Kaspersky has been a household name in cybersecurity for over 25 years, consistently topping independent lab tests with detection rates that rival anyone in the industry. But it's also a brand that generates debate — particularly among users in certain countries concerned about its Russian origins.
In this review, we cut through the noise to give you a clear picture: how does Kaspersky actually perform in 2025, what do you get for your money, and is it the right antivirus for your situation?
Kaspersky at a Glance
| Feature | Standard | Plus | Premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| Antivirus & malware protection | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Real-time protection | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Performance optimiser | ✗ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Password manager | ✗ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Unlimited VPN | ✗ | ✗ | ✓ |
| Parental controls | ✗ | ✗ | ✓ |
| Identity theft protection | ✗ | ✗ | ✓ |
| Devices covered | 1–5 | 1–5 | 1–20 |
Detection Rates & Performance
Independent testing labs AV-TEST and AV-Comparatives both gave Kaspersky top marks in their 2024–2025 evaluations. In AV-TEST's most recent report, Kaspersky achieved a 100% detection rate for widespread malware and a 99.8% rate for zero-day threats — results that put it among the top three products tested globally.
System impact is where Kaspersky impresses even more. Unlike some competitors that visibly slow down your machine during scans, Kaspersky's performance footprint is minimal. In our own testing on a mid-range Windows laptop, a full system scan completed in 47 minutes with CPU usage staying under 25% for the duration.
Key Features We Tested
Real-Time Protection
Kaspersky's real-time engine consistently blocked test malware files before they could execute. The cloud-assisted detection (via Kaspersky Security Network) means new threats are identified and blocked often within hours of being discovered globally — much faster than definition-update-only approaches.
Safe Money Browser
This is one of our favourite features. When you visit a banking or payment site, Kaspersky automatically launches a hardened browser environment that isolates the session from keyloggers, screen scrapers, and clipboard attacks. It worked flawlessly with all major UK and international banking sites we tested.
VPN (Premium only)
Kaspersky's bundled VPN, powered by Hotspot Shield, is solid for everyday privacy. Speeds were consistently above 150 Mbps in our tests. However, it does not support torrenting on standard plans, and the server network (45+ countries) is smaller than dedicated VPN providers like Surfshark or NordVPN.
Password Manager
The password manager has improved significantly. It now syncs across all your devices via the cloud, supports biometric unlock on mobile, and includes a password health checker. It lacks some advanced features found in standalone managers like 1Password, but it is more than adequate for most users.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Industry-leading malware detection rates (100% in AV-TEST)
- Minimal performance impact during scans
- Safe Money feature is genuinely useful for online banking
- Excellent mobile apps (iOS and Android)
- Clear, easy-to-use interface
- Competitive pricing — especially multi-device plans
Cons
- Ongoing controversy around its Russian origins (relevant for some users)
- VPN in Premium tier has a smaller server network than dedicated VPNs
- Password manager lacks some advanced features vs. standalone options
- No dedicated browser extension for all plans
Pricing (2025)
| Plan | Devices | Annual Price (approx.) | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard | 1–5 | £20–£35/yr | Basic protection for one household device |
| Plus | 1–5 | £35–£55/yr | Password manager + performance tools |
| Premium | 1–20 | £55–£80/yr | Full suite incl. VPN and parental controls |
Kaspersky frequently runs 50–60% off promotions for new subscribers. Check our Deals page for the latest active promo codes before purchasing — you can often get the Premium plan for close to the price of Standard.
Verdict
If pure protection performance and value for money are your priorities, Kaspersky remains one of the best choices available. The detection rates are exceptional, the performance impact is low, and the Safe Money feature alone makes it worth considering for anyone who banks or shops online regularly.
If you are in a role or country where the geopolitical concerns around the brand are relevant to your risk profile, that is a personal judgement call we leave to you. For the vast majority of home and small business users, however, Kaspersky's technical credentials are hard to match at this price point.