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Head-to-head · Malware Removal Software

ESET Online Scanner vs Kaspersky Virus Removal Tool

  • Updated Oct 2026
  • Both researched from official sources
  • 4 checks side by side
Higher score ESET Online Scanner #2 in Malware Removal Software 9.2/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 2 of 3 features Visit ESET
Kaspersky Virus Removal Tool #3 in Malware Removal Software 9.1/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 1 of 3 features Visit Kaspersky

ESET Online Scanner leads on 1 check, Kaspersky Virus Removal Tool on 0, and 3 are even. Who comes out ahead on the 4 yes/no, price and count checks where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.

Our verdict

  • Highest scoreESET Online Scanner · 9.2/10
  • Free planboth
  • Most featuresESET Online Scanner · 2 of 3

ESET Online Scanner scores higher on our rubric for malware removal software: 9.2 against 9.1 out of 10; our editors rank them #2 and #3.

ESET Online Scanner offers scheduled scans; Kaspersky Virus Removal Tool doesn't. On operating systems, Kaspersky Virus Removal Tool gives you Windows_linux where ESET Online Scanner offers Windows. On remediation automation, ESET Online Scanner gives you Automatic where Kaspersky Virus Removal Tool offers Assisted.

ESET Online Scanner is the better fit for free, straightforward Windows malware scanning. Kaspersky Virus Removal Tool is the better fit for free Windows malware removal with deep disinfection.

  • ESET Online Scanner fits best

    Free, straightforward Windows malware scanning

  • Kaspersky Virus Removal Tool fits best

    Free Windows malware removal with deep disinfection

Advertiser disclosure: iTechGuides is reader-supported. Vendors can pay for top positions in our rankings and for a place on other products' pages, and we may earn a commission when you click some links. Bought places stand at the number bought; this page and our disclosure say so. Paying vendors may get a fuller, more detailed review from our editors, and that review can change their score. How we rank.

Side by side

Feature ESET Online Scanner 9.2/10 Visit ↗ Kaspersky Virus Removal Tool 9.1/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score 9.2 9.1
Ranking #2 in Malware Removal Software #3 in Malware Removal Software
Best for Free, straightforward Windows malware scanning Free Windows malware removal with deep disinfection
Pricing model Free Free
Starting price Free plan Free
Free plan ✓ ✓
Free trial — —
Deployment Desktop Desktop
Platforms Windows Windows, Linux
Support Email, Live chat, Phone, Docs Email, Community, Docs
Built for Solo, Small business Solo, Small business
Features ESET Online Scanner 2/3 · Kaspersky Virus Removal Tool 1/3
Threat quarantine ✓ ✓
Bootable rescue media — —
Scheduled scans ✓ (best) —
Specs
Scan modes Not checked yet Not checked yet
Operating systems Windows Windows_linux
Remediation automation Automatic Assisted
Our review
Pros
  • Full, quick, and custom scan modes
  • Quarantine with restore capability and saved scan logs
  • Automatic monthly scans with archive and unwanted-application detection
  • Quick, full and custom scans cover varied malware types
  • Advanced restart-assisted disinfection handles active infections
  • Portable Windows and Linux operation requires no installation
Cons
  • Windows-only coverage
  • No continuous real-time protection
  • Remediation is assisted rather than fully automated
  • No continuous background protection
  • No scheduled scan support
  • Manual scanning is required rather than automatic ongoing coverage
Our verdict

ESET Online Scanner is a free, on-demand malware removal utility for Windows computers. It is intended for people who want a straightforward way to check a PC for malware alongside existing antivirus software, whether for a one-time review…

Read the review →

Kaspersky Virus Removal Tool is a free, portable malware scanner for computers that may already be infected. It is designed for manual, on-demand use rather than continuous background protection, making it suitable for Windows users who…

Read the review →
  1. ESET Online ScannerMalware Removal Software 9.2Free plan
  2. Kaspersky Virus Removal ToolMalware Removal Software 9.1Free plan

Strengths and trade-offs

  • ESET Online Scanner — where it wins

    • Full, quick, and custom scan modes
    • Quarantine with restore capability and saved scan logs
    • Automatic monthly scans with archive and unwanted-application detection

    Where it doesn't

    • Windows-only coverage
    • No continuous real-time protection
    • Remediation is assisted rather than fully automated
  • Kaspersky Virus Removal Tool — where it wins

    • Quick, full and custom scans cover varied malware types
    • Advanced restart-assisted disinfection handles active infections
    • Portable Windows and Linux operation requires no installation

    Where it doesn't

    • No continuous background protection
    • No scheduled scan support
    • Manual scanning is required rather than automatic ongoing coverage
  • ESET Online Scanner9.2/10 · Free plan

    A straightforward free scanner for periodic Windows malware checks and removal.

    Visit ESETFull verdict →
  • Kaspersky Virus Removal Tool9.1/10 · Free plan

    A focused free scanner for deep manual disinfection, not continuous protection.

    Visit KasperskyFull verdict →

More comparisons

Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026

Last updated · How we research and update