# F vs Malwarebytes

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 (#38 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.

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.

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.

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

## The numbers

| Metric | F | Malwarebytes |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.6 (107K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/f-secure-mobile-security/id434893913/reviews)** | [4.5 (109K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/malwarebytes-mobile-security/id1327105431/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | 107K | **109K** |
| Positive reviews | **57.3% of reviews** | 47.6% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 6 weeks | **Every 3 weeks** |
| Monetization | Subscription | **Free with in-app purchases** |
| Best chart rank | #171 | **#38** |
| Size | 104 MB | 128 MB |
| Requires iOS | **13.0** | 18.0 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [F-Secure Corporation](https://appshunter.io/developer/425351654) | [Malwarebytes](https://appshunter.io/developer/610302098) |

## What reviewers say

### F

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/f-secure-mobile-security/id434893913)

**Currently charting:** #171 Top Grossing · Utilities (US App Store)

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:** Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (10)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Lookout Premium | $2.99 | per month |
| Mobile Security Premium | $4.99 | per month |
| Lookout Premium Plus | $9.99 | per month |
| Lookout Premium Plus Trial | $9.99 | per month |
| Lookout Premium Plus | $9.99 | per month |
| Lookout Premium | $29.99 | per year |
| Lookout Premium | $29.99 | per year |
| Lookout Premium Plus | $59.99 | per year |
| Lookout Premium Plus | $99.99 | per year |
| Lookout Premium Plus | $99.99 | per year |

**What reviewers like**

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

**What reviewers complain about**

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

**Reported bugs**

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

**Requested features**

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


### Malwarebytes

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/malwarebytes-mobile-security/id1327105431)

**Currently charting:** #38 Top Grossing · Utilities (US App Store)

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:** Safari Extension, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (6)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Standard | $2.49 | per month |
| Standard | $19.99 | per year |
| Plus | $44.99 | per year |
| Standard (3 devices) | $59.99 | per year |
| Plus (3 devices) | $79.99 | per year |
| Advanced | $139.99 | per year |

**What reviewers like**

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

**What reviewers complain about**

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

**Reported bugs**

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

**Requested features**

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


## Frequently asked 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 #38. Chart position reflects recent download velocity rather than total install base.

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*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*