Antivirus
Top Companies in 2025
dfndr security vs ESET
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- Free core protection (virus scanning, anti-phishing) with millions of users
- Comprehensive feature set (antivirus, anti-theft, cleaning, etc.) in one app
- Easy to use with decent malware detection scores (AV-TEST certified)
- Multi-device compatibility
- Customizable plans
- Comprehensive ransomware protection
- Real-time malware protection
- Very ad-heavy in free mode
- Premium version is relatively expensive and Android-only
- Some features (battery booster, etc.) add little value
- No live customer support
- Limited mobile support
- Lacks extra privacy features
dfndr security, developed by Brazilian cybersecurity firm PSafe, is a well-known antivirus app for Android phones and tablets. Launched in the mid-2010s, they quickly gained popularity, amassing over 100 million downloads on Google Play thanks to their robust free offering. They aim to shield users from mobile threats, scan for malware, block phishing links, and alert users to potential scams, even within messaging apps. Over the years, PSafe has enriched dfndr security with extra features such as phone location tracking for lost devices, an app lock to protect privacy, and data breach monitoring to help users stay ahead of identity thieves. Users of dfndr security praise its ease of use, comprehensive toolkit, and free basic protection. The app’s interface is straightforward, making complex tasks like clearing junk files or securing the device accessible with a single tap. They also enjoy a strong reputation in the antivirus industry’s tests, having achieved perfect scores in some AV-TEST evaluations. However, the free version is known for frequent ads and notifications, which can be intrusive. Customer support is limited to email and online help, reflecting its focus on the mass Android market. Overall, dfndr security stands out as a solid, accessible option for Android users seeking free antivirus tools, though those wanting ad-free use or broader device support may find better value elsewhere.
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 : Good
- VPN : Not included
- Price : Free version available (with ads); Pro plan $29.9/year; Ultra plan $69.9/year (approximately, for one device)
- Customer Experience : Fair
- Firewall : Not included
- Free Trial : 3 days
- Trustpilot Score : N/R
- 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
- Real-time scam protection for WhatsApp/SMS messaging specifically
- Built-in identity theft monitoring for mobile
- One of the most downloaded antivirus apps globally (200M+ installs)
- 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—Undisclosed
- Behavior Analysis—Undisclosed
- Cloud Scanning—Undisclosed
- 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—Undisclosed
- Browser Cleaner
- Disk Cleaner
- Junk Files Removal—Undisclosed
- 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