Best Kaspersky alternatives in 2025
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The US government has officially banned Kaspersky from selling its antivirus software. Starting September 30, the software will no longer receive updates or core improvements, making it ineffective for continued protection. Some users have even reported that Kaspersky was automatically replaced by the basic Ultra AV antivirus on their systems. If you're still using Kaspersky, now is the time to switch to a more secure and reliable alternative. I’ve put together a list of top Kaspersky replacements. Each one offers similar features and free trial options so you can test them before making a final decision.
Top 3 alternatives to Kaspersky
- Norton Antivirus – overall best Kaspersky alternative in 2025
- TotalAV – secure replacement to Kaspersky antivirus
- Bitdefender – budget-friendly substitute to Kaspersky
Our team of researchers thoroughly tests antivirus software following a well-established testing process. In unison, our experts combine in-house and independent testing lab findings with first-hand experience to help you make informed decisions about each product. Learn how we test antivirus software.
Kaspersky alternatives compared
| Antivirus provider | Rating | Starting price | VPN | Free option | Maximum devices | Money-back guarantee |
| 1. Norton Antivirus | $29.99/year | ✅ Yes (select plans) | ❌ No, but a free trial is available | 10 | 60 days | |
| 2. TotalAV | $19.00/year | ✅ Yes (select plans) | ✅ Yes | 8 | 30 days | |
| 3. Bitdefender | $9.99/year | ✅ Yes (add-on) | ✅ Yes | 10 | 30 days | |
| 4. Surfshark Antivirus | $29.88/year (Surfshark One subscription) | ✅ Yes | ❌ No | 5 | 30 days | |
| 5. Avira | $26.99/year | ✅ Yes (select plans) | ✅ Yes | 5 | 60 days |
Best alternatives to Kaspersky in 2025 - detailed reviews:
Below, you’ll find a list of the top replacements for Kaspersky. Any of them will serve as a good Kaspersky alternative if you’re ready to switch from this Russian-based antivirus software.
1. Norton Antivirus – the best Kaspersky alternative overall
| Rating: | |
| Based in: | US and Czech Republic |
| Simultaneous connections: | Up to 10 |
| Free version: | ❌ No, but a free trial available |
| Platforms: | Windows, macOS, iOS, Android |
| Current deal: | Get up to 58% OFF Norton Antivirus |
Why replace Kaspersky with Norton Antivirus?
Norton Antivirus is the best alternative to Kaspersky available today. It offers excellent virus detection rates at a more affordable price. Plans start at $29.99/year and come with a generous 60-day money-back guarantee. Norton also includes extra features like Dark Web Monitoring and Cloud Backup.
Performance and feature comparison
During our Norton Antivirus testing, it performed flawlessly. The full system scan was 100% effective and took only 11 minutes. That said, the CPU load fluctuated between 70% and 100%.
As for independent testing, AV-TEST gave a perfect 6/6 score across all categories, while AV-Comperatives’ September 2024 Norton testing reported a 99.96% malware protection rate.
As highlighted in our Norton vs Kaspersky comparison, Norton has lots of extra features that won’t let you miss your old antivirus. You’ll get a Norton VPN, a Password Manager, Cloud Backup, Dark Web Monitoring, SafeCam, and Parental Controls.
Reputation
Norton is a highly trusted American company known for its strong reviews from AV-TEST and AV-Comparatives. Its comprehensive feature set and excellent virus detection rates make it one of the most reliable antivirus providers on the market.
2. TotalAV – one of the top Kaspersky competitors
| Rating: | |
| Based in: | The UK |
| Simultaneous connections: | Up to 8 |
| Free version: | ✅ Yes |
| Platforms: | Windows, macOS, iOS, Android |
| Current deal: | Get TotalAV, now 80% OFF |
Why replace Kaspersky with TotalAV?
TotalAV is a trustworthy alternative to Kaspersky, offering similar malware protection. It’s available in the US and is more budget-friendly, with plans starting at $19.00/year. TotalAV also offers a free version with a basic anti-malware scanner. Plus, the app is more user-friendly and easier to navigate than Kaspersky.
Performance and feature comparison
During our in-house TotalAV tests, it performed impressively. A quick scan used only 8% to 38% of the CPU and finished in under a minute, while a full system scan fluctuated between 17% and 99% and took just over 6 minutes. I was impressed with the results, which showed an average detection rate of 99%.
TotalAV evaluation by AV-TEST gave the product a perfect 6/6 score in the protection, usability, and performance categories. AV-Comparatives performed malware protection tests in September 2024, and the results were mostly favorable for TotalAV. It had an incredible online protection rate of 99.98%.
TotalAV has great features that make it a robust antivirus. It offers real-time protection, next-gen Cloud Scanning for zero-day threats, ransomware prevention, and extra tools like a VPN, password manager, and system optimizer to remove junk files and unused programs.
Reputation
Based in the UK, TotalAV adheres to strict privacy laws and is trusted by millions of users globally. Plus, the service has never been breached. It consistently received great reviews from independent testers like AV-TEST and AV-Comparatives, and our in-house tests confirm that it's a reputable, safe antivirus solution.
3. Bitdefender – wallet-friendly Kaspersky alternative
| Rating: | |
| Based in: | Romania |
| Simultaneous connections: | Up to 10 |
| Free version: | ✅ Yes |
| Platforms: | Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS |
| Current deal: | Get Bitdefender for up to 78% OFF |
Why replace Kaspersky with Bitdefender?
Bitdefender outperforms Kaspersky in virus detection and offers higher protection rates, according to our in-house tests. It’s also cheaper than Kaspersky, with prices starting at just $9.99/year for a single device.
Performance and feature comparison
In our Bitdefender review, the full system scan took about 24 minutes, and the antivirus caught 9 out of 10 zero-day threats. I was impressed by its impact on the device’s performance – it used about 50% of the device’s CPU during a full scan – much lower compared to Kaspersky.
In AV-TEST Bitdefender evaluations, it received perfect 6/6 ratings in the protection, performance, and usability categories. It also showed a 99.98% malware protection rate according to AV-Comparatives tests.
Bitdefender provides all the essential features Kaspersky is known for, plus additional tools. Along with Wi-Fi and ransomware protection, you’ll get safe browsing, a robust firewall, and webcam/microphone protection. It also comes with Bitdefender VPN, a file shredder for secure data removal, and a password manager to keep your credentials safe.
Reputation
Bitdefender is a Romanian-based company that recovered from a data breach in 2015 and is now a highly trusted antivirus provider. It consistently earns great reviews from AV-TEST and AV-Comparatives, and our in-house tests confirm its strong malware protection.
4. Surfshark Antivirus – beginner-friendly Kaspersky alternative
| Rating: | |
| Based in: | Netherlands |
| Simultaneous connections: | Up to 5 |
| Free version: | ❌ No |
| Platforms: | Windows, macOS, Android |
| Current deal: | Get Surfshark Antivirus - 86% OFF + 3 months FREE |
Why replace Kaspersky with Surfshark Antivirus?
Surfshark Antivirus is an antivirus solution that comes alongside the Surfshark One bundle, a top-tier VPN service. It offers strong malware detection and removal capabilities, and most importantly, it’s conveniently available in the US. For $29.88/year, the Surfshark One subscription offers much more value by bundling a leading VPN and additional cybersecurity features, making it a better overall package compared to Kaspersky.
Performance and feature comparison
I tested Surfshark Antivirus scans, and they showed great results. Using the full scan feature, Surfshark Antivirus identified 70.67% of malware samples, encompassing a variety of threats such as ransomware, remote access trojans (RATs), info stealers, mining malware, and malicious scripts. It uses advanced threat detection technology to identify and eliminate viruses, malware, ransomware, and other malicious software, keeping your devices secure.
Based on the AV-TEST Surfshark Antivirus evaluation, it offers excellent usability and protection, while its performance is slightly below the industry average (5.5/6 score). These solid detection capabilities, combined with its overall performance, have contributed to Surfshark’s earning the AV-TEST Top Product award, underscoring its reliability and effectiveness.
Surfshark Antivirus integrates seamlessly with Surfshark VPN, making it a two-in-one solution for both antivirus and privacy protection. It provides real-time protection and scheduled scans that you can set up at a convenient time to keep your system secure. It has a user-friendly interface that’s easy to navigate and customize to your liking. Plus, its web protection feature blocks phishing attempts and malicious websites, further safeguarding your online experience.
Reputation
Surfshark Antivirus has a strong reputation and is based in the Netherlands, a country with strong privacy laws. It offers a transparent privacy policy and is positively reviewed by AV-TEST. In-house tests also confirm its reliability. Surfshark has not been involved in any data breaches or controversies, further reinforcing its trustworthiness.
5. Avira – user-friendly Kaspersky competitor
| Rating: | |
| Based in: | Germany |
| Simultaneous connections: | Up to 5 |
| Free version: | ✅ Yes |
| Platforms: | Windows, macOS, Android, iOS |
| Current deal: | Get 1 year of Avira at 58% OFF |
Why replace Kaspersky with Avira?
Avira is a lightweight and budget-friendly alternative to Kaspersky, starting at $26.99/year for one device. It offers a longer 60-day money-back guarantee and is widely available worldwide, making it a versatile choice for users seeking a reliable antivirus.
Performance and feature comparison
In our Avira review, it performed moderately well, with a 70% malware detection rate. Independent AV-TEST results gave it a perfect 6/6 score across the protection, performance, and usability categories. AV-Comparatives reported a 99.96% protection rate.
Avira offers everything a great antivirus tool should have. This includes real-time protection, multiple virus scanning options, ransomware protection, web protection, and a software updater. It also includes extras like the Phantom VPN, a password manager, a Safe Shopping browser extension, and a driver updater. Plus, Avira’s scans have minimal impact on CPU usage, making it an excellent choice for those needing a lightweight solution.
Reputation
Avira has a solid reputation, winning numerous awards for its detection rates and being consistently recognized by AV-TEST and AV-Comparatives. Based in Germany, Avira has a track record of reliability with no major controversies.
Which Kaspersky alternative should I pick?
The Kaspersky alternative you should pick depends on your needs and wants. The good thing is that all the antivirus programs mentioned on this page are equally good in terms of quality, with only minor differences in features and virus detection rates.
However, if you’re still unsure about which Kaspersky competitor to pick, here are the three best alternatives for Kaspersky antivirus:
- Norton Antivirus is a perfect alternative for those who are looking for a more feature-rich antivirus
- TotalAV is a great choice if you want a more user-friendly experience and solid protection, with a free version available
- Bitdefender is ideal for those looking for a wallet-friendly Kaspersky alternative
Your choice ultimately depends on your specific needs, like budget, the number of devices you need to protect, or whether you need extra features like a VPN or password manager.
How I selected and tested these Kaspersky alternatives
We tested 26 different antivirus programs, so choosing the best antivirus software for this list was quite a task. After all, these are the tools that will be responsible for protecting your device from malware and viruses.
In order to ensure thorough and reliable results, our research team ran antivirus software tests on a VirtualBox virtual machine running Windows 11, set up on a powerful Lenovo ThinkStation with an AMD Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3945WX processor (12 cores, 3.99GHz), 64GB of RAM, and a 3TB SSD. For Mac tests, we used a VMware setup with macOS 12.0.1 Monterey, packing 16GB of RAM and 4 CPU cores running at 3.81GHz.
Working alongside the Cybernews research team, I tested various popular malware samples. This included testing for ransomware, keyloggers, spyware, adware, and other threats to see how well the antivirus software held up in real-world scenarios.
Following the antivirus testing methodology we use at Cybernews, I ranked each provider based on the following criteria:
- Virus protection capabilities (30%). First and foremost, a good anti-malware tool replacing Kaspersky should provide excellent virus detection in real-time and during scans. Thus, I researched tests performed by independent antivirus testing labs and compared them to our in-house test results.
- False positives (25%). It’s annoying when an antivirus tool keeps showing you scary notifications that turn out to be false. Thus, I aimed for antivirus apps with the lowest rates of false positives.
- Reputation (25%). This is a crucial aspect and the main reason we eliminated Kaspersky from our suggested antivirus lists. A service involved in a scandal or data breach shouldn’t be considered.
- Extra features (20%). Although an antivirus’ main job is to protect your device from viruses, having some useful extra features is an advantage. Thus, a good Kaspersky alternative will give you many extras, like parental controls, a system booster, a password manager, and even a VPN.
Why look for an alternative to Kaspersky?
Even though Kaspersky was once one of Cybernews’ top antivirus tools, recent events made us reconsider offering it to you.
As Russia’s threats against the EU and NATO intensify daily, and Kaspersky’s links with the Russian government are unsettling, many countries, including Canada and the US, are already abandoning Kaspersky in fear of spying and leaking important information.
In August–September 2024, following the US ban, Kaspersky subscriptions for American customers were transferred to Pango’s mid-tier antivirus service – UltraAV – marking a shift away from Kaspersky in the American market.
With all that in mind, I can no longer recommend Kaspersky as a reputable antivirus service provider.
US ban on Kaspersky
As there are fears about Kaspersky’s ability to access computer systems, potentially allowing it to snoop on sensitive information from American computers, plant malware, or even withhold critical updates, the United States Commerce Department with Biden’s Administration has banned new sales of Kaspersky Labs' antivirus software on July 20th, 2024.
Why did the US ban Kaspersky?
The US banned Kaspersky Labs' antivirus software from being sold in the United States on July 20th, 2024. The US is worried about national security, especially since Kaspersky has ties to Russia and could potentially spy on American computer systems. The US was particularly concerned because government agencies and key infrastructure providers used Kaspersky’s software.
Based in Russia, Kaspersky argues that it's more about politics than its product security. Still, the US government isn't taking any chances, especially after banning Kaspersky from being used by federal agencies in 2017.
The Commerce Department's investigation found some serious reasons behind the ban:
- Kaspersky's relationship with the Russian government raises red flags about data security
- Kaspersky's software may be used to deliver malware or block updates, exposing US users to cyberattacks
- Integrating Kaspersky into other products adds more uncertainty about data protection
To ease the transition, Kaspersky was able to send updates until September 29th, 2024, giving everyone time to find a new alternative antivirus.
Former Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo emphasized that this move was about protecting Americans and their information. She pointed to past incidents where Russia might've used Kaspersky for its gain instead of US security interests.
This decision shows how seriously the US takes its digital defenses and the ongoing battle against threats that could threaten the country's safety.
