The two products, side by side.
MIKAGE Antivirus and MIKAGE NET are independent, free applications. This page compares what each one does, and how free MIKAGE differs from paid antivirus software.
MIKAGE Antivirus vs. NET (features and use cases)
| Product | MIKAGE Antivirus | MIKAGE NET |
|---|---|---|
| Role | Virus and malware detection in files | Vulnerability check for your home network and router |
| Method | Hash, YARA, heuristics | Read-only port scan and banner grabbing |
| OS | Windows 10/11, Linux | Windows 10/11, Linux |
| Price | Free | Free |
| No-install option | Online File Scan (free) | — |
| Best for | People who want always-on virus protection | People who want to check their router right now |
Each product is independent and free — download only what you need. To check a single file without installing anything, use the free Online File Scan.
How free MIKAGE differs from paid antivirus
Most commercial antivirus products are annual or monthly subscriptions, so the cost keeps adding up. MIKAGE costs nothing to use; the site is funded by advertising instead.
| MIKAGE (free) | Typical paid product | |
|---|---|---|
| Upfront cost | $0 | Mostly annual or monthly plans |
| Ongoing cost | $0 | For as long as you subscribe |
| Cancellation / auto-renewal | Not applicable | Often required |
| Funded by | Website advertising | Subscription fees |
Paid products can have advantages MIKAGE doesn't, such as dedicated support or automatic updates. Choose what fits your needs.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between MIKAGE Antivirus and NET?
MIKAGE Antivirus detects viruses and malware in files, and MIKAGE NET checks your home network and router for vulnerabilities. Both are free.
How is free MIKAGE different from paid antivirus?
MIKAGE costs nothing to use; the site is funded by advertising instead. Paid products may offer extras such as dedicated support or automatic updates.
Can I try it without installing anything?
To check a single file, use the free Online File Scan, which needs no installation.