Our verdict: Kaspersky Standard is the cheapest Kaspersky plan: real-time antivirus plus a firewall, payment protection and a set of PC clean-up tools. It is sold outside the United States only, because the US government banned Kaspersky software sales there in 2024. The trial turns into a paid yearly subscription unless you cancel.
About Kaspersky Standard
Kaspersky Standard combines real-time protection against viruses, ransomware and phishing with a firewall, Safe Money for online banking and an ad blocker. It also includes performance tools: a hard disk cleaner that finds duplicate and large files, startup app management, an app updater and a do-not-disturb mode for games and full-screen apps.
The free trial lasts 30 days and needs a My Kaspersky account. Unless you cancel during the trial, a paid yearly subscription starts automatically; on the global store it costs $49.99 for the first year for one device and then renews at $64.99. In June 2024 the US Department of Commerce prohibited Kaspersky from selling its antivirus to US customers, and since September 29, 2024 Kaspersky may not send signature updates to users in the United States.
What it does well
- Real-time antivirus. Scans files, downloads and web traffic for viruses, ransomware, spyware and phishing.
- Firewall and anti-hacking. Blocks unauthorized network access and includes anti-phishing protection.
- Safe Money. Opens banking and payment sites in a protected browser mode.
- Clean-up tools. Finds duplicate and large files and suggests rarely used apps to remove.
- App updater. Reminds you when installed programs have updates available.
Who it is for
Good fit
Users outside the United States who want a paid antivirus with a firewall and basic PC maintenance tools in one app.
Look elsewhere
Anyone in the United States, where it cannot be bought or updated, and users who do not want to trust a Russia-headquartered vendor.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Firewall and payment protection included in the cheapest plan
- Clean-up, startup and app update tools built in
- Do-not-disturb mode for games and full-screen apps
Cons
- Not sold or updated in the United States since 2024
- Trial needs an account and turns into a paid subscription unless cancelled
- Renewal price is higher than the first-year price
How to install Kaspersky Standard
Start the trial on the official page and sign in with a My Kaspersky account; activation needs an internet connection. The trial converts to a paid subscription, so set a reminder or turn off auto-renewal in My Kaspersky if you only want to test it. Uninstall any other real-time antivirus first.
Questions about Kaspersky Standard
Is Kaspersky Standard free?
No. It has a 30-day free trial that requires a My Kaspersky account and becomes a paid yearly subscription unless you cancel. On the global store the first year costs $49.99 for one device and renewal is $64.99 per year.
Can I use Kaspersky in the United States?
No. The US Department of Commerce banned new Kaspersky antivirus sales to US customers from July 20, 2024, and signature updates for US users stopped on September 29, 2024.
Does Kaspersky Standard include a VPN?
No. The unlimited VPN, data leak checker and identity protection are part of the more expensive Kaspersky plans.
