Are you searching for a trustworthy Antivirus for your Linux system? If yes, you are at the best place. Linux operating system is no doubt incredibly stable and secure.

It offers you great operation and computing as compared to any other OS. However, the Linux operating system is not completely immune to malware, trojans, and threats. Computers are always exposed to errors and problems as long as you store data in them. Data being expensive to the world often increases its exposure to attackers.

In this editorial, you will find the top 14 best antivirus programs that offer you advanced protections and are also trustworthy for businesses. The review of antivirus programs focuses on efficiency, features, and value.

Review of Top 14 Best Antivirus Programs for 2021!

You can read the reviews to find the best Linux antivirus program for individual or commercial work station. Here have a look at some exceptional antivirus programs.

1. Kaspersky

Kaspersky is a suitable Antivirus program for large businesses with an extensive range of IT solutions. This Linux antivirus can protect IT products with more than 1000 endpoints.

The graphical user interface is quite easy in terms of use. For IT admins, this program can act as a center of command. They can seamlessly detect malware and unusual behavior using Kaspersky.

Anti-Cryptor is a robust feature of this program that accommodates users with strong malware and Ransomware protection. Kaspersky is ideal for large businesses but not a great option for small-sized businesses.

There are some additional software packages that users need to buy for efficient protection. The tech support hours that this program offers you are also not satisfactory. Many users cannot get a solution in real-time.

2. Avast

This is a Linux-based antivirus program that is designed for all file servers. It detects all sorts of malware that can be a threat to Linux. Users can achieve centralized control over a network of computers using this program.

Avast also offers you regular updates every hour for efficient protection. Avast is a product that offers four-tier protection; there are four packages that users can buy to protect file servers.

However, in terms of features, you don’t get much. Avast plans are also quite expensive in contrast to other programs. The firewall protection is also only available on selected plans.

Behavior-based threat detection is a feature that is missing in this program. You can rely on Avast if you are buying premium plans. 

See Also: Top 10 Best Laptops for Kali Linux

3. MacAfee

MacAfee offers you custom pricing and is great for large businesses. Whether your business has ten computers or 10,000, you can efficiently protect all of them using MacAfee. There is an imperative feature called a Zero-day attack.

The feature deploys machine learning to learn a behavior and protect Linux systems against threats from initial days. MacAfee also offers you firewall protection for hybrid networks.

The GUI is not much intuitive. Large businesses can get the benefit, but this program can be expensive for small businesses.

Most of its features also support large businesses. 64-bit Linux compatibility is a major concern as well. Users with a 64-bit Linux system can only access this antivirus program.

Real-time protection with large business support is only two features in MacAfee that are significant.

4. ESET NOD 32 Antivirus 4

This is a paid Linux antivirus offering you an extensive range of features. This antivirus performs deep malware and spyware scan to detect vulnerable threats to your workstations, it is a decent choice for individual and industrial level protection.

From 10 to 10,000 workstations, it manages and protects all your workstations efficiently. It has automatic updates that don’t ask for manual interference. However, there is no free version.

In the initial days, users can enjoy a limited free version to explore features. Performance is quite worth the expenses. The graphical user interface makes it seamless to use.

Installation Wizard is helpful that guides you for a rapid installation. Moreover, it is a rare antivirus, but it only supports Linux desktops without server support!

5. F-Secure

In the independent lab test, this antivirus scores a good mark. It is capable of detecting all new malware and ransomware.

The primary function of this antivirus focuses on defending the systems against any sort of threats like malware, ransomware, spyware, etc. it features advanced network protection that eliminates access from any malware-hosted URLs. However, this antivirus doesn’t keep you away from Phishing websites.

So, if you don’t wish for hardcore protection, it can be a good choice. This antivirus is quite streamlined, and the interface is simples. The cost of this antivirus is also not much expensive. Some demanding features that you would get along with this antivirus are on-demand malware scan, malware scan on accessing systems, and behavior-based detection. 

6. chkrootkit

The name gives you a hint that it works on the root. It is quite an efficient option when you have a rootkit in your system.

There is also multiple program support for users. Users can find this program quite easy to use. It runs from the terminal to offer you complete protection.

chkrootkitalso has multiple error finder that finds errors based on behavior. Further, the program seamlessly runs on the command line at times when you need it. Managing multiple errors at once is prevalent in the case of chkrootkit.

7. Clam AV

It is probably the most extensively referred antivirus program in the Linux world. Clam AV is completely free to access. This makes it a great choice to save costs.

Clam AV has so far detected more than millions of threats and viruses from systems. It includes viruses, spyware, malware, ransomware, Trojans, and other possible threats. This program supports usual mail gateway skimming. The graphical user interface of this Linux Antivirus is also simple.

There are on-demand scan options that users can easily access. However, it doesn’t have a native GUI, and it operates via terminal. Users can get cross-platform support, on-demand mail scanning, POSIX compliant support, and portability in features. 

8. Clam TK

Clam TK is an updated type of Clam AV. This program is light in size and serves great to the individual workstations. The Graphical user interface is quite usual. Users can find it easy to access this program.

Further, as the GUI is easy, users can seamlessly find an on-demand scan option and scan the system with a click.

This program has been developed with Perl and GTK libraries that offer you efficiency in threat detection and elimination.

In features, you can expect portability, on-demand support, and scanning, and robust performance. The program is completely open-source; users don’t need to buy it.

However, Clam TK is not much efficient for commercial spaces. The automated database update feature is also not available.

9. Rootkit hunter

It is another famous Linux-based antivirus program appearing with many features. The program operates on the command line and employs the back door and other local sources to detect any threat from systems. It is quite efficient in detecting all sorts of threats and viruses like Trojans, malware, spyware, and ransomware. The program is developed on Bourne shell with SHA-1. RootKit Hunter is also accessible for variable distros. In features, you get Rootkit detection, operations from the command line, ease of use. Both individual users and industrial users can find it efficient for system protection against threats. It also offers you auto- database updates to ensure zero risk. 

10. F-Prot

F-prot is a prominent program when you are searching for a good Antivirus for Linux. It is efficient in offering complete protection at both personal and industrial levels. F-prot supports both 32 bit and 64 bit Linux systems.

This program scans more than 2119958 known viruses from your system.

Apart from that, F-Prot is also capable of detecting and eliminating all other possible types of viruses. In this program, users can find on-demand scans as well as scheduled scans. In the scheduled scan feature, you can set a certain time to scan your systems every day.

Lab testing of this antivirus finds it efficient in detecting all types of infections, including Trojans. There are also scanning features for internal and external drivers.

11. Comodo

Comodo is another open-source Linux antivirus program. It is praised for its unique architecture and support. This program’s email scanning feature is a prominent feature; this additional feature lets you scan your emails for and extract all threats before downloading any attachments.

There are many additional virus protection features. The most useful feature is Comodo supports the Windows Firewall feature with both 32-bit and 64-bit Linux systems.

This antivirus program supports all distros. Thus, it is widely popular among most Linux users. It is also prevalent because it works on server-side like SUSE and OpenSUSE Linux servers. One another remarkable feature you will get is real-time support. 

12. Sophos

In the Antivirus lab test, Sophos scores a remarkable mark. It comes popular as a free Linux Antivirus program. This program supports on-demand scanning and also real-time scanning in the background.

It is quite capable and strong for removing all Linux-based malware and threats. Sophos detects all sorts of viruses that include worms, Trojans, and other infect-ants. Sophos also offers you a terminal coding facility to make this program more seamless.

There is an extensive range of features to support you. Not only Linux threats, but this program is also efficient to block and remove all potential and non-Linux threats. 

See Also: Linux Terminal Tricks Every Linux Enthusiast Must Know!

13. Fire Tools

Fire tools is another free-to-use antivirus for Linux. This program is capable of detecting and eliminating threats from your systems. The Brains develop the programs behind the firejail security sandbox; this offers you a sandbox GUI tool.

Users using this program can also run scripts and programs in an isolated surrounding; this lets you examine whether it is safe and not harming other data.

Adding it to your machine makes it secure. However, it is recommended for individual use. Industrial-level features are still missing in this program. An on-demand scanning option is available. Users can perform a scan at any time they need. Users also need to search database updates to keep it robust.

14. Panda Cloud Cleaner

This is a Linux Antivirus program that performs background checks for viruses 24X7 when using your system. Further, Panda Cloud Cleaner is an advanced cleaner that works on collective intelligence. It scans in the cloud to detect malware that even traditional threat detectors cannot provide you.

Panda Cloud Cleaner is completely free to use. However, it is not a reliable choice for industrial-level use. It runs on command-line, so when you install the program, you need to allow for permissions to run the file. Panda Cloud Cleaner is available for free to every single user.

The user’s interface is, however, not much intuitive for users. Users can take a while to understand the operations.

Choosing Guide: How to Choose the Best Antivirus Program for Linux?

Professionals have spent an extensive duration of time putting together this list of top antivirus programs. Some are free with useful features, while some are advanced.

However, choosing the right one from this list is still tedious if you don’t know the features and characteristics of an ideal antivirus.

In order to earn a place in this editorial, all the above antivirus have excelled in the following areas. You should also consider these characteristics to choose a worthy one.

1. Security

Cyber attacks against Linux systems these days are advanced enough to dodge users who are tech geeks. While most users are responsible for using advanced malware protection, some look for affordability. Compromise in security can be a greater threat for users. While buying any antivirus program, you must concentrate security efficiency of the program.

2. Efficiency

Linux systems are more common in commercial spaces. When you are using a Linux system on a server or an extensive network, you should monitor suspicious behaviors on the network without compromising the performance. Many professionals often conduct endurance testing of antivirus programs to know their efficiency. As a user, you should always expect your antiviruses are significantly efficient and light on resources.

3. Usability

Most Linux programs are not so easy to access and use. Many of the Linux programs run on the command lines only. However, all users must understand the use of the program. You should only trust an antivirus based on its usability. Performing an advanced scan must not trouble you at times of need.

4. Value

Even if you use Linux security products for your commercial spaces, you cannot expand your budget. Every extra penny you spend would add up to the cost of operation. Thus, you must review the prices and packages of every antivirus program that you are shortlisting. You should also not forget to compare prices in terms of features that you get. 

Some Indispensable Features to Expect in the Antivirus

There are many features in an antivirus that can catch your attention. But make sure all such features are legitimate. Here is a list of features.

1. On-Demand Scan

While it is a mandatory feature, there are still many mainstream antivirus programs that don’t offer you On-demand scans. Usually, the instant scanning options are available at the graphical user interface. Users can conduct an anytime scan by clicking on the scan option available at the interface. On the other hand, some programs automate scanning with auto-scan every time you turn on the machine. Make sure you have the best of both worlds to achieve an efficient antivirus program.

2. Firewall

A firewall is an imperative feature for every business place. An antivirus program with a firewall can offer protection to a large network of Linux computers. While choosing a Linux-based program, you should expect firewall protection against hybrid protection.

3. Email Scanner

Email scanner is a much-needed feature for businesses and individual work station. Users these days receive a lot of infected emails with attachments that have malware. Opening those attachments freeze your workstations. Businesses can use the email scanner feature to detect malware in emails and avoid spreading them to other workstations.

4. Behavior Based Detection 

This is an automatic feature that lets you automate virus detection if any usual behavior gets detected in the outsized IT solutions. The antivirus program quickly launches a scan when it witnesses newly nurtured Linux malware. This is a handy feature that you should also expect in the program that you are using.

5. Automatic Update

All programs need to get security patch updates to protect your PCs against any newly emerged Linux virus. Antivirus should also automatically get updated. This will reduce the burden on IT administrators and IT professionals. In every efficient malware protection product, users should get automatic database update. 

These were some obligatory factors and features to consider while choosing any Linux antivirus. As attackers increasingly target Linux systems, you must not ignore these features while choosing an antivirus program. If you are still developing doubts in your mind, here are some frequently asked questions and their answers.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Final Words

All the above featured best Linux antivirus are shortlisted after the comprehensive research. We have personally installed and tested almost all of them. You can use any of the above featured; they all are best. We hope this article about the best Linux antivirus is helpful to you. Do share this content on social media if you find it helpful for you in any manner. Please stay connected with us for future updates.