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Best Avast alternatives in 2026

Looking for an alternative to Avast? Whether you've outgrown it, find the pricing steep, or just want to weigh your options, these are the strongest antivirus & endpoint security alternatives in 2026 — ranked on pricing, features, and who each one fits best. Avast itself has a free tier, so we've flagged where each option is cheaper, simpler, or more specialized.

  1. 1
    Bitdefender
    Best for: individuals

    Top-rated antivirus and security. A popular antivirus alternative to Avast with a genuinely usable free tier — free – $3/mo. Particularly strong for individuals.

  2. 2
    Malwarebytes
    Best for: individuals

    If Avast feels like overkill or over-budget, Malwarebytes is a leaner option with a genuinely usable free tier. Malware protection and cleanup. Pricing: free – $5/mo.

  3. 3
    ESET
    Best for: individuals

    ESET goes head-to-head with Avast on features. Lightweight, effective antivirus. Best suited to individuals. From $3.33/mo.

  4. 4
    Kaspersky
    Best for: individuals

    A well-rated antivirus pick. Antivirus with top detection rates. Kaspersky offers a free plan and starts at free – $3/mo, making it a credible Avast replacement.

  5. 5
    Norton 360
    Best for: individuals

    All-in-one security suite. A popular antivirus alternative to Avast — from $3.50/mo. Particularly strong for individuals.

  6. 6
    Drata
    Best for: startups

    If Avast feels like overkill or over-budget, Drata is a leaner option. Automated security & compliance. Pricing: custom.

  7. 7
    CrowdStrike Falcon
    Best for: enterprise

    CrowdStrike Falcon goes head-to-head with Avast on features. Cloud-native endpoint protection (EDR). Best suited to enterprise. Custom.

  8. 8
    SentinelOne
    Best for: enterprise

    A well-rated antivirus pick. Autonomous endpoint protection (EDR/XDR). SentinelOne starts at custom, making it a credible Avast replacement.

Still considering Avast itself? Read our Avast review →

Frequently asked questions

What is the best Avast alternative?

Bitdefender is our top-rated Avast alternative for 2026. Top-rated antivirus and security. Free – $3/mo.

Is there a free Avast alternative?

Yes — Bitdefender, Malwarebytes, Kaspersky all offer a free tier you can start on without a credit card.

Why switch from Avast?

Common reasons are price, a simpler feature set, better fit for a specific use case, or platform support. Each tool above notes where it has an edge over Avast.