AppBreakup

F-Secure alternatives: 5 apps ranked by verified data

Facts checked Nov 8, 2026AppBreakup editorialHow we rankAll antivirus and anti-malware software

Top picks

  • Bitdefender logo

    Best overall

    Bitdefender

    Total Security plan: $59.99 a year, 1 member, up to 5 devices

  • Malwarebytes logo

    Best free option

    Malwarebytes

    Starting price: $59.99 a year (Standard, 3 devices)

Common reasons people leave F-Secure: no free antivirus plan, only a one-off online scanner, and standalone Anti-Virus product is no longer sold separately. We ranked 5 alternatives by how directly each one replaces F-Secure, then by reviews, real visits and how recently each app's facts were checked against its own website. Bitdefender currently ranks first.

Quick comparison

#AppPricingVerified priceOpen sourcePlatformsVerified factsScore
1Bitdefender logoBitdefenderFree plan + paid$59.99 a year, 1 member, up to 5 devicesNoWindows, macOS, Android +18 of 868.8
2Kaspersky logoKasperskyPaid—NoWindows, macOS, Android +24 of 464.8
3Malwarebytes logoMalwarebytesFree plan + paid$59.99 a year (Standard, 3 devices)NoWindows, macOS, Android +16 of 661.8
4Avast Antivirus logoAvast AntivirusFree plan + paid—NoWindows, macOS, Android +15 of 557.2
5Norton AntiVirus Plus logoNorton AntiVirus PlusPaid—NoWindows, macOS3 of 355.3
  1. Bitdefender logo

    1. BitdefenderTop pick

    Best for: Windows users who want a quiet, high-scoring free antivirus with an upgrade path

    Free plan + paidWindows, macOS, Android, iOS

    68.8

    score / 100

    Why switch from F-Secure

    Top-rated detection with a free basic antivirus option and similar multi-device suites.

    Pros

    • Free Windows edition with no time limit and few alerts
    • Basic VPN included even in the free version
    • Total Security covers up to 10 devices across four platforms

    Cons

    • Free edition is Windows only
    • Free VPN is capped at 200 MB a day
    • Paid plans renew at a higher price than the first year
    How this score is calculated
    Editorial fit ×0.3100
    Reviews ×0.363
    Clicks (90 days) ×0.150
    Freshness ×0.15100
    Votes ×0.150

    0 counted reviews, 0 up and 0 down votes. Full formula

    Is Bitdefender a good F-Secure alternative?

    Verified facts

    8 of 8 verified
    Free version
    Yes, Windows only
    Checked Nov 8, 2026bitdefender.com(opens source in a new tab)
    No time limit
    Yes
    Checked Nov 8, 2026bitdefender.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Free VPN allowance
    200 MB per day
    Checked Nov 8, 2026bitdefender.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Platforms (Total Security)
    Windows, macOS, Android, iOS; up to 10 devices
    Checked Nov 8, 2026bitdefender.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Total Security plan
    $59.99 a year, 1 member, up to 5 devices
    Checked Nov 8, 2026bitdefender.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Premium Security plan
    $79.99 a year
    Checked Nov 8, 2026bitdefender.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Antivirus Plus Multiplatform plan
    $29.99 a year, 3 devices
    Checked Nov 8, 2026bitdefender.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Free plan
    Yes, Windows only, no time limit
    Checked Nov 8, 2026bitdefender.com(opens source in a new tab)
  2. Kaspersky logo

    2. Kaspersky

    Best for: Home users outside the US who want a full security suite with VPN and parental controls bundled

    PaidWindows, macOS, Android, iOS, Linux

    64.8

    score / 100

    Why switch from F-Secure

    Comparable suites with strong detection scores and broad platform coverage.

    Pros

    • Strong results in independent antivirus lab tests
    • Higher plans bundle VPN, password manager and parental controls
    • Covers desktop and mobile platforms under one subscription

    Cons

    • No longer sold or updated in the United States following a 2024 US government ban
    • Mobile features are limited in some countries
    • Bundled cleanup and upsell tools add clutter if you only want antivirus
    How this score is calculated
    Editorial fit ×0.387
    Reviews ×0.363
    Clicks (90 days) ×0.150
    Freshness ×0.15100
    Votes ×0.150

    0 counted reviews, 0 up and 0 down votes. Full formula

    Is Kaspersky a good F-Secure alternative?

    Verified facts

    4 of 4 verified
    Entry plan
    Kaspersky Standard
    Checked Nov 1, 2026kaspersky.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Platforms
    Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, Linux
    Checked Nov 1, 2026kaspersky.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Money-back guarantee
    30 days
    Checked Nov 1, 2026kaspersky.com(opens source in a new tab)
    System requirements
    Windows 7 SP1 or later, macOS 14 or later
    Checked Nov 8, 2026kaspersky.com(opens source in a new tab)
  3. Malwarebytes logo

    3. Malwarebytes

    Best for: People who want a familiar anti-malware scanner across several platforms

    Free plan + paidWindows, macOS, Android, iOS

    61.8

    score / 100

    Why switch from F-Secure

    Free on-demand scanner plus a lighter paid real-time product focused on malware cleanup.

    Pros

    • Free scanner is handy for cleaning up an already infected machine
    • One subscription covers Windows, Mac, Android and iOS devices
    • Paid plans include a scam and ad blocking browser extension

    Cons

    • Real-time protection requires a paid subscription
    • Higher tiers bundle a VPN and identity services some people won't need
    • Feature set differs between operating systems
    How this score is calculated
    Editorial fit ×0.377
    Reviews ×0.363
    Clicks (90 days) ×0.150
    Freshness ×0.15100
    Votes ×0.150

    0 counted reviews, 0 up and 0 down votes. Full formula

    Is Malwarebytes a good F-Secure alternative?

    Verified facts

    6 of 6 verified
    Free version
    Cleanup scanner
    Checked Nov 8, 2026malwarebytes.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Starting price
    $59.99 a year (Standard, 3 devices)
    Checked Nov 8, 2026malwarebytes.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Money-back guarantee
    60 days
    Checked Nov 8, 2026malwarebytes.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Platforms
    Windows, Mac, Android, iOS
    Checked Nov 8, 2026malwarebytes.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Plus plan
    $79.99 a year, adds VPN
    Checked Nov 8, 2026malwarebytes.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Standard Family plan
    $119.99 a year, 10 devices
    Checked Nov 8, 2026malwarebytes.com(opens source in a new tab)
  4. Avast Antivirus logo

    4. Avast Antivirus

    Best for: Home users who want a free real-time antivirus for Windows or Mac

    Free plan + paidWindows, macOS, Android, iOS

    57.2

    score / 100

    Why switch from F-Secure

    Free antivirus tier for those who don't want to pay for a full suite.

    Pros

    • Free edition includes real-time protection, not just scans
    • Covers Windows, Mac, Android and iPhone
    • Smart Scan checks malware, add-ons and settings together

    Cons

    • Free version shows frequent upgrade offers
    • Firewall and ransomware shields need a paid plan
    • Setup can offer extra Avast apps you may not want
    How this score is calculated
    Editorial fit ×0.369
    Reviews ×0.363
    Clicks (90 days) ×0.150
    Freshness ×0.1585
    Votes ×0.150

    0 counted reviews, 0 up and 0 down votes. Full formula

    Is Avast Antivirus a good F-Secure alternative?

    Verified facts

    5 of 5 verified
    Free version
    Avast Free Antivirus for Windows
    Checked Nov 8, 2026support.avast.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Windows support
    Windows 7 SP1 to Windows 11
    Checked Nov 8, 2026support.avast.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Mac version
    Avast Security for Mac
    Checked Nov 8, 2026support.avast.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Smart Scan
    Yes
    Checked Nov 8, 2026support.avast.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Owner
    Gen Digital
    Checked Nov 8, 2026press.avast.com(opens source in a new tab)
  5. Norton AntiVirus Plus logo

    5. Norton AntiVirus Plus

    Best for: Home users who want a well-known paid antivirus for one computer with support to call on

    PaidWindows, macOS

    55.3

    score / 100

    Why switch from F-Secure

    Long-running consumer antivirus with ransomware protection and broad retail availability.

    Pros

    • Long-established brand with consistent results in independent lab tests
    • Includes a firewall and password manager, not just a virus scanner
    • Easy upgrade path to Norton 360 bundles with VPN and identity protection

    Cons

    • No free tier, unlike Avast, AVG or the built-in Microsoft Defender
    • Renewal prices are well above the discounted first-year price
    • Frequent in-app prompts to upgrade to bigger Norton 360 plans
    How this score is calculated
    Editorial fit ×0.363
    Reviews ×0.363
    Clicks (90 days) ×0.150
    Freshness ×0.1585
    Votes ×0.150

    0 counted reviews, 0 up and 0 down votes. Full formula

    Is Norton AntiVirus Plus a good F-Secure alternative?

    Verified facts

    3 of 3 verified
    Owner
    Gen Digital
    Checked Nov 8, 2026support.norton.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Current edition
    Norton AntiVirus Plus
    Checked Nov 8, 2026support.norton.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Mobile apps
    Norton Mobile Security for Android and iOS
    Checked Nov 8, 2026support.norton.com(opens source in a new tab)

The best F-Secure alternative for…

The highest-ranked app in this list for each need.

Bitdefender logo

Best F-Secure alternative for most people

Bitdefender

Top-rated detection with a free basic antivirus option and similar multi-device suites.

Malwarebytes logo

Best F-Secure alternative for a free plan you can upgrade

Malwarebytes

Free on-demand scanner plus a lighter paid real-time product focused on malware cleanup.

Kaspersky logo

Best F-Secure alternative for Mac

Kaspersky

Comparable suites with strong detection scores and broad platform coverage.

Avast Antivirus logo

Best F-Secure alternative for Windows

Avast Antivirus

Free antivirus tier for those who don't want to pay for a full suite.

Kaspersky logo

Best F-Secure alternative for Linux

Kaspersky

Comparable suites with strong detection scores and broad platform coverage.

Bitdefender logo

Best F-Secure alternative for iPhone and Android

Bitdefender

Top-rated detection with a free basic antivirus option and similar multi-device suites.

F-Secure alternatives: common questions

What is the best alternative to F-Secure?

Bitdefender ranks first right now. Top-rated detection with a free basic antivirus option and similar multi-device suites. Kaspersky and Malwarebytes follow it in our ranking.

F-Secure vs Bitdefender: what's the difference?

F-Secure is a paid product; Bitdefender is free with paid plans. Verified prices: F-Secure €49.99/year for 1 device, Bitdefender $59.99 a year, 1 member, up to 5 devices. Both run on Windows, macOS, Android and iOS.

Is F-Secure free?

F-Secure is a paid product. Free trial: 30 days; Starting price: €49.99/year for 1 device; Money-back guarantee: 30 days. Checked on F-Secure's own site, November 2026.

How much do F-Secure alternatives cost?

Verified prices for the top-ranked F-Secure alternatives: Bitdefender, $59.99 a year, 1 member, up to 5 devices; Malwarebytes, $59.99 a year (Standard, 3 devices). Each price was checked on the app's own site; see each card below for the date and source.

Is there a free alternative to F-Secure?

Yes. Bitdefender (free plan + paid), Malwarebytes (free plan + paid) and Avast Antivirus (free plan + paid) have a free option. Check each app's verified facts for current plan limits.

Is there an open-source alternative to F-Secure?

None of the 5 alternatives in this list is open source.

Which F-Secure alternatives work on Linux?

Kaspersky runs on Linux.

Why do people switch from F-Secure?

The complaints we hear most: no free antivirus plan, only a one-off online scanner; standalone Anti-Virus product is no longer sold separately; some features vary between desktop and mobile apps.

How is this list ranked?

Every app is scored with the same published formula: how directly it replaces F-Secure, reviews (weighted by verification), visits from AppBreakup, how recently its facts were checked against its own website, and reader votes.