Head-to-head · Antivirus Software
Kaspersky Premium Total Security vs AetherAV
Kaspersky Premium Total Security leads on 2 checks, AetherAV on 1, and 1 is 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 scoreKaspersky Premium Total Security · 7.1/10
- Free planonly AetherAV
- Free trialonly Kaspersky Premium Total Security
- Most featuresKaspersky Premium Total Security · 3 of 3
Kaspersky Premium Total Security scores higher on our rubric for antivirus software: 7.1 against 4.4 out of 10; our editors rank them #22 and #53.
AetherAV offers free plan; Kaspersky Premium Total Security doesn't. Kaspersky Premium Total Security offers parental controls; AetherAV doesn't. Kaspersky Premium Total Security offers password manager; AetherAV doesn't.
Kaspersky Premium Total Security is the better fit for users wanting unlimited VPN and family tools. AetherAV is the better fit for technical users wanting open-source protection.
- Kaspersky Premium Total Security fits best
Users wanting unlimited VPN and family tools
- AetherAV fits best
Technical users wanting open-source protection
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Side by side
| Feature | Kaspersky Premium Total Security 7.1/10 Visit ↗ | AetherAV 4.4/10 Visit ↗ |
|---|---|---|
| At a glance | ||
| Editor score | 7.1 | 4.4 |
| Ranking | #22 in Antivirus Software | #53 in Antivirus Software |
| Best for | Users wanting unlimited VPN and family tools | Technical users wanting open-source protection |
| Pricing model | Paid | Free |
| Starting price | $54.99/device/yr | Free |
| Free plan | — | ✓ (best) |
| Free trial | 30 days | — |
| Deployment | Desktop, Mobile | Desktop |
| Platforms | Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android | Windows, macOS, Linux |
| Features Kaspersky Premium Total Security 3/3 · AetherAV 1/3 | ||
| Ransomware protection | ✓ | ✓ |
| Parental controls | ✓ (best) | — |
| Password manager | ✓ (best) | — |
| Specs | ||
| Protection scope | Complete security | Complete security |
| Device limit | 3 devices | Not checked yet |
| Supported platforms | Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS | Windows, macOS, Linux |
| Our review | ||
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| Our verdict | Kaspersky Premium Total Security is a consumer security suite for individuals and families. Its Premium plan combines real-time antivirus and malware detection with anti-ransomware protection, phishing and malicious-site blocking, online… Read the review → |
AetherAV is a free, open-source antivirus for technical users who want local processing and coverage across Windows, macOS, and Linux. Its protection combines signature and hash scanning with YARA-X rules, behavioral and heuristic… Read the review → |
Strengths and trade-offs
Kaspersky Premium Total Security — where it wins
- Unlimited VPN, password manager and identity monitoring included
- Anti-ransomware, payment protection and malicious-site blocking
- Supports Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS and Android
Where it doesn't
- The Premium plan covers three devices
- There is no free plan
- Activation is limited to the Middle East
AetherAV — where it wins
- Open-source protection with on-device AI classification
- Detects ransomware, rootkits, fileless, and in-memory threats
- Supports Windows, macOS, and Linux with offline operation
Where it doesn't
- Kernel-level real-time protection currently applies only to Linux
- Windows and macOS kernel support is planned rather than available
- The offering has one Free plan and no advertised device limit
- Kaspersky Premium Total Security7.1/10 · 30-day trial
A paid security suite with unlimited VPN, family controls and support for three devices.
Visit KasperskyFull verdict → - AetherAV4.4/10 · Free plan
Free, open-source antivirus with deep threat detection across Windows, macOS, and Linux.
Visit AetherAVFull verdict →
All antivirus software comparisons → · Full ranking →
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
Last updated · How we research and update