Antivirus
Top Companies in 2025
Avast vs ESET
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- Free version with essential features
- Easy-to-use interface with clear navigation
- Built-in firewall for network protection
- Regular updates to virus definitions
- Multi-device compatibility
- Multi-device compatibility
- Customizable plans
- Comprehensive ransomware protection
- Real-time malware protection
- Frequent upgrade prompts in free version
- Some key features sold separately
- May slow down older systems
- Past data privacy concerns
- Limited mobile support
- Lacks extra privacy features
Founded in 1988 and headquartered in Prague, Czech Republic, Avast has grown into one of the most recognized names in cybersecurity. Known for offering a free antivirus product alongside robust premium plans, Avast provides multi-layered protection through features like Smart Scan, real-time malware detection, phishing protection, and a Secure Browser designed to safeguard sensitive activity online. More advanced services include Avast One Gold, which adds VPN access, identity protection, and ransomware defense. Their tools are compatible across Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS, offering flexible security for individual users and families alike. Avast’s services have earned high marks in independent malware tests, including results from SE Labs and AV-Comparatives, helping establish their credibility within the industry. Customer feedback is largely positive, with users praising Avast’s ease of use, effective free service, and performance-boosting utilities. However, concerns have been raised about frequent upselling and pop-up notifications, especially within the paid tiers. Despite this, Avast remains a popular option for users seeking both basic and enhanced digital protection.
Established in 1992 and headquartered in Bratislava, Slovakia, ESET has become a key player in cybersecurity, providing reliable, fast, and efficient protection for individuals and businesses worldwide. Known for their innovative approach to security, ESET delivers a range of products tailored to different needs, from basic antivirus software to complete security suites. At the heart of their offerings is ESET NOD32 Antivirus, a standout solution praised for its minimal system impact and multi-layered protection. NOD32 leverages cutting-edge technologies like AI-powered threat detection and ransomware shielding to safeguard users from a wide range of threats. It’s designed for users who need reliable protection without compromising system performance, especially in high-demand scenarios like gaming or streaming. Over the years, ESET has earned industry credentials, including an impressive track record in independent testing, with their products consistently scoring high for protection and performance. While ESET offers a variety of products to suit both home and business users, NOD32 remains a popular choice for individuals seeking efficient, real-time antivirus defense.
- Security Rating : Excellent
- VPN : Included
- Price : Starts at $44.28 per year
- Customer Experience : Good
- Firewall : Included
- Free Trial : 30 days
- Trustpilot Score : 4.2 out of 5
- Security Rating : Good
- VPN : Unavailable
- Price : Starts at $39.99 per year
- Customer Experience : Fair
- Firewall : Available
- Free Trial : 30 days
- Trustpilot Score : 4.3 out of 5
- Smart Scan combines security and cleanup
- Behavioral Shield detects zero-day attacks
- Sandbox lets you run suspicious files safely
- Plans scale easily across multiple devices
- AI-powered detection
- Minimal system resource usage
- 30-day free trial
- Exploit blocker and script protection
- Adware Removal
- Anti-Phishing
- Anti-Spam
- Anti-Theft
- Anti-Tracking
- Behavior Analysis
- Cloud Scanning
- Dark Web Scanning
- Dedicated Ransomware Protection
- E-mail Scan
- File Encryption
- Free Version
- ID Protection
- Intrusion Detection System (IDS)
- Malware Removal
- Mobile App
- On Demand Scan
- Real-Time Protection
- Spyware Removal
- Vulnerability Scanner
- Webcam Protection
- Adware Removal
- Anti-Phishing
- Anti-Spam
- Anti-Theft
- Anti-Tracking
- Behavior Analysis
- Cloud Scanning
- Dark Web Scanning
- Dedicated Ransomware Protection
- E-mail Scan
- File Encryption
- Free Version
- ID Protection
- Intrusion Detection System (IDS)
- Malware Removal
- Mobile App
- On Demand Scan
- Real-Time Protection
- Spyware Removal
- Vulnerability Scanner
- Webcam Protection—Undisclosed
- Boot Time Scans
- Browser Cleaner
- Disk Cleaner
- Junk Files Removal
- Software/Driver Updater
- Boot Time Scans
- Browser Cleaner—Undisclosed
- Disk Cleaner
- Junk Files Removal
- Software/Driver Updater
- Cloud Storage Backup
- Live Updates
- Parental Control
- Password Manager
- Rescue Mode
- USB Rescue Toolkit
- USB Vaccination
- Cloud Storage Backup
- Live Updates
- Parental Control—Undisclosed
- Password Manager—Undisclosed
- Rescue Mode—Undisclosed
- USB Rescue Toolkit
- USB Vaccination
- Android
- Browser Plugins
- ChromeOS
- Fire OS
- iOS
- Linux
- macOS
- Windows
- Android
- Browser Plugins
- ChromeOS
- Fire OS
- iOS
- Linux
- macOS
- Windows
- Community Forum
- FAQs
- Help Guides
- Live Chat
- Phone
- Social Media
- Ticket
- Community Forum
- FAQs
- Help Guides
- Live Chat
- Phone
- Social Media
- Ticket