ESET Antivirus Reviews

ESET Internet Security

ESET Internet Security is an advanced protection plan. It protects against every type of threat. So, if you want both privacy and malware protection, then ESET Internet Security is for you. Internet Security protects your online identity and important activities such as banking and shopping. Furthermore, ESET Internet Security is available on Android, macOS, and Windows devices.

ESET protects your privacy and protects you from malware and viruses as it comes with the ESET antivirus software. Apart from that, you also get access to a firewall where you get protected from unauthorized access from malicious actors. Other things that you get with ESET Internet Security include:

And much more!

Online Scanner

If you are not looking to install ESET Internet Security, you can also scan your computer for threats and malware using the ESET Online Scanner. It is a one-time scan and is free to use. The key benefits of using ESET Online Scanner include:

However, the online scanner works on Windows operating system only.

What is ESET security?

ESET Security is the brain behind ESET solutions. They offer cybersecurity technology for homes, businesses, and enterprises. Right now, they are protecting more than 100+ million users worldwide. They also serve 400K business customers spread across 200+ countries. They are also very old in the business, with over three decades of experience. Moreover, they are continually improving with 13 research and development centers worldwide. For home users, they offer ESET Home solutions, including ESET NOD32 Antivirus software, ESET Internet Security, and ESET Smart Security Premium.

For businesses, ESET has a different approach and provides solutions catered to businesses. Their business solutions offer a signature light footprint, easy deployment, and locally-based customer care. Moreover, they also offer cross-platform solutions. On the other hand, big companies can take advantage of their ESET endpoint security fine-tuned for enterprise settings. All business and enterprise solutions are completely customizable and can be managed using a cloud console.

You get the following packages in business: ESET Protect Entry, ESET Protect Advanced, and ESET Protect Complete.

ESET NOD32

ESET NOD32 Antivirus is very popular among users. This is because the software actively works to improve its ability to detect malware and protect users from viruses. Moreover, it is lightweight and performs extremely well when identifying malware. Furthermore, the NOD32 Antivirus is also ideal for gamers as it doesn’t impact system performance.

NOD32 Antivirus starts from $39.99 per year. However, you can also try it out for 30-days before buying it. Moreover, they also offer a 30-day money-back guarantee if you find the NOD32 Antivirus not meeting your requirement.

The antivirus software comes with tons of features, including:

ESET Antivirus solutions

ESET Antivirus solutions are not only focused on Antivirus but overall complete protection. That’s why you will find ESET offers multiple solutions and products. To sum up, their products are categorized as Home and Business at the core.

The ESET Home products include:

All the Home plans are available on macOS, Windows, and Android.

For ESET Business, you get:

Details of ESET Features

Ransomeware attacks are pretty common nowadays. That’s why ESET provides excellent protection against ransomware. In a ransomware attack, your machine gets compromised, and all your files are encrypted or locked using a strong encryption algorithm. Then, the ransomware attacker takes control of the files and locks them. In exchange for unlocking the files, he demands a ransom.

In most cases, once a system is compromised by ransomware needs to be formatted with lost data. ESET ensures it doesn’t go that far; it proactively protects your machine against ransomware. It utilizes a behavior-based detection technique. Moreover, ESET does it by scanning for manipulated or infected files you download online or through email.

ESET comes with payment and banking protection. The feature ensures that your online transactions are always safe, including no data theft, especially regarding banking credentials. You must use their special secured browser with hardened security to implement the feature. During setup, you can set up the special browser, which will open up default when banking or making payments. Apart from that, the browser also protects you when you work with your crypto wallet. Furthermore, to block keyloggers, it encrypts all the communication between your keyboard to the browser, ensuring that no one can steal information. Lastly, it also comes with a Wi-Fi alarm where you get notified if you are using public Wi-Fi.

ESET’s parental control provides the right tool to protect your kids from malicious content. You can predefine parental control according to your kid’s age, and it will do the rest. Apart from that, you can also set passwords to protect certain aspects of the system or hide information not right for them.

With ESET, you get webcam protection. The webcam protection ensures that no application, program, or process can access your webcam without proper authorization. If any programs or processes trying to access the webcam are unauthorized, it will block it and notify you.

ESET offers multiplatform protection. It means that you can protect devices with different operating systems and configurations. Out of the box, ESET offers support for Android, Linux, Mac, and Windows. Moreover, you also get support for different devices, including tablets, laptops, and smartphones. So, once you get access to one of their license, you can install it on the device mentioned above types and operating system without any restriction.

Apart from webcam and multiplatform platforms, you also get botnet protection. Botnet protection provides extra protection when it comes to botnet malware. This way, bots will never use your computer or the network for spam. The Botnet protection works by scanning the malicious traffic using network signatures.

ESET’s core feature is its multi-layer security. Without the components, you will not be secure at all. So, what are the aspects of multi-layer security that keep you protected? Let’s go through them below.

Antispyware and antivirus

ESET provides proactive protection from threats and malware through its antispyware and Antivirus. It also ensures that your local network is protected and that malware is not spread by containing it within time.

Ransomware Shield

The ransomware shield uses behavior-based detection techniques to protect your ransomware, so you never get locked out of your files.

Scan downloading files

The multi-layer security also ensures that the downloading files are scanned during the downloading process.

Advanced machine learning

The advanced machine learning feature is present with the cloud offering. The cloud offering proactively looks for threats and works locally while evolving itself in the cloud environment. Advanced machine learning is designed to detect new threats with no history. Moreover, it does it without impacting system performance adversely.

Exploit Blocker

The exploit blocker ensures no malware or viruses can evade the default antivirus protection and detection. The exploit blocker also eliminated ransomware and lock screens. It also protects against attacks on Java-based application software, PDF readers, and web browsers.

Host-Based Instruction Prevention System(HIPS)

The HIPS lets you completely customize system behavior. It also comes with behavioral detection. As an admin designing the system protection, you can configure different aspects, including system registry, programs, and active processes. It will make your system as hardened as possible. You also get access to the latest tracing capabilities, ensuring that no sophisticated malware injection can take account.

WMI Scanner

The WMI Scanner can find data and other infected files stored within the Windows Management Instrumentation. The WMI manages the applications and devices within the Windows environment.

UEFI Scanner

Ensures that your system is protected from root-level threats. It protects your system by managing the systems that work with the UEFI system interface.

Script-based Attack Protection

Protects Windows PowerShell by protecting it against malicious scripts. It also works well with browser-based JavaScript attacks on all the major modern browsers.

System Registry Scanner

The system registry scanner makes sure that your registry is malware-free. It scans the registry at a deep level and ensures it meets a cleaner state.

Idle-State Scanner

The Idle-State Scanner constantly checks your PC when you are not using your PC. The Idle-State Scanner is crafted to provide maximum protection under any circumstances.

Advanced Memory Scanner

This component makes sure that the memory is free from any persistent malware. This persistent malware deploys multi-layer encryption to hide, and ESET ensures they can identify them easily.

Cloud-Powered Scanning

Cloud-Powered scanning makes scanning faster by whitelisting safe files. It also helps in proactively stopping any unknown malware attacks. It does it using behavior-based scanning.

LiveGuard

LiveGuard is their new service that works round the clock to protect you against new attacks. It works on executable files, installers, and documents.

ESET’s network inspector features provide you with the tools to completely test your home network for vulnerabilities. With it, you can ensure that your home router meets the required protection. For example, Network Inspector can find weak passwords, list vulnerable devices on the network, and map out the devices connected via the network. You can also use it to scan the connected devices and their related vulnerabilities.

ESET doesn’t impact system performance when working. To improve compatibility and improve performance, ESET deploys many techniques. The AV-Test Institute has also found that it protects without performance impact. Apart from that, Antivirus performance is also excellent. In their test, they gave ESET a score of 18/18 in terms of protection. Apart from that, SE Labs also mentioned their antivirus performance as par with competitors.

Phishing is a common way to steal data from the user. ESET ensures that it doesn’t happen to their user with its anti-phishing protection. It quickly identifies the fake sites and warns you. Moreover, it also actively protects the sites from stealing any of your sensitive data, including banking details. Anti-phishing also protects you from homoglyph attacks and fake news.

ESET Password manager comes with the ESET Smart Security Premium package. With it, you can easily store and organize your passwords. It also encrypts passwords; you need a master password to access it.

ESET’s complete protection is provided with the firewall. The firewall ensures that no one can access the network without proper authorization. This way, your data is kept secure from malicious actors.

Apart from the above features, the ESET Business offering comes with features that are aimed at businesses. Let’s quickly go through them below.

ESET Pricing

ESET is a well-known and renowned cybersecurity company. That’s why you will find them offering many solutions to individuals, businesses, and enterprises. This section will look closely at ESET pricing related to its products. Before we start, you should know that you can try all ESET Home and Business products are free to try. It means you can try any of their product for 30-days without the need to buy them. Also, no credit card is required for you to try out the trial.

ESET Home Products

The ESET Home pricing of the products is as follows:

Out of all the products, there are three core products: ESET Smart Security Premium, ESET Internet Security, and ESET NOD32 Antivirus.

ESET NOD 32 Antivirus

ESET NOD 32 Antivirus provides essential antivirus protection for your device. It starts at $39.99 per year for one device. Opting for a two-year plan will cost you $59.99 and $79.98 for three years.

The key features of ESET NOD 32 Antivirus include:

ESET Internet Security

ESET Internet Security pricing starts at $49.99 per year for one device. You can save more if you subscribe for more years:

The ESET Internet Security program comes with privacy and payment protection. In addition, you can access Network Inspector and Firewall, which protects your network and webcam. It also offers parental control.

You also get access to antivirus technology that protects you from viruses, malware, anti-phishing and more. It is available on macOS, Windows, and Android.

ESET Smart Security Premium

ESET Smart Security Premium starts from $59.99 per year for one device. The Smart Security Premium offers ultimate protection to your devices. Furthermore, it is available on all the major operating systems, including macOS, Android, and Windows.

In comparison to Internet Security, you get the following features:

Smart Office Protection

Eset Home protection also offers Smart Office Protection Plan where you can protect your devices (five or more). In addition, you can protect your devices under Smart Office Protection under ESET Smart Security Premium. The plan is great for Home office setups that want hybrid protection for all their devices.

The Home office protection pricing starts from $99.99 per year, where you get protection for five devices. The 2-year plan comes at $149.99.

Some of the key features of Smart Office protection include:

ESET Business Products

ESET Business products are aimed at businesses and enterprises. Under the ESET Business product, you get the following products:

Out of the five ESET Business products, their three core business products include: ESET Protect Entry, ESET Protect Advanced, and ESET Protect Complete.

ESET Protect Entry

ESET Protect Entry pricing starts at $239 per year for five devices. Unfortunately, it doesn’t come with any discount if you want to buy it for more than one year.

Here, you get the following features:

ESET Protect Advanced

ESET Protect Advanced pricing starts at $248.40 per year for five devices. You get $62 savings in your first year purchase, which means you need to pay $310.50 from the second year onwards.

The features you get with ESET Protect Advanced include the following:

ESET Protect Complete

ESET Protect Complete offers complete protection for your business. It starts from $382.50 per year for five devices. If you subscribe for two years, you will save $77.

With ESET Protect Complete, you get the following:

ESET Enterprise

ESET Enterprise is fine-tuned to work for enterprises and secures their infrastructure with complex security systems.

The ESET enterprise pricing is not fixed as it depends on enterprise needs and requirements. To know about the pricing, you need to contact their sales team.

The key features that ESET Enterprise offers include the following:

Alternatives to ESET

ESET offers excellent virus and malware protection. On top of that, it also provides additional security features to protect your online experience while ensuring that it doesn’t impact system performance. However, ESET may not be an ideal solution for everyone as it has drawbacks. So, what options do you have? Is there anything better than ESET? Let’s discuss these questions below and look at ESET alternatives.

Malwarebytes

Malwarebytes offers extensive cybersecurity solutions for homes and businesses. You get access to their Security & Antivirus, Online Privacy, and All-in-one protection for personal use. Also, they are available for major platforms and devices, including Mac, Chromebook, Android, iOS, and Mac. In Online Privacy, you get Privacy VPN and Browser Guard. The All-in-one Protection offers access to their Malwarebytes Premium+ and Privacy VPN. But what about business? Some key features include real-time protection, ransomware protection, malware cleaning, and protection against harmful sites. As for businesses, they offer Antivirus for small businesses. They also provide enterprise solutions, including endpoint detection, incident response and remediation services, and server protection. You can try out Malwarebytes for 30-days before buying a license. Unfortunately, they do not have any free personal version. Their basic personal version pricing starts from $39.99 per year.

Bitdefender

Bitdefender is a good alternative to ESET. As usual, it provides solutions for home and business. Also, it supports multiplatform, including the likes of PC, Mac, and Mobile. Bitdefender offers an excellent Antivirus Plus solution. It is a paid solution. However, you can also take advantage of the free Antivirus. Some key products offered by Bitdefender include Bitdefender BOX, Total Security, Internet Security, Premium Security, Antivirus Plus, Small Office Security, and Family Pack. As for business, they have offerings in small business, mid-market, and enterprise. They also offer managed service providers.

McAfee

McAfee antivirus is another great antivirus option. The app offers an excellent antivirus solution with great pricing. Apart from that, it also offers extensive security protection that works against other types of threats. The Antivirus is available on iOS, Mac, Android, and Windows. You can try the software for 30-days. Apart from that, they do not offer any free version. Their pricing starts at $39.99 per year for the Anvirius and Total Protection. Some key security features include ransomware protection, Quick clean, shredder, vulnerability scanner, and web advisor.

Some of the other notable ESET alternatives that you can try include:

What is better than ESET?

If you compare ESET with other viable antivirus solutions out there, you will find some good options. These options, in general, are as good as ESET. However, is there any antivirus solution that is better than ESET? Well, it is hard to say. It is partially dependent on your requirement and the setup you are using. Also it depends on your budget as well.

To sum up, you need to consider value for money. If you want to check alternatives, you can check the above alternatives. Also, check out the ESET vs. Kaspersky comparison to get more insight into your best choice.

ESET vs. Kaspersky

ESET and Kaspersky are two well-known and renowned security providers out there. Their Antivirus is very popular, and you will find most home and business users utilizing them in their day-to-day activities while protecting the data. But how do they stack against each other? Should you go for ESET or Kaspersky? Let’s discuss the difference below.

History

Both ESET and Kaspersky have excellent records in their name. They started their security company two decades ago, and each operates in more than 200 countries. So, you will not go wrong when choosing your next antivirus solution based on the experience they have in the market.

Installation

Getting started with ESET and Kaspersky is easy. All you need to do is download their program and install them. The checkout process is also smooth, and you will not find yourself during the process.

Budget

Next, we have pricing as it determines your choice, depending on your budget. For starters, ESET doesn’t come with a free service or program. However, you can use their trial for 30-days without needing any credit card. ESET offers pricing plans for individual devices, allowing you to choose the device you want to protect.

Pricing

ESET AVG-Antivirus starts at $39.99 per year, which is lower than Kaspersky Anti-Virus, which starts at $59.99 per year. However, if you want better overall security, then you may want to go for bundle packages. Both Kaspersky and ESET offer bundled packages. For example, ESET offers ESET Internet Security and ESET Smart Security. They are priced higher than just traditional antivirus packages. However, if you compare them again, ESET offers cheaper plans for their bundle. Kaspersky’s Internet Security and Kaspersky Security Cloud provide a complete package at $79.99 per year and $89.99 per year, respectively. In short, ESET and Kaspersky provide almost similar values, with ESET having the upper hand.

Malware protection

Keeping pricing aside, we now have the protection each of them provides. When it comes to protection, both excel in malware protection. Both Kaspersky and ESET can block malware effectively. It is evident from that the fact that they score highly in the AV-Comparatives Malware test. ESET scored 99.99% score, whereas Kaspersky scored 99.97% in their March 2020 test. In short, we can easily say that both of them provide excellent protection.

Impact on performance

When it comes to performance, none of them slow your machine’s performance. The systems perform well when running the scan or during background protection, not letting the user feel any performance limitation.

In conclusion, you can choose any antivirus provider for your machine. Kaspersky and ESET provide the necessary features to protect you against malware and viruses.

ESET Review Conclusions

ESET is a performance-based cybersecurity solutions provider. With over three decades of market experience, they know what to offer their users. That’s why you will find their antivirus software as one of the best antivirus solutions out there. With excellent pricing and feature-rich solutions, you cannot go wrong with them. You can always take advantage of their ESET Internet Security or ESET Smart Security Premium if you want better protection. Their advanced protection plans provide overall better security with privacy, a home network scanner, paternal control, and so on!

Moreover, they support all the major platforms, including macOS, Windows, and Android. With ESET, you get great protection with minimal impact on system performance. For businesses, they also offer excellent packages with features such as endpoint security, full disk encryption, and more for organization setup. Overall, it is rightly priced with well-structured plans and extensive protection for home and business users.