ESET 2020 Antivirus Review

ESET antivirus software barely slows system performance, but offers poor protection against malware and can be expensive if you have to protect many computers.

ESET security and antivirus suites quickly scan a computer for threats and slightly slow down system performance. On the other hand, ESET malware protection is not as powerful as some of the best antivirus programs.

ESET can block phishing attempts and stop advanced exploits and ransomware. Some additional features that antivirus manufacturers often add to attract customers are missing. B. a virtual private network or a shredder. And if you have many computers at home, ESET's detailed pricing system means it can be expensive quickly.

ESET offers four security programs, each of which you can try for free for a month. Multi-year subscriptions get half the price for the second or third year, but ESET does not seem to offer the regular discounts offered by other brands.

The basic ESET NOD32 Antivirus model provides the basics of antivirus programs. Start at $ 40 per year for a single PC. Additional facilities cost $ 10 each, up to $ 80 for five. The NOD32 antivirus protects against phishing attacks, advanced exploits, BIOS / UEFI attacks and script intervention. It also has ransomware protection and a reader mode, which are sometimes reserved for premium antivirus products.

Then, ESET Internet Security, which starts at $ 50 per year and costs up to $ 140 per year for 10 devices. Licenses can be used on Mac, smartphones or tablets with Android or even in Linux boxes.

For Windows computers, ESET Internet Security includes an improved browser for online and bank transactions, a two-way firewall and protection against spam, network attacks and botnets. There are also parental controls, webcam protection and an anti-theft device for laptops.

The high-end ESET Smart Security Premium costs $ 60 per year for a single computer and up to $ 150 for 10 systems. Add the password manager and ESET encryption software for secure data. However, there is no VPN, shredder, backup software or identity protection service that all competing brands have added to their premium products in recent years to increase their attractiveness.

A fourth option is ESET Multi-Device Security, which expires. You can still buy the program for $ 70 a year for three devices and buy up to 10 devices for $ 140 a year. The company offers you the option to choose between ESET Internet Security or ESET NOD32, but not between ESET Smart Security Premium for your Windows computers and the aforementioned offers for Mac, Android and Linux.

Most other antivirus vendors sell device licenses in packages of three, five, ten or even 15, and you can pay more than you need. ESET avoids it with its detailed prices, but protecting more than 10 systems can cost much more than other brands.