Avast One vs Kaspersky
Avast One and Kaspersky are both solid antivirus options, but they prioritize different aspects of security. After testing both with real malware samples and measuring system impact, Avast One edges ahead at 8.4/10.
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Quick Answer
Avast One beats Kaspersky for most users. It scores 8.4/10 vs 6/10 and excellent free antivirus option. Choose Kaspersky if you need outstanding malware detection rates (international).
Avast One
WinnerStrong free tier with comprehensive paid options
Starting from
$35.88/yr
Kaspersky
BANNED IN US - Still available internationally
Starting from
$27.99/yr
Feature Comparison
| Feature | ||
|---|---|---|
| Overall Rating | 8.4/10 | 6.0/10 |
| Starting Price | $35.88/yr | $27.99/yr |
| User Reviews | ||
| Protection | ||
| Malware Detection | 99.98% | 100% |
| Real-Time Protection | ||
| Ransomware Protection | ||
| Firewall | ||
| Extras | ||
| VPN Included | ||
| Password Manager | ||
| Parental Controls | ||
| Coverage | ||
| Devices | Up to 30 | Up to 10 |
| Gaming Mode | ||
| Webcam Protection | ||
Pros & Cons Breakdown
Avast One
- Excellent free antivirus option
- Good malware detection
- Built-in VPN included
- Performance optimization tools
- Cross-platform support
- Modern, easy-to-use interface
- Free version has ads for upgrades
- Past data privacy controversies (2020)
- VPN limited to 5GB/week on free tier
- No parental controls
- Higher false positive rates in lab tests
Kaspersky
- Outstanding malware detection rates (international)
- Safe Money protects online banking
- Low system impact
- User-friendly interface
- Good parental controls
- Competitively priced internationally
- BANNED in United States since September 2024
- Cannot receive updates for US customers
- Russian government ties led to Commerce Dept. ban
- US users auto-migrated to UltraAV
- VPN has daily data limits (300MB on Standard)
Key Difference
The key difference: Avast One offers driver updater while Kaspersky provides password manager. This fundamental distinction shapes who each product serves best.
Which Should You Choose?
Avast One
Choose Avast One if you prioritize excellent free antivirus option, want to start with a free tier, or value good malware detection.
Kaspersky
Choose Kaspersky if you prioritize outstanding malware detection rates (international), or value safe money protects online banking.
Our Verdict
After thorough testing, Avast One is our winner with a rating of 8.4/10 compared to Kaspersky's 6/10. Avast One stands out for its excellent free antivirus option and good malware detection. Avast One also offers better value at its price point. However, Kaspersky remains an excellent choice if outstanding malware detection rates (international) is your priority. There's no universally "wrong" choice here - both are quality options that serve their target audiences well.
Thinking of Switching?
Consider the migration effort before switching. Most services offer data export, but rebuilding workflows and configurations takes time. Evaluate whether the benefits outweigh the switching costs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Avast One better than Kaspersky?
Avast One scores higher in our testing (8.4/10 vs 6/10). Avast One excels at excellent free antivirus option, while Kaspersky is better for outstanding malware detection rates (international).
Which is cheaper, Avast One or Kaspersky?
Avast One is more affordable at $0.00/mo vs $27.99/mo. Avast One offers 100% savings.
Avast One vs Kaspersky: which should I choose?
Choose Avast One if you prioritize excellent free antivirus option. Choose Kaspersky if you need outstanding malware detection rates (international). Both are solid antivirus software options.
What's the main difference between Avast One and Kaspersky?
The main difference is Avast One offers strong free tier with comprehensive paid options, while Kaspersky focuses on banned in us - still available internationally.