5 Best Kaspersky Alternatives for Reliable Protection

Kaspersky’s exit from the US market in 2024 forced many users to rethink their approach to security.

While the ban accelerated the change, the truth is that other providers were already pulling ahead in areas like speed, usability, and transparency. Over time, the gap only widened, making it clear which platforms were best equipped to protect users today and into the future.

In this guide, I review the five best Kaspersky alternatives. Each offers reliable protection, consistent performance, and the trust needed to keep pace with modern threats.

• ESET PROTECT
• Bitdefender GravityZone
• Norton 360 / Norton Small Business
• Malwarebytes Endpoint Protection
• CrowdStrike Falcon

* Scores are from independent evaluations such as MITRE ATT&CK and AV-Test.

** Pricing is based on the lowest published business or per-device plans; actual costs vary by tier.

ESET PROTECT

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Best for: Additional endpoint protection features

ESET PROTECT provides a comprehensive range of security tools that extend beyond basic antivirus protection. With options for both cloud and on-premises management, it includes advanced capabilities such as sandboxing, machine learning-based threat detection, and endpoint detection and response (EDR). It’s designed for businesses that want more control and visibility over their devices without sacrificing usability.

Pros

• Broad feature set including EDR and sandboxing
• Easy-to-use management console
• Strong cross-platform support

Cons

• Performance optimization is weaker than some rivals
• Advanced features may require extra add-ons

Pricing

ESET Protect Entry (five devices) priced at ~$211/year, or about $3.50 per device per month, billed annually.

Pro tip

Take advantage of the 30-day free trial to test ESET’s centralized console and ensure it integrates smoothly with your existing IT workflows.

Final verdict

A strong, feature-rich option for businesses that need advanced security and easy management.

Bitdefender GravityZone

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Best for: Core features, cost, and transparency

Bitdefender GravityZone is known for delivering a strong balance of affordability and advanced protection. It includes machine learning threat detection, system hardening, and centralized management that scales from small businesses to large enterprises. With transparent pricing and consistently high marks in independent security tests, it’s a dependable choice for organizations that want solid protection without hidden costs.

Pros

• Excellent balance of price and features
• Transparent, flexible pricing
• Scales easily from SMBs to enterprises

Cons

• System optimization could be stronger
• Some advanced functions require configuration expertise

Pricing

Pricing: Starts at approximately $5 per user per month for small businesses (up to 10 users), with tiered pricing between $4–$6 per user per month depending on scale.

Pro tip

Bitdefender offers both cloud and on-premises deployment, so choose the setup that best matches your IT resources and compliance needs.

Final verdict

A cost-effective solution with strong core features and pricing clarity.

Norton 360 / Norton Small Business

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Best for: Comprehensive security with identity protection

Norton is one of the most recognizable names in cybersecurity, offering all-in-one protection for both individuals and small businesses. Norton 360 combines antivirus, firewall, VPN, password manager, and identity theft monitoring into a single package. For SMBs, Norton Small Business provides centralized management and device protection without heavy IT overhead.

Pros

• Wide range of bundled security tools
• Strong reputation and brand trust
• Easy to set up and manage

Cons

• Business pricing requires a quote
• Some features may be unnecessary for smaller teams

Pricing

Pricing: Starts at $49.99 per year for Norton 360 (consumer). Norton Small Business requires contacting sales for pricing. Free 30-day trial available.

Pro tip

Use Norton’s bundled VPN and password manager to consolidate tools and reduce costs compared to buying separate solutions.

Final verdict

A trusted, all-in-one security platform that combines antivirus with useful extras for both personal and business use.

Malwarebytes Endpoint Protection

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Best for: Lightweight protection and malware remediation

Malwarebytes is renowned for its ability to quickly detect and remove malware. Its Endpoint Protection solution offers cloud-based management, ransomware rollback, and real-time monitoring, all while keeping system performance light. It’s especially popular with small and midsize businesses that want straightforward security without complex setup.

Pros

• Lightweight and fast
• Excellent malware cleanup and remediation
• Easy to deploy and manage

Cons

• Fewer advanced features than enterprise-focused platforms
• Reporting tools could be more detailed

Pricing

Pricing: Business pricing example: $699.90 per year for 10 devices, roughly $5.80 per device per month.

Pro tip

Malwarebytes is an excellent add-on for organizations that need strong remediation tools alongside existing antivirus or EDR platforms.

Final verdict

A simple, effective solution for SMBs that want fast protection and easy management.

CrowdStrike Falcon

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Best for: Enterprise-grade EDR/XDR and threat intelligence

CrowdStrike Falcon is a cloud-native endpoint protection platform designed for organizations that need advanced security at scale. It combines next-generation antivirus, EDR, and real-time threat intelligence in a lightweight agent that runs seamlessly in the background. With a unified console and strong MITRE performance, Falcon is a leading choice for enterprises seeking top-tier defense.

Pros

• Excellent detection and response capabilities
• Scalable for growing organizations
• Strong global threat intelligence

Cons

• Higher cost than many competitors
• May feel complex for smaller teams

Pricing

Pricing: Pricing tiers (annual, per device): Falcon Go: ~$59.99; Falcon Pro: ~$99.99; Falcon Enterprise: ~$184.99

Pro tip

Consider Falcon Pro or higher tiers to unlock advanced EDR and managed detection capabilities that maximize protection.

Final verdict

A premium, enterprise-grade solution with world-class threat detection and scalability.

Other Trusted Security Solutions

Not every user needs enterprise-grade protection. For smaller businesses or individuals, these providers remain reliable options for everyday security.

• McAfee: A long-standing name in cybersecurity that combines endpoint protection with web, cloud, and data security features. Best suited for businesses that want an all-in-one solution.
• AVG Technologies: A budget-friendly antivirus option that offers reliable malware and web protection. A strong choice for individuals or small offices that need straightforward security.
• PC Matic: Uses an allowlist approach to block unknown applications and prevent threats. While less conventional, it appeals to users who want a unique, proactive defense model.

These tools may not match the enterprise depth of the top five. However, they remain dependable solutions for users who want practical and affordable protection.

How I chose the best Kaspersky alternatives

When selecting the best Kaspersky alternatives, I focused on the qualities that matter most to businesses and individual users seeking reliable protection. Each product was evaluated based on:

• Core features: Antivirus protection, behavioral analytics, ransomware defense, and cross-platform coverage.
• Advanced capabilities: Tools like EDR/XDR, sandboxing, zero-trust options, and cloud-based management.
• Ease of use: Deployment, administration, and day-to-day usability for both IT teams and individuals.
• Pricing and value: Availability of free trials, transparent pricing, and cost-effectiveness across business sizes.
• Reputation and trust: Market presence, customer satisfaction, and track record of consistent security performance.

By weighing these criteria, I identified five solutions that provide dependable protection and a clear upgrade path for those moving away from Kaspersky.

Choosing the right fit can be tricky

No single tool is perfect for everyone, but each of these alternatives shines in its own way. ESET and Bitdefender bring advanced features and strong value for businesses, Norton and Malwarebytes offer trusted protection that’s simple to manage, and CrowdStrike delivers enterprise-grade defense at scale.

The key is to match the solution to your specific needs. A small business with limited IT resources may benefit most from Norton or Malwarebytes, while larger organizations will find more power and visibility in ESET, Bitdefender, or CrowdStrike.

Regardless of which path you choose, making the switch now ensures you stay protected with tools that are supported, up to date, and ready for today’s evolving threats.

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