WHAT IS ESET ANTIVIRUS?
Established in Bratislava in 1992, ESET rose to prominence as a leading network security provider, featuring its flagship antivirus software, NOD. Today, ESET’s products are used by over 100 million people worldwide, cementing its reputation as a reliable and efficient provider of digital protection.
ESET’s consumer product line includes ESET NOD32 Antivirus, ESET Internet Security, and ESET Smart Security Premium, all of which can be downloaded for free and fully tested for 30 days after installation. Simply sign up with your email address and country, and you’re ready to go.
ESET NOD32 Antivirus
Fast and lightweight, ESET’s products are essential for both gamers and everyday users who don’t want any interruptions. Simply install and forget. Compatible with Windows, Mac, and Linux devices.
ESET Internet Security
ESET Internet Security builds upon the features of its less expensive cousin by adding a suite of parental control tools, a spam filter, customizable webcam protection, a firewall, as well as a secure browser feature to protect sensitive information during activities like online financial transactions. Additionally, there’s a Connected Home Monitoring feature that allows you to assess your home devices for vulnerabilities.
ESET Smart Security Premium
ESET Smart Security Premium is the ultimate web security solution, combining multiple layers of protection with advanced features like password management and encryption.
Experience premium features such as file and removable media encryption, password storage and organization, and PC protection with Anti-Theft.
ESET offers three options for virus scans:
System Scan: Scan every file on your computer, including running processes, program files, system files, and cached files.
Custom Scan: Scan specific suspicious files or choose to inspect a specific folder.
Removable Device Scan: Scan thumb drives, external hard drives, phones, or any other removable device.
How much does ESET cost?
ESET’s most affordable antivirus protection option, ESET NOD32 Antivirus, is priced at $39.99 per year for a single device. The company’s most expensive option, ESET Smart Security Premium, costs $449.97 per year for 10 devices.
ESET Multi-Device Security:
If you want to opt for multiple-device security, the Multi-Device security subscription allows you to do so. However, it limits the number of devices, meaning unlike Bitdefender’s Family Pack, it will not allow unlimited device security from one subscription. Also, for certain reasons, you can choose either the NOD32 version or the Internet Security version to go with this subscription, as the company does not allow the installation of the high-end ESET Smart Security Premium suite. So, choosing this particular version may be expensive for users who want to choose an antivirus for the entire family.
ESET Cyber Security:
This is an elite version of the antivirus made for Mac OS, providing global protection against all malware threats. It also includes a presentation mode that tends to suspend notifications to maintain an interruption-free experience and includes full free premium support.
ESET Cyber Security Pro:
This is the professional version of the previously mentioned version and contains all the features present in the Cyber Security version. Additionally, it includes a firewall and a parental control module.
PROS:
Great antivirus lab scores Security for Windows, macOS, and Android
Adds password manager and file encryption
Passwords sync across every popular platform and browser.
CONS:
Password manager lacks advanced features
No secure erasure for files after encryption
Poor parental control on macOS
ESET Detailed Review:
Overall, ESET provides an excellent anti-malware scanner, several extra security features, and an intuitive UI for Windows, Mac, Android, and Linux users. ESET’s malware scanner is truly exceptional, using heuristics and AI to identify malware, and its cloud-based scanning barely hindered my PC, even during full system scans.
ESET offers some decent additional features, such as device encryption, advanced diagnostic tools, and anti-theft protection. Some of these bonuses are quite good, but competitors like Norton and McAfee offer antivirus packages with more useful tools like VPNs, anti-phishing protection, and better parental controls.
There is a wide range of ESET packages to choose from, all of which provide a straightforward and user-friendly antivirus engine, with great customer support and a few worthwhile features. Although I believe there are better antivirus packages available, ESET is not a bad choice, especially if you just need a strong antivirus engine.
CONCLUSION
In conclusion, regardless of which ESET antivirus package you opt for, it will be a valuable addition to your device’s security, depending on your requirements and budget.
All of the packages, especially the Internet Security and Smart Security Premium, are overflowing with features that allow for a significant level of customization, although some of them feel like they could have been more fully developed.
