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GitLab vs Kaspersky Total Security

GitLab logo

GitLab

Technology

The One DevOps Platform

From
Free
Rated
-
Kaspersky Total Security logo

Kaspersky Total Security

Cybersecurity

Complete protection for your digital life

From
Free
Rated
-

The short version

  • Each has a real cost: GitLab baseline requires 8 vCPU and 16 GB RAM for single-node installations; resource-intensive; Kaspersky Total Security uS sales banned since June 2024 with support ending September 29, 2024
  • They diverge on capability: GitLab covers Git repository management, Kaspersky Total Security covers Real-time protection.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which GitLab and Kaspersky Total Security actually diverge.

Attributes where GitLab and Kaspersky Total Security differ
AttributeGitLabKaspersky Total Security
Pricing modelopen-sourceUnknown
PlatformsLinux, Kubernetes, Docker, Cloud (AWS, GCP, Azure)Windows, macOS, iOS, Android
CategoryTechnologyCybersecurity
Founded20111997

Identical on both: starting price (Free), free tier (Yes), user rating (Not yet rated).

What each one covers

Drawn from each product's published feature list. An absence here means we hold no record of it - not that the product lacks it.

Only in GitLab

  • Git repository management
  • CI/CD pipelines
  • Issue tracking
  • Code review
  • Wiki
  • Container registry
  • Security scanning
  • Monitoring

Only in Kaspersky Total Security

  • Real-time protection
  • Ransomware protection
  • Safe Money
  • Privacy protection
  • Parental controls
  • Password manager
  • VPN
  • File encryption

What people use each for

The jobs each tool is most often brought in to do.

GitLab

  • Git repository management and version controlnot Kaspersky Total Security
  • CI/CD pipeline automationnot Kaspersky Total Security
  • DevOps and release managementnot Kaspersky Total Security
  • Security and compliance workflowsnot Kaspersky Total Security

Kaspersky Total Security

  • Antivirusnot GitLab
  • Internet Securitynot GitLab
  • Parental Controlnot GitLab

Where each one falls short

Documented limitations, not opinions. Every one is a constraint you would hit in normal use.

GitLab

  • Baseline requires 8 vCPU and 16 GB RAM for single-node installations; resource-intensive
  • PostgreSQL is mandatory; no support for alternative databases
  • Redis or Valkey cache required; adds infrastructure complexity
  • High-availability deployments require inter-node latency below 5 ms; difficult to achieve across geographically distributed sites
  • Requires self-hosting and maintenance; GitLab.com SaaS only available to GitLab team members for administration

Kaspersky Total Security

  • US sales banned since June 2024 with support ending September 29, 2024
  • VPN limited to 200 MB per day and servers in only 24 countries
  • Password manager has privacy concerns with questionable terms and policies
  • VPN and password manager only included in Plus and Premium tiers, not in Standard
  • Occasionally flags legitimate files as false positives
  • Firewall leaves open ports on public networks

Pricing, plan by plan

GitLab

Free

No published plan breakdown. See the GitLab review.

Kaspersky Total Security

Free
  • FreeFree
    • Basic antivirus
    • No real-time protection
  • Standard$38.99/year
    • Antivirus
    • Firewall
    • Anti-phishing
  • Plus$52.99/year
    • Standard features
    • Password manager
    • VPN with limit
  • Premium$74.99/year
    • Plus features
    • Identity protection
    • Unlimited VPN

Which should you pick?

Choose GitLab if

  • You need git repository management.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Linux, Kubernetes, Docker, Cloud (AWS, GCP, Azure).
  • You also want ci/cd pipelines.

Choose Kaspersky Total Security if

  • You need real-time protection.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Windows, macOS, iOS, Android.
  • You also want ransomware protection.

Questions people ask

Is GitLab or Kaspersky Total Security better?
Neither clearly leads. GitLab starts at Free and Kaspersky Total Security at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, GitLab or Kaspersky Total Security?
GitLab starts at Free and Kaspersky Total Security at Free.
Does GitLab or Kaspersky Total Security run on more platforms?
GitLab runs on Linux, Kubernetes, Docker, Cloud (AWS, GCP, Azure). Kaspersky Total Security runs on Windows, macOS, iOS, Android.
Can I use GitLab for free?
Both have a free tier, so you can try either at no cost before committing.
What is GitLab best used for?
GitLab is most often used for git repository management and version control, ci/cd pipeline automation, devops and release management, security and compliance workflows. Of those, git repository management and version control and ci/cd pipeline automation are not what Kaspersky Total Security is typically brought in for.
What can GitLab do that Kaspersky Total Security cannot?
GitLab covers Git repository management, CI/CD pipelines, Issue tracking, Code review. Kaspersky Total Security covers Real-time protection, Ransomware protection, Safe Money, Privacy protection.

Answered from the vendors’ own pages

Kaspersky Total Security: What does Kaspersky Total Security include?

Kaspersky Total Security (Premium tier) includes antivirus, firewall, password manager, VPN with 200 MB daily limit, parental controls (Kaspersky Safe Kids), and anti-ransomware protection.

Source
Kaspersky Total Security: How much does Kaspersky Total Security cost?

Kaspersky Standard costs $38.99/year for 3 devices. Plus tier is $52.99/year for 5 devices. Premium is $74.99/year for 10 devices. Multi-year discounts available.

Source
Kaspersky Total Security: Is Kaspersky available in the United States?

No. The U.S. government banned Kaspersky software sales in June 2024, with support and software updates ceasing September 29, 2024, citing national security concerns regarding Russian government ties.

Source
Kaspersky Total Security: Does Kaspersky have parental controls?

Yes. Premium and Plus tiers include one year free access to Kaspersky Safe Kids parental controls app, which provides activity reports, app monitoring, usage limits, and geo-fencing with location tracking.

Source
Kaspersky Total Security: How much does the VPN provide?

Kaspersky's free VPN (Kaspersky Secure Connection) offers only 200 MB per day of traffic, limiting data usage. Full VPN is included in Plus and Premium plans but with limited servers in only 24 countries.

Source
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