The best Kaspersky alternatives are established security suites from other vendors, from big-name packages with identity and scam protection to smaller providers focused on simple malware protection. If you're in the US, switching is a matter of support rather than taste, because Kaspersky can no longer provide its antivirus products there. Ten options follow, most with a free trial or free scanner to start.
Plenty of people installed Kaspersky years ago and haven't thought about it since. The ban in the US, and the questions it raised elsewhere, mean now's a sensible time to check what's protecting your devices.
The ten options below are listed alphabetically and in no particular order, and every description comes from the company's own website, read this week. While you're tidying up security, my guide to staying safe from cyber threats covers the habits that matter as much as software.
Kaspersky alternatives side by side
I checked the free plan column on each tool's own website, as of Oct 2026. Yes means the site names a free plan, a free version, a free account or an open source version. Trial only means a time-limited trial. Not stated means the pages I read named neither, even where there's a button inviting you to start for free, so check the provider's page before you sign up.
| Tool | Type | Good for | Free plan |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bitdefender | Cybersecurity software | Home users wanting a big-name suite | Trial only |
| Emsisoft | Anti-malware and antivirus software | Small businesses wanting simpler protection | Not stated |
| ESET | Cybersecurity for home and business | Lightweight protection for home and office | Not stated |
| F-Secure | Consumer security software | Scam and identity protection | Trial only |
| G DATA | IT security made in Germany | Users who prefer a German provider | Trial only |
| Malwarebytes | Antivirus, VPN and scam guard | A second-opinion scanner | Yes |
| Norton | Antivirus and identity protection | Identity and scam protection in one | Trial only |
| Sophos Home | Cybersecurity for families | Protecting every device at home | Trial only |
| Trend Micro | Cybersecurity for home | Multi-device home protection | Not stated |
| VIPRE | Home and business security | Antivirus plus privacy shield | Trial only |
Ten security suites to consider
Bitdefender
Best for: Households who want a well-known security suite and like to try it first through the free trials on offer.
Emsisoft
Best for: Small businesses and home users who want award-winning anti-malware that aims to keep security simpler.
ESET
Best for: Small offices and home users that want cybersecurity from one company covering home, business and enterprise needs.
F-Secure
Best for: Families who want antivirus with scam and ID protection for passwords and online identity, with a free trial.
G DATA
Best for: People who want security software from a German company whose SOC and development team are based in Bochum.
Malwarebytes
Best for: Home users who want all-in-one protection with antivirus, VPN and scam guard, plus a free download to scan with.
Norton
Best for: Households who want antivirus with privacy, identity and scam protection, and free tools to check a device first.
Sophos Home
Best for: Families who want security and privacy across everyone's devices from a business-grade security brand, with a free trial.
Trend Micro
Best for: Anyone who wants cybersecurity across PCs, Macs and phones from a long-established global vendor.
VIPRE
Best for: Privacy-conscious users who want antivirus, internet shield and VPN privacy from a smaller vendor known for email security.
Where to start for your situation
- A well-known all-round suite: Bitdefender or Norton.
- Scam and identity protection: F-Secure.
- Protecting the whole family: Sophos Home or Trend Micro.
- Small offices: ESET or Emsisoft.
- A second-opinion scanner: Malwarebytes.
- A smaller vendor with privacy extras: G DATA or VIPRE.
What the US prohibition says
The US Department of Commerce's Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) says the Department issued a Final Determination prohibiting Kaspersky from providing certain cybersecurity and anti-virus products and services to US persons.
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For US users, that means replacing it with a supported product rather than leaving an old installation to age. Outside the US, it's still worth checking your security software is current and supported.
Uninstall first, then install
Running two antivirus programs side by side can cause conflicts and slow your device. Remove the old one completely before installing the new suite.
Most vendors publish removal steps or a removal tool. Restart afterwards, then install and run a full scan with the new software.
Don't forget phones and tablets. If you used the old vendor's mobile app, remove that too, and check your new suite covers every device in the household rather than just the main computer.
Questions to ask before you buy
- How many devices does one licence cover?
- Does it protect phones as well as computers?
- Is a VPN or password manager included?
- Does it warn about scam websites and texts?
- Is there a free trial so I can test it first?
- How easy is it to cancel auto-renewal?
Signs your security software needs replacing
- It's no longer updating. Replace it now.
- Different devices run different tools. Pick one suite.
- Scam texts keep getting through. Add scam protection.
- Your phone isn't covered. Choose a multi-device plan.
Do you make antivirus or security software? Tool makers can ask to be considered for a featured place on this list.
My plain advice on replacing Kaspersky
Do it this week rather than at renewal. Uninstall the old software on every device, restart, install the replacement and run a full scan, starting with the computer you bank on.
Pick one suite for the whole household if you can, so there's one dashboard and one renewal to manage. If you also want private browsing on public Wi-Fi, my guide to VPNs for business compares the options.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best alternative to Kaspersky?
Established security suites from other vendors are the natural replacement. Choose based on how many devices you need to protect and whether you want extras like scam protection.
Is Kaspersky banned in the US?
BIS says the Department of Commerce issued a Final Determination prohibiting Kaspersky from providing certain cybersecurity and anti-virus products and services to US persons.
Should I uninstall Kaspersky before installing new antivirus?
Yes. Running two antivirus programs together can cause conflicts, so remove the old one first and restart.
Is there free antivirus I can use instead?
Some vendors offer free scanners or free trials. Check each provider's page for what the free option includes.
Do I need antivirus on my phone?
Many suites include mobile protection. It's worth having if you bank, shop or open links on your phone.
Can one licence cover my whole family?
Many suites offer family or multi-device plans. Check how many devices each plan covers.
