9 Best Antivirus Software for Linux in 2024

Features

McAfee provides great virus protection for Linux due to its superior range of security features. McAfee’s Ransom Guard monitors and responds to ransomware attempts in real time, preventing hackers from encrypting your files. With QuickClean, you will notice a big boost in the speed of your computer or laptop as McAfee will effortlessly remove cookies and unnecessary files. 

Another amazing feature is the Shredder which ensures that when you delete a file that it is truly deleted and gone forever. With the Shredder element, the file will no longer be on your disk or recoverable. Finally, McAfee has one of the best anti malware scanners on the market which quickly alerts you to any potential dangers and helps you to remove them.

Ease Of Use

In antivirus reviews, you will consistently hear about how simple McAfee is to operate and we came to the same conclusion. The program was downloaded in less than a few minutes and then we were able to immediately start using the service. McAfee is designed to be operational directly after download and many of the features such as browser extension were already enabled.

Interface

McAfee offers a clean and simplistic interface and from the homepage, you are able to easily run a basic scan of your device and see its current health. However, it is a little challenging to set up more advanced features as you need to dig around in the setting section, and may take a little while to adjust.

Price

McAfee offers custom prices based on your personal needs and even has special deals for enterprise antivirus software packages. To receive a quote you will need to contact them. However, from our experience, the price of their Linux virus protection tends to be below average. 

If you are trying to find a top of the line Linux security software then McAfee is a wise choice thanks to its impressive range of helpful elements, ease of use, multi device compatibility, and below average price. This program has everything you need to keep your Linux device safe and secure!

Norton

Features

Norton is a great choice if you are looking for a good antivirus that has multiple components which can keep you protected from all sorts of threats. Norton has live malware and virus detection so you can secure your Linux device immediately before the threat can cause any damage. Norton also has ransomware protection which prevents files from being altered and immediately copying them if a threat is detected. This program also has one of the most secure firewalls on the market and uses a 2 way silent system that tracks sent and received network traffic.

Ease Of Use

Norton takes its ease of use seriously which is why you can download the program in under 5 minutes and after restarting your computer you will immediately experience superior protection. Norton also offers a very helpful intro guide where they will walk you through how to use all of the features and alter the settings to ensure you receive the support you need.

Interface

If you are trying to find a well designed and highly functional interface, then Norton is a smart choice! The interface is highly responsive and we didn’t experience any delays or crashes. From the homepage, you can easily open your VPN, scan your computer for threats and even monitor the dark web for any of your stolen data. One slightly annoying aspect of the layout is that elements open in separate tabs.

Price

While Norton is not a budget option it does offer great value for money and they have a number of different packages to suit your varying needs.

• Norton 360 Standard – Live protection, cloud backup – 10GB, firewall, VPN, and Dark Web Monitoring – $29.99 for the first year
• Norton 360 Deluxe – Standard components + backup – 50GB, available on 5 devices, parental control – $39.99 for the first year

Norton is a strong choice if you are after the best malware scanner for Linux that can provide comprehensive protection in one easy to navigate service!

Avira

Features

Avira is not short of features and includes many options to enhance your internet security for Linux. Some of our favorite components include performance optimization tools which can help remove junk from your computer and half start up times and boost download speeds. Avira has a very fast and lightweight virus scanner which is incredibly accurate. The antivirus software has easy to use browser extensions to keep you safe when using the internet. Also, you can quickly check for malware at any time and receive a 100% accurate result.

Ease Of Use

When we decided to set up Avira we were pleased to find the whole process from download, adjusting settings to running our first virus scan took under 10 minutes! If you want a simple and easy to navigate program that doesn’t require hours tampering with the settings just to establish basic protection, then go with Avira. As soon as you finish downloading Avira it is ready to start protecting your computer and the basic settings offer comprehensive protection. 

Interface

We found Avira’s interface to be very easy to navigate. We had no trouble quickly finding the main features and running different virus scans. The layout has been designed so no matter your computer skills you can easily keep your Linux device safe.

Price

Avira offers the best free Linux and Ubuntu antivirus software on the market. You will be hard pressed to find another service that has so many free components and offers the level of protection that Avira does. Avira does also have a paid option where you can unlock additional elements and access their 24/7 customer support.

Avira Internet Security starts at $57.99 for 1 year and gives you access to unlimited VPN, password manager, and more performance optimizing tools. Avira Prime starts at $99.99 per year and allows you to take advantage of the software on 5 devices at the same time.

Avira is a great choice if you need a free Linux cleaner that still provides the very best in protection. You can try it out for free today and quickly upgrade if you need extra functionality.

Panda

Features

Panda has way more components than your average security software for Linux which allows you to sleep easy knowing your device is always secure! Some of the top elements we found helpful include the option to scan USB devices for viruses, the ability to encrypt files and keep them hidden from hackers and the capability of removing malware from your infected device via a USB. These unique features give Panda an edge over its competitors.

Ease Of Use

The guys at Panda have done a great job at offering loads of functionality while still making the software easy to use for all customers. You should have no problem downloading and setting up the software in under 10 minutes! The ease of use is just another reason why Panda is one of the best Linux programs out there.

Interface

You won’t find a better home screen than at Panda. Everything is laid out super simple, and you could start accessing all of the features by just clicking from the home screen. We were able to run multiple scans in just a few minutes thanks to the great interface.

Price

With Panda’s top-tier software, there is a pricing option to suit all budgets and security needs. The essential package starts at $20.99 per year, the complete deal at $29.6 per year and the premium plan at $35.6 per year.

Panda is a great all round Linux virus protection software due to its strong functionality, variety of components and below average price. 

BullGuard

Features

BullGuard is well known for its extensive components which ensure your device is always free of viruses and malware. BullGuard has fast scanners that can pick up threats in real time and dispose of them without you having to lift a finger. The service also has a range of other elements including a VPN, firewall, browser extensions and identity theft protection. This comprehensive suite of components will help you stay safe when browsing the internet, downloading files or storing sensitive information.

Ease Of Use

BullGuard is a little slower to download and install than some other software programs, but you should be able to have everything working in under 15 minutes. The service is highly responsive and we didn’t experience any delays when testing it out. With so many helpful elements and a fast platform, BullGuard definitely scores above average in the ease of use department.

Interface

BullGuard does not offer the most aesthetic design, and it may take you a few minutes to figure out how to navigate the platform. However, once you get used to the software you shouldn’t have too many issues using the elements and running different virus scans.

Price

BullGuard offers 3 different plans which include:

• BullGuard Antivirus – fast scanners, pc booster, only available on PC and for 1 device – $29.99 per year
• BullGuard Internet Security – 3 devices, firewall, cloud backup – $59.99 per year
• BullGuard Premium Protection – up to 10 devices and ID protection – $99.99 per year

Linux and viruses won’t be words you use in the same sentence after you download BullGuard. BullGuard provides great all around protection thanks to its highly accurate scanners that can detect threats 24/7! We recommend you choose the BullGuard Internet Security plan due to its range of helpful elements, ability to use it on multiple devices and value for money.

Heimdal Security

Heimdal Security is one of the most advanced malware and virus scanners on the market. It has been extensively tested and found to have a 100% success rate. You are able to conduct a multitude of scans which ensure your device is always free of viruses! Heimdal does not offer a free version but its paid packages are very reasonably priced especially when you consider the options you receive.

Features

Heimdal Security’s elements are a big reason why it is one of our recommended antivirus software. It offers an advanced firewall known as DarkLayer Guard which in real time monitors two-way traffic and blocks any 3rd parties trying to access your device. Another amazing feature is X-Ploit Resilience which checks programs for unpatched vulnerabilities. And of course, this service has a range of different scanning options to help you identify any viruses or malware.

Ease Of Use

You can download Heimdal Security’s antivirus and begin removing shady files from your device in under 5 minutes! As soon as you open the home page you may perform a quick scan and immediately begin rehabbing your PC.

Interface

The layout is very well designed and we had an easy time navigating through the different components. The software is set up so you don’t have to play around in the settings and everything you need is on the home screen.

Price

Heimdal Security may be purchased for 1 to 3 years and is available from 1 to 10 devices. The basic plan starts at $52.46 while the premium package starts at $74.96. The basic package offers great functionality and excellent value for money.

Does Ubuntu need virus protection? You better not wait to find out! That is why we recommend Ubuntu users grab top tier antivirus software like Heimdal Security. Heimdal Security continues to build a reputation as one of the best antivirus and spyware platforms in the world. Based on its highly accurate malware and virus scans it is a safe choice to choose Heimdal Security.

Kaspersky

Features

Kaspersky is certainly not short on useful components, so you would be hard pressed to find a Linux user who needed every component that Kaspersky offered. Kaspersky provides a VPN with 200 MB/day, cloud backup with 2GB storage, multiple malware and virus scanners and a world class firewall which is able to track 2 way traffic. These features provide an amazing user experience and keep you safe whenever you open your Linux PC or laptop.

Ease Of Use

Kaspersky was definitely designed with the beginner user in mind because all of the software is incredibly simple to set up and use. It took us only a little over 5 minutes to download, install and start our first quick scan. The settings come preset so most users won’t have to make any changes and could start using the program right away! 

Interface

Kaspersky’s user interface is minimalist and easy to wrap your head around! All of the major elements may be accessed by simply clicking on them on the home screen. If you need to alter anything, you could simply head to the settings section.

Price

Kaspersky offers 2 packages for Linux users which include:

 Kaspersky Internet Security — malware and virus protection, secure web browsing, parental controls – $29.99 per year. This is the best Linux package if you are looking for value and are on a budget.

Kaspersky Total Security — extra parental controls, password manager and cloud backup – $39.99 per year. 

Instead of wondering “does Linux need antivirus software?”, secure your PC or laptop today by using Kaspersky’s state of the art platform. Kaspersky has proven time and time again that they have incredibly effective malware and virus scanners which will prevent your Linux device from being infected!

Install Kaspersky Antivirus

Bitdefender

Features

Bitdefender is fully stacked with features that you will not find in your regular antivirus. Bitdefender is always up and running in your Linux. at 15 minutes intervals, bitdefender scans your Linux. You don’t need to take any action because everything is automatic. If there is need for any minor updates of the protective features, bitdefender does it automatically.

It also comes with a fast and efficient VPN that competes with many other standalone brands. You also have at your disposal, a password manager where you can store your login keys. Parental controls are available in case you need to monitor your kid’s Linux. Bitdefender doesn’t only cover your Linux files but also your microphone and even your webcam!

Ease of Use

Getting bitdefender on your Linux is not difficult. You first need to log into your bitdefender account. If you are yet to get one, you can choose to sign up. Once you are in, go to the my devices panel and you will see the option to install the antivirus on your computer. Follow the on-screen prompts and in no time, the software will be on your computer.

Interface

The bitdefender layout is perfectly designed with everything spaced out and visible. You have a bar to the left that contains all the options like dashboard, protection, privacy and utility. Clicking on any of them would bring out the options to the center. The whole interface is fast and responsive.

Price

For a software that offers so much features, bitdefender is relatively cheap and here are the plans for Linux:

• Bitdefender Internet Security – You get free 200 MB of VPN per device with great internet security. One device for one year is $24.99/$59.99, two years is $53.99/89.99, three years is 77.99/129.99. 
• Total Security – Total security also comes fully stacked with amazing protection for your linux. You can get a minimum five year subscription for one year at $39.98/89.99, two at $89.99/149.99, three years for $137.99/$229.99
• Family Pack – There is no additional feature as it is only total security that is available for up to fifteen devices. You can get it on all fifteen devices for one year at $49.99/$119.99, two years at $119.99/$199.99 and three for $149.99/$249.99.
• Premium Security – Premium security package brings you all other features then it gives an exclusive support package. In case you have enquiries, you can reach out to them faster than anyone else; the ten device plan stays at $64.99/$149.99.

Avast

When rating antivirus programs Avast stood out as a premier software that can offer total security to Linux users. Avast has been tackling malware, viruses and ransomware for over 30 years and currently has almost half a billion users. This program offers incredible protection so you could freely download and store files and browse the web without worrying about nefarious 3rd parties accessing your computer and data. 

Features

Some of our favourite Avast elements include:

• Real time Wifi threat – alerts which inform you of any potential attackers
•  Ransomware shield – encrypts your files so hackers could never gain access to them! 
• Email security which – immediately alerts you to any shady attachments

These components are combined with a world class virus and malware scanner. Avast really has put the user first when developing extensive antivirus service with amazing security, privacy and functionality!

Ease Of Use

Avast’s antivirus program is very fast to download and no setup is required. To begin using all the amazing features you just simply have to click on the icons at the homepage and before you know it you are securing your device. We completed a malware scan, tested out the firewall and set up the ransomware shield in under 15 minutes!

Interface

If you like Google Chrome and its super clean interface then you enjoy using Avast’s antivirus software. The platform looks a lot like Chrome and is just as easy to navigate. When you download the program, you are presented with a large home screen where you could perform scans and set up your firewall by just clicking on the large icons.

Price

Avast has 3 program versions each of which has their own benefits. Check them out below:

• Avast Free – malware and ransomware protection – completely free!
• Avast Premium – Wi-Fi analyzer, firewall – $34.99 per year
• Avast Ultimate – PC optimizer tools, super fast customer support – $59.99 per year

If you are trying to find the best internet security programme that is reliable and will keep all of your data and files safe, then purchase Avast today! With over 30 years of experience, they know a thing or two about defeating viruses!