Best Avast Alternatives
Reviewed
The top-ranked Avast alternative is Bitdefender (Freemium). The best free option is Microsoft Defender.
Avast is a widely used antivirus, but users seek alternatives over privacy concerns, lighter system impact, better detection scores, or fewer upsell prompts. Others want free built-in protection or premium suites with VPN and identity features.
1Top-rated antivirus with strong malware protection and low system impact.
2Norton
SubscriptionComprehensive security suite with antivirus, VPN, and identity protection.
3Anti-malware software specializing in removing threats and PUPs.
Antivirus and internet security suite with high detection rates.
ESET
SubscriptionA lightweight, effective antivirus and internet security suite.
Microsoft Defender
FreeThe built-in, free antivirus and security tool in Windows.
AVG
FreemiumFree and paid antivirus offering real-time protection and web shields.
McAfee
SubscriptionSecurity suite with antivirus, VPN, and identity protection.
Avira
FreemiumAntivirus and security suite with a capable free tier.
Trend Micro
SubscriptionAntivirus and internet security with web threat protection.
Sophos Home
FreemiumBusiness-grade security for home users with web protection.
Panda Security
FreemiumCloud-based antivirus with a free tier and lightweight scanning.
Top Avast alternatives compared
Bitdefender
Bitdefender makes antivirus software with a free edition and paid plans. Bitdefender Antivirus Free has no time limit and covers virus detection and removal, basic ransomware protection and a VPN capped at 200 MB a day per device. It suits Windows users who want a free replacement for Avast's free antivirus.
Norton
Norton 360 is a paid security suite sold as a yearly subscription. Every Norton 360 plan includes antivirus, Scam Protection, a VPN and Dark Web Monitoring, and plans differ in Windows cloud backup space and number of devices. It suits households that want antivirus, VPN and identity monitoring in one subscription.
Malwarebytes
Malwarebytes offers a free scanner that finds and removes infections already on your device, and a paid Premium Security plan that adds real-time protection. It works on PC, Mac, Android and iOS. It suits people who want a second-opinion cleanup tool, or a paid plan that blocks threats as they arrive.
Kaspersky
Kaspersky sells antivirus and security plans for Windows, macOS, Android and iOS. Its free antivirus page offers a 30-day trial of Kaspersky Standard, which includes real-time scanning, anti-phishing, anti-ransomware, online payment protection and a two-way firewall. It suits people who want a full suite to try before paying.
| App | Price | Platforms | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bitdefender | Free edition (Windows); paid plans | Windows, macOS, iOS, Android | Free antivirus on Windows |
| Norton | Paid yearly subscription | Windows, macOS, iOS, Android | Antivirus, VPN and identity monitoring in one |
| Malwarebytes | Free scanner; Premium Security paid | Windows, macOS, iOS, Android | Removing existing malware |
| Kaspersky | Paid; 30-day free trial | Windows, macOS, iOS, Android | Trying a full suite first |
We checked each app's official site on 6 November 2026. Bitdefender's free edition is Windows only: macOS, iOS and Android protection needs the paid Antivirus Plus or higher, and the free edition's VPN is capped at 200 MB of traffic per device per day.
Related
Avast alternatives: FAQ
What is the best alternative to Avast?
Bitdefender is ranked first on this list (Freemium). The ranking combines our base score with readers' votes, so it can change.
What is the best free alternative to Avast?
The highest-ranked free or open-source options here are Microsoft Defender.
Which Avast alternatives work on Mac?
Bitdefender, Norton, Malwarebytes and Kaspersky run on macOS.
Which Avast alternatives work on Linux?
ESET run on Linux.
Are there Avast alternatives for Android?
Yes: Bitdefender, Norton, Malwarebytes and Kaspersky have Android apps.
Know a Avast alternative we missed? Suggest it — we review submissions before they go live.