Webroot vs Kaspersky
Webroot 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, Webroot edges ahead at 8/10.
Some products are sponsored. Rankings reflect our honest assessment. See our affiliate disclosure
Quick Answer
Webroot beats Kaspersky for most users. It scores 8/10 vs 6/10 and extremely lightweight - under 4mb install. Choose Kaspersky if you need outstanding malware detection rates (international).
Webroot
WinnerUltra-lightweight cloud-based protection with fast scans
Starting from
$49.99/yr
Kaspersky
BANNED IN US - Still available internationally
Starting from
$27.99/yr
Feature Comparison
| Feature | ||
|---|---|---|
| Overall Rating | 8.0/10 | 6.0/10 |
| Starting Price | $49.99/yr | $27.99/yr |
| User Reviews | ||
| Protection | ||
| Malware Detection | 98.9% | 100% |
| Real-Time Protection | ||
| Ransomware Protection | ||
| Firewall | ||
| Extras | ||
| VPN Included | Total Protection only | |
| Password Manager | ||
| Parental Controls | ||
| Coverage | ||
| Devices | Up to 10 | Up to 10 |
| Gaming Mode | ||
| Webcam Protection | ||
Pros & Cons Breakdown
Webroot
- Extremely lightweight - under 4MB install
- Lightning-fast scans (20 seconds average)
- Cloud-based with minimal system impact
- Identity protection and dark web monitoring
- 70-day money-back guarantee
- LastPass password manager included
- No AV-TEST participation since 2019
- Lower detection rates than top competitors
- Web protection not as effective
- Limited macOS feature set
- Renewal prices double after first year
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: Webroot offers identity protection while Kaspersky provides vpn included. This fundamental distinction shapes who each product serves best.
Which Should You Choose?
Webroot
Choose Webroot if you prioritize extremely lightweight - under 4mb install, or value lightning-fast scans (20 seconds average).
Kaspersky
Choose Kaspersky if you prioritize outstanding malware detection rates (international), or value safe money protects online banking.
Our Verdict
After thorough testing, Webroot is our winner with a rating of 8/10 compared to Kaspersky's 6/10. Webroot stands out for its extremely lightweight - under 4mb install and lightning-fast scans (20 seconds average). While Kaspersky is more affordable, Webroot's advantages justify the price difference for most users. 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 Webroot better than Kaspersky?
Webroot scores higher in our testing (8/10 vs 6/10). Webroot excels at extremely lightweight - under 4mb install, while Kaspersky is better for outstanding malware detection rates (international).
Which is cheaper, Webroot or Kaspersky?
Kaspersky is more affordable at $27.99/mo vs $49.99/mo. Kaspersky offers 44% savings.
Webroot vs Kaspersky: which should I choose?
Choose Webroot if you prioritize extremely lightweight - under 4mb install. Choose Kaspersky if you need outstanding malware detection rates (international). Both are solid antivirus software options.
What's the main difference between Webroot and Kaspersky?
The main difference is Webroot offers ultra-lightweight cloud-based protection with fast scans, while Kaspersky focuses on banned in us - still available internationally.