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Kaspersky Antivirus Premium Review (2025): The right choice?
By Tibor Moes / Updated: January 2025
Kaspersky Antivirus Premium Review 2025
Kaspersky Antivirus Premium is Kaspersky’s most advanced antivirus. It has perfect anti-malware protection, no impact on the speed of your PC, all the security features you need, and an excellent price.
Buy it if you want complete protection. You will get anti-malware, anti-phishing, a firewall, a password manager, a VPN, and priority support.
Alternatively, you could consider Norton 360 Deluxe. It offers the same excellent anti-malware protection and security features, but has a deeper discount in the first year.
- Malware protection: 100%. Kaspersky detected and removed each of the 1,200 malware samples in our test.
- Speed impact: 100%. Kaspersky’s anti-malware engine is lightweight and did not slow down our test PC.
- Features: 100%. Kaspersky Antivirus Premium includes anti-malware, anti-phishing, firewall, VPN, password manager, and more.
- Price: 80%. Kaspersky Antivirus Premium has an excellent price, but Norton offers a bigger first-year discount.
Thanks to the 30-day return policy, you can try it risk-free.
Ranking | #9 of 28 |
Anti-malware | ✅ |
Anti-phishing | ✅ |
Firewall | ✅ |
Password Manager | ✅ |
Unlimited VPN | ✅ |
Operating systems | Windows, macOS, iOS, Android |
🔥 Discount | Save 20% on Kaspersky 🔥 |
Full Review
Kaspersky is ranked #9 of the 28 best antivirus of 2025.
Kaspersky offers a robust antivirus scanner with a variety of additional features to enhance online safety. Key highlights include excellent anti-phishing protection, which uses multi-layered detection to block harmful sites, and parental controls for safer online experiences for kids. It also features a reliable VPN with fast speeds and support for torrenting, although its split-tunneling option is limited to Windows 10 and later.
The platform’s Safe Browsing, on-screen keyboard, and Safe Money tools add extra layers of protection, particularly against keyloggers. Its intuitive interface makes it easy for both beginners and experienced users, with helpful tutorials and support for seamless navigation.
Installation is quick, taking only about five minutes, and protection activates automatically after setup. Kaspersky offers three paid plans—Standard, Plus, and Premium—covering various device limits, up to 20 in some regions. There’s also a free version available, and all paid plans include a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Anti-malware
Kaspersky’s malware scanner combines a virus database with cloud-based machine learning to detect a wide range of threats. It performs exceptionally well, achieving a 100% detection rate in our tests, placing it alongside top competitors like Norton and Bitdefender.
Kaspersky offers six scan types: Quick, Background, Full, Selective/Instant, Removable Drive, and Application Vulnerability scans. Each type caters to different needs, from scanning system startup files to checking specific folders or removable drives. The scans are fast—Kaspersky’s Quick Scan took just 3 minutes, significantly faster than competitors like VIPRE, which took 12 minutes.
Real-time protection also excelled, blocking all attempted malware downloads and stopping ransomware from locking any files. However, the Application Vulnerability Scan was slower and less effective, taking over two hours and missing vulnerabilities that Kaspersky’s app updater found.
On the positive side, Kaspersky’s app updater allows you to quickly patch outdated software, streamlining the update process. Overall, Kaspersky’s antivirus engine offers excellent malware detection, real-time protection, and system efficiency during scans, though the vulnerability scanner could be improved.
Anti-phishing
Kaspersky’s anti-phishing protection is strong, using multi-layered web defenses to block malicious websites. The Safe Browsing mode (compatible with major browsers) compares URLs against a malicious database and employs heuristic analysis to detect suspicious behavior. In our tests, Kaspersky blocked most phishing sites, although competitors like Norton and Bitdefender performed slightly better.
The URL Advisor is a useful feature, marking safe websites in search results with a green symbol, making it easy to avoid dangerous links. Kaspersky’s Private Browsing tool blocks tracking from social networks and ad agencies, though by default, it allows Kaspersky and its 86 partners to collect user data. This can be turned off, but it would be better if users were prompted to consent during setup.
Kaspersky also includes an on-screen keyboard, which provides extra protection against keyloggers, and works well in combination with the Safe Money feature. Safe Money secures online transactions by launching a protected browser for banking or shopping sites, scanning for rootkits and invalid certificates. While effective, the secure browser can be slow, taking over 10 seconds to load, which is slower than Bitdefender’s Safepay.
Overall, Kaspersky’s web protection is solid. Its anti-phishing tools, ad-blocking, and anti-tracking features work well, although the default tracking permissions could be more transparent. The on-screen keyboard and Safe Money browser offer valuable security for financial transactions, though the secure browser’s speed could improve.
Firewall
Kaspersky’s firewall provides strong protection against Wi-Fi intrusions and exploit attacks, successfully blocking most of the threats we tested, even those that bypassed Windows Defender’s firewall. It offers detailed insights into applications with internet access, making it easy to view trust levels and adjust permissions, such as whether an app can start or stop other processes.
Advanced users will appreciate features like port access detection, the ability to modify packet rules, and control over connection permissions (e.g., DNS over TCP/UDP). The built-in network monitor displays all active internet connections and allows users to block network activity with one click—useful in case of a malware infection.
However, Kaspersky’s firewall interface is somewhat disorganized, with certain features hidden in different menus. Unlike Norton, which consolidates firewall and network settings in one place, Kaspersky’s layout can feel clunky. Also, the Mac version lacks full firewall capabilities, offering only a network attack blocker, while alternatives like Intego provide more robust firewall options.
Despite these interface quirks, Kaspersky’s firewall is highly effective for Windows users, blocking intrusions without requiring complex configuration.
Password manager
Kaspersky’s password manager offers solid security but may be too basic for users who need more advanced features. It encrypts passwords and sensitive data, such as bank cards and notes, with 256-bit AES encryption and adheres to a zero-knowledge policy, ensuring no one, including Kaspersky, can access your vault. However, the free version, limited to just 5 passwords, pales in comparison to competitors like Norton, which allows unlimited passwords for free.
Setting up Kaspersky’s password manager is straightforward, though it requires a separate installation from the antivirus. You’ll need to create a master password, with no recovery options if lost, unlike Dashlane or LastPass, which offer emergency access. The browser extension supports Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Opera, Safari, and more, enabling seamless auto-save and auto-fill functionality.
During testing, Kaspersky’s auto-fill performed flawlessly for passwords, though you must manually enable auto-fill for bank cards and addresses on mobile. The interface is simple, with easy navigation for managing passwords, documents, bank cards, and notes, plus the ability to organize them into folders.
Kaspersky’s password generator can create strong passwords up to 99 characters, though it lacks options for generating passwords that are easy to read or say, which are available in other managers like LastPass. The tool does include a helpful password history feature, showing the last 5 passwords copied to the clipboard. Additionally, Kaspersky integrates a built-in authenticator for generating one-time codes for two-factor authentication (2FA), eliminating the need for third-party apps like Google Authenticator.
While it’s a secure and user-friendly option, Kaspersky’s password manager lacks the advanced features found in dedicated solutions like Dashlane or LastPass. It’s a good option for users seeking a simple and reliable password manager bundled with other security tools, but may not satisfy those needing more flexibility or functionality.
VPN
Kaspersky’s VPN, included with its Plus and Premium plans, offers unlimited browsing data, a kill switch, full leak protection, and Smart Protection that automatically activates the VPN when using public networks. It also provides servers in over 70 countries, allowing users to connect to the fastest server or choose a location. The VPN supports split-tunneling, enabling specific apps to use the VPN while others use a regular internet connection.
In speed tests, Kaspersky’s VPN performed well. While the ping and upload speeds were slightly impacted, download speeds remained consistent, and browsing felt smooth with no noticeable slowdowns. Kaspersky’s VPN also successfully unblocks streaming services like Netflix and Amazon Prime, outperforming competitors like Avira’s and Avast’s VPN in this area.
Overall, Kaspersky’s VPN is a solid choice for an antivirus-bundled solution (like Norton and Bitdefender), offering good global server coverage, reliable speeds, and robust security features for both privacy and streaming.
However, those looking for more privacy features should look to standalone VPNs like NordVPN or Surfshark.
Other security features
Kaspersky offers a wide range of additional security features that complement its antivirus protection. Here’s a breakdown of the key features:
System Cleanup Tools
Kaspersky provides several tools to help optimize your system’s performance:
- PC Speed-Up: Identifies temporary files, registry issues, and unused data to free up space and improve performance. During testing, it quickly found and fixed issues without affecting system performance.
- Quick Startup: Lists all programs that run on startup, allowing you to disable unnecessary ones and improve boot speed.
- Unused App Cleaner: Scans for apps you haven’t used in over 3 months but is somewhat inconsistent in detecting outdated programs.
- Hard Drive Health Monitor: Alerts you to potential hard drive issues, though it doesn’t provide solutions.
- Privacy Cleaner: Removes browser history, cookies, and other traces of online activity.
The tools work well, but they can’t be run in a single click, unlike competing solutions such as Bitdefender. Still, these features are a solid addition for users looking to optimize their systems.
Smart Home Monitor
Kaspersky’s Smart Home Monitor shows all devices connected to your Wi-Fi network and provides details such as device type, IP, and MAC address. While it correctly identifies devices, it lacks more advanced controls, such as vulnerability scanning and specialized security profiles for different networks, which competitors like ESET and Bitdefender offer.
Data Leak Checker
Kaspersky’s Data Leak Checker monitors the dark web for leaks related to your email addresses. It detects leaks in categories like personal data, banking data, and activity history, but offers limited details beyond these categories. It also found fewer breaches compared to free services like Have I Been Pwned. Additionally, only users on the Plus and Premium plans can manually check up to 50 email addresses, while the Standard plan monitors only the account email.
For more detailed monitoring of specific information like bank account numbers and driver’s licenses, Norton’s dark web monitor offers a more comprehensive solution.
Parental Controls (Safe Kids)
Kaspersky’s Safe Kids is one of the most comprehensive parental control solutions available, offering:
- Content filtering for sites and apps.
- Usage limitations and screen time management.
- YouTube and social media monitoring (VK only).
- Location tracking and geo-fencing for Android and iOS.
The content filtering and app blocking performed well in tests, and it even bypassed top VPNs used to access blocked content. The location tracking accurately tracked my device, though there’s no historical tracking of movement. However, iOS support is limited to basic monitoring features like GPS tracking and YouTube supervision.
Other Security Features
- Webcam and Mic Control: Manage app permissions to prevent unwanted access to your camera or microphone.
- Intrusion Prevention: Monitors network traffic for potential threats.
- Stalkerware Detection: Alerts you to spyware and monitoring software.
- Ad Blocker: Blocks unwanted ads on websites.
- Backup and Restore: Helps you back up important files securely.
- Rescue Disk: Allows you to clean an infected PC by booting from an external disk.
- File Shredder: Securely deletes sensitive files so they can’t be recovered.
- Gaming Mode: Minimizes interruptions during gaming sessions by postponing scans and notifications.
Plans and pricing
In the table below are the core products with their features and prices.
The prices shown are from the USA. However, most brands have different prices (and currencies) in other regions. So visit the brand’s website to see the price in our country.
Note: Kaspersky has rebranded its products. Kaspersky Anti-Virus, Kaspersky Internet Security, and Kaspersky Total Security are now Standard, Plus, and Premium. The Kaspersky Security Cloud is also no longer available.
Plan description
We took a close look at Kaspersky’s pricing and plans, and here’s our take:
Kaspersky Standard
Cost: $38.49/year
Features:
- Malware scanner
- Anti-phishing
- Firewall
- Data leak checker (1 email)
- System clean-up tools
Verdict: If you need basic security for multiple devices, this plan is a good starting point. But, if you’re looking to protect just one device, competitors like Norton offer similar features at a lower price.
Kaspersky Plus
Cost: $52.99/year
Features:
- All Standard features
- Password manager
- Unlimited VPN
- File shredder
- Data leak checker (up to 50 emails)
Verdict: This is the plan we recommend for most users. The inclusion of an unlimited VPN is a standout feature, rarely seen at this price point in rival products like Bitdefender.
Kaspersky Premium
Cost: $74.99/year
Features:
- All Plus features
- Identity protection wallet
- Remote access detection
- Parental controls (1-year only)
- Premium support
Verdict: If you have kids, the one-year-free parental controls make this plan worth considering. However, the ‘Premium Support’ might not be a compelling addition given that Kaspersky already has decent 24/7 support options.
All plans offer a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can try risk-free. Kaspersky also provides a free basic antivirus option, albeit with limited features. Overall, the plans offer good value, particularly the Plus package, which strikes a balance between cost and features.
Test score comparison
We conduct in-house anti-malware tests and review the results from AV-Test, a German lab renowned for its objective evaluations. Below is the average of the last 10 AV-Test results for Windows. Their scoring criteria are:
- Protection (1-6): Effectiveness in blocking malware.
- Performance (1-6): Impact on system speed.
- Usability (1-6): Frequency of errors like false alarms.
We calculate a final score using this formula:
Final Score = 60% Protection + 20% Performance + 20% Usability.
While these results influence our choice of the best antivirus for Windows 11, other factors like privacy and identity protection also play a key role. For a similar analysis for Android or macOS, visit our other comparisons:
Note: Brands not listed in the table either do not participate in AV-Test trials or are tested too infrequently, such as Surfshark Antivirus.
Source: AV-Test (Last updated: December 2024).
Price comparison
We’ve compared the prices of the top antivirus products for Windows. To make it a fair comparison, we looked at what it would cost us, to protect a single Windows PC with the most essential features:
- Anti-malware
- Anti-phishing (web protection)
- Firewall
- Password manager
- Unlimited VPN (no data limit)
A few notes:
- Some brands are missing features, lowering their value for money.
- Prices are second-year prices in the USA, without first-year discounts.
- Prices are rounded up for readability (e.g., $99.99 becomes $100).
Brands have different prices outside the USA. See those on their website.
User reviews
We’ve compared the user reviews of all antivirus brands. We’ve used the scores and review count of TrustPilot, a leading user review platform.
We consider scores above 4.0 very good. Lower scores indicate that the brand might have a poor product or customer service. McAfee’s scores, for instance, are worrying.
Source: TrustPilot. Last Update: December 2024.
Company Profile
Kaspersky is a leading cybersecurity firm, privately held with its holding company based in the United Kingdom. Founded in 1997, the company has amassed over 25 years of experience in the industry, and it protects more than 400 million individuals and 240,000 corporations across 200 countries and territories.
The company prides itself on its commitment to quality, regularly participating in independent tests to evaluate the effectiveness of its technologies against evolving threats. This has earned Kaspersky a strong presence in public TOP3 metrics and numerous awards.
At the core of Kaspersky’s operations is a team of 4,000 highly qualified specialists. They focus on developing innovative and user-friendly solutions that allow people to use technology without worrying about cybersecurity risks. The company’s portfolio is diverse, offering various security solutions that cater to a wide range of customer needs.
In terms of corporate values, Kaspersky prioritizes transparency, innovation, simplicity, and a human-centric approach. The company aims to build a safer world by adopting a “Cyber Immune” security model, which focuses on creating systems that are inherently secure. This approach is guided by the philosophy that the cost of launching a successful cyberattack should exceed its potential benefits. Eugene Kaspersky, the CEO, is a key proponent of this forward-thinking strategy.
By consistently delivering high-quality, effective solutions and maintaining a strong set of values, Kaspersky has established itself as a market leader in cybersecurity.
How we test antivirus software
At SoftwareLab, we provide thorough and unbiased antivirus reviews to help you make informed cybersecurity decisions. Our comprehensive testing covers all critical aspects of antivirus performance. We assess each product in six key categories, weighted by importance:
For even more details, visit our blog posts on how we test antivirus software.
Anti-Malware Protection (30%)
We evaluate how well the antivirus detects and removes various malware types like viruses, trojans, ransomware, and spyware.
In-House Testing: Using 1,200 diverse malware samples, we conduct real-time attack simulations to assess detection and neutralization of known and emerging threats through signature-based and heuristic analysis.
Independent Lab Results: We incorporate findings from respected institutes like AV-Test, SE Labs, and AV-Comparatives to validate our results.
Security and Privacy Features (30%)
We assess additional tools that enhance cybersecurity:
Web Protection: Testing the software’s ability to block phishing sites and web-based threats by accessing known malicious websites.
Firewall: Evaluating effectiveness using intrusion simulations and the ShieldsUP! test to secure network ports and monitor traffic.
Password Manager: Assessing capabilities to generate, store, and auto-fill complex passwords, plus features like two-factor authentication and biometric login.
VPN: Evaluating security protocols, encryption, speed, server locations, data limits, and support for streaming and peer-to-peer sharing while hiding IP addresses.
Parental Controls: Testing screen time management, content filtering, location tracking, and resistance to bypass attempts to protect children.
Identity Theft Protection: Assessing monitoring of personal info and responsiveness to potential identity theft alerts.
Secure Cloud Storage: Evaluating capacity, security, usability, and features like file encryption and secure sharing.
Anti-Ransomware: Simulating attacks to test detection and blocking of unauthorized encryption via behavioral detection and exploit prevention.
Dark Web Monitoring: Checking effectiveness in scanning the dark web for personal info and providing timely alerts.
System Performance Impact (10%)
We measure how the antivirus affects device performance during everyday tasks:
Resource Usage: Monitoring CPU and memory during scans and real-time protection.
Performance Tests: Evaluating impact on launching apps, downloading files, browsing websites, and copying data, aligned with AV-Test criteria.
False Positives (10%)
Accuracy is crucial to avoid interruptions:
False Positive Detection: Assessing how often legitimate applications or files are incorrectly flagged.
Usability Tests: Referencing AV-Test evaluations to gauge false positive frequency for effectiveness and user-friendliness.
Price and Value (10%)
We analyze overall value by comparing features to cost:
Cost Analysis: Considering subscription prices, device coverage, and multi-year plans.
Feature Evaluation: Assessing if included features justify the price compared to competitors.
Ownership and Reputation (10%)
Trust is essential in cybersecurity providers:
Company Background: Researching history, industry track record, mergers, or acquisitions.
Privacy Policies: Examining data handling, privacy commitment, and compliance with regulations.
Ethical Conduct: Investigating past unethical behavior, data breaches, or controversies.
Sources and tools
- Apple Platform Security
- AV-Comparatives Consumer
- AV-Test Android
- AV-Test macOS
- AV-Test Windows
- GRC Firewall Test
- Microsoft Defender
- SpeedTest VPN
- Trustpilot Security Software

Author: Tibor Moes
Founder & Chief Editor at SoftwareLab
Tibor has tested 28 antivirus programs and 25 VPN services, and holds a Cybersecurity Graduate Certificate from Stanford University.
He uses Norton to protect his devices, NordVPN for his privacy, and Proton for his passwords and email.