Best Kaspersky Alternatives in 2025

Why Look for an Alternative to Kaspersky?

US Ban on Kaspersky: Reasons and Implications

You might have heard about the Kaspersky ban by the US government.This decision, announced by the Biden administration, stems from concerns over potential ties between Kaspersky and the Russian government. Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo emphasized that Russia’s influence over the company presents significant security risks, such as the possibility of the software stealing sensitive information or installing malware on American systems. Although Kaspersky denies these allegations, the ban has prompted many to reconsider using their products. If a government is concerned about security risks, it’s natural for us to question the safety of our data.

Overview of Alternatives’ Advantages

Switching from Kaspersky can bring several benefits. First and foremost, peace of mind. Knowing your antivirus software isn’t under heavy geopolitical scrutiny can help you sleep better at night. Plus, many modern antivirus programs offer comprehensive protection beyond just virus detection. They include features like malware removal, firewall protection, and secure browsing, giving you a more holistic defense against cyber threats. Performance is another plus; many alternatives are designed to be lightweight, keeping your system running smoothly without sacrificing security.

Quick Overview of My Top Kaspersky Alternatives Recommendations

1.🥇 Norton: Best for comprehensive protection and advanced features.
2.🥈 McAfee: Best for user-friendly experience and web protection.
3.🥉 Bitdefender: Best for lightweight, cloud-based scanning and performance.
4. Avira: Best free option with good system optimization tools.
5. Avast: Best free option with secure browser.
6. Intego: Best for macOS users with specialized protection.
7. TotalAV: Best all-in-one solution with robust features.
8. Trend Micro: Best for beginners with simple interface.
9. ESET: Best for performance-focused users with lightweight design.
10. F-Secure: Best for families with robust parental controls.
11. Malwarebytes: Best for malware-focused protection.


🥇1. Norton – Best Antivirus Alternative to Kaspersky

Norton is a name that stands out when it comes to antivirus software. It has been around for a long time and has built a reputation for reliability and comprehensive protection. If you’re looking for a top-notch alternative to Kaspersky, Norton is an excellent choice.

Norton Key Features

Norton offers robust malware protection, real-time threat detection, and a smart firewall. It also includes a password manager, identity theft protection, and a secure VPN for safe browsing. These features combine to provide a well-rounded security suite that covers all bases.

Norton Pricing

Norton offers several pricing plans to suit different needs. The basic plan starts at around $39.99 per year, while more comprehensive plans, which include additional features like VPN and identity theft protection, can cost up to $99.99 per year. They often have discounts and promotions, so it’s worth checking their website for the latest deals.

Norton Disadvantages

One potential downside of Norton is that some of the more advanced features are only available in higher-tier plans, which might be more expensive. Additionally, some users have reported that Norton can be resource-intensive, which might slow down older computers.


🥈2. McAfee – Great Web Protection + Easy-to-Use Apps

McAfee is a long-standing player in the antivirus market, known for its excellent web protection and user-friendly interface. It’s a great option if you want a reliable and easy-to-use alternative to Kaspersky.

McAfee Key Features

McAfee includes real-time protection, a secure VPN, identity theft protection, and a performance optimizer. It also offers features like parental controls and a password manager. The user interface is intuitive, making it easy to navigate and configure settings.

McAfee Pricing

McAfee offers a range of pricing plans. The basic plan starts at $34.99 per year, with more advanced plans offering additional features like VPN and identity theft protection costing up to $119.99 per year. They also have family plans that provide coverage for multiple devices.


🥉3. Bitdefender – Best Kaspersky Alternative with a Lightweight Cloud-Based Scanner

Bitdefender is another excellent choice if you’re looking to switch from Kaspersky. Known for its lightweight, cloud-based scanning, Bitdefender ensures your system runs smoothly while providing top-tier protection.

Bitdefender Key Features

Bitdefender offers real-time protection, anti-phishing tools, and a secure VPN. It also includes features like ransomware protection, parental controls, and a password manager. The cloud-based scanning technology ensures that your computer’s performance isn’t compromised.

Bitdefender Pricing

Bitdefender’s pricing is competitive, with the basic plan starting at $29.99 per year. More comprehensive plans that include features like VPN and advanced threat defense can go up to $89.99 per year. They also offer family plans, which provide coverage for multiple devices at a discounted rate.


4. Avira – Excellent Free Plan with Good Cleanup Tools

Avira is a great choice if you’re looking for a free antivirus solution that still offers solid protection. It provides a range of features that can help keep your system safe without costing you anything.

Avira Key Features

Avira offers real-time protection, a secure VPN, and system optimization tools. The free version includes essential features like malware protection and a secure browser. The system optimization tools help improve your computer’s performance by cleaning up unnecessary files and optimizing settings.

Avira Pricing

Avira’s free version is robust, but they also offer premium plans that provide additional features like better customer support, advanced protection, and an ad-free experience. Premium plans start at $44.99 per year.

Avira Disadvantages

The main drawback of Avira’s free version is the presence of ads, which can be annoying. Additionally, some advanced features are only available in the paid version, so you might need to upgrade to get the full range of protections.


5. Avast

Avast offers a popular free option that provides excellent basic protection. It’s a great choice if you’re looking for a free antivirus solution that still offers solid protection.

Avast Key Features

Avast includes real-time protection, a secure browser, and system optimization tools. The free version provides essential features like malware protection and a secure browser, while the premium version offers additional features like a VPN and advanced threat defense.

Avast Pricing

While Avast’s free version is solid, they also offer premium plans with additional features. The basic plan starts at $39.99 per year, with more comprehensive plans costing up to $99.99 per year. They often have promotions, so you can get a good deal.

Avast Disadvantages

The free version has ads, which can be annoying, but it’s a small trade-off for free protection. Additionally, some users have reported that the premium version can be resource-intensive, slowing down older systems.


6. Intego – Best Kaspersky Alternative for macOS

For Mac users, Intego is a specialized antivirus that provides top-notch protection tailored to macOS. It’s designed to work seamlessly with Apple’s operating system, offering comprehensive security features.

Intego Key Features

Intego includes a smart firewall, anti-phishing tools, and backup software. It also offers real-time protection, parental controls, and system optimization tools. These features ensure that your Mac is protected from various threats without compromising performance.

Intego Pricing

Intego’s pricing is higher than some competitors, starting at $49.99 per year. However, it’s well worth it for the specialized protection it offers for Mac users. More comprehensive plans that include additional features like backup software can cost up to $99.99 per year.

Intego Disadvantages

The main drawback of Intego is that it is primarily focused on Macs, so if you have a mixed-device household, you might need another solution for your non-Mac devices. Additionally, it is slightly more expensive compared to other options.


7. TotalAV – The Best Kaspersky Alternative Overall

TotalAV is a strong contender with comprehensive protection and excellent features. It’s a great choice if you want an all-in-one solution that covers all aspects of cybersecurity.

TotalAV Key Features

TotalAV offers real-time protection, a secure VPN, and a system tune-up tool. It also includes features like anti-phishing, ransomware protection, and a password manager. The system tune-up tool helps improve your computer’s performance by cleaning up unnecessary files and optimizing settings.

TotalAV Pricing

TotalAV is competitively priced, with the basic plan starting at $29.99 per year. More comprehensive plans that include additional features like VPN and advanced threat defense can go up to $89.99 per year. They often have promotions, so you can get a good deal.

TotalAV Disadvantages

Some users have reported that the initial setup can be a bit complicated, but once it’s up and running, it’s smooth sailing. Additionally, the free version has limited features, so you might need to upgrade to get the full range of protections.


8. Trend Micro – Beginner-Friendly Kaspersky Alternative

Trend Micro is known for its simplicity and ease of use, making it a great choice for beginners. If you’re new to antivirus software or want something straightforward, Trend Micro is worth considering.

Trend Micro Key Features

Trend Micro offers robust malware protection, web filtering, and privacy tools. It also includes features like ransomware protection and a secure browser for online transactions. The interface is very straightforward, so you won’t be overwhelmed with complex settings.

Trend Micro Pricing

Trend Micro is reasonably priced, with the basic plan starting at $29.95 per year. More comprehensive plans that include additional features like VPN and advanced threat defense can go up to $89.95 per year. They also offer free trials, so you can test it out before committing.

Trend Micro Disadvantages

One downside is that Trend Micro can be a bit aggressive with its notifications, which might be annoying for some users. Additionally, the free version has limited features, so you might need to upgrade to get the full range of protections.


9. ESET – Lightweight Antivirus Alternative to Kaspersky

ESET is known for its lightweight design, which won’t slow browser for online transactions. It also includes features like ransomware protection and parental controls. ESET’s lightweight design ensures that your system runs smoothly even while the antivirus is actively scanning.

ESET Pricing

ESET’s pricing is on par with other top antivirus solutions. The basic plan starts at $39.99 per year, with more comprehensive plans offering additional features like VPN and advanced threat defense costing up to $89.99 per year. They also offer family plans for multiple devices.

ESET Disadvantages

The user interface might be a bit intimidating for beginners, but once you get used to it, it’s very effective. Additionally, some users have reported that customer support can be slow to respond.


10. F-Secure

F-Secure is a solid choice that offers robust protection and additional security features. It’s a reliable alternative if you’re looking for something straightforward yet effective.

F-Secure Key Features

F-Secure includes real-time protection, a secure VPN, and parental controls. It also offers features like ransomware protection and banking protection for secure online transactions. These features ensure comprehensive security for your devices.

F-Secure Pricing

F-Secure is reasonably priced, with the basic plan starting at $34.99 per year. More comprehensive plans that include additional features like VPN and advanced threat defense can go up to $79.99 per year. They also offer family plans, which are great for households with multiple users.

F-Secure Disadvantages

Some users find the interface a bit dated, but it’s still very functional and effective. Additionally, the free version has limited features, so you might need to upgrade to get the full range of protections.


11. Malwarebytes

Malwarebytes is well-known for its strong malware detection and removal capabilities. It’s an excellent choice if you’re particularly concerned about malware threats.

Malwarebytes Key Features

Malwarebytes provides real-time protection, anti-phishing tools, and a secure browser. It’s particularly good at catching and removing malware that other antivirus programs might miss. The premium version includes additional features like ransomware protection and a secure VPN.

Malwarebytes Pricing

Malwarebytes offers a free version that provides basic protection. The premium plan starts at $39.99 per year and includes additional features like real-time protection and ransomware defense. They also offer plans for multiple devices and families.

Malwarebytes Disadvantages

The free version is limited to manual scans, which means you need to remember to run them regularly. Additionally, the premium version can be a bit pricey compared to other options, especially if you need coverage for multiple devices.


Which Kaspersky Alternative Should You Pick?

With so many great options, choosing the right Kaspersky alternative can be challenging. Here’s how you can decide:

How to Choose the Best Kaspersky Alternative in 2025

  1. Assess Your Needs: Consider what features are most important to you. Do you need a VPN? Parental controls? Ransomware protection? Make a list of must-have features.
  2. Compare Pricing: Look at the cost of different antivirus programs. Consider not just the annual fee but also any potential discounts or promotions.
  3. Check Compatibility: Ensure that the antivirus software is compatible with your devices, especially if you’re using multiple operating systems.
  4. Read Reviews: Check out user reviews and expert opinions to see how each antivirus performs in real-world scenarios.
  5. Test It Out: Many antivirus providers offer free trials. Take advantage of these to see how the software works for you before committing.

Quick Comparison Table of Kaspersky Alternatives

Here’s a quick comparison of the top Kaspersky alternatives to help you make an informed decision:

Antivirus

Key Features

Starting Price 

Best For

Site Link

Norton

Malware protection, VPN

$39.99/year

Free Trial: No

Comprehensive security

McAfee

Web protection, VPN

$34.99/year

Free Trial: No

User-friendly experience

Bitdefender

Cloud-based scanning, VPN

$29.99/year

Free Trial: No

Lightweight performance

Avira

Free plan, system optimization
 

$44.99/year

Free Trial: Yes

Free basic protection

Avast

Free plan, secure browser

$39.99/year

Free Trial: Yes

Free and paid options

Intego

Mac-specific features

$49.99/year

Free Trial: No

macOS users

TotalAV

Real-time protection, VPN

$29.99/year

Free Trial: No

All-in-one solution

Trend Micro

Simple interface, web filtering

$29.95/year

Free Trial: No

Beginners

ESET

Lightweight design, secure browser

$39.99/year

Free Trial: No

Performance-focused users

F-Secure

VPN, parental controls

$34.99/year

Free Trial: No

Families

Malwarebytes

Malware detection, secure browser

$39.99/year

Free Trial: Yes

Malware-focused protection

How We Selected and Tested These Kaspersky Alternatives

Choosing the right antivirus is crucial, and we wanted to ensure you have the best information to make an informed decision. Here’s how we selected and tested these Kaspersky alternatives:

Criteria for Selection and Testing

  1. Security: The primary function of antivirus software is to provide top-notch security. We looked at how well each option detects and removes malware, viruses, and other threats.
  2. Features: We assessed the range of features each antivirus offers, including real-time protection, VPN, parental controls, and system optimization tools.
  3. Performance: It’s important that antivirus software doesn’t slow down your system. We considered how lightweight and efficient each option is.
  4. Pricing: We compared the cost of each antivirus, considering both the value for money and the range of plans available.
  5. User Experience: A good antivirus should be easy to use. We looked at the interface and how straightforward it is to navigate and configure settings.
  6. Customer Support: Reliable customer support is essential if you run into issues. We evaluated the availability and responsiveness of customer support for each option.

Overview of the Testing Process and Tools Used

To test these antivirus solutions, we used a combination of real-world scenarios and industry-standard testing tools. This included:

  • Simulated Malware Attacks: we subjected each antivirus to a series of malware attacks to see how well they detected and neutralized threats.
  • Performance Benchmarks: we measured the impact of each antivirus on system performance, including boot times and application loading times.
  • Feature Testing: we tested additional features like VPN, parental controls, and system optimization tools to see how well they worked.
  • User Feedback: we gathered feedback from real users to get a sense of their experiences and any issues they encountered.

How Alternatives to Kaspersky Handle Vulnerability Management

Effective cybersecurity goes beyond just having an antivirus. Vulnerability management is a crucial aspect of protecting your systems from threats.

Vulnerability management involves identifying, assessing, and mitigating vulnerabilities in your systems. These vulnerabilities can be exploited by attackers to gain access to your data. By regularly scanning for and addressing vulnerabilities, you can reduce the risk of cyberattacks.

Many of the Kaspersky alternatives listed here offer robust vulnerability management features. They regularly update their virus definitions to protect against new threats and include tools for scanning and fixing vulnerabilities in your system. This ensures that your devices are always protected against the latest threats.

How to Replace Kaspersky Antivirus in Organizations

If you’re considering replacing Kaspersky in your organization, here’s a step-by-step guide to help you do it smoothly:

First, determine what features and protections you need from an antivirus solution. Consider factors such as the number of devices, the type of data you handle, and any specific regulatory requirements.

Next, select a suitable Kaspersky alternative from the list above. Consider options like Norton, Bitdefender, or McAfee, which offer comprehensive protection and are trusted by many businesses.

Create a plan for transitioning to the new antivirus software, including timelines and responsibilities. Ensure that everyone involved understands their role in the process.

Inform your employees about the change and provide training if necessary. Clear communication helps ensure a smooth transition and minimizes disruptions.

Deploy the new antivirus software across your organization. Follow best practices for installation and configuration to ensure optimal protection.

Regularly monitor the performance of the new software and make adjustments as needed. Address any issues promptly to ensure that your systems remain secure.

Tools and Practices for a Smooth Transition

Ensure that all critical data is backed up before making the switch. This helps prevent data loss during the transition process.

Conduct a trial run to ensure that the new antivirus software works as expected. Test its features, performance, and compatibility with your existing systems.

Offer support to employees during the transition to address any issues or questions. Providing resources and assistance can help employees adapt to the new software more easily.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the Best Alternative to Kaspersky?

The best alternative to Kaspersky depends on your specific needs and preferences. Norton and Bitdefender are top choices for comprehensive protection, while Avira and Avast offer excellent free options.

How Secure is Kaspersky?

Kaspersky is known for its strong security features, but recent geopolitical concerns have led to questions about its reliability and data privacy. It’s important to choose an antivirus solution that you trust and that meets your security requirements.

Is Kaspersky Owned by Russia?

Kaspersky is a Russian cybersecurity company. Concerns about its potential ties to the Russian government have led to bans and scrutiny from various governments, including the US.

Is Microsoft Defender Better Than Kaspersky?

Microsoft Defender provides basic antivirus protection and is a good free option for Windows users. However, it lacks some of the advanced features and comprehensive protection offered by paid antivirus solutions like Norton and Bitdefender.

If you’re looking for more antivirus options, check out our comprehensive guide on the Best Antiviruses 2025.