Avast vs Kaspersky: which antivirus should you choose to protect your business?
Between malware, ransomware and repeated breaches, choosing the right cybersecurity solution has never been so strategic. For VSEs, SMEs or IT teams who want to offer solid protection without spending a week on it, two giants are vying for the position of best business security suite: Avast and Kaspersky.
But which of the two will best meet your needs in 2025? Features included, performance of detection tools, multi-device management, interface, updates, VPN, price... we've put their business versions under the microscope.
👉 If you're hesitating between Kaspersky Small Office Security and Avast Business Security, this comparison is here to guide you, with figures and use cases to back it up! Shall we get started?
What is Avast Business Security?
Overview of Avast Business Security
Avast Business Security is the professional version of one of the world's best-known antivirus products. With over 435 million users worldwide, Avast relies on a behavioural analysis engine, coupled with a global threat detection network. Its objective? To identify malicious software before it causes any damage, thanks to a constantly updated database.
🎯 Aimed at SMEs, VSEs and IT teams looking for protection that's easy to deploy across multiple workstations, this security suite offers centralised management, an intuitive cloud interface, and good real-time threat detection. Typical users include digital agencies, accountancy firms, start-ups and multi-site businesses that want to maintain control over the security of their devices without a heavy infrastructure.
Key features of Avast Business Security
There's a reason Avast is so popular with professionals. Its security suite incorporates a range of essential tools to block threats, protect devices and simplify remote management. Here's an overview of Avast's key features:
- next-generation antivirus with heuristic engine and real-time detection ;
- integrated intelligent firewall to monitor network connections;
- VPN included (Premium and Ultimate) for secure remote browsing;
- Cloud console to manage the security of all devices remotely;
- protection for files, emails and Exchange servers;
- Software Updater;
- protection against ransomware, spyware and other types of malware;
- password management and access control;
- suspicious behaviour detection module (CyberCapture);
- automatic update of the virus database.
Avast Premium Business Security
Advantages and disadvantages of Avast Business Security
Before making a choice, it's best to weigh up the pros and cons. Here's what we have to say about Avast Business Security after analysing user feedback, performance tests and online comparisons.
✅ Let's start with the strong points:
- fast, easy deployment, even without a dedicated IT team;
- clear interface and well-designed cloud console;
- good value for money, especially for smaller organisations;
- VPN and patching tools included in premium versions;
- effective real-time protection against malware.
❌ That said, no solution is perfect, here are the limitations noted by users or observed in real-life conditions:
- no advanced behavioural analysis on all versions ;
- VPN limited in functionality (no choice of countries in some packages) ;
- not suitable for large companies with complex SIEM/SOC requirements;
- performance sometimes affected during full system analysis.
What is Kaspersky Small Office Security?
Overview of Kaspersky Small Office Security
Kaspersky Small Office Security (KSOS), renowned for the power of its antivirus engine and its proactive detection capabilities, focuses here on ease of use. The interface is fluid, the settings are pre-configured for non-expert users, and the advanced functions are there for those who want to go further. It's an all-in-one security solution, designed to secure computers, servers, files and sensitive data with a minimum of technical effort.
🎯 Kaspersky Small Office Security is aimed at small businesses with 5 to 25 users who want enterprise-level protection without the complexity of a dedicated infrastructure. This tool is used in a variety of sectors: notaries' offices, creative agencies, consultancies, connected tradesmen. The suite adapts well to Windows environments and offers robust protection against ransomware, malware and data leaks.
Key features of Kaspersky Small Office Security
Behind its apparent simplicity, Kaspersky Small Office hides a complete toolbox for ensuring the security of workstations and sensitive files:
- award-winning anti-virus and anti-malware protection, with real-time scanning ;
- behavioural detection and proactive blocking of unknown threats ;
- ransomware protection with automatic file rollback;
- VPN included to secure remote connections (up to 300 MB/day);
- integrated password manager;
- automatic backup of critical files ;
- bank protection for online payments;
- lightweight cloud administration console;
- control of Internet usage and USB peripherals;
- automatic updates to ensure the system is always up to date.
Kaspersky Small Office Security
Advantages and disadvantages of Kaspersky Small Office Security
Like any good cybersecurity tool, KSOS has its strengths... and a few limitations. Here's what we've learned from our cross-analysis of opinions and performance in the field.
✅ Let's start with Kaspersky's strengths in this professional segment:
- excellent detection of threats, including 0-day and behavioural threats ;
- ultra-easy-to-use interface, even for non-technical users;
- protection of sensitive files and integrated backup tools;
- effective password manager for team use;
- very low impact on system performance;
- banking protection and powerful anti-phishing tools.
❌Nothing prohibitive, but here are a few things to look out for depending on your IT needs:
- no unlimited VPN in the standard version ;
- fewer advanced customisation options for technical teams ;
- limited cloud console compared with other business suites;
- somewhat rigid pricing, with fixed packages (5, 10 workstations, etc.).
Avast vs Kaspersky: compare features
When it comes to protecting sensitive data, company devices and exposed systems, it's best to have a clear view of the features included. Here's a comparison table to see at a glance which solution offers what.
| Functionality | Avast Business Security | Kaspersky Small Office Security |
| Antivirus and anti-malware | Yes (behavioural detection included) | Yes (advanced behavioural detection) |
| Protection against ransomware | Yes | Yes (with automatic rollback) |
| VPN included | Yes (Premium and Ultimate only) | Yes (300 MB/day included) |
| Password manager | Basic (in some packages) | Full, with synchronisation |
| Email and file protection | Yes (Exchange included) | Yes (anti-phishing, sensitive files) |
| Automatic software updates | Yes (Software Updater) | No |
| Cloud management console | Yes (full) | Yes (lighter) |
| Peripheral control (USB, etc.) | Partial | Yes |
| Bank protection | No | Yes |
| Backup of critical files | No | Yes |
| Impact on performance | Moderate depending on configuration | Low |
👉 To sum up: Avast focuses on simplicity of management and administration tools, while Kaspersky stands out for the richness of its "out of the box" protection - particularly for critical files and online use.
Focus on threat detection
Avast relies on a heuristics engine combined with AI, capable of spotting anomalous behaviour (via CyberCapture) and as-yet-unknown threats. Good overall detection, but a few false positives reported.
👉 Kaspersky, on the other hand, stands out for its more granular detection thanks to a multi-layered system including :
- machine learning,
- cloud reputation
- behavioural analysis.
The verdict: Kaspersky has the edge when it comes to sensitive environments or those with a high turnover of files/devices.
Focus on protection against ransomware
Avast offers upstream protection (execution blocking + behavioural monitoring), but does not offer automatic restoration of encrypted files.
👉 Kaspersky goes further with a rollback function: if an attempt is detected, the system restores compromised files in one click, without going through a manual backup.
Verdict: for true resilience against ransomware, Kaspersky is ahead.
Focus on performance and system consumption
👉 Avast has made progress: its engine is lighter than before, but on older or less powerful PCs, full scans can slow down tasks.
👉 Kaspersky, on the other hand, is renowned for its low impact on resources: fast start-up, discreet scans, very good balance between protection and fluidity.
Verdict: Kaspersky is the obvious choice for preserving system performance.
Focus on updates
👉 Avast offers regular updates, but their frequency depends on the plan and settings: sometimes spaced out.
👉 Kaspersky performs up to 12 updates a day, with a responsive push system via the cloud. Always up to date, even on the move.
Verdict: Kaspersky ensures better responsiveness to new threats.
Avast vs Kaspersky: compare prices
Behind every security suite is a business model. And between free versions, premium packages and included services, the differences are sometimes more subtle than the price tags. Here's a clear comparison of prices and key features.
| Offer / Solution | Avast Business Security | Kaspersky Small Office Security |
| Free version | No (home users only) | No |
| Entry-level plan | Essential (5 users) - from €167.10 / year | 5-user pack - €187.50 / year |
| Intermediate plans | Premium (5 users) - from €210.60 / year | Packs of 10 or 15 workstations (sliding scale) |
| Complete / top-of-the-range package | Ultimate (5 users) - from €255.75 / year | Single version, all-inclusive |
| Free trial | Yes, 30 days | Yes, 30 days |
| Volume discounts | Yes from 10 devices | Yes, depending on the pack |
💡 To remember:
- If you're looking for flexibility and a gradual ramp-up, Avast offers per-device pricing, which is more flexible for small structures or scalable teams.
- If you prefer to have everything from the outset, with no questions asked, Kaspersky works on a fixed pack basis, but offers all the features from the outset, with no need to upgrade.
Avast vs Kaspersky: which interface is more intuitive?
Good security software also has a well thought-out interface. When you need to manage several devices, deploy quickly, or intervene remotely, ergonomics and readability make all the difference. Here's a comparison of the Avast and Kaspersky interfaces on the points that really count.
| Interface criteria | Avast Business Security | Kaspersky Small Office Security |
| General ergonomics | Clean, logical interface with clear icons | Very accessible, designed for non-experts |
| Cloud console | Yes, powerful and intuitive (multi-site management) | Yes, simple but less advanced for complex environments |
| Menu navigation | Clear tree structure, effective filters | Simplified menus, suitable for non-technical users |
| Visibility of alerts and threats | Well-integrated notifications, sorted by priority | Immediate, easy-to-read visual alerts |
| Remote deployment of actions | Easy to manage via centralised console | Limited scope for manual intervention |
| Reports and activity logs | Full reports exportable (PDF, CSV) | More basic reports, but sufficient for very small businesses |
| Interface customisation | Average (a few settings) | Low (fixed but simple interface) |
💡 Our analysis:
- Avast appeals to IT managers who want to centralise everything and supervise remotely, with a good level of parameterisation. As a result, Avast has a slight edge on the interface side for structures with several sites or workstations to manage
- Kaspersky, on the other hand, aims for absolute simplicity, perfect for organisations without a dedicated network administrator.
Avast vs Kaspersky: compare integrations
Whether you use an office suite, cloud solutions or collaborative tools, the ability to integrate seamlessly with your software stack is an increasingly important criterion. We rated Avast Business Security and Kaspersky Small Office Security on three key criteria: number of integrations, ease of configuration, and level of automation.
👉 Number of available integrations
- Avast Business Security: ⭐⭐⭐☆☆
Avast offers seamless integration with Windows environments, as well as Microsoft 365, Exchange and some secure messaging solutions. It interfaces well with IT asset management tools (such as RMM/PSA via API), but no marketplace or advanced SaaS connectors (Google Workspace, Slack, etc.). - Kaspersky Small Office Security: ⭐⭐☆☆☆
Kaspersky is very much geared towards "local and internal network protection". It offers decent compatibility with Windows, file servers and a few classic office tools. However, there are few cloud integrations and no documented third-party connectors for ecosystems such as G Suite or CRM.
👉 Ease of configuration
- Avast Business Security: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
The installation offers assisted configuration, with deployment by link or remotely via the cloud console. Existing integrations are documented and easy to activate, especially in Microsoft environments. Ideal for a quick, frictionless start. - Kaspersky Small Office Security: ⭐⭐⭐☆☆
Very simple interface, with few configuration steps. But on the integration side, there are few customisable settings and fewer guides available. To be reserved for those who want a "turnkey" system, without too much customisation.
👉 Customisation and automation
- Avast Business Security: ⭐⭐⭐☆☆
Avast allows some automation of scans, updates and alerts, with some advanced settings in the cloud console. APIs exist on the pro side, but reserved for premium offerings or third-party integrators. - Kaspersky Small Office Security: ⭐⭐☆☆☆.
Few automation options. Scheduled tasks are basic, with no external triggers or webhook. No official open API, nor connectors to automation tools such as Zapier.
💡 Conclusion:
- Avast retains the edge in the field of integrations, thanks to better Microsoft compatibility, a more flexible cloud console and more advanced automation options.
- Kaspersky, which is more closed, will be better suited to smaller organisations without a complex cloud ecosystem, looking for a simple, stable solution with no external configuration.
When should you choose Avast or Kaspersky?
Examples of Avast Business Security use cases
Avast is ideal for organisations with mobile teams, remote subsidiaries or an in-house IT manager. Here are a few situations in which Avast is the optimal choice:
- if you are an SME with several regional branches wanting to control the security of all workstations remotely from a single console ;
- if you're a tech start-up managing a heterogeneous fleet of laptops (sales staff, developers, freelancers) looking for centralised protection with automatic updates;
- if you're an accountancy firm looking to automate software patches to avoid vulnerabilities without manual intervention;
- if you are a company that handles sensitive customer data (HR, finance) and want to add a professional VPN without piling on the tools.
Avast fits in well with this type of environment thanks to its robust cloud console, integrated VPN and flexible deployment.
Use cases for Kaspersky Small Office Security
Kaspersky Small Office Security is recommended for small organisations that want a high level of security, without complex maintenance or configuration. Here are some concrete cases where it makes more sense to opt for KSOS:
- if you are a 5-person law firm wanting to protect your sensitive client files, without the need for a network administrator ;
- if you're a connected craftsman or a communications agency wanting to avoid ransomware and leaks, while maintaining an ultra-simple interface;
- if you are a small company that makes frequent online payments, and are looking for dedicated banking protection;
- if you are a company without an IT team but with a strong need for 'out-of-the-box' security, even locally.
Kaspersky shines in these situations, with its highly effective detection, minimalist interface and advanced features available right from the start.
Avast vs Kaspersky: the right choice, depending on your profile
It's a close match, but it all depends on your level of IT expertise and your internal organisation.
👉 Avast is cut out for businesses that want to manage multiple devices remotely, with a modern cloud console, good automation capability, and a modular offering suited to scalable structures. It shines whenever you're looking to centralise security without complexity.
👉 Kaspersky, on the other hand, remains a safe bet for small businesses that want immediate and frighteningly effective protection, without getting lost in settings. It's the ideal choice for teams without a dedicated administrator, but who don't compromise on detection quality.
Still not sure? Here's an express table to help you make the right choice based on your priorities in the field:
| Business need | Our recommendation |
| Supervise the security of several sites remotely, with alerts and reporting | Avast Business Security |
| Easily manage the security of 5 to 15 workstations without an IT administrator | ✅ Kaspersky Small Office Security |
| Deploy a solution in minutes with an ultra-simple interface | ✅ Kaspersky Small Office Security |
| Automate software updates to reduce vulnerabilities | ✅ Avast Business Security |
| Protect sensitive files (accounting, legal, HR) against leaks | ✅ Kaspersky Small Office Security |
| Add a business VPN without installing a third-party tool | ✅ Avast Business Security (Premium) |
FAQ : Avast vs Kaspersky
Avast or Kaspersky: which is more secure for a small business?
Kaspersky offers better threat detection, thanks in particular to its advanced behavioural analysis and frequent updates. It is particularly effective against ransomware and unknown malware.
Avast, on the other hand, offers good protection with powerful cloud tools and a centralised administration console, better suited to remote management.
Which security suite has the least impact on computer performance?
Kaspersky Small Office Security is lighter: it runs in the background without slowing down the system, even on older machines.
Avast, although more feature-rich, can be a little more resource-hungry during full scans or system updates.
Can Avast or Kaspersky be used in a company with more than 25 workstations?
Both suites are designed for small organisations.
With Avast, it is possible to scale via the cloud console by adding workstations on the fly.
Kaspersky, on the other hand, is not designed for large infrastructures: you'll need to move on to a more advanced solution like Kaspersky Endpoint Security Cloud.
Is there a free trial version for testing the solution?
Yes, both publishers offer a free 30-day trial:
- Avast Business Security: trial version available with access to the cloud console.
- Kaspersky Small Office Security: full version available for testing, with all features included as soon as it is installed.
Are Avast and Kaspersky compatible with Windows 11?
Yes, both suites are fully compatible with Windows 11 and Windows 10.
Updates are made regularly to ensure compatibility with the latest system versions.
Article translated from French