AppBreakup
Submit an app

Free Kaspersky alternatives: 3 apps ranked by verified data

Facts checked Nov 8, 2026AppBreakup editorialHow we rank

3 of the 7 Kaspersky alternatives we track can be used for free (free, open source, or with a free plan). Bitdefender, Malwarebytes and Avast Antivirus rank highest, with facts last verified Nov 8, 2026.

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
2Malwarebytes logoMalwarebytesFree plan + paid$59.99 a year (Standard, 3 devices)NoWindows, macOS, Android +16 of 661.8
3Avast Antivirus logoAvast AntivirusFree plan + paid—NoWindows, macOS, Android +15 of 557.2
  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. Malwarebytes logo

    2. 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)
  3. Avast Antivirus logo

    3. 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)