Kaspersky Lab · freemium
Kaspersky
A historically top-scoring engine with US availability restrictions to check first.
Kaspersky's detection engine has scored at or near the top of independent laboratory testing for many years, and the company has published widely respected threat research. Technically, it remains a very strong product.
The complication for US readers is not technical. Kaspersky's availability and permissibility in the United States have been subject to government restrictions and commercial changes, and US federal agencies have been prohibited from using its products. Before choosing Kaspersky in the US, verify current availability, the status of US sales, and whether your employer or institution allows it.
We include Kaspersky because people search for it and deserve accurate context — not a recommendation that ignores the regulatory picture.
Last reviewed: 2026-08-09
At a glance
- Platforms
- Windows, macOS, Android, iOS
- Free version
- Kaspersky has historically offered a free tier in supported markets. Availability varies.
- Trial
- Trials are offered where the product is sold.
- Paid plans
- Standard, Plus and Premium tiers in supported markets.
Who it is for
Good fit
- • Users outside the affected restrictions who want a top-scoring engine
- • Readers researching the product's capabilities and status
Not a fit
- • US federal environments and organisations bound by the relevant restrictions
- • Anyone who cannot verify current US availability
Security features
| Real-time protection | Included |
|---|---|
| Malware scanning | Included |
| Ransomware protection | Included |
| Anti-phishing | Included |
| Web protection | Included |
| Email scanning | Included |
| Trojan detection | Included |
| Spyware detection | Included |
| Firewall | Included |
| VPN included | Included |
| Password manager | Included |
| Identity monitoring | Not included |
| Parental controls | Included |
| PC cleanup tools | Not included |
- • Feature availability depends heavily on the market you buy in.
Performance and privacy
Historically light with efficient scheduled scanning.
Kaspersky operates transparency centres and has relocated some data processing to Switzerland. Assess this alongside the regulatory situation.
Pros and cons
Pros
- + Excellent historical detection record
- + Well-designed interface
- + Strong published threat research
Cons
- − US availability and permissibility restrictions
- − Not appropriate for many US organisational environments
- − Support and continuity uncertainty for US customers
Installation and removal
How to install
- 1. First confirm the product is available and permitted for you in the US.
- 2. Download only from the official Kaspersky site for your region.
- 3. Remove other antivirus products before installing.
How to uninstall
- 1. Uninstall from Windows Settings.
- 2. Use Kaspersky's official kavremover tool if entries persist.
Platform notes
Windows: Windows 11 and Windows 10 in supported markets.
Android: Kaspersky's Android app includes app scanning and anti-phishing.
macOS: A macOS client is offered in supported markets.
ChromeOS: No native ChromeOS antivirus.
Frequently asked questions
- Can I still use Kaspersky in the United States?
- US restrictions have affected Kaspersky's sale and use, and federal agencies are prohibited from using it. Check the current official guidance and your own organisation's policy before installing it.
- Is Kaspersky's detection actually good?
- Its independent laboratory record has been consistently strong. The concerns raised in the US are regulatory and geopolitical, not about detection quality.
Sources
- Kaspersky official site
- CISA guidance on Kaspersky products