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Kaspersky alternatives: 7 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 Kaspersky: no longer sold or updated in the United States following a 2024 US government ban, and mobile features are limited in some countries. We ranked 7 alternatives by how directly each one replaces Kaspersky, 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
2ESET NOD32 Antivirus logoESET NOD32 AntivirusPaid—NoWindows, macOS4 of 464.8
3Malwarebytes logoMalwarebytesFree plan + paid$59.99 a year (Standard, 3 devices)NoWindows, macOS, Android +16 of 661.8
4SoSophos HomePaid—NoWindows, macOS, iOS +25 of 557.5
5Avast Antivirus logoAvast AntivirusFree plan + paid—NoWindows, macOS, Android +15 of 557.2
6Quick Heal logoQuick HealPaid₹816 a year for 1 user (AntiVirus Pro)NoWindows, macOS, Android8 of 842.3
7F-Secure logoF-SecurePaid€49.99/year for 1 deviceNoWindows, macOS, Android +15 of 542.3
  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 Kaspersky

    Top-rated suite in lab tests with a similar plan structure and no US sales restrictions.

    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
    Visit Bitdefender Compare with KasperskyDetails and reviews
    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 Kaspersky 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. ESET NOD32 Antivirus logo

    2. ESET NOD32 Antivirus

    Best for: PC and Mac users, especially gamers, who want light paid protection without extras

    PaidWindows, macOS

    64.8

    score / 100

    Why switch from Kaspersky

    Lightweight antivirus with a low system footprint, for those who only want malware protection.

    Pros

    • Light on system resources, with a Gamer Mode
    • Detailed settings for advanced users
    • Full-featured 30-day trial without a credit card

    Cons

    • No free version
    • Covers only Windows and macOS; phones need a higher plan
    • Firewall and VPN are not in the NOD32 tier
    Visit ESET NOD32 Antivirus Compare with KasperskyDetails and reviews
    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 ESET NOD32 Antivirus a good Kaspersky alternative?

    Verified facts

    4 of 4 verified
    Free trial
    30 days
    Checked Nov 8, 2026eset.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Platforms
    Windows, macOS
    Checked Nov 8, 2026eset.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Gamer Mode
    Yes
    Checked Nov 8, 2026eset.com(opens source in a new tab)
    System requirements
    Windows 10+, macOS 13+
    Checked Nov 8, 2026eset.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 Kaspersky

    Simpler anti-malware tool with a free on-demand scanner and a clean interface.

    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
    Visit Malwarebytes Compare with KasperskyDetails and reviews
    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 Kaspersky 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. So

    4. Sophos Home

    Best for: Families who want one person to manage antivirus on several Windows PCs and Macs remotely

    PaidWindows, macOS, iOS, Android, Web

    57.5

    score / 100

    Why switch from Kaspersky

    Business-grade scanning for home PCs and Macs, managed for the whole family from one web console.

    Pros

    • One web dashboard manages protection on up to 10 computers
    • Ransomware protection with file rollback on Windows
    • Parental web filtering included without an add-on
    • No third-party ads or upsell add-ons in the product

    Cons

    • No free tier, only a trial
    • No bundled VPN or password manager, unlike larger consumer suites
    • Live support is limited to US weekday hours
    Visit Sophos Home Details and reviews
    How this score is calculated
    Editorial fit ×0.363
    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 Sophos Home a good Kaspersky alternative?

    Verified facts

    5 of 5 verified
    Free trial
    Yes, no credit card required
    Checked Nov 8, 2026home.sophos.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Devices
    Up to 10 Windows and Mac computers
    Checked Nov 8, 2026home.sophos.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Money-back guarantee
    30 days
    Checked Nov 8, 2026home.sophos.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Live support hours
    9 a.m.–7 p.m. EST, Monday–Friday
    Checked Nov 8, 2026home.sophos.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Ransomware rollback
    Yes
    Checked Nov 8, 2026home.sophos.com(opens source in a new tab)
  5. Avast Antivirus logo

    5. 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 Kaspersky

    Has a free antivirus tier, so you can drop the subscription entirely.

    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
    Visit Avast Antivirus Compare with KasperskyDetails and reviews
    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 Kaspersky 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)
  6. Quick Heal logo

    6. Quick Heal

    Best for: Home users and small offices in India who want local-language support and rupee pricing

    PaidWindows, macOS, Android

    42.3

    score / 100

    Why switch from Kaspersky

    Indian antivirus with rupee pricing, local dealers and support in several Indian languages.

    Pros

    • Editions for Windows, Mac, Windows Server and Android
    • Total Security bundles ransomware protection, firewall and parental controls
    • Phone and WhatsApp support in several Indian languages

    Cons

    • No permanent free edition, only a trial
    • Pricing and sales are focused on India
    • Many add-on features push the higher-priced editions
    Visit Quick Heal Compare with KasperskyDetails and reviews
    How this score is calculated
    Editorial fit ×0.312
    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 Quick Heal a good Kaspersky alternative?

    Verified facts

    8 of 8 verified
    Platforms
    Windows, Mac, Windows Server, Android
    Checked Nov 8, 2026quickheal.co.in(opens source in a new tab)
    Licence term
    Per user, per year
    Checked Nov 8, 2026quickheal.co.in(opens source in a new tab)
    Windows support
    Windows 11, 10, 8.1, 8
    Checked Nov 8, 2026quickheal.co.in(opens source in a new tab)
    Ransomware protection
    Yes (Total Security)
    Checked Nov 8, 2026quickheal.co.in(opens source in a new tab)
    Parental controls
    Yes, with screen-time limits
    Checked Nov 8, 2026quickheal.co.in(opens source in a new tab)
    Starting price
    ₹816 a year for 1 user (AntiVirus Pro)
    Checked Nov 8, 2026quickheal.co.in(opens source in a new tab)
    Internet Security plan
    ₹1,174 a year for 1 user
    Checked Nov 8, 2026quickheal.co.in(opens source in a new tab)
    Total Security plan
    ₹1,591 a year for 1 user
    Checked Nov 8, 2026quickheal.co.in(opens source in a new tab)
  7. F-Secure logo

    7. F-Secure

    Best for: Households wanting a European antivirus suite with scam and banking protection across their devices

    PaidWindows, macOS, Android, iOS

    42.3

    score / 100

    Why switch from Kaspersky

    Finland-based alternative with similar multi-device suites and a 30-day free trial.

    Pros

    • Covers Windows, Mac, Android and iOS in one subscription
    • Banking and scam protection beyond basic virus scanning
    • European company subject to GDPR
    • 30-day free trial and money-back guarantee

    Cons

    • 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
    Visit F-Secure Compare with KasperskyDetails and reviews
    How this score is calculated
    Editorial fit ×0.312
    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 F-Secure a good Kaspersky alternative?

    Verified facts

    5 of 5 verified
    Free trial
    30 days
    Checked Nov 8, 2026f-secure.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Starting price
    €49.99/year for 1 device
    Checked Nov 8, 2026f-secure.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Platforms
    PC, Mac, Android, iOS
    Checked Nov 8, 2026f-secure.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Headquarters
    Finland
    Checked Nov 8, 2026f-secure.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Money-back guarantee
    30 days
    Checked Nov 8, 2026f-secure.com(opens source in a new tab)

The best Kaspersky alternative for…

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

Bitdefender logo

Best Kaspersky alternative for most people

Bitdefender

Top-rated suite in lab tests with a similar plan structure and no US sales restrictions.

Malwarebytes logo

Best Kaspersky alternative for a free plan you can upgrade

Malwarebytes

Simpler anti-malware tool with a free on-demand scanner and a clean interface.

ESET NOD32 Antivirus logo

Best Kaspersky alternative for Mac

ESET NOD32 Antivirus

Lightweight antivirus with a low system footprint, for those who only want malware protection.

So

Best Kaspersky alternative for Windows

Sophos Home

Business-grade scanning for home PCs and Macs, managed for the whole family from one web console.

Avast Antivirus logo

Best Kaspersky alternative for iPhone and Android

Avast Antivirus

Has a free antivirus tier, so you can drop the subscription entirely.

So

Best Kaspersky alternative for working in the browser

Sophos Home

Business-grade scanning for home PCs and Macs, managed for the whole family from one web console.

Kaspersky alternatives: common questions

What is the best alternative to Kaspersky?

Bitdefender ranks first right now. Top-rated suite in lab tests with a similar plan structure and no US sales restrictions. ESET NOD32 Antivirus and Malwarebytes follow it in our ranking.

Kaspersky vs Bitdefender: what's the difference?

Kaspersky is a paid product; Bitdefender is free with paid plans. Only Kaspersky runs on Linux.

Is Kaspersky free?

Kaspersky is a paid product. Entry plan: Kaspersky Standard; Money-back guarantee: 30 days. Checked on Kaspersky's own site, November 2026.

How much do Kaspersky alternatives cost?

Verified prices for the top-ranked Kaspersky alternatives: Bitdefender, $59.99 a year, 1 member, up to 5 devices; Malwarebytes, $59.99 a year (Standard, 3 devices); Quick Heal, ₹816 a year for 1 user (AntiVirus Pro); F-Secure, €49.99/year for 1 device. 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 Kaspersky?

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 Kaspersky?

None of the 7 alternatives in this list is open source.

Why do people switch from Kaspersky?

The complaints we hear most: 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 is this list ranked?

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