Best Kaspersky Alternatives
The best alternatives to Kaspersky, ranked by rating and value.
We compared 4 Kaspersky alternatives. Bitdefender is the top pick at 4.6/5 (from $3/mo). 1 has a free plan. 1 cost less than Kaspersky's $3/mo. 3 rate higher than Kaspersky itself (4.3/5).
Why look for a Kaspersky alternative?
Kaspersky rates 4.3/5 and is genuinely strong at excellent lab scores — most people switch because of a specific trade-off:
- •Government restrictions in some regions
- •Full VPN costs extra
Kaspersky alternatives compared
| Tool | Starts at | Rating | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kaspersky (the original) | $3/mo | 4.3/5 | Protection-focused users |
| Bitdefender | $3/mo | 4.6/5 | Performance-conscious users |
| Malwarebytes | Free | 4.5/5 | Users wanting simple cleanup |
| Norton 360 | $3/mo | 4.4/5 | Families & individuals |
| McAfee | $3/mo | 4.1/5 | Families with many devices |
The best Kaspersky alternatives, ranked
Top protection with a light footprint
Why switch: Best-in-class detection. Best for Performance-conscious users.
Lightweight malware & threat removal
Why switch: Excellent cleanup. Best for Users wanting simple cleanup.
All-in-one security with VPN & backup
Why switch: Excellent protection scores. Best for Families & individuals.
Identity-focused security for many devices
Why switch: Unlimited devices option. Best for Families with many devices.
Pick by priority
Best rated → Bitdefender
4.6/5 across 9,800 reviews. Best-in-class detection.
Free option → Malwarebytes
Has a genuine free plan — the cheapest way to test a switch.
Closest fit → Bitdefender
Our top overall pick for people leaving Kaspersky. Suits Performance-conscious users.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best alternative to Kaspersky?+
Bitdefender is our top-ranked Kaspersky alternative, rated 4.6/5 and starting at $3/mo. Best-in-class detection is its standout strength, and it suits Performance-conscious users.
Are there free alternatives to Kaspersky?+
Yes — Malwarebytes offers a free plan. Paid tiers unlock more, but the free tier is enough to test the fit.
What is a cheaper alternative to Kaspersky?+
1 of these start below Kaspersky's $3/mo: Malwarebytes (Free).
Why do people look for Kaspersky alternatives?+
The most common reasons are: government restrictions in some regions, full VPN costs extra. Kaspersky still rates 4.3/5, so the right move depends on which trade-off matters to you.
Which Kaspersky alternative is rated highest?+
Bitdefender at 4.6/5, versus 4.3/5 for Kaspersky.