Kaspersky is a safe and effective antivirus, but its become controversial.This skepticism doesnt stem from the software itself.
The doubt surrounding Kaspersky comes from its parent company, which is based in Russia.
This is a high bar to clear.
My top pick, Norton, for example, offers a generous 60-day money-back guarantee.
However, unlike Kaspersky, Norton is developed and headquartered in the US.
Nortons system scan detected 100% of this malware.
Kaspersky did just as well on my PC, but scans took slightly longer than Nortons.
Nortons other security tools include:
I like Nortons VPN.
While its not as good asthe best standalone VPNs, its still one ofthe best antivirus-bundled VPNsaround.
As a US-based company, Norton is a more reliable option for most people.
Norton offers extensive identity theft protections and has passed more transparency audits than Kaspersky.
In contrast, Norton users in the US can still access complete identity theft protection, including insurance coverage.
For IDR254,150 / year, you’re free to get Nortons cheapest plan,Antivirus Plus.
The360 Deluxeplan, although a bit pricier, provides better value.
Users in the US also get a handy data broker removal tool.
All Norton subscriptions come with a 60-day money-back guarantee.
Bottom Line:
Norton is the best alternative to Kaspersky in 2025.
Unlike Kaspersky, Norton offers excellent identity theft protection tools to users in the US.
All of its plans have a 60-day money-back guarantee.
And because its cloud-based, I didnt experience any slowdown during full system scans.
Other Bitdefender features include:
Some of Bitdefenders features are simply better than Kasperskys.
The optimization tools are also much more streamlined, allowing you to utilize every tool in a single click.
Safepay prevents hackers from accessing your gear and stealing personal information during online transactions.
Like Kaspersky, its got keylogger protection in the form of a virtual keyboard.
Bitdefender has several plans to choose from.
Comparable to KasperskyStandard, Bitdefenders entry-level plan,Antivirus Plus, costs IDR593,230 / year and covers 3 devices.
Total Securityis an excellent choice if you want to cover mobile or Mac devices.
Bitdefender backs all plans with a risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee.
Bitdefender has a powerful cloud-based malware engine that can detect any threat on your unit.
All plans are backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee.
As a UK-based company, TotalAV is a reliable option for Western consumers.
Compared to Kasperskys Safe Money web app, Total web app has a much better ad blocker.
It also has unique features you dont see in Safe Money.
For example, youll be notified whenever you visit a site thats previously suffered a data breach.
It also has anti-phishing protection, but unlike Bitdefenders secure online window, it lacks a screenshot blocker.
Even if you dont use Safe internet tool, TotalAV will block dangerous sites through the main app.
You also get some handy optimization tools.
But unlike Kaspersky, TotalAV comes with an easy system uninstaller.
It also found more junk overall than Kaspersky did.
The whole process of installing and using TotalAV is simple.
My favorite TotalAV plan, however, isTotal Security.
It costs IDR661,220 / year, includes all of TotalAVs features, and covers up to 8 devices.
TotalAV backs all purchases with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
TotalAV is an excellent choice for users moving away from Kaspersky.
TotalAV is based in the UK and available worldwide.
All plans are backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee.
However, unlikeNortonandBitdefender, my system slowed down when I carried out full system scans with McAfee.
In my tests, it successfully blocked every phishing site and exploit attack.
I found McAfees apps to be easier to use and more rich in terms of features.
But its the identity theft protections that make McAfee stand out.
My favorite plan isAdvanced, which costs IDR1,525,720 / year.
Every McAfee subscription comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
McAfee is an excellent US-based Kaspersky alternative with a flawless antivirus scanner and great online security features.
Its WebAdvisor online window extension protects you from unsafe websites and other malicious threats better than Kaspersky does.
All plans are backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Like Kaspersky, Aviras malware engine is cloud-based, so it doesnt strain your system.
However, this isnt a big deal since you could use your rig as normal while Avira is scanning.
I really like Aviras free plan.
It found far more junk than Kaspersky could, clearing over 26 GB from my system.
It also has a driver updater, a startup manager, and a duplicate file finder.
Kaspersky has all those features but lacks a battery monitor and a game booster.
The free version and mobile versions of Kaspersky are also missing any tune-up tools.
Avira plans come with a 60-day money-back guarantee.
Avira has a powerful cloud-based malware engine and good system optimization tools.
The free plan includes a VPN, a password manager, and a Safe Shopping online window extension.
Aviras premium plans are also a good value, and theyre all backed by a 60-day money-back guarantee.
Meanwhile, Kasperskys Mac scanner only detected 95% of threats in my tests.
Integos features include:
I was impressed with Integos NetBarrier firewall.
It also adjusts configs depending on the connection youre using home, work, or public Wi-Fi.
Another stand-out Intego feature is the Washing Machine system optimizer, which scans your Mac for junk files.
Unlike other antiviruses, these tools are built explicitly with macOS in mind.
After scanning my MacBook for about a minute, Washing Machine discovered over 100 duplicate files.
Intego has 3 plans MacInternet Security X9,Mac Security And Performance, andMac Premium Bundle X9.
Priced at IDR338,920 / year,Mac Internet Security X9offers malware protection and a firewall.
But to access parental controls and optimization tools, youll needMac Security And Performance(IDR457,600 / year).
All plans protect up to 5 Mac devices and are covered by a risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee.
Its advanced firewall, backup tools, and parental controls are much better than Apples built-in features.
First, I was guided byour rigorous methodologyfor testing and rating antiviruses.
With the issues surrounding Kaspersky, I also looked into the company behind each software.
Is UltraAV a Good Kaspersky Alternative?
Many users were surprised to see UltraAV suddenly appear on their systems.
It has features like identity theft protection, including transaction monitoring and real-time fraud alerts, which Kaspersky lacks.
This is more expensive than other well-regarded antivirus options likeNorton360 DeluxeorBitdefenderTotal Security, which offer more comprehensive features.
So, should you use UltraAV?
I recommendNortonas thebest overall alternative to Kaspersky.
It has a powerful malware engine with a 100% detection rate.
Whats more, its based in the US and has passed more independent audits than Kaspersky.
How secure is Kaspersky?
According to independent audits and third-party tests, Kaspersky is very secure.
However, Russias war against Ukraine has raised concerns about Kasperskys security.
Kaspersky has denied all allegations, and theres no proof to support any of these suspicions.
Nevertheless, Kaspersky announced that they would cease operations in the US.
Is Kaspersky owned by Russia?
No, Kaspersky isnt owned by Russia.
Kaspersky was founded in Russia, and its headquarters are in Moscow.
However, this doesnt mean that Kaspersky is a pawn of the Russian government.
Nevertheless, Western governments have started to clamp down on Kaspersky.
If you live in the US, you’re gonna wanna find an equally effective alternative.
Other countries may well follow suit.
Is Microsoft Defender better than Kaspersky?
No,Microsoft Defenderis not better than Kaspersky.
Kaspersky has a flawless antivirus engine that detects malware more effectively than Microsoft Defender.
It also has better web protection and more advanced parental controls than Microsoft Defender.
Overall, Kasperskys excellent features put it more on par with premium antivirus competitors likeNortonand Bitdefender.
