While Linux is often regarded as a secure operating system, it is not completely immune to malware threats and a good Linux antivirus is highly suggested. Vulnerabilities exist within various Linux applications and extensions, providing multiple pathways for potential infections. Notably, high-profile incidents, such as the attack on Linux-based IoT devices in the Mirai botnet outbreak, demonstrate how deeply malicious actors can penetrate systems, even reaching firmware levels.
To lessen these risks, the best Linux antivirus software offers comprehensive malware protection, ensuring your device’s security. However, not all antiviruses are suitable for Linux OS. Therefore, I have rigorously tested and compared the best antiviruses for Linux regarding their malware detection rates, impact on performance, additional security features, and overall value for money.
The Best Antiviruses for Linux Tested by Our Experts
The Top 5 Linux Antivirus Programs Ranked
- NordVPN Threat Protection – The best Linux antivirus overall
- Bitdefender – Best Linux antivirus with real-time monitoring
- Trend Micro – Excellent antivirus for Linux servers
- ESET – Best Linux antivirus for business
- Avast – Best small business Linux antivirus
- Show Full Guide
The Best Linux Antivirus Programs Reviewed
Here are my in-depth reviews of the best Linux antivirus solutions, based on thorough, hands-on testing following our rigorous assessment methodology, so you can see how they compare and choose the best antivirus software solution for your needs.
1. NordVPN Threat Protection – The Best Linux Antivirus Overall
Starting Price | $3.99/month |
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Key Features | High-Speed VPN, Ad Blocker, Phishing Protection |
Linux Support | Home |
Money-Back Guarantee | 30-day guarantee |
Pros
- Real-time protection from malicious sites
- Lightweight ad blocker
- Excellent VPN
- Extra security features available
Cons
- Lacks file scanning capability
- Lite version can’t scan malicious links or block trackers
2. Bitdefender – Best Linux Antivirus With Real-Time Monitoring
Starting Price | $1.26/month |
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Key Features | Ransomware + Phishing Protection, Flexible Plans, Stops Fileless Attacks |
Linux Support | Business, Enterprise, Servers |
Money-Back Guarantee | 30-day guarantee, free trial |
Pros
- Top marks in independent test results
- Real-time protection against malware, viruses, and ransomware
- Script and extension-based integration with applications and services
- Open-source plugins for popular file managers
- GUI makes it easy to use in desktop environments
Cons
- VPN is an expensive add-on
- Some negative customer feedback
3. Trend Micro – Excellent Antivirus Solution for Linux Servers
Starting Price | Custom quote |
---|---|
Key Features | Intuitive Web Console, Automatic Updates, Enhanced Spyware Removal |
Linux Support | Servers, Enterprise |
Money-Back Guarantee | 30-day guarantee, 30-day trial |
Pros
- Enhanced spyware removal capabilities
- Intuitive web console
- Multiple scanning options
- Settings to minimize system scanning impact
- Automatic updates minimize maintenance overheads
Cons
- Pricing not disclosed
- No consumer or small business Linux support
4. ESET – Best Linux Antivirus for Business
Starting Price | $17.58/month |
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Key Features | Range of Business Solutions, Easy to Use, MDR Service |
Linux Support | Business, Enterprise, Servers |
Money-Back Guarantee | 30-day guarantee, 30-day trial |
Pros
- Range of business Linux security solutions
- Easy-to-use console
- Great MDR service
- Smart incident response tools
Cons
- Home Linux support discontinued
- Slight learning curve
5. Avast – Best Small Business Linux Antivirus
Starting Price | $13.33/month |
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Key Features | Real-Time Updates, Malware Detection for Dual-Booted Systems, File Server Shield |
Linux Support | Business, Servers |
Money-Back Guarantee | 30-day guarantee (30-day trial for Avast Ultimate Business Security) |
Pros
- Compatible with a variety of Linux distros
- Provides comprehensive scan result reports
- Can detect and remove malware on dual-booted systems
- Continuously updated
Cons
- Features don’t scale for enterprise firms
- Could support more distros
The Best Linux Virus Scanners Compared
Here’s a quick reference table so you can see how the leading Linux antivirus software solutions compare in terms of price, performance, and functionality:
Starting Price | Linux Support | Money-Back Period | Key Features | |
---|---|---|---|---|
NordVPN Threat Protection | $3.99/month (2 years) | Home | 30-day money-back guarantee | High-Speed VPN, Ad Blocker, Phishing Protection |
Bitdefender | $1.26/month (3 years) | Business, Enterprise, Servers | 30-days | Ransomware + Phishing Protection, Flexible Plans, Stops Fileless Attacks |
Trend Micro | Not disclosed | Servers, Enterprise | 30-days | Intuitive Web Console, Automatic Updates, Enhanced Spyware Removal |
ESET | $17.58/month (annual) | Business, Enterprise, Servers | 30-days | Range of Business Solutions, Easy to Use, MDR Service |
Avast | $13.33/month (3 years) | Business, Servers | 30-days | Real-Time Updates, Malware Detection for Dual-Booted Systems, File Server Shield |
How We Review And Test Antivirus Software
15 Antiviruses Tested
20 Datapoints Measured
300+ Hours Testing
500+ User Reviews Read
We base our recommendations on first-hand experience and in-depth testing. All the Antivirus products we suggest, have been tested based on the following criteria:
- Core Security Features: We make sure that the antivirus software is fully equipped with features like real-time protection, scanning, a firewall, web protection, and more.
- Malware Detection Rates: We test malware detection rates ourselves by running both in-depth and quick scans on our devices. Additionally, we check independent lab tests.
- Compatibility: We check which devices and operating systems the antivirus software is compatible with. Often, different-looking dashboards and slightly different packages of features may be available.
- Performance Impact: A reliable and functional antivirus should not slow down your device significantly. So, we examine our device performance with and without the antivirus running.
- Customer Experience: Alongside our own experience, we are curious to know what real users have to say regarding the services. So, we’ve scoured the web for feedback on each of our tested antiviruses.
- Value for Money: We always consider value for money and how much each product is offering for the set price point.
Does Linux Need Antivirus?
Just like Windows users, Linux systems are targeted with ransomware and phishing attacks, and given that many critical systems run on Linux devices, they can be particularly rich targets for hackers looking to infiltrate businesses and institutional systems. In addition, while some distros have built-in security features, there’s no fully fledged equivalent to Windows Defender.
Because of this, Linux users are advised to get antivirus software, especially for commercial systems and networks and when dealing with sensitive files.
How to Choose the Best Antivirus Software for Linux
There are a number of factors to consider before purchasing an anti-virus for Linux. Not every antivirus is compatible with Linux, for starters, and those that are may not work with your distro.
Here’s a quick breakdown of the key factors that you should consider when picking the best anti-malware for Linux:
The key factor when it comes to choosing an antivirus is how effective it is in detecting and eliminating malware and viruses. All the solutions on my list have high malware detection rates and offer protection against a range of cyber threats.
In addition to effective virus and malware scans, it’s important for antiviruses to include network security, firewalls, and behavioral scanning to catch emerging threats and prevent malicious actors from gaining access to your systems.
You should carefully read through the official documentation on the vendor’s website before making a purchase to ensure that the antivirus solution will run smoothly on your system and that it will support the devices you need to protect on your network, such as serving as an antivirus for Mac.
You may also want cross-compatibility for Windows user support.
You shouldn’t have to jump through hoops to deploy and enable an antivirus on your Linux machine. That’s why I’ve given points to packages that make it easy to run regular scans and that require minimal maintenance.
It’s important to understand the price-to-value ratio.
Pay attention to the features and functionality you’re getting for your money with different subscription tiers and different antivirus apps and how they apply to different use cases, whether you want to protect servers, a small business, or an enterprise firm.
Can You Get a Good Free Linux Antivirus?
Open-source antivirus solutions like ClamAV require a decent level of technical knowledge of the Linux operating system to install and run. Anti-virus software Linux users can find for free also often lacks a graphical user interface, so you’ll have to rely on command line access, and you’ll have to manually update the antivirus at regular intervals.
These antivirus solutions also lack the advanced security features that you get with premium antivirus apps, which are particularly important for commercial use cases.
In addition, a free Linux virus scanner is just a virus scanning tool and won’t include a firewall or protection from phishing attacks and online scams. That’s why I recommend opting for a premium antivirus solution to secure your system rather than settling for the best free antivirus software for Linux.
How to Set Up NordVPN Threat Protection on Linux
Setting up NordVPN Threat Protection on Linux only takes a few steps. Here’s a simple how-to guide to help you get started.
Sign Up for NordVPN
Go to NordVPN and sign up for a subscription. Next, you’ll need to download NordVPN.
Download NordVPN
Open the terminal and enter the command seen in the image below.
Log in and Connect
Next, log into NordVPN and connect, using the commands “nordvpn login” and “nordvpn connect.”
Enable Threat Protection
You can now enable Threat Protection with the commands “nordvpn set threatprotectionlite on” and “nordvpn set threatprotectionlite off.”
If you have the app open, you can also select the shield in the left menu and then click the switch to turn Threat Protection on.
Conclusion – What’s the Best Antivirus for Linux Systems?
Linux machines are by no means immune to viruses and malware, and getting Linux security software ensures you have protection in place for your device and data.
NordVPN Threat Protection is an excellent solution for web protection. What’s more, the inclusion of a first-class VPN, substantial amounts of encrypted storage, and a password manager puts it a step ahead of other products for protecting a Linux system.
Bitdefender, meanwhile, is an excellent buisness antivirus tool that can block ransomware and fileless malware attacks and can protect Linux devices and servers, as well as Windows and macOS systems.
FAQs
Do all antiviruses work for Linux?
What’s the best antivirus for Linux?
What’s the best free Linux antivirus?
What’s a good Ubuntu antivirus?
Are there Linux antivirus tools for home users?
Is Linux Mint safe from viruses?
References
- Linux Distros (OSU Linux Users Group)
- Understanding Fileless Attacks on Linux-based IoT Devices with HoneyCloud (MobiSys ’19/UCI)
- Critical Boot Loader Vulnerability in Shim Impacts Nearly All Linux Distros (The Hacker News)