Stack Guard vs MalCare
The MalCare alternative that keeps everything on your server
MalCare scans sites on its own servers and pushes firewall rules from its network, which needs a MalCare account. Stack Guard does its work on your server, with no account needed for Free.
Checked October 2026 against the free plugins' source code on WordPress.org and the vendors' own pricing and feature pages. Sources below.
How MalCare works
A MalCare account is required. Your files are synced to MalCare's servers for scanning, and firewall rules are computed on its network and pushed to the plugin.
How Stack Guard works
Scans and protection run inside WordPress on your server. Nothing is synced to us.
Stack Guard or MalCare: features and how they work
| Feature | Stack Guard | MalCare |
|---|---|---|
| Features in the free version | ||
| Custom login URL | Free | Not offered |
| Two-factor authentication | Free | FreeFree for up to 2 admin users |
| Brute force lockouts | Free | FreeCAPTCHA after failed sign-ins, then lockouts |
| Firewall | Free | FreeFree rules update every 7 days; paid every 5 minutes |
| Malware scanning | Free | FreeRuns on MalCare's servers; detection only on Free |
| Country blocking | Paid plans | Paid plans |
| Security headers | Free | Not confirmed |
| Activity log | Free | Paid plans |
| File change detection | Paid plans | Not confirmed |
| Backups with one-click restore | Free | Paid plans |
| White label for agencies | Paid plans | Paid plans |
| How they work | ||
| Free works without an account or API key | Yes | NoA MalCare account is required |
| Free protection is not delayed behind paid | Yes | NoFree rules update weekly |
| Malware scan runs on your own server | Yes | No |
| Free full backups, verified, with one-click restore and roll back | Yes | No |
| Renews at the first-year price | Yes | Not confirmed |
| Full help docs inside the plugin | Yes | Not confirmed |
Why people choose a MalCare alternative
Where Stack Guard is different from MalCare
Your files stay on your server
MalCare syncs files to its servers to scan them. Stack Guard scans locally, so nothing about your code leaves the site.
No account, no weekly wait
MalCare needs an account, and its free firewall rules update every 7 days. Stack Guard Free needs no sign-up and holds nothing back.
Backups and restore on Free
MalCare's backups come with paid plans. Stack Guard Free includes verified backups and one-click restore.
Published agency pricing
MalCare asks agencies with 10+ sites to get in touch. Stack Guard publishes Agency 25, 50, 100 and Unlimited prices.
When MalCare may suit you better
- You want automated malware removal (MalCare Repair and Fortify).
- You prefer scanning that does not use your own server's resources.
MalCare pricing
- Protect1 site$99 / year
- Protect5 sites$299 / year
- Repair1 siteAdds automated cleanup$299 / year
- Fortify1 site$499 / year
Stack Guard pricing
- FreeUnlimited sites$0
- Pro1 site$95 / year
- Pro 55 sites$145 / year
- Agency 2525 sites$245 / year
- Agency 5050 sites$395 / year
- Agency 100100 sites$595 / year
- Agency UnlimitedUnlimited sites$795 / year
Same price at every renewal.
Questions
MalCare alternative: questions
Does MalCare need an account?
Yes. MalCare requires an account, and scanning happens on MalCare's servers after your files sync. Stack Guard Free needs no account.
What is a good MalCare alternative?
If you want security that runs on your own server with no account, a custom login URL, two-factor any user can turn on (required for administrators) and verified backups on the free plan, plus published agency pricing, Stack Guard is a good MalCare alternative.
Does Stack Guard remove malware automatically?
Stack Guard finds malware and, on Pro, quarantines files and restores core files from WordPress.org. Your verified backups restore in one click. It does not offer an automated cleanup service like MalCare Repair.
Sources, checked October 2026
- https://www.malcare.com/pricing/
- https://wordpress.org/plugins/malcare-security/
- https://www.malcare.com/wordfence-vs-malcare
MalCare is a trademark of BlogVault. Stack Guard is not affiliated with BlogVault. Spotted something out of date? Tell us and we will fix it.
Try it next to MalCare.
Stack Guard Free has no time limit. See the difference on your own site.