🐛 Inconsistent or non-functional features
  • 🐛 Fails to block spam calls and texts
  • 🔋 Drains battery life
  • 💰 Expensive subscription

Bugs and requests

F

Reported bugs

5 issues
  • Lookout app not working on iPhone 11
  • Notifications not working
  • Subscription issues
  • Locating feature not working
  • VPN disconnection issues

Requested features

5 requests
  • Ability to contact support
  • Malware detection and removal
  • Real-time phone/app scanning
  • Security report generation
  • Dark mode option

Malwarebytes

Reported bugs

3 issues
  • Activation and subscription problems
  • Incompatibility with newer iOS versions
  • Inability to scan or detect malware on devices

Requested features

4 requests
  • Add bulk reporting of scam numbers
  • Improve text message filtering
  • Implement automatic updates
  • Provide more comprehensive dashboard and scanning capabilities

In-app purchases

10 purchases

F

Subscriptions10
  • Lookout Premium$2.991 Month
  • Mobile Security Premium$4.991 Month
  • Lookout Premium Plus2 variants$9.991 Month
Show 7 more
  • Lookout Premium Plus Trial1 Month trial$9.991 Month
  • Lookout Premium Plus14 Days trial$9.991 Month
  • Lookout Premium$29.991 Year
  • Lookout Premium1 Year trial$29.991 Year
  • Lookout Premium Plus14 Days trial$59.991 Year
  • Lookout Premium Plus$99.991 Year
  • Lookout Premium Plus1 Year trial$99.991 Year
6 purchases

Malwarebytes

Subscriptions6
  • Standard7 Days trial$2.491 Month
  • Standard7 Days trial$19.991 Year
  • Plus7 Days trial$44.991 Year
Show 3 more
  • Standard (3 devices)7 Days trial$59.991 Year
  • Plus (3 devices)7 Days trial$79.991 Year
  • Advanced1 Year trial$139.991 Year

Questions

Is F free?
F is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is Malwarebytes free?
Malwarebytes is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Which has better reviews, F or Malwarebytes?
F is rated higher. F averages 4.6 out of 5 from 107K ratings, while Malwarebytes averages 4.5 from 109K ratings.
Do F or Malwarebytes have ads?
Neither F nor Malwarebytes shows ads.
Which is updated more often, F or Malwarebytes?
F ships an update every 6 weeks, and Malwarebytes every 3 weeks. Most recently, F was updated on September 24, 2026 and Malwarebytes on September 24, 2026.
Which is more popular, F or Malwarebytes?
F currently peaks at #171 in the App Store charts, and Malwarebytes at #35. Chart position reflects recent download velocity rather than total install base.

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