The Best Antivirus Software for Linux 2024

If you're seeking the best antivirus for Linux, Bitdefender GravityZone Small Business Security is one of the best options as it offers cutting-edge anti-malware capabilities. Avast Antivirus and Sophos Intercept X are also good choices for Linux, renowned for competitive pricing and comprehensive security.

As cyberattacks become increasingly sophisticated, the importance of having an effective antivirus, even for Linux-based systems, has grown exponentially. With the surge in malware, rootkit vulnerabilities, and other cybersecurity threats, a reliable antivirus protects you from potential harm. Let’s dive into what makes the best antivirus for Linux.

The best antivirus software for Linux 2024

Below is an overview of our top three picks as the best antivirus for Linux in 2024.

• Bitdefender GravityZone Small Business Security: Best for small business ransomware protection
• Avast Antivirus for Linux: Best for Linux server protection
• Sophos Intercept X for Server: Best for comprehensive security

3 best Linux antivirus programs compared

Antivirus	Bitdefender GravityZone Small Business Security	Avast Antivirus for Linux	Sophos Intercept X for Server
Star rating	5.0 AllAboutCookies writers and editors score products based on a number of objective features as well as our expert editorial assessment. Our partners do not influence how we rate products.	5.0 AllAboutCookies writers and editors score products based on a number of objective features as well as our expert editorial assessment. Our partners do not influence how we rate products.	4.2 AllAboutCookies writers and editors score products based on a number of objective features as well as our expert editorial assessment. Our partners do not influence how we rate products.
Starting price	$199.49/first yr for 10 devices	$259.99/device	Contact sales for a quote
EICAR test results	3/3	3/3	2/3
Antivirus scans	Quick, full, custom, network	Full, targeted, explorer, boot time	Anti-malware file scanning
Virus and malware detection
Firewall
24/7 customer support
Linux distros supported	Ubuntu, Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL), CentOS, SUSE Linux Enterprise Server (SLES), openSUSE, Fedora, Debian, Oracle Linux, Amazon Linux	Red Hat Enterprise (RHEL), CentOS, Debian, Ubuntu	Amazon Linux, CentOS, Ubuntu, Debian, Oracle Linux, Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL), SUSE Linux Enterprise Server (SLES)
Learn more	Get Bitdefender Read Bitdefender Review	Get Avast Read Avast Review	Read Sophos Review

How we tested the best antivirus software for Linux

In our quest to determine the top antivirus solutions for Linux, we focused on a set of criteria to assess the efficiency, user friendliness, and overall protection offered by each software. Here's an in-depth look at the key features we considered:

• Real-time protection: We looked for the best antivirus that protects you from malware and a variety of cyberthreats, ensuring they are nipped in the bud before they wreak havoc.
• Firewall: A solid firewall in an antivirus program manages data traffic, filters malicious content, and secures potential entry points that cybercriminals might exploit.
• Open-source and Linux distro compatibility: With the rise of open-source platforms like Ubuntu, we evaluated how seamlessly these antivirus solutions meld with such systems and their adaptability across a variety of Linux servers.
• Comprehensive virus scanning: Beyond the standard full system sweep, we valued those antivirus programs offering the flexibility of quick or custom scans, catering to the user's unique needs and system demands.
• Anti-malware protection: Beyond just computer viruses, the best antivirus software should protect against a variety of malware, ranging from rootkits to more elusive vulnerabilities.
• Behavior-based monitoring: We valued software that goes beyond traditional threat databases and observes system behavior for anomalies or strange behavior. By detecting unusual patterns, these tools can flag and tackle emerging threats, ensuring no new or sophisticated cyberattacks slip undetected.

Bitdefender GravityZone Small Business Security: Best for small business ransomware protection

Who it’s best for

Bitdefender GravityZone Small Business Security is a holistic antivirus solution, standing out as the top choice for small businesses looking for ransomware protection for their Linux-based systems. It has comprehensive protection measures that are suitable for small- to mid-sized enterprises desiring to safeguard their assets from a myriad of cyberthreats. Plus, it has a user-friendly interface and a wide range of security features that novice and tech-savvy employees can navigate easily, making it ideal for SMBs.

What we liked

Bitdefender GravityZone excels with its intuitive user interface, state-of-the-art anti-malware tools, and real-time defensive measures, bolstered by a firewall. It is capable of scanning systems and networks for viruses and malware. The fact that the antivirus solution supports a wide range of Linux distros, from Ubuntu to Amazon Linux, also adds to its appeal. GravityZone lets you determine what internet traffic to allow or block, as well as configure policies and add rules. More importantly, Bitdefender has solid ransomware protection due to its behavior-based monitoring capabilities, thanks to its great detection skills powered by machine learning (ML). This means it can flag any suspicious activity, even the most difficult threats.

From the dashboard, we loved how easy it is to view any detected threats under the Threats Xplorer feature, which centralizes detected threats from your network, devices, storage, firewall, or anti-malware solution. This feature helps you stay on top of your company's security. Additionally, you can view your risk score under Risk Management and get an overview of your network security, seeing any vulnerable apps and endpoints with misconfigurations, including the top user behavior risks like weak passwords, for example.

We also loved another cool feat we discovered — the Sandbox Analyzer. This lets you analyze threats in a sandbox, so you can investigate them safely without infecting your systems. Plus, security heads will appreciate how easy it is to search for hashes and plug-in MITRE ATT&CK; techniques.

What we didn’t like

Despite its strengths, we didn’t like that custom scans required specific target directories and lacked a straightforward "scan entire machine" option. This can be problematic during urgent situations, by slowing down response times and potentially allowing threats to linger and escalate, which may impact users' data security and business operations.

Test results

When it comes to testing Bitdefender's capabilities we rely on third-party tests to give us better insight into how well it performs. Since Linux systems are undertested in the cybersecurity industry, we use the scores from other operating systems to determine the quality of each antivirus. Here are the results from AV-TEST, AV-Comparatives, and SE Labs, three trustworthy and independent antivirus testers.

	Bitdefender
AV-TEST Windows score	17.5/18
AV-TEST macOS score	18/18
AV-TEST Android score	18/18
AV-Comparatives malware protection score	99.92%
SE Labs results	100%
EICAR score	3/3
Learn more	Get Bitdefender Read Bitdefender Review

Avast Antivirus for Linux: Best for Linux server protection

Who it’s best for

Avast Antivirus for Linux emerges as an optimal choice for businesses and technology professionals who heavily rely on Linux servers, especially those operating on popular distributions like Ubuntu and Red Hat. This antivirus is particularly beneficial for those who demand real-time protection against cyberthreats, coupled with behavior-based monitoring to stay ahead of emerging vulnerabilities. If you're an open-source enthusiast keen on safeguarding your Linux environment without compromising performance, Avast offers the comprehensive security suite you've been searching for.

What we liked

Avast's Linux-focused antivirus seamlessly combines traditional signature-based detection with cutting-edge behavior-based monitoring. Its on-demand scanning, easily accessible via the command-line interface, provides users with quick and efficient threat assessments. The antivirus supports major Linux distros, ensuring broad coverage, especially for businesses operating on platforms like Ubuntu. Additionally:

• Real-time protection: Avast constantly monitors your system, ensuring threats are detected and neutralized as they appear.
• Open-source compatibility: With support for popular distros like Red Hat and Debian, Avast integrates well in diverse Linux environments.
• Comprehensive scans: From full system scans to targeted checks, Avast offers a range of scanning options to suit every need. This makes it the perfect tool for finding computer viruses, malware, and other threats.

For businesses that heavily rely on real-time tasks, Avast's on-demand scanning functionality is a game changer. Its seamless operation on Ubuntu and other Linux distros ensures that critical business processes remain uninterrupted.

What we didn’t like

Some users might find the starting price point a tad steep, especially when compared to other antivirus software. Additionally, while the antivirus supports several major Linux distributions, those operating on less common distros might feel left out. The behavior-based monitoring, though advanced, could sometimes flag false positives, requiring manual oversight.

Test results

To see how well Avast copes with cyber threats we check the test results from independent antivirus testers. While they don't test Linux systems, we can use the test results for other operating systems to judge the quality of the antivirus. We use results from AV-TEST, AV-Comparatives, and SE Labs.

	Avast
AV-TEST Windows score	18/18
AV-TEST macOS score	18/18
AV-TEST Android score	18/18
AV-Comparatives malware protection score	99.95%
SE Labs results	100%
EICAR score	3/3
Learn more	Get Avast Read Avast Review

Sophos Intercept X for Server: Best for comprehensive security

Who it’s best for

Sophos Intercept X emerges as the most comprehensive cybersecurity solution that is tailored for Linux servers. It’s an ideal choice for enterprises comprised of IT professionals and system administrators operating on open-source platforms like Ubuntu. With features ranging from deep learning malware detection to application control, this solution serves as a dependable shield against malware, rootkits, and other vulnerabilities, ensuring Linux servers remain uncompromised. Plus, its real-time scanning makes it invaluable for those who prioritize robust cybersecurity.

What we liked

Sophos Intercept X stands out with its advanced cybersecurity features tailored for Linux. It’s known for its command-line efficiency, offering an in-depth defense strategy against computer viruses and cyberattacks targeting Linux servers. With its deep learning detection capabilities, Intercept X harnesses the power of AI to identify and neutralize threats in real time. Plus, its application whitelisting feature ensures that only trusted applications run on your servers, reducing the attack surface.

We also liked that Intercept X keeps an eagle-eyed watch on critical system files, ensuring no unauthorized changes slip by. In addition, its ransomware file protection (CryptoGuard) feature thwarts even the most sophisticated ransomware attacks. Another convenient feature is its compatibility with platforms such as Amazon Web Services, Microsoft Azure, and Google Cloud Platform, ensuring that businesses operating in the cloud are not left vulnerable. Moreover, it operates well with popular Linux distributions like Ubuntu. Users have raved about its ability to swiftly identify and neutralize threats and have called it one of the best antivirus solutions, while also being positioned as one of the best Linux password managers.

What we didn’t like

After testing and analyzing Sophos Intercept X for Linux Server, we highlighted a few areas of concern. We noticed that updates sometimes caused inconsistencies in older Linux systems. This led us to question its full compatibility with legacy Linux distributions. Additionally, the software appeared resource-intensive, especially during scans and updates. On some of our older Linux setups with constrained CPU resources, there was a noticeable performance dip.

Test results

We use test results from AV-TEST, AV-Comparatives, and SE Labs to judge how well Sophos detects malware. Unfortunately, none of these sites test Linux systems specifically, but we can judge from the Windows, macOS, and Android results how seriously Sophos takes malware detection.

	Sophos Intercept X
AV-TEST Windows score	N/A
AV-TEST macOS score	18/18
AV-TEST Android score	17/18
AV-Comparatives malware protection score	96.2%
SE Labs results	100%
EICAR score	2/3
Learn more	Read Our Sophos Review

Honorable mentions

While Bitdefender GravityZone Small Business Security, Avast Antivirus for Linux, and Sophos Intercept X for Server lead the pack, there are several other antivirus solutions that deserve a mention for their notable features and effectiveness in providing cybersecurity for Linux-based operating systems.

These solutions might not have made it into our top three, but they are still worthy contenders in the realm of Linux antivirus software.

ClamAV: Known for its open-source nature, ClamAV is a versatile antivirus toolkit, especially adept at detecting Trojans, malware, and other malicious threats. It’s particularly popular among those who prefer command-line-based tools, offering flexibility and integration capabilities in diverse Linux environments. Ideal for users looking for a robust, free antivirus for Linux, ClamAV stands out for its malware detection capabilities. It also can be used on Windows with ClamWin.

Read Our ClamWin Review

ESET: This antivirus is a comprehensive solution that offers real-time protection against a variety of threats, including rootkits, worms, and spyware. ESET is appreciated for its lightweight design, ensuring minimal impact on CPU performance while providing solid cybersecurity measures. It’s a fitting choice for both personal and business use in Linux-based systems.

Get ESET | Read Our ESET Review

Comodo: Offering an impressive suite of security features, Comodo antivirus is renowned for its strength in combating malware, viruses, and other cybersecurity threats. With its robust firewall and auto-sandboxing technology, Comodo is a suitable choice for those seeking a powerful, multi-layered defense mechanism for their Linux servers.

Read Our Comodo Review

FAQs

Bottom line: What’s the best antivirus for Linux?

When it comes to safeguarding Linux systems, Bitdefender GravityZone is the best choice for its anti-malware capabilities. Avast Antivirus and Sophos Intercept X are also lauded as top-tier choices, especially for their compatibility with various Linux distributions, including the popular Ubuntu.

In essence, the “best antivirus for Linux” varies based on individual or organizational needs. The landscape is rife with options, from free, lightweight tools to comprehensive, on-demand solutions. Whether you're managing a Linux server or looking for personal protection, these programs cater to a spectrum of requirements in the Linux ecosystem.

3 best antivirus products for Linux 2024

	Starting price	Best for	Learn more
Bitdefender GravityZone Small Business Security	$199.49/first yr	Best for small business ransomware protection	Get Bitdefender Read Bitdefender Review
Avast Antivirus for Linux	$259.99/first yr	Best for Linux server protection	Get Avast Read Avast Review
Sophos Intercept X for Server	*Contact sales for a quote	Best for comprehensive security	Read Sophos Review