It seems the day has finally come: Kaspersky Antivirus, the Russian security software that has been the subject of endless speculation and controversy, is officially banned in the US. After years of investigations and drama that could rival a Netflix series, the Biden administration finally pulled the trigger on June 20.

The ban, which includes cutting off security updates, goes into full effect on September 29. If you are a long-time Kaspersky loyalist or just picked it up, fear not! The competition is practically tripping over itself to welcome you with open arms. We have rounded up some of the best antivirus alternatives that are eagerly waiting to replace Kaspersky on your device. These big names come packed with features and, in some cases, the snazziest VPNs available. So, why not make the switch and enjoy the future of digital security?

Here are our top recommendations to replace Kaspersky. These alternatives are all tried, tested, and most importantly, legal in the US. Plus, they offer reliable protection without any of that pesky controversy. None of these picks is sponsored in any way.

Bitdefender Total Security: Excellent protection

Bitdefender has been the teacher’s pet of malware detection and prevention for over a decade. This protection package is like a digital bodyguard squad, tackling online threats with antivirus, firewall, and ransomware defense. It also fights off network, web, and email nasties like brute-force attacks, malicious links, and dangerous attachments, and even gives your local inbox a spam makeover if you use Microsoft Outlook or Mozilla Thunderbird.

Want to keep creepy spies out of your webcam and microphone? Bitdefender’s got you covered. For those who crave extra security and privacy, Total Security throws in a secure browser, a VPN service (limited to just 200MB a day), tracker blocking, parental controls, and a scanner that plays detective with your system’s vulnerabilities.

Want to try? Download Bitfefender Total Security here

Malwarebytes

My favorite in this list. Ever wondered what makes an anti-malware app truly effective? At Malwarebytes, they have cracked the code with an anti-malware app that is easy, simple, and devastatingly effective. Whether you are aware of it or not, your computer is perpetually at risk from viruses, worms, Trojans, rootkits, dialers, spyware, and other sneaky malware that's always evolving to be sneakier and harder to zap. Only the most advanced anti-malware wizardry can catch and crush these digital nasties.

At Malwarebytes they have packed it with cutting-edge tech designed to quickly sniff out, obliterate, and prevent malware. This bad boy can spot and remove malware that even the big-name antivirus and anti-malware programs miss.

Malwarebytes keeps a vigilant eye on every process and halts malicious activity before it even kicks off. The Realtime Protection Module leverages sophisticated heuristic scanning technology to guard your system around the clock. Plus, they have added a Threat Center to keep you in the loop with the latest malware threats.

So let Malwarebytes do the heavy lifting in keeping your computer safe from the digital baddies!

Want to try? Download Malwarebytes here

Norton 360 Deluxe: One of the best antivirus programs for PC

Norton 360 Deluxe is like the Swiss Army knife of antivirus programs - it is got a bit of everything you need without breaking the bank. Sure, the interface might feel a bit like navigating a spaceship’s control panel, but the comprehensive protection and wallet-friendly price make up for it.

This package pretty much covers all the basics without weighing you down. Along with antivirus software and a firewall to guard against malware and network threats, you get malicious link and attachment checks, dark web and privacy monitoring, and even webcam protection.

Oh, and let’s not forget the 50 GB of cloud storage for backups, access to Norton Password Manager and VPN, parental controls, and PC utilities that help you spot outdated and unsafe software.

The real stars of the show are the included Password Manager, VPN, and Parental Controls – have a simple and clear user interface. Unlike some competitors’ features that seem designed to drive you nuts, Norton’s extras are a breeze.

Want to try? Download Norton 360 here

Avast One - among the best

Avast not only dishes out solid protection but also wraps it all up in a friendly, easy-to-navigate interface. Toss in some handy extra features and multi-device coverage, and you've got the all-you-can-eat buffet of digital security with Avast One.

This top-tier package does not just stop at antivirus and firewall features; it also guards against remote webcam hijacking, malicious websites, and trackers - basically all the major online boogeymen.

With an Avast One subscription, you also get dark web monitoring (because who doesn't love a heads-up if your email shows up in a data breach?), a VPN with up to 5GB of bandwidth per week, and saved password protection in your browser.

And do not forget the utilities to keep your PC’s drivers up to date, tidy up your system, and optimize your apps. Sure, these features might seem standard and found in other software too, but Avast makes staying safe a breeze, whether you're a tech newbie or a security guru. The default settings do most of the heavy lifting, but if you are curious or hands-on, you have got options to explore.

Want to try? Download Avast One here

AVG Internet Security - the antivirus suite for the small price

AVG is famous for its stellar free antivirus software, but there are plenty of reasons to step up your game. AVG Internet Security does not just offer top-notch protection; it makes managing those tools a breeze. This is especially handy if keeping up with online threats makes your head spin or eats up too much of your time.

Building on the free version’s robust protection against malware and web, email, and network threats, AVG Internet Security throws in five extra features for good measure.

You get protection for your browser-stored passwords, defense against webcam hijacking, alerts for unauthorized access to sensitive files, prevention of malicious redirects (DNS hijacking), and a shield against attacks via Windows' Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP).

Not only does AVG Internet Security scan your PC and network in real-time, but it also watches out for malicious websites as you surf the web and keeps tabs on where your email address pops up online. If it spots your email in a data leak, you will get an in-program heads-up. Because who does not love a good scare from their antivirus now and then?

Want to try? Download Avast One here