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
| Product | Key Strength | MITRE/AV-Test Scores* | OS Support | Free Trial |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ESET PROTECT | Broad endpoint features, EDR, sandbox | MITRE Detection ~78% / AV-Test: 6/6 protection | Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, ChromeOS | 30 days |
| Bitdefender GravityZone | Cost-effective, high transparency | MITRE Detection ~92% / AV-Test: 6/6 protection | Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, ChromeOS | 30 days |
| Norton 360 / Small Business | Consumer + SMB bundle, VPN & ID theft protection | AV-Test: 6/6 protection, 6/6 usability | Windows, macOS, Android, iOS | 30 days |
| Malwarebytes Endpoint Protection | Lightweight, malware remediation | AV-Test: 5.5–6/6 protection | Windows, macOS, Android, iOS | 14 days |
| CrowdStrike Falcon | Enterprise-grade EDR/XDR, threat intel | MITRE Detection: 100% / Protection 13/13 | Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS | 15 days |
* 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
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
Cons
Bitdefender GravityZone
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
Cons
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.
Norton 360 / Norton Small Business
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
Cons
Pricing: Starts at $49.99 per year for Norton 360 (consumer). Norton Small Business requires contacting sales for pricing. Free 30-day trial available.
Malwarebytes Endpoint Protection
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
Cons
Pricing: Business pricing example: $699.90 per year for 10 devices, roughly $5.80 per device per month.
CrowdStrike Falcon
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
Cons
Pricing: Pricing tiers (annual, per device): Falcon Go: ~$59.99; Falcon Pro: ~$99.99; Falcon Enterprise: ~$184.99
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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