Last Updated: Aug 11, 2025 I tested Kaspersky’s features, ran malware simulations, and cross-checked everything with 2025 lab data. It blocked 99.3% of real-world threats and earned near-perfect protection scores. System performance stayed smooth, even during full scans on older machines. Despite privacy concerns, the Plus plan still packs value with its VPN, password manager, and Safe Money tools. But if you live in the US and want long-term reliability, it may be time to switch to a top alternative like Norton. This review gives you everything you need to decide. Try Norton risk-free

In a Rush? Here’s a 1-Minute Summary

Try Kaspersky risk-free Kaspersky has a robust anti-malware engine to defend against threats. Its scans reliably find any viruses hidden on your system, and the various other safety features ensure you won’t get infected by novel cyber threats in the future. Note that its security isn’t flawless like some of the best antiviruses, but it’s impressive nonetheless.

Virus Scan — Flexible Scans That Dig Deep

Kaspersky’s full scan thoroughly inspected over 2.8 million files and caught every sample I planted, including trojans, worms, and test malware hidden in deep folders. One harmless file got flagged, but that’s expected for strict detection engines. The scan took a while, but my system stayed responsive throughout. You can also run lighter scans for faster checks.

There’s a scan mode for nearly every need — quick, full, custom, USB, background, and even weak settings scans. The standout is the Application Vulnerability Scan, which flagged outdated apps and suggested updates to close security gaps. For most, this balance of depth and flexibility covers all major threat vectors.

Real-Time Protection — Actively Blocks Malware, Ransomware, and Suspicious Behavior

Kaspersky’s real-time protection blocked every threat I threw at it, including ransomware simulators, cryptojackers, and live malware hidden in zip files. It stopped malicious downloads instantly and isolated infected files before they could run. You can fine-tune alerts, decide what gets scanned, and control what actions Kaspersky takes on detection.

A big part of its defense system is the Kaspersky Security Network (KSN), which checks apps and websites against a real-time cloud database. KSN boosts protection by flagging new threats early, but it shares technical details like IPs, file hashes, and app metadata. You can opt out of the privacy settings if you’d rather keep your data fully local. Other real-time shields include a ransomware rollback tool, outbound email scan, intrusion blocker, and Kaspersky’s Self-Defense module, which prevents malware from disabling protection. These layers all work in the background to stop zero-day threats, phishing, and rogue apps. If you’re in the US, though, Kaspersky no longer receives real-time updates.

Web Protection — Blocks Malicious Sites and Marks Safe Links in Search

Kaspersky’s web protection (Web Anti-Virus) blocked a phishing test page instantly during my hands-on tests. It also flagged a fake banking URL before I could open it. The URL Advisor shows green or red icons next to links in Google, Bing, and Yahoo, so you know what’s safe before clicking. This real-time filtering helps you avoid scams and fake sites.

You can adjust how aggressive the filtering is with preset levels like High, Recommended, or Low. Kaspersky also lets you exclude specific sites you trust by adding them to a custom whitelist. These settings are easy to find under Safe Browsing controls.

Firewall — Powerful Ruleset With Smart Alerts and Custom Controls

Kaspersky’s firewall filters incoming and outgoing connections automatically, blocking suspicious traffic. It assigns safe defaults for trusted apps and prompts you to allow or deny new ones the moment they try to connect. Even without tweaks, the firewall shields your network from unauthorized access. It also isolates unknown public networks with stricter rules by default.

You can fine-tune traffic by creating app-specific or packet-level rules under the firewall’s advanced settings. During testing, it flagged my torrent client as soon as it requested open ports, giving me full control. You can also assign profiles (Public, Trusted, Restricted) per network, which adjusts security levels instantly.

System Performance — Light Load With Some Spikes During

Kaspersky runs quietly in the background, but full scans can push CPU usage above 20% on mid-range machines. I still had no issues browsing or watching videos while a scan ran. Daily tasks like file transfers or app installs saw only minor delays, never enough to slow me down. Most of the time, I didn’t even notice it was running. You also get built-in tools to reduce system strain, like Game Mode and Battery Saver. These features pause intensive tasks when you’re gaming or running low on power. If your PC feels sluggish, you can switch to Quick Scan and disable background scans. Kaspersky gives you the flexibility to keep things smooth on older hardware. Secure your devices with Kaspersky Kaspersky includes tools like a VPN, password vault, Safe Money browser, and a system cleanup suite. Some features are limited to higher-tier plans, so not everything is available on the Standard version. While many tools are useful, a few feel redundant or buried in the interface. I’ll break down what’s worth using and what you can skip.

VPN — Reliable VPN That Offers Fast Connection Speeds and Good Security

Kaspersky’s Secure Connection VPN is bundled with Plus and Premium plans, offering unlimited data and access to over 2,000 servers in 100+ locations. In my tests, nearby servers were as fast as my baseline speeds, and even long-distance ones kept speeds stable. I’d say it’s decent but not as good as top standalone VPNs.

It uses AES 256-bit encryption, supports both WireGuard and Catapult Hydra, and has a kill switch for leak protection. It also has a strict no-logs policy, so your activity isn’t tracked or stored. However, the Standard plan has a data cap of 300MB/day, which runs out fast. Kaspersky VPN isn’t available in China, Oman, and Saudi Arabia due to local laws.

Password Manager — Secure Vault With Cross-Platform Sync and TOTP Support

Kaspersky’s password manager lets you store logins, payment details, addresses, secure notes, and up to 1MB of documents per entry. It syncs across Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS, with a 15-item cap on the free version. Paid plans unlock unlimited storage and a built-in generator for 99-character passwords.

Your vault is secured with AES 256-bit encryption and a zero-knowledge policy, meaning Kaspersky can’t see your data. Mobile users can unlock the vault using Face ID or fingerprint, while desktop users need the master password. A password audit tool grades your logins and flags weak or reused credentials.

Parental Controls — Reliable Suite of Tools for Monitoring and Managing Your Kids’ Activity

Kaspersky Safe Kids lets you monitor your child’s digital habits. You’ll need to install the app on both your child’s and your device, then pair them through the My Kaspersky portal. It works on Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS, though Apple restricts certain features like app blocking. Safe Kids is only included with the Premium plan or as a separate purchase. You can block categories like adult content or gambling, set screen-time schedules, and track YouTube searches and watch history. Safe Kids also sends alerts if your child tries to open blocked content. During testing, it blocked test sites instantly and kept YouTube logs accurate across both mobile and desktop. It also lets you customize content rules by age or device type.

Its location tracking shows your child’s real-time position and supports geofencing alerts if they leave a safe zone. You’ll also get a notification when their battery drops below 15%, so they don’t end up unreachable. These features are updated consistently and without lag during use. It’s a practical suite for parents who want more oversight without being overbearing.

App Updater — One-Click Fixes for Outdated and Vulnerable Apps

Kaspersky’s Software Updater scans your system for outdated programs and flags apps that need security or stability patches. You can set it to check “Important updates only” or scan for all available updates. During testing, it found 3 outdated apps and let me patch them with a single click. No separate installers or pop-ups, everything ran quietly in the background.

You can run the updater manually, on startup, or on a weekly schedule. It’s available on all Windows desktop plans but not included on macOS or mobile. The tool helps close known vulnerabilities that hackers often exploit. If you want a safer PC with zero effort, this feature makes staying up to date almost automatic.

Smart Home and Network Monitor — Watch Every Device and Connection on Your WiFi

Kaspersky’s Home Network Monitor shows every device connected to your WiFi, with names, IPs, open ports, and more. You’ll also get alerts the moment a new device joins, so no one can sneak onto your network unnoticed. It’s only available on Windows, and it works best when your router allows device visibility.

The separate Network Monitor tracks app-level data transfers and flags suspicious ports or unusual outbound traffic. You can quickly spot if malware is phoning home or if an app is using too much bandwidth. Together, these tools give you a live, full-picture view of your network activity in real time.

Safe Money — Bank and Shop Inside a Secure Browser Window

Kaspersky’s Safe Money opens your banking or shopping site in a protected browser, adding a green frame to confirm it’s secure. This environment blocks keyloggers, clipboard spying, and suspicious extensions to protect your data. You can manually add trusted websites or let Kaspersky auto-detect payment pages. The feature is available on all desktop plans, but not on mobile. To make it work properly, you need to enable the ‘Self-Defense’ option in your Kaspersky settings. It’s designed for Windows and macOS users who want an extra shield when entering sensitive info online.

Privacy Protection Tools — Privacy Controls With Real-Time Leak and Tracker Blocking

Kaspersky bundles a wide range of privacy tools that actively protect your identity. These include both passive and real-time defenses against data leaks, trackers, and spyware. Most of the tools are available on Windows, while select features work on Android or macOS. You’ll find them all in the “Privacy” tab in the desktop interface.

Data Leak Checker — warns you if your email or accounts were in a breach. Just enter any email to run an instant scan. Private Browsing — blocks tracking scripts from loading on websites. Requires Kaspersky’s browser extension to work. Stalkerware Detection — identifies apps that secretly collect location or messages. Stops spyware before it activates. Webcam & Mic Control — prevents unauthorized apps from accessing your camera or mic. Works silently in the background. Unwanted App Blocker — stops potentially unwanted programs from installing. Works in real time to block bundled adware.

In my tests, Data Leak Checker immediately flagged 2 older breached accounts I’d forgotten about. Kaspersky also warned me the moment an unknown app tried to access the webcam. The PUP blocker silently removed adware bundled with a free utility without asking.

You’ll get full access to these privacy features on Kaspersky’s Plus and Premium plans. Some features, like manual leak checks and PUP blocking, also exist on the Standard plan. Platform support varies, so Windows gets the most coverage, especially for webcam and tracking control.

Data Security Tools — Great Options to Encrypt, Back Up, or Wipe Sensitive Files

Kaspersky includes several data security tools, but only if you’re on the Plus or Premium plan. All of them are Windows-only, so macOS users won’t have access. These tools help you encrypt files, remove private traces, and prevent leaks from deleted content. It’s a solid bundle for anyone who handles sensitive files on their PC.

You’ll find all tools in the ‘Privacy’ tab inside Kaspersky’s desktop app. Each one is easy to set up, and most let you automate tasks like scheduled cleanup or backup. What stood out to me was the File Shredder — it offers multiple deletion methods based on how secure you want the wipe to be. Here’s a quick look at what each tool does:

Secret Vault — Encrypts and locks personal files in a password-protected folder. Only users with the correct password or fingerprint can open the vault. Backup and Restore — Creates local backups of selected files or folders. You can restore clean copies if malware corrupts your originals. File Shredder — Erases files permanently using multiple deletion methods. Prevents even advanced recovery tools from retrieving the data. Privacy Cleaner — Removes cookies, browser history, and cached data. You can schedule automatic cleanups and undo changes if needed.

Optimization Tools — Useful Utilities That Help Your PC Run Smoother

Kaspersky’s optimization suite quietly handles performance tasks while you focus on your work. It removes junk, speeds up boot time, and delays scans when needed, so your device stays smooth. These tools are available in all desktop plans and work automatically where possible. They’re especially useful if your PC is older or running low on resources:

Unused Data Cleaner — clears temp files, system logs, and leftover installers to reclaim space, unclutter your drive, and improve overall storage performance. PC Speed-Up — detects registry bloat, startup lag, and background junk slowing your system, while recommending targeted fixes that boost your system performance. Startup Optimization — identifies apps that delay boot and lets you disable them with one click, reducing startup time after every reboot. Drive Health Monitor — monitors data to warn about overheating, aging, or failing drives, giving you proactive alerts so you can back up important data beforehand. Game Mode — automatically turns off background scans and pop-ups while you play games to ensure smoother gameplay by reserving system resources. Do Not Disturb — silences Kaspersky alerts while you use full-screen apps or make calls, preventing interruptions during movies, presentations, or screen-sharing sessions. Battery saver — pauses scans, updates, and non-essential tasks when battery is low and helps you conserve energy so your laptop lasts longer.

Identity Protection Tools — Extra Safeguards for Your Most Sensitive Information

Kaspersky’s Premium plan adds a few useful tools for protecting your identity. These features help secure your personal details, block unauthorized access, and alert you to potential leaks. They’re mainly designed for Windows, with limited access on Android and macOS. If you’re privacy-conscious, they’re worth exploring despite being locked to the highest plan.

Identity Protection Wallet — lets you store documents like IDs and insurance files in a secure, encrypted vault. Remote Access Detection — scans for apps that let others control your device and warns you before harm is done. Identity Theft Check — lets you check if your phone number is linked to breaches or stolen credentials online.

These tools are easy to use and work quietly in the background without slowing anything down. The Identity Theft Check flagged 2 breaches tied to my number. While not essential for everyone, they add a useful layer if you handle sensitive data.

Kaspersky’s apps are easy to navigate and available for Windows 7 SP1 (with updates), macOS 10.14+, Android 5+, and iOS 15+. Setup takes just a few minutes, and the interface is clean and consistent across devices. However, only the Windows app includes the full feature set — macOS, Android, and iOS versions offer a more limited experience.

Desktop App — Clean Layout With Quick‑Access Controls

Kaspersky’s Windows desktop app opens to a clean home screen with quick‑action tiles for Scan, Update, and More Tools. You can switch between light and dark themes, and a green accent highlights key controls. A vertical sidebar on the left lists every module; drag any tile to Home to keep favorites one click away. The layout feels consistent across all plans.

If a feature seems buried, just type its name into the search bar at the top and jump straight to its settings. A badge system flags actions that need attention, so you never miss an update or task. Navigation stays smooth even with the suite’s many components, which is essential because Windows holds the full feature set.

Mobile App — Just as Beginner-Friendly and Visually Appealing as the Desktop App

Kaspersky’s mobile apps are well-designed and easy to navigate. The Android version is much more feature-rich, while iOS remains limited by Apple’s system restrictions. Both apps support light and dark modes, and setup only takes a few taps through the “My Kaspersky” portal.

The Android app includes virus scanning, anti-theft tools, call filtering, and safe messaging — none of which are available on iOS. However, both apps share core features like WiFi scanning, phishing protection, VPN access (with data limits on free plans), and a data leak checker.

How to Use Kaspersky on Windows

Kaspersky offers solid support options like live chat, phone, email, and remote assistance. You have to fill out a form first, and availability depends on your region and plan. Live chat is 24/7 where it’s offered, though agents often link to help pages instead of giving direct answers. Remote assistance is handy, but it’s only included with the Premium plan.

Live Chat — Fast, But Support Quality Can Vary

Kaspersky offers 24/7 live chat in supported regions, but the experience isn’t perfect. You first interact with a chatbot that shares help articles, and only then can you connect with a human agent. I usually got through to someone within 1 to 2 minutes, which was quick compared to many other services I’ve tried.

However, the agents didn’t always answer my questions directly. In a few cases, they just sent links to generic articles instead of providing step-by-step help. You also need to fill out a short form before starting a chat, but the process is still faster than waiting for email replies.

Phone Support — Helpful Agents and a Handy Case Reference System

Kaspersky offers phone support to all paid users, and you can reach multilingual lines during published business hours in most regions. I waited about 5 to 10 minutes on each call, and the agents answered every question clearly instead of reading scripted responses. At the end of each session, you receive a case reference number for easy follow-up in future calls. Wait times and available hours can vary by country, but it remains a dependable way to get detailed help. For Premium subscribers, Kaspersky includes Premium Support Services, including remote installation support and PC health checks.

Email Support — Detailed Answers Within a Day for Any Registered User

Kaspersky’s email channel is open to every My Kaspersky account, even the free tier, and works best for deep, non-urgent questions. You submit a ticket, attach logs or screenshots, and wait for a reply.

I logged an email ticket and got a response within 6 hours. The response time might vary, but it will be within 24 hours. In the response I got, the support team included step-by-step instructions rather than generic links, so you get clear guidance the first time. If your issue needs logs or diagnostic files, email is the easiest way to share them. Kaspersky’s online knowledge base walks you through setup, troubleshooting, and licensing in clear, step-by-step articles. You don’t need a license or login, so anyone can browse the guides or download the latest product manuals.

For quick threat checks, the free OpenTip tool lets you upload files up to 256 MB or paste a URL and see if it’s malicious. It even shows a live heatmap of top threats by country, giving you insight into what is circulating right now.

In terms of pricing, Kaspersky won’t deliver the same value as top choices like Norton, but it’s still worth its price. Note that Kaspersky used to offer a free plan, but doesn’t anymore. Thankfully, there are other reliable free antiviruses you can get if you want basic security without paying for a subscription.

All 3 Kaspersky plans include Kaspersky’s core security stack — real-time malware scanning, firewall, web protection, Safe Money, optimization tools, and the Software Updater. You also get Stalkerware Detection and automatic Game Mode regardless of tier. The main differences come down to privacy extras, device limits, and premium support.

Free Trial — 30 Days to Try All Features Risk-Free

Kaspersky offers a 30-day free trial that lets you test all features in its Premium plan. You can explore everything first, then downgrade to the Plus or Standard plan before buying. You don’t need to enter any payment info when signing up — it’s only required if you decide to subscribe after the trial. Keep in mind that new users in the US currently can’t access the trial due to ongoing sales restrictions.

Money-Back Guarantee — 30-Day Money-Back Guarantee

Kaspersky comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee, meaning you can try the antivirus completely risk-free. When combined with the trial, this gives you a long time to try all of this app’s features without committing. However, this only applies if you purchase directly from the Kaspersky website, not via the Google Play and Apple stores. I found it easy to claim a refund after my tests. I filled out the form on their support page and submitted it directly. After a day, I got a response confirming my refund, and the money was refunded to my account after 7 business days. Kaspersky still holds its own as a powerful antivirus, with consistently high detection scores and real-time protection that blocks even advanced threats. It works smoothly on all major platforms, and the desktop and mobile apps are both beginner-friendly and feature-rich. The Plus plan stands out as the best value, bundling in a VPN, password manager, and useful privacy tools without driving up the price too much. Premium adds identity protection and expert support, but it’s not essential for most users. You can test all features with Kaspersky’s 30-day free trial, and there’s a 30-day money-back guarantee on paid plans too.

Editor’s Note: We value our relationship with our readers, and we strive to earn your trust through transparency and integrity. We are in the same ownership group as some of the industry-leading products reviewed on this site: ExpressVPN, CyberGhost, Private Internet Access, and Intego. That said, our detailed reviews follow a strict methodology that examines all relevant performance factors to help you arrive at your own informed conclusion.