Antivirus
Top Companies in 2025
ESET vs Panda Dome
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- Multi-device compatibility
- Customizable plans
- Comprehensive ransomware protection
- Real-time malware protection
- All-in-one security suite
- Flexible pricing with a free plan
- Cloud-based malware detection
- Low system impact
- Easy-to-use interface
- Limited mobile support
- Lacks extra privacy features
- VPN data capped on non-premium plans
- Support responsiveness depends on plan and region
- Occasional false positives
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.
Founded in 1990 and headquartered in Bilbao, Spain, Panda Dome has built a strong reputation in the growing antivirus industry. With over three decades of experience, they offer a versatile range of cybersecurity solutions under the Panda Dome brand, aimed at individuals, families, and businesses. Panda Dome services cover Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS devices, providing real-time antivirus protection, cloud-based malware detection, behavioral analysis, VPN services, firewall protection, and parental controls. Users also benefit from tools like file encryption, file shredding, Panda Cloud Cleaner, and a Rescue Kit for severe infections. Panda Dome distinguish themselves with an attractive and intuitive user interface, multi-platform support, and flexible pricing, including a reliable free edition. Customer feedback consistently praises Panda’s lightweight system impact, ease of use, and effective threat prevention, although some users mention occasional concerns with billing processes and support response times. The company maintains a strong presence in independent malware protection tests, often receiving competitive aggregate scores from respected testing labs such as SE Labs and AV-Comparatives.
- 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
- Security Rating : Good
- VPN : Included
- Price : Starts at $22.50 per year
- Customer Experience : Good
- Firewall : Included
- Free Trial : 30 days
- Trustpilot Score : 4 out of 5
- AI-powered detection
- Minimal system resource usage
- 30-day free trial
- Exploit blocker and script protection
- Data Shield with decoy file and shadow copy protection
- USB vaccination and Rescue Kit combo
- Modular upgrade path across four clear plan tiers
- Built-in tools like password manager and file shredder
- 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
- 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
- Boot Time Scans
- Browser Cleaner—Undisclosed
- Disk Cleaner
- Junk Files Removal
- Software/Driver Updater
- Boot Time Scans
- Browser Cleaner
- Disk Cleaner
- Junk Files Removal
- Software/Driver Updater
- Cloud Storage Backup
- Live Updates
- Parental Control—Undisclosed
- Password Manager—Undisclosed
- Rescue Mode—Undisclosed
- USB Rescue Toolkit
- USB Vaccination
- Cloud Storage Backup
- Live Updates
- Parental Control
- Password Manager
- Rescue Mode
- 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
ESET vs. Panda
Choosing the right antivirus software is all about finding a service that fits your daily needs, works smoothly on your devices, and offers peace of mind when it comes to online threats. ESET and Panda are two recognized names in cybersecurity, each with their own strengths and approach. This comparison takes a closer look at their features, usability, protection capabilities, and value.
Service range and customization options
ESET offers a wide-reaching security suite designed for personal users, businesses, and everything in between. Their tools include advanced threat detection, anti-ransomware defenses, phishing protection, webcam shielding, and banking security features. They support Windows, macOS, Android, and Linux, and their multi-device licenses make them a strong contender for users with mixed platforms. ESET also gives users plenty of control over scan settings, firewall configurations, and device management.
Panda leans into simplicity while still packing in features. Their antivirus software offers real-time malware protection, USB scanning, VPN access (in higher-tier plans), and a rescue kit for infected systems. They support Windows, macOS, and Android, but their platform integration feels more Windows-centric. What sets them apart is how user-friendly the experience is. They handle most settings automatically, which is great for less tech-savvy users, though it means fewer customization options overall.
Ease of use and integration
ESET is known for their clean and professional interface. Installation is quick, and the dashboard feels built for users who like to see what’s happening under the hood. It’s not flashy, but it's well-organized, with helpful prompts and advanced configuration for those who want it. Their mobile app complements the desktop experience, and cross-platform sync is smooth for users managing multiple devices.
Panda’s interface is bright and modern, with an almost app-like simplicity that works well for beginners. Key actions like scanning or enabling the VPN are front and center, and most decisions are automated in the background. However, advanced users might find the customization options lacking. Integration across devices is decent, but there’s more friction when switching between desktop and mobile platforms, especially for lower-tier plans.
Security and compliance
ESET has a long-standing reputation for reliability and strong security performance. Their threat engine uses machine learning, cloud-based file analysis, and behavior-based detection to block known and emerging threats. Independent lab results from AV-Test and AV-Comparatives consistently place ESET among the top performers for detection and performance impact. They also maintain a strong track record with privacy compliance and transparency.
Panda performs well in basic malware detection, particularly for known threats, and includes additional safety features like a process monitor and built-in VPN. However, third-party testing results are more mixed. Some labs rate them highly in protection, while others show occasional gaps in zero-day detection. Their lightweight impact on system performance is a plus, but their security model emphasizes ease over deep configurability, which might matter for more advanced users.
Pricing and value
ESET’s pricing is straightforward and competitive. Their basic NOD32 Antivirus starts at $39.99/year for one device, while their Internet Security plan ($49.99/year) adds tools like a firewall, parental controls, and webcam protection. The top-tier Smart Security Premium ($59.99/year) includes password management and secure file encryption. While ESET doesn’t offer a free version, they do provide a 30-day free trial on all plans.
Panda offers more pricing flexibility, including a free antivirus plan with real-time protection for Windows. Their paid plans range from Panda Dome Essential ($37/year) to Dome Premium ($140/year), with higher tiers offering unlimited VPN, password manager, and identity theft protection. The free plan is a solid option for budget users, but VPN usage is capped unless you upgrade. Overall, Panda shines in their tiered approach, letting users pay for only what they need.
Conclusion
If you’re looking for advanced protection with strong third-party validation and granular control, ESET is a standout. They offer deep customization, reliable performance across platforms, and a clean user experience that appeals to both casual users and IT-savvy individuals.
Panda, on the other hand, is a good choice if you want a more hands-off, visually friendly antivirus with flexible pricing. They may not match ESET’s level of precision or lab-tested strength, but they offer a pleasant user experience and value for anyone prioritizing ease and accessibility, especially on Windows.