Overview
Kaspersky at a Glance
- Features: Virus protection, optimized security, easy-to-manage dashboard
- Ease of Use: Easy
- Reliability: Excellent
- Value: Good
- Free trial: 30 days
Why Choose Kaspersky?
Kaspersky is one of the most well-known brands in the computer security industry and its products consistently perform well on tests conducted by reputed independent testing companies, such as AV-Test and AV Comparatives. In 2016, Kaspersky Internet Security—which uses the same malware protection as the antivirus—caught 100% of prevalent viruses and 100% of zero day viruses. The industry averages are 99% and 98% respectively.
When compared to similar industry products, Kaspersky products have a much lower rate of slowing down computer performance. Test results showed that users who installed Kaspersky Anti-Virus experienced an 8% slower installation of frequently-used applications, while the industry average is a 25% slowdown.
What Kaspersky Offers
- Antivirus software
- Free online support
- Optimized security that won’t slow down your computer
- Various multi-device and higher-level packages
Kaspersky Anti-Virus offers award-winning protection for PC users (from Windows XP through Windows 10), optimized security that doesn’t slow down your computer, and easy-to-manage controls to help you set up your security checks. While the antivirus itself offers superb protection, the product lacks the frills and additional features offered by competitors, such as online banking protection, a WiFi advisor, a file shredder, and game, movie, and work modes.
Kaspersky Internet Security offers all of the features of the antivirus, with the addition of Mac and Android protection, identity protection, extra security for online banking and shopping, and parental controls (for PCs and Mac).
Kaspersky Total Security offers all of the above, plus extended protection for kids on PC, Mac, and mobile, secure password storage, and encryption and backup of photos and music on PCs.
Separate products can be purchased to use with Mac or Android only, but for many consumers who have multiple devices, Internet Security or Total Security are better options.
How Kaspersky Works
How to Get Started With Kaspersky
Kaspersky Lab Anti-Virus takes approximately 20 minutes to install, and can then be easily managed from the dashboard on your computer or from My Kaspersky. Some users reported that installation stalled their computers and then created problems with their machines. They also reported the support team trying to sell them products that they didn’t really need.
As consumers, it’s important to read individual product reviews, but also to discern which ones are valid and which ones aren’t—because at the same time that these complaints are written, independent testing companies have given Kaspersky Lab Anti-Virus excellent marks. One thing is for sure—it’s crucial to make sure that your system is compatible with whatever products you are installing.
During installation, users will be asked if they wish to participate in the Kaspersky Security Network. If you choose “yes,” this means that you will be connected to the KSN, and if malware is found on your system, a copy will be automatically uploaded to Kaspersky's research lab for analysis, and a signature will then be distributed to the company's millions of users. Even if you check “yes” upon initial installation, you can opt out at any time.
Once installed, Kaspersky will have little effect on your computer’s operations. While a full scan can take about an hour, this is less than other competitors and you can still use your computer without experiencing significant slowdowns. In fact, this is a standout feature of Kaspersky Lab Anti-Virus; competitors such as Bitdefender Antivirus Plus 2021 can take hours to complete a full scan.
The Kaspersky dashboard is easy to manage, and users can tell instantaneously whether their system is protected, whether an issue needs addressing, or when there is an actual threat.
Kaspersky Customer Support
Like most of its competitors, Kaspersky Lab offers comprehensive support pages on its site. These pages consist of video tutorials, a Knowledge Base, and a Forum. Direct customer support can be reached through My Kaspersky, which is your personal page on the company’s website. Once you sign into your account, you can create a ticket requesting customer support.
Kaspersky Pricing
The basic 1-year cost is on par with many of its competitors, but the products of some other companies include more features than Kaspersky's. On the other hand, the products of most other companies don’t score 100% effectiveness in protecting against all types of malware.
Therefore, consumers should consider what’s more important to them - an antivirus product that includes more advanced features or a product that offers 100% protection (as opposed to 98-99% of other companies). If advanced features are more important, the full cost of Kaspersky Anti-Virus is quite high for what you are getting. If 100% effectiveness is more important, you’re getting great value for your money.
Bottom Line
Kaspersky Lab is one of the most respected companies in the cyber-protection industry, and its Anti-Virus has been shown to be 100% effective in catching both prevalent viruses and zero day attacks. However, the product itself only includes 3 features: malware protection, ease-of-use, and computer optimization. Consumers who are seeking additional features in basic antivirus software may find Bitdefender Antivirus Plus 2021 a more suitable option; otherwise, higher-level Kaspersky Lab products are also a good option.
