Linux antivirus software helps protect your computer from viruses and other malicious software. Linux antivirus can help detect and prevent viruses before they can damage your computer.
The Linux operating system is known for its security. However, that doesn’t mean that it’s invulnerable to malware. There have been a number of high-profile malware outbreaks on Linux in recent years. So, it’s essential to install the best Linux antivirus program installed on your Linux PC.
Read further to get all your queries answered.
How to choose the best Antivirus for Linux
There are many antiviruses available for Linux before us. Choosing the best antivirus for Linux can be a daunting task.

Each software has its strengths and weaknesses, so you will need to evaluate them carefully to find the one that is right for you—here are a few things to remember before choosing the best antivirus for Linux.
- One important thing to remember when choosing a Linux antivirus program is that not all are compatible with all Linux distributions. So, check the compatibility of the antivirus program you are considering before you make your final decision.
- Another factor to consider is the level of protection you need. Some antivirus programs offer more protection than others. If you are concerned about your computer’s security, choose an antivirus program that provides a higher level of protection.
- It would help if you considered the cost of the antivirus software you want to install. Some antivirus programs are free, while others cost money. If you are on a budget, you may want to choose a free antivirus program. However, if you are willing to spend a little bit of money, choose an antivirus program that offers a higher level of protection.
Features to Look for in an Antivirus for Linux
When choosing an antivirus for Linux, there are a few key features to look for:
- Compatibility: First and foremost, you must ensure that the antivirus program you choose is compatible with your Linux distribution. Some programs are only compatible with specific distributions, so checking before you buy is essential.
- Real-time scanning: Real-time scanning is an essential feature for any antivirus program. The program will automatically scan your system for malware and remove any threats it finds.
- Scheduled scanning: In addition to real-time scanning, you should also look for an antivirus program that offers scheduled scanning. This allows you to set up regular scans of your system, ensuring that your computer is always malware-free.
- Automatic updates: Another vital feature to look for is automatic updates. This ensures that your antivirus program is always up-to-date so that it can protect you from the latest threats.
Now that you know what to look for in an antivirus program, here are our top picks for the best antivirus for Linux:
Top 5 Best Linux Antivirus Software
We have listed the best Linux antivirus software here. Please read to know details of each one of them.
#1. Kaspersky
Kaspersky Antivirus for Linux is one of the best Linux antiviruses in the market. It is a lightweight and fast antivirus that can protect your Linux system from malware, viruses, and other threats.
Kaspersky free download is available from the official Kaspersky website. Kaspersky Antivirus for Linux has a user-friendly interface and is easy to use. It can be configured to scan specific files or folders. It can also be set to scan all files on the system.
#2. Sophos Antivirus for Linux
Many antivirus programs are available for Linux, but Sophos Antivirus is one of the best. It is a powerful and effective program that can protect your computer from viruses, malware, and other online threats.
Sophos Antivirus is a great choice if you are looking for the best antivirus 2023 for Linux. It is a powerful and effective program that can protect your computer from viruses, malware, and other online threats.
#3. Clam Antivirus for Linux
ClamAV is a free, open-source, and cross-platform antivirus software toolkit able to detect many types of malicious software, including viruses. Email servers mainly use it to scan emails and systems, and administrators to check entire file systems.
ClamAV supports multiple file formats, file and archive unpacking, and multiple signature languages. In addition, it uses a modular architecture that allows the engine to be easily extended with additional functionality.
#4. Bitdefender Antivirus for Linux
Bitdefender Antivirus for Linux is an award-winning antivirus solution for Linux servers and workstations. It is a powerful and easy-to-use tool that provides real-time protection against viruses, Trojans, worms, and other malware. Bitdefender Antivirus for Linux uses the most advanced technologies to detect and remove malware, and it is constantly updated with the latest virus definitions.
#5. Avast Antivirus for Linux
Avast Antivirus for Linux uses a multi-layered approach to security, with features like a file reputation system, heuristic scanning, and behavioral detection. It also includes a web shield that blocks malicious URLs and a mail shield that protects against email-borne threats. In addition, Avast Antivirus for Linux is updated regularly, and users can set it to update automatically.
Also Read: 5 Best PC Antivirus Programs of 2023 – Protect Your PC Today!
Is it easy to run antivirus software on Linux?
There are a few reasons why Linux is easier to protect against viruses. First, Linux is less vulnerable to viruses than other operating systems. This is because Linux is not as widely used as other operating systems, so fewer viruses target Linux. Second, Linux is a more secure operating system than other operating systems. This means that it is more difficult for viruses to penetrate Linux systems.
Does Linux need antivirus?
It is often said that Linux is immune to viruses and that you don’t need to install any antivirus software on your Linux computer. Unfortunately, while it is true that Linux is more secure than other operating systems, it is not entirely immune to malware. There have been many high-profile viruses that have affected Linux users in recent years.

So, does Linux need antivirus software? The short answer is yes, although the situation is a little more complicated.
In general, Linux is less vulnerable to viruses than other operating systems because of the way it is designed. For example, Linux users have to give explicit permission (known as “root access”) before any software can be installed on their system. This makes it much harder for malware to be installed without the user’s knowledge.
So, while Linux is more secure than other operating systems, it is not entirely immune to malware. Therefore, if you are using Linux, installing some antivirus software on your computer is a good idea.
Conclusion: Best Linux Antivirus Programs
We hope you will find the best antivirus for your Linux system. However, there are a few things to consider when making a decision. One is the level of security that is needed. Another is the ease of use. Yet another is the level of support that is available.
FAQs: Best Linux Antivirus Programs
Here are some questions to ask when choosing an antivirus for Linux:
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What level of protection do you need in Linux?
Some antiviruses provide more protection than others. If you’re concerned about the possibility of malware, choose an antivirus that offers more comprehensive protection.
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What are other Linux security needs?
In addition to antivirus protection, you may also need other security features, such as a firewall or anti-spyware protection. Ensure that the security suite you’re considering offers the features you need.