Zemana Antimalware: Is Zemana Antimalware Any Good?
Zemana Antimalware Free is a lightweight on-demand malware scanner that will search for viruses and potentially unwanted programs when you need. And if it finds any, it will remove them. Since this software is dedicated to just a few functions, it can detect malware better than most antiviruses. It doesn’t slow the system down and won’t conflict with antivirus software.
Zemana Antimalware Premium will not just give you the basic level of security but will provide you with real-time protection. It is capable of detecting zero-days and ransomware. Since the cost of the premium software is rather low, such an additional safety measure won’t harm your budget.
However, we don’t recommend using the free version of this service as a standalone safety tool because it won’t provide you with sufficient protection. Meanwhile, paired with best rated antivirus, Zemana will enhance your security and keep your computer clean.
The List of Pros and Cons
Zemana is a relatively new player in the market, but over the last years, it has evolved into a decent competitor to popular antimalware tools. Advantages and disadvantages we’ve singled out are based on comparing Zemana to other similar products and not to full-fledged antiviruses.
We’ll get back to comparing anti-malware tools and traditional antivirus software further in our Zemana review. For now, let us just once again stress that anti-malware tools cannot offer the same all-round protection as antiviruses.
- User-friendly dashboard
- Quick and lightweight
- Effective removal of rootkit, bootkit, and browser hijackers with the Free version
- Ransomware protection with Premium
- Windows and Android support
- Affordable pricing
- No real-time protection with the Free version
- Not compatible with Mac and iOS
- Mediocre scores in independent labs tests
Highlights
- On-demand cloud-based scanning
- Won’t conflict with traditional antivirus products
- Efficient in removing zero-day malware
- Reasonably priced Premium edition
Features of Zemana Anti-Malware
Best For
- Cautious users who want a second layer of protection
- Users who need to remove browser hijackers or PUPs from their devices
Reliability and Security
In this section of our reviews, we normally take a look at independent labs tests results to see if the product offers reliable protection. As Zemana is an antimalware tool and not a classic antivirus, there are not many scores for us to consider.
Both AV-Test and AV-Comparatives only tested the mobile version of Zemana. In 2016 Zemana for Android successfully passed AV-Test Certification after detecting 98% of the latest malware in real-time as well as 99.5% of the 4-week old malware. While these may look as decent results, they are still below the industry average. Therefore, Zemana only received 4.5 scores out of 6 from AV-Test.
Another reputable lab AV-Comparatives included Zemana to its Android Test 2018. The results are really disappointing. Zemana has only managed to detect 78.8% of common Android malware earning the 61st position among the 200 tested antivirus products. For comparison, Malwarebytes detected 87.2% of samples while top antiviruses such as Avast, Norton or McAfee demonstrated a 100% detection rate.
Anti-malware vs Antivirus: What’s the Difference?
Before we move on to Zemana Antimalware review, let’s see how antimalware tools are different from antiviruses. These two kinds of security software have a similar goal – to protect users from cyber threats. But they follow different approaches. The antivirus program focuses on prevention and tries to detect and eliminate malware before it infiltrates the system.
Anti-malware tools, on the other hand, detect malware that is already active. But why would you use the program that waits for the virus to start working? Well, anti-malware tools are usually more effective in rooting out the most hidden malicious software and destroying it.
What Does Zemana Antimalware Have to Offer?
Zemana will look for malware on your Windows computer and Android device. The free version offers basic tools: it can detect and remove malicious software, rootkits, bootkits, and browser hijackers. As you can see, the number of features is rather limited. Therefore, the answer to the question, “Is Zemana antimalware safe?” is yes, but if paired with an antivirus program.
Premium edition of Zemana has more functions. With the paid version you will get real-time and zero-day malware protection and anti-ransomware tools. Moreover, Zemana Premium removes potentially unwanted programs and offers 24/7 access to technical support.
Since even the premium version is not overloaded with features, the interface is rather simple. Even the least tech-savvy user won’t have troubles finding all the features they need and launching the scanning. Unlike antiviruses, this anti-malware doesn’t have a quick scan option because the primary purpose of this software is to check the system as deeply as possible.
Since the scan is so meticulous, it takes time. But as it finds even the most hidden malicious software, it’s totally worth it. Once the check-up is over, the user will see the list of threats and decide their fate – you can exclude, delete or quarantine them.
Now, let’s take a look at Zemana Premium pricing. The paid tire will cost you $29.99 per year for one computer. If you have more than one device to protect, you can save a bit. With the maximum 5-device yearly subscription 1 PC protection will cost you only $14.19 ($70.95 in total). Long-term subscriptions for 1 PC are more cost-effective as well.
You can try Zemana AntiMalware Premium for free for 14 days. Moreover, if you decide to stick to the paid versions, but change your mind later, you can make use of the 60-day money-back guarantee. A refund will be processed no questions asked.
Zemana AntiLogger
Keylogging is a technique cybercriminals use to copy the user’s keystrokes. That allows them to steal their logins, passwords, and to access bank accounts. Zemana’s AntiLogger prevents them from doing that by “camouflaging” your online activities. Texting, calling, shopping, and banking – this tool covers it all.
You don’t have to do anything: activate the AntiLogger, and it will do the rest. The company provides a free demo of the product, but users that want access to the full edition will have to pay. Here are the available plans:
- 1-Year Protection: $40.95
- 2-Year Protection: $61.95
- 3-Year Protection: $82.95
As you can see, longer commitments offer a better deal and allow saving some money. These plans include protection against financial malware, keystroke logging, and screen capture. They also cover webcam and microphone hijacking.
Other Popular Malware Removal Tools
Zemana is a decent anti-malware tool, but is it the best offer in the market? We decided to compare it to other popular options to see if its the best value for money.
Malwarebytes – Best Choice for Mac Users
Let’s start with Malwarebytes that is the most popular tool in this category. This anti-malware offers a free version with a limited set of features and a paid tier just like Zemana. Free iterations of the two programs are similar, though that Zemana free will protect you from browser hijacker while Malwarebytes free won’t.
With both programmes, you only get real-time protection with the paid version. If you need to protect your Mac, you’ll have to go for Malwarebytes Premium edition as Zemana lacks Mac support.
It is worth mentioning that Malwarebytes subscription is more expensive than Zemana’s offer. The paid option will cost you $39.99 for one device per year. At the same time, you can use it for free for 14-days before buying while Zemana offers no free trial.
SpyBot Search & Destroy Will Keep Spyware At Bay
SpyBot Search & Destroy is another antimalware tool with the free edition. As the name suggests, it focuses on anti-spyware protection. The tool promises to remove adware, keyloggers, and tracking software from your device. It will also protect you from rootkits and will block your access to sites containing malware.
The paid home edition will cost you only $11.99. It comes with real-time protection and antivirus engine for more comprehensive protection. Naturally, the set of features is very limited if compared to full-fledged antivirus solutions.
Emsisoft Emergency Kit – Best Portable Emergency Kit
One more service that deserves our attention is the Emsisoft Emergency Kit that is a portable anti-malware tool. Unlike Zemana, it’s not meant to be installed on one machine. But it is perfect to be stored on the USB-drive and used when needed. Therefore, it is a sufficient instrument for administrators and technicians. The program is compatible with Windows and Android.
The free version just detects and eliminates threats. However, it comes with a 30-days free trial of the full service. For $22.24 per year, you will get active protection in addition to anti-malware for one computer. And if you need to keep both your PC and Android device clean, the Kit will cost you $29.66 per year.
Zemana AntiMalware Alternatives & Competitors
Looking for good alternatives to Zemana? We can help you:
I just bought the premium license. The free version was able to clean malware not detected by Malwarebytes Premium and Avast Free. Those two applications in fact had been disabled by the malware, which also disabled Comodo Firewall Free and CCleaner Premium. Memory usage when running in the background is under 20 MB.
Rating 5/5
yes this happened with my pc last year only zemana removed a trojan where as all the top free could not.
I bought a one year prescription for Zemana. I clearly had a malware highjacking outgoing internet connection on a windows 10 desktop. The “proxy virus” is the name I could track online. Zemana detected the virus, but it would not remove all the components, so after a few minutes, the files that were deleted, would be reinstalled. I finally downloaded an old and FREE version of Malwarebytes, which did the job and the proxy virus was removed completely.
Rating 2/5
Malwarebytes is a rockstar. But Zemana isn’t much behind. Both work solid