Updated on: July 19, 2024
Short on time? Here’s the best antivirus for Linux in 2024:
- 🥇 ClamAV : Best advanced, open-source, and command line-based antivirus scanner for Linux. ClamAV offers protection against the majority of threats faced by Linux users. It’s also highly modular, open source, and receives semi-regular updates.
Choosing the best free antivirus for Linux depends on your specific needs and skill level. There are tools catering to everyone on the market, from beginners seeking basic protection to server administrators requiring advanced security tools with a high degree of customization.
Users new to Linux will most likely prefer an easy-to-use antivirus with a graphical user interface (GUI), but most Linux antiviruses rely on command line interfaces (CLI). CLI tools are often preferred by advanced users and IT professionals. They allow for detailed system monitoring which can be both vital and instructive for those who know how to read the output. These tools are well-suited for administrators managing critical servers and can be integrated within security frameworks.
I’ve found 5 of the best free antivirus tools for Linux. Whether you’re new to Linux or an expert, they meet every experience level and a wide range of security needs. All of the options I recommend work on any Linux distro (with just one exception). Learn more in my comprehensive guide below.
Quick summary of the best antiviruses for Linux:
- 🥇 1. ClamAV — Best overall Linux antivirus in 2024 (customizable open-source software with a CLI).
- 🥈 2. Firetools — Excellent sandboxing software to prevent malicious web scripts from causing harm.
- 🥉 3. Qubes OS — Highly secure Linux distro (uses compartmentalization for maximum security).
- 4. Rootkit Hunter — Behavior-based rootkit scanner (advanced scanner and command line interface).
- 5. chrootkit — Command line tool for removing rootkits from Linux computers and servers.
- Plus 1 bonus option!
🥇1. ClamAV — Best Advanced, Open-Source, and Command Line-Based Antivirus Scanner for Linux
ClamAV is an excellent choice for tech-savvy home users or those managing servers. It’s especially useful for IT administrators who need to automate malware scans on Linux mail servers and ensure cross-platform security in environments with Linux, Windows, and Mac machines.
As a command-line interface (CLI) antivirus, ClamAV can be a bit challenging for those unfamiliar with using the command line. There used to be a third-party GUI plug-in for ClamAV (ClamTK), but unfortunately, it’s no longer maintained.
For those who can learn how to use it, ClamAV is well worth the effort. It uses a signature-based detection method, and its virus definitions are continuously updated by users worldwide thanks to its open-source nature. This makes it great for keeping any threats off your Linux computers or media servers.
Perhaps its greatest asset; ClamAV is highly modular. You can expand its definitions by incorporating databases from other sources. You can also schedule scans, whitelist safe software, and configure the system to automatically delete suspicious files. This flexibility is ideal for managing security on mail or media servers and protecting mixed OS environments. In a similar vein, ClamAV itself works seamlessly on all major distros.
By configuring ClamAV to scan emails for PC and Mac-specific malware, I was able to remove risky files before they had a chance to spread across my network. It has a great default detection rate which can be heightened even further by an informed user.
Bottom Line:
ClamAV is the go-to free antivirus scanner for Linux for users comfortable with command-line operations and managing server environments. Hosted in almost every software repository, ClamAV is open-source and boasts an extensive virus directory that is continuously updated by the community. Although there’s a learning curve, ClamAV’s immense configurability makes it a powerful tool for those willing to dig deep. For users looking for a high-quality open-source antivirus solution, ClamAV is a solid choice.
🥈 2. Firetools — Excellent Sandboxing Software (Most Intuitive Free Linux Antivirus)
Firetools is perfect for developers and security-conscious users who frequently interact with untrusted code or web scripts. It’s an ideal tool for running applications in a sandboxed environment to prevent potential security breaches in your network. Though it isn’t a full-fledged antivirus like ClamAV is, it is much easier to use.
While it’s true that you’re protected from most malware threats once you’ve set up a strong antivirus scanner, malicious web scripts still pose a risk. Firetools addresses this by isolating web scripts in a secure environment. Having personally been hacked after visiting a malicious website running JavaScript, I recognize the necessity of a high-quality sandboxing tool.
Built on Firejail (an open-source sandboxing app), Firetools offers a user-friendly GUI that channels Firejail’s strong fundamental protections. This means you get the best of both worlds — a graphical interface that’s easy to use for beginners and more robust, advanced options seasoned users expect from Firejail.
With Firetools, you can run files in isolation, preventing them from affecting the rest of your system. This is a particularly big concern if you’re using your Linux machine to host a media server or something similar. Developers and security professionals will appreciate the network statistics it provides and the sandboxing is great for anyone testing potentially dangerous software.
It can also be used to secure your web browser against malicious scripts during everyday use. For instance, I’ve configured Brave to automatically run in a Firetools sandbox. This lets me browse the internet without having to worry about harmful web-based scripting compromising my system.
I love that Firetools allows you to create a virtually impenetrable environment. My setup includes a sandboxed browser, a high-quality antivirus scanner, and software primarily sourced from my Ubuntu package manager.
Bottom Line:
Firetools is a user-friendly upgrade to the classic Firejail sandboxing software. It’s an excellent tool for protecting your machine from malicious web scripts, and it’s also great for testing new applications. The GUI makes accessing its features straightforward, avoiding the need for command-line operations, while maintaining almost zero dependencies, so it doesn’t slow down your computer. Plus, it’s completely free, making it a great choice for anyone looking to strengthen their Linux system’s defenses against online threats.
🥉3. Qubes OS — Highly Secure Distribution for Maximum Security Via Compartmentalization
Qubes OS is an operating system designed for users who prioritize security. It’s particularly suitable for those willing to adopt a new system for robust protection. With regular updates and strong fundamental security features, it’s something every Linux user should look into.
Unlike ClamAV, Firetools, and other options on this list, Qubes is a fully fledged OS. This means it requires users to abandon their distro of choice to use. Naturally, not every Linux user is keen on doing this, but it does bring some advantages to the table. Qubes OS utilizes compartmentalization, dividing the system into isolated virtual machines known as qubes. Each qube operates independently, ensuring that if one is compromised, the rest of the system remains secure. It’s a great way to isolate tasks like web browsing, reading sensitive documents, and system administration.
Qubes can also be useful in professional environments. For example, if you’re digging into a potentially compromised system, you’ll want to use a compartmentalized machine running Qubes for your investigation. On the opposite side of the coin, Qubes is a great OS for any computer you want to run penetration tests with.
Other security-focused OSs aren’t as stable as Qubes. There are lots of OSs that are excellent at leaving no trace, but these are generally less suited for everyday use. Qubes, on the other hand, creates a stable environment fit for all kinds of usage.
Bottom Line:
Qubes OS is perfect for users who need high-level security and are ready to switch to an entirely different Linux distro to achieve such protection. Its backbone of compartmentalization effectively isolates tasks and applications, reducing the risk of system-wide compromise. Though not exactly widely adopted, there’s no denying that Qubes is favored by many who prioritize privacy and security. Although it requires a significant commitment, it’s a valuable choice for enhancing digital security beyond standard antivirus solutions.
4. Rootkit Hunter — Behavior-Based Rootkit Scanner (for Advanced Users Via the Command Line)
Rootkit Hunter is best for advanced users, IT professionals, and institutions focused on cybersecurity. It’s ideal for those needing powerful rootkit detection and file integrity monitoring on Linux. It’s certainly not the most user-friendly piece of software, but if you know what you’re doing, it’s very powerful.
As the name suggests, Rootkit Hunter is focused on rootkits, one of the most dangerous and difficult types of malware to detect. Rootkits can affect computers as well as servers and other Linux devices, so you’ll want something that can detect and remove these. Rootkit Hunter uses a database and behavior-based detection, which is great. In addition to rootkits, it also offers some protection against certain types of exploits.
So, unlike ClamAV, which focuses on general malware detection, Rootkit Hunter doesn’t provide broad-based protection. It also lacks a GUI and the process of setting it up is a bit complex. So while I wouldn’t rely solely on Rootkit Hunter, it makes a great companion to an antivirus tool like ClamAV.
For advanced users, the primary advantages of Rootkit Hunter are its customization options and minimal impact on system resources. In my tests, it successfully identified and blocked every simulated rootkit attack I introduced. The behavior analysis feature is very adept at catching new rootkits that might evade signature-based scanners like ClamAV.
However, there are some serious downsides to using Rootkit Hunter. The biggest problem is that it hasn’t been updated since 2018. I found that it’s still effective against more recent threats, but there’s no denying that this is a problem. It also issued a lot of false positives in my tests.
Though the scope of its protection is somewhat limited, I particularly like it because it’s free and doesn’t place a lot of demand on your CPU. But while it excels at protecting against rootkits, don’t mistake it for a comprehensive Linux antivirus.
Bottom Line:
Rootkit Hunter is a free tool that can root out rootkits on Linux devices. Its behavior analysis ensures that even the latest rootkits won’t slip through undetected. New users should thoroughly study the installation FAQs, as setup can be tedious. It uses very few resources but users should be aware that it isn’t regularly updated and has a tendency to generate false positives.
5. chrootkit — Excellent CLI-Based Rootkit Detector for Highly Advanced Users
Chkrootkit is a lightweight, CLI tool for detecting rootkits and other system intrusions on Unix-like systems. It’s an invaluable tool for advanced Linux users, including IT professionals, educational institutions, students, and privacy advocates. Even if your only interaction with Linux is managing a home media server, it’s a good tool to have.
However, it’s not easy to use, and it requires a solid understanding of Linux to operate effectively. Chkrootkit performs deep system checks, scanning for signs of rootkits, backdoors, and other malicious activity that could compromise your system’s integrity. That said, keep in mind that, like Rootkit Hunter, it’s only effective against a limited subset of malware.
Privacy advocates and power users will appreciate its alignment with open-source values and its focus on privacy. It’s been around for more than 25 years, which is pretty impressive. That said, it tends to only get updated every year or so, which is disappointing.
Although chkrootkit doesn’t offer a user-friendly interface or comprehensive malware protection of some antivirus programs, it excels in its niche. It’s a specialized tool for those who prioritize deep system integrity checks and understand the nuances of Unix-like systems.
Bottom Line:
Chkrootkit is a powerful, lightweight command-line tool for detecting rootkits and system intrusions on Unix-like systems. It’s a useful tool for anyone operating a Linux server, but it’s missing some of the protections offered by more comprehensive solutions. That said, it’s open source, free, and works just as described.
Bonus. Comodo — Great Real-Time and On-Demand Antivirus Scanning for Linux
Comodo is a powerful antivirus aimed at users who need strong and comprehensive protection. It’s ideal for advanced Linux users, IT professionals, and privacy advocates who can navigate command-line interfaces.
Comodo offers real-time and on-demand scanning, providing both immediate and thorough protection. It actively monitors your system for threats, while the on-demand scanner allows for detailed checks of specific files or your entire system. Combined, this ensures continuous and deep-level protection.
One of Comodo’s best features is its cloud-based behavior analysis, which identifies unknown malware by analyzing file behavior instead of just looking for known threats. This is crucial for defending against zero-day vulnerabilities and new malware types.
I also really like Comodo’s email filtering system. It integrates with mail servers like Postfix and Sendmail, blocking viruses and spam before they reach your inbox. This is especially useful for server administrators who need to keep their email systems secure and clean.
Unique to Comodo is its “Default Deny Protection”, which prevents unknown applications from running until they’re verified as safe. Additionally, Comodo’s sandboxing technology allows untrusted applications to run in a secure environment. It works, but I prefer Firetools when it comes to sandboxing.
But there is a big problem: Comodo hasn’t been updated in over a decade. Personally, this gives me pause. But the fact that it uses behavior-based detection means this isn’t quite as big an issue as it might appear to be at first glance. Still, you may prefer something being actively developed, like ClamAV. It also lacks a graphical user interface (GUI) and requires command-line knowledge for setup and management.
Despite these limitations, Comodo is a comprehensive free Linux antivirus. It’s an effective tool for protecting servers and computers from a range of threats. For advanced users, it offers extensive control and flexibility.
Bottom Line:
Comodo is a strong antivirus solution for Linux. It includes real-time and on-demand scanning and utilizes behavior analysis to identify threats. Other useful extras include a reliable email filtering system. While it requires command-line expertise and isn’t regularly updated, its powerful capabilities make it a valuable tool for high-security needs. If you’re comfortable with a more complex setup, Comodo is a solid choice.
Quick Comparison Table
Testing Methodology: Comparison & Ranking Criteria
There are some specific concerns for Linux antiviruses which I kept in mind while ranking this software. I was mostly concerned with whether each individual antivirus fulfilled its own promises rather than judging whether it worked as a comprehensive security tool. Here are some of the things I looked at:
- I looked for antiviruses that work as advertised. Naturally, I prioritized antiviruses that can protect you from all kinds of threats, but as long as the software did what it said it’s supposed to, it earned a point. Whether this involved sandboxing (like Firetools) or offering general protection (like ClamAV) I made sure that every antivirus fulfilled its own promises.
- I checked each product against new threats. The ideal antivirus gets updates on a frequent basis. This is not the case with most free antiviruses, but there are a few exceptions. If a product isn’t regularly updated (like Comodo), it needs to use other means to tackle new types of malware. Whether through regular updates or effective behavior-based protection, every product on this list does a decent job of blocking new threats.
- I looked at the performance impact and resource usage. No one wants an antivirus that cripples a computer by hogging resources with intense scans that take hours. A lot of free software suffers from this issue, but I found a few that didn’t. Every product that made it onto this list had a minimal impact on performance.
- I considered how easy an antivirus was to use. When dealing with Linux, you’re pretty much required to have a degree of technical knowledge. That said, not every piece of Linux software has to be needlessly complex. I looked for software that had a GUI or lots of documentation and helpful online communities to help users learn the CLI.
- I evaluated each antivirus’s customization options. Whether you’re running multiple servers or just trying to protect your main Linux computer, everyone wants an antivirus that can be tailored to their setup and personal preferences. Though the extent of configurability varies between products, every antivirus on this list has a satisfactory degree of customization options.
Risks & Disadvantages of Using a Free Antivirus on Linux
Like with any other platform, free Linux antiviruses are almost universally inferior to premium options. Many (like Rootkit Hunter and chrootkit) are limited to only protecting users against certain types of threats. Even those that offer broad protection (like ClamAV) tend to suffer from a serious lack of features and limited or non-existent server support. Some free tools simply aren’t fit for purpose while others like Comodo were once great but have been seriously hampered by a lack of updates. Paid options like Bitdefender’s Gravity Zone offer extensive customer support and management tools — especially for business users.
Even if a free Linux security product offers adequate protection, there are other risks. Some are closed source, meaning you can’t easily delve into how the software works. This can be used as a screen to hide consumer-unfriendly practices. Many free products are supported by ads, too, so you might have to deal with those. Even worse, some developers fund their work by selling user data.
Free vs. Paid Antiviruses for Linux
There’s a world of difference between free options and premium Linux antiviruses. The former can be decent, but every option I found has limitations. Whether that comes in the form of lacking features, infrequent updates, or no GUI, there’s always something to be desired.
Though a free tool can work for many home users, business users all but require a premium endpoint security service. If you’re looking for an antivirus to protect an enterprise environment or have sensitive devices or information on your network, you’ll certainly want to look into the best paid Linux antiviruses.
Top Brands That Didn’t Make the Cut
- Norton. Norton is my favorite antivirus. It’s packed with extra features and offers flawless malware detection. But it doesn’t have a Linux app. Linux users could still benefit from Norton’s identity theft protections, but it would be a bit silly to also pay for the antivirus if you aren’t actually going to use it.
- Bitdefender. Bitdefender has great products and even a great antivirus for Linux devices, but the Linux version isn’t free. And even if you’re looking for a premium product, Bitdefender probably isn’t the best option, as its Linux plans are geared toward businesses.
- Sophos. Sophos used to have a great free antivirus for Linux, but it has sadly been discontinued. They still offer premium products, so it’s worth keeping the company in mind if you’re willing to pay for Linux security.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there free antivirus software for Linux?
Yes, there are several free antivirus options for Linux. Popular choices include ClamAV, which is an open-source tool available in almost every Linux distribution’s repository, and Qubes, a distro built around the principle that compartmentalization is the best way to ensure privacy and security.
ClamAV is ideal for users looking for a community-driven solution, while Comodo provides advanced features like behavior analysis and email filtering for those needing more comprehensive protection. For users interested in free antivirus solutions tailored to different needs, ClamAV is a solid choice for general use, and Comodo is recommended for more advanced security requirements.
Does Linux really need antivirus?
Not necessarily. Linux systems aren’t popular targets for malware developers and the operating system benefits from strong fundamental security. That said, Linux devices are not immune to malware and exploits and users can certainly increase their overall security by using free tools.
Additionally, antivirus tools can prevent Linux systems from becoming carriers of malware that could affect other connected systems. For those seeking to strengthen their Linux security, tools like ClamAV provide essential protection against a variety of threats.
Is Bitdefender for Linux free?
No, Bitdefender for Linux is not free. Bitdefender offers robust antivirus solutions for Linux, but they’re part of the premium security packages. These packages are designed for business environments and come with a subscription fee.
That said, for users looking for free antivirus solutions on Linux, alternatives like ClamAV or Comodo are available and offer a range of features suitable for different security needs without a subscription cost.
What is better than ClamAV?
For users seeking more advanced features than ClamAV, your best bet is to use a premium Linux antivirus. These tend to offer much greater functionality, especially when it comes to managing lots of endpoints.
If you want to stick with a free option, consider switching to Qubes, a distro built around security. If that sounds like too big a step, Firetools offers great sandboxing tools.