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Alternatives · Antivirus

ClamAV alternatives

As of Nov 12, 2026, the highest-graded ClamAV alternative is ESET (2.6 GPA). The best free one is Avira (2.4 GPA).

ClamAV compared with 5 alternatives: Malwarebytes, ESET, Sophos Home, Emsisoft Anti-Malware and Avira.

ClamAV is free to use. 2 of the 5 alternatives are free or have a free plan. 3 more offer a free trial.

Listings checked up to Nov 12, 2026 · Where the facts come from

At a glance

ToolPriceFree planRuns on
ClamAVThis toolFreeFreemacOS, Windows, Linux
MalwarebytesFree plan · from $59.99/yrYesmacOS, Windows, iOS, Android, Browser extension
ESETFree trial · from $12.99/yrTrial onlymacOS, Windows, Android
Sophos HomeFree trial · from $59.99/yrTrial onlymacOS, Windows, iOS, Android
Emsisoft Anti-MalwareFree trial · from $39.95/yrTrial onlymacOS, Windows
AviraFree planYesWindows, iOS, Android

Price against what you get

ClamAV has no paid plan and scores 1.3 out of 4 on features, ease of use and platforms. None of the 4 alternatives on this chart both scores higher and starts lower.

Malwarebytes, ESET, Sophos Home and Emsisoft Anti-Malware score higher without starting lower.

Features, ease of use and platforms, averaged

D1.0C2.0B3.0A4.0Free$0.5$1$2$5$10More for lessCosts more, scores moreCosts less, scores lessCosts more, scores lessClamAVMalwarebytesESETSophos HomeEmsisoft Anti-Malware

What paid plans start at, a month (each step along is roughly double) →

  • The best score at each price
  • Has a free plan
  • No free plan
The full chart of antivirus apps, and the best at every price

How each one differs from ClamAV

  1. Malwarebytes

    Malware scanner and real-time protection, with VPN and ID plans

    • Malwarebytes starts at $59.99 per year for up to 3 devices (Standard).
    • Malwarebytes also lists Android and iOS apps and a browser extension.
    • Malwarebytes lists no Linux app, which ClamAV has.
    • Malwarebytes also covers vPN and ad and tracker blocking.

    Suits: Cleaning up a computer that is already infected, for free

    Malwarebytes vs ClamAVMalwarebytes pricing and details

  2. ESET

    Antivirus and home security plans priced by device count

    • ESET starts at $12.99 per year for 1 device (Mobile Security for Android).
    • ESET has no free plan, only a free trial, unlike ClamAV.
    • ESET also lists an Android app.
    • ESET lists no Linux app, which ClamAV has.
    • ESET also covers vPN.

    Suits: Buyers who want a light antivirus for one Windows PC or Mac

    ESET vs ClamAVESET pricing and details

  3. Sophos Home

    Business-grade antivirus for up to 10 Windows PCs and Macs

    • Sophos Home starts at $59.99 per year for 10 computers at renewal, after a first year for $44.99.
    • Sophos Home has no free plan, only a free trial, unlike ClamAV.
    • Sophos Home also lists Android and iOS apps.
    • Sophos Home lists no Linux app, which ClamAV has.

    Suits: Families who look after the computers of relatives in other homes

    Sophos Home vs ClamAVSophos Home pricing and details

  4. Emsisoft Anti-Malware

    Dual-engine malware scanner for home PCs, with a web console

    • Emsisoft Anti-Malware starts at $39.95 per year for 1 PC.
    • Emsisoft Anti-Malware has no free plan, only a free trial, unlike ClamAV.
    • Emsisoft Anti-Malware lists no Linux app, which ClamAV has.
    • Emsisoft Anti-Malware also covers dashboards.

    Suits: Home users who want a malware scanner without a bundled VPN or password manager

    Emsisoft Anti-Malware vs ClamAVEmsisoft Anti-Malware pricing and details

  5. Avira

    Free antivirus suite with a VPN, PC cleaner and password manager

    • Avira also lists Android and iOS apps.
    • Avira lists no macOS and Linux apps, which ClamAV has.
    • Avira also covers password manager, vPN and ad and tracker blocking.

    Suits: Windows users who want free antivirus plus cleanup and update tools

    Avira vs ClamAVAvira pricing and details

Limits worth knowing in ClamAV

  • ClamAV's own docs say it is not a traditional antivirus or endpoint security suite and point to Cisco Secure Endpoint for that.
  • Real-time on-access scanning is documented for Linux only.
  • The downloads page offers installers and source packages; it does not offer a desktop app with a graphical interface or a mobile app.
  • The docs recommend at least 3 GiB of RAM and 5 GiB of free disk space for the scanner with the standard signature database.
ClamAV pricing and details

Common questions

What are the alternatives to ClamAV?

The alternatives to ClamAV in this directory are Malwarebytes, ESET, Sophos Home, Emsisoft Anti-Malware and Avira. Each one has a side-by-side comparison with ClamAV.

Is there a free alternative to ClamAV?

Yes. Malwarebytes and Avira have a free plan alongside paid ones.

Which ClamAV alternatives work on Android?

The ClamAV listing does not include an Android app. Malwarebytes, ESET, Sophos Home and Avira list one.

Which ClamAV alternatives work on iOS?

The ClamAV listing does not include an iOS app. Malwarebytes, Sophos Home and Avira list one.

When were these prices checked?

Each listing shows its own date. On this page they run from Oct 17, 2026 to Nov 12, 2026. Vendors change prices without notice, so confirm on their site before you buy.