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MalCare WordPress Security Plugin… vs Defender Security – Malware Scanner… (2026)

Detailed side-by-side comparison of two WordPress plugins, based on real-time data from WordPress.org.

MalCare WordPress Security Plugin…

MalCare WordPress Security Plugin…

4.3(521)

200K+ active installs

Free

Updated 1 week ago
View MalCare WordPress Security Plugin…
VS
Defender Security – Malware Scanner…

Defender Security – Malware Scanner…

4.8(330)

90K+ active installs

Free + Premium

Updated 1 month ago
View Defender Security – Malware Scanner…

Quick Verdict

As of April 2026, Defender Security – Malware Scanner… has a higher user rating (4.8/5 from 330 reviews) while MalCare WordPress Security Plugin… leads in active installations (200K+ vs 90K+). Both are free WordPress plugins. MalCare WordPress Security Plugin… has accumulated 17M+ total downloads while Defender Security – Malware Scanner… has 4.0M+. Defender Security – Malware Scanner… has a higher support resolution rate (100% vs 100%).

Detailed Comparison

Rating
4.3/5MalCare WordPress Security Plugin…
►
Defender Security – Malware Scanner…4.8/5
Total Reviews
521MalCare WordPress Security Plugin…
◄
Defender Security – Malware Scanner…330
Active Installs
200K+MalCare WordPress Security Plugin…
◄
Defender Security – Malware Scanner…90K+
Total Downloads
17M+MalCare WordPress Security Plugin…
◄
Defender Security – Malware Scanner…4.0M+
Support Resolution
100%MalCare WordPress Security Plugin…
Defender Security – Malware Scanner…100%
Last Updated
1 week agoMalCare WordPress Security Plugin…
◄
Defender Security – Malware Scanner…1 month ago
First Released
2018MalCare WordPress Security Plugin…
Defender Security – Malware Scanner…2017
Age
8 yearsMalCare WordPress Security Plugin…
Defender Security – Malware Scanner…9 years
WP Requires
4.0+MalCare WordPress Security Plugin…
Defender Security – Malware Scanner…6.4+
PHP Requires
7.0+MalCare WordPress Security Plugin…
Defender Security – Malware Scanner…8.0.0+
Business Model
FreeMalCare WordPress Security Plugin…
Defender Security – Malware Scanner…Free + Premium
Latest Version
6.39MalCare WordPress Security Plugin…
Defender Security – Malware Scanner…5.10.0

Rating Breakdown

MalCare WordPress Security Plugin…

4.3/5(521 reviews)
5
81%
4
2%
3
1%
2
2%
1
14%

Defender Security – Malware Scanner…

4.8/5(330 reviews)
5
91%
4
3%
3
2%
2
2%
1
2%

Recent Reviews

MalCare WordPress Security Plugin… Reviews

by GreatDad

Above and beyond

I am over the moon with my experience with Malcare. Not only did their free online tool fine malware where others didn’t, they fixed it immediately and then went on to surprise and delight me by helpi

by alexio

Great plugin and support

Great plugin, lightweight and protects the sites. Support is amazing, fast replies and care to help.

by amootimustafa

HUMAN SUPPORT TOP SECURITY

I got a fake recaptcha script on my site , i tried all ways to locate it but all in vain.Then i found malcare, there scanner helped me realised that my site had far more issues than just an enqueued s

Defender Security – Malware Scanner… Reviews

by ivanhomecom

Excellent app

Excellent app I recoment

by Mykola Kolos

Defender 5.10.0

After updating to version 5.10.0, it conflicts with Elementor Pro version 3.35.7It causes it to switch to safe mode.Disabling the plugin resolved the issue.The plugin handles security tasks well.

by lwloingo

Very good and secure!

Many attacks have been repelled, and you are well informed about the measures necessary to maintain protection.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is MalCare WordPress Security Plugin… or Defender Security – Malware Scanner… more popular?
MalCare WordPress Security Plugin… has 200K+ active installations while Defender Security – Malware Scanner… has 90K+. MalCare WordPress Security Plugin… is the more widely-used plugin as of April 2026.
Which has better ratings — MalCare WordPress Security Plugin… or Defender Security – Malware Scanner…?
MalCare WordPress Security Plugin… has a 4.3/5 rating from 521 reviews, while Defender Security – Malware Scanner… has a 4.8/5 rating from 330 reviews.
Are MalCare WordPress Security Plugin… and Defender Security – Malware Scanner… free?
MalCare WordPress Security Plugin… is free and Defender Security – Malware Scanner… is free + premium. Both can be downloaded from the WordPress.org plugin directory.
Which plugin has better support — MalCare WordPress Security Plugin… or Defender Security – Malware Scanner…?
As of April 2026, MalCare WordPress Security Plugin… has a 100% support resolution rate while Defender Security – Malware Scanner… has a 100% rate.
Which plugin is updated more frequently?
MalCare WordPress Security Plugin… was last updated 1 week ago and Defender Security – Malware Scanner… was last updated 1 month ago.

Plugin data sourced from WordPress.org. Comparison and analysis by PluginSift.