Emsisoft Anti-Malware Review: Light, Fast, Reliable

At a Glance

Emsisoft is a cybersecurity company founded in 2003 and headquartered in New Zealand. They specialize in lightweight but powerful anti-malware software for Windows systems. Their products use a dual-engine scanner that combines their proprietary engine with Bitdefender’s technology to detect and remove a wide range of threats, including viruses, ransomware, spyware, and potentially unwanted programs (PUPs). Emsisoft’s tools also offer Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR), cloud-based management, and behavior-based threat detection.

Their mission is clear: build efficient, high-performance tools that detect malware before it causes harm, without slowing down your system or invading your privacy. Every product is designed to be unobtrusive, fast, and accessible, reflecting their focus on ethical practices and user trust.

Features

Dual-engine malware detection: Emsisoft combines their proprietary malware engine with Bitdefender’s engine to increase detection accuracy. This pairing allows the software to catch both well-known threats and emerging malware strains.

Real-time protection layers: The software provides layered protection, including File Guard (scanning files on access), Behavior Blocker (detects suspicious behavior), Anti-Ransomware, and Web Protection (blocks malicious URLs and phishing sites).

PUP and unwanted software detection: It identifies and alerts users about potentially unwanted programs (PUPs) such as adware, toolbars, or bloatware. These are flagged during scans and can be removed or ignored depending on user preference.

Advanced infection cleaning and quarantine: When malware is found, Emsisoft uses cleaning tools to remove it completely. Files that are suspicious but not confirmed as harmful are placed in a safe quarantine zone, preventing execution while awaiting further analysis.

Emergency Kit maker: This tool lets users create a portable USB-based toolkit to scan and clean other infected computers. It’s useful for IT professionals or anyone helping friends or family recover from infections.
Windows RDP attack detection: Emsisoft monitors for brute-force attacks through the Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP), a common entry point for ransomware gangs. It blocks unauthorized login attempts and alerts admins.

Scheduled scans and scan exclusions: Users can set automated scans at regular intervals. There’s also an option to exclude trusted files or folders to reduce scan times and avoid false positives.Command line

interface and Explorer integration: Advanced users and IT admins can run scans or perform actions via command-line commands. The Explorer integration lets users right-click files or folders in Windows and scan them instantly.

Remote device management: Emsisoft offers multiple management modes, including cloud-only, local-only, or hybrid (local and remote). Admins can deploy, monitor, and control endpoint protection from one central console.

MITRE ATT&CK mapping in incident reports: Emsisoft classifies and logs threats using MITRE’s ATT&CK framework, giving IT and security professionals better context about attack techniques, tactics, and threat actor behaviors.

Pricing & Plans

Anti-Malware Home

This plan is ideal for individuals or families looking to protect up to 5 Windows PCs with strong, lightweight antivirus software. Pricing starts at $26.63 per year for 1 PC, or $53.30 per year for five devices. Each plan includes the essential features for home cybersecurity. You get Emsisoft’s award-winning dual-engine malware scanner, which removes viruses, PUPs, and ransomware. It also comes with real-time protection layers, including anti-phishing, browser security, and behavior-based threat detection. Users can create a portable Emergency Kit, manage devices through a basic cloud console, and reach out to support via email or live chat.

Business Security

Designed for small to medium-sized businesses, this plan adds robust device management tools and Windows server support on top of the Home plan. It costs $1.22 per endpoint per month, totaling $3.67/month for three devices, billed annually. Alongside multi-layered malware protection and full system scanning, it supports fast one-click deployment, command-line scanning, and remote management for all endpoints. Business Security also introduces email and API notifications, protection and permission policies, and allows up to 2 administrators per workspace. It supports up to 10 configurable security policies, which is ideal for teams with basic segmentation needs.

Enterprise Security + EDR

For large organizations, this top-tier plan includes everything from the Business Security plan and adds enterprise-grade threat visibility and response. At $2.22 per endpoint per month, totaling $6.67/month for 3 devices, it offers full Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) with cloud-based forensics, detailed incident analytics, and raw log access for up to 365 days. It also includes advanced features like MITRE ATT&CK behavior pattern tracking, AI-assisted threat hunting, and SOC/SIEM integrations for third-party monitoring. Admins can manage devices down to the individual user level, integrate with Active Directory, and assign unlimited admins and policies. Priority support is also included, offering skip-the-line access and a call-back service between 8 AM and 9 PM ET.

Pros

Mirror view in the management console

Unlike basic dashboards, Emsisoft’s console offers a real-time mirrored view of all endpoints. IT teams can see exactly what’s happening on each device without logging into them individually, reducing response time and improving visibility.

Execution tree and timeline visualization

Emsisoft builds a visual timeline showing the full chain of events leading to a malware infection. This helps teams understand where the breach started, how it moved, and which files or processes were affected.

Mobile app availability

Emsisoft provides a mobile security app for Android devices, offering real-time protection against malware, phishing attempts, and other online threats. The app includes features such as on-install scanning, on-demand scanning, and anti-theft measures like remote lock and wipe capabilities. Additionally, it offers a privacy advisor to monitor app permissions and a web security feature to block malicious websites. 

Emergency kit maker

The Emsisoft Emergency Kit is a portable malware scanner that can be run without installation, making it ideal for cleaning infected computers. Users can create their own Emergency Kit using the Emergency Kit Maker feature within Emsisoft Anti-Malware. This allows for the creation of a bootable USB drive containing the latest malware definitions, useful for scanning and cleaning systems that cannot connect to the internet or install software normally. 

30-day money-back guarantee

Emsisoft offers a 30-day money-back guarantee on their products. If users are not satisfied with the software, they can request a full refund within 30 days of purchase, providing a risk-free opportunity to evaluate the product’s effectiveness.

Live chat support

For customer support, Emsisoft provides live chat assistance, allowing users to get real-time help with installation, troubleshooting, and other inquiries. This feature ensures that users can quickly resolve issues and maintain optimal protection for their devices.

Cons

Android-only mobile support

Emsisoft Mobile Security is currently available only for Android devices. While it offers strong protection for that platform, the lack of iOS support may be limiting for users or teams who work across different mobile systems.

Modest past test results

Emsisoft’s most recent AV-TEST scores date back to 2016, where they earned 5.5 out of 6 in protection, 4.5 in performance, and 5 in usability. These are respectable results, though not top-tier. In AV-Comparatives’ 2018 report, they received an “Approved” rating, indicating a solid but unremarkable level of performance compared to more competitive solutions. While they recently scored a perfect 100% detection rate in AVLab’s November 2024 Advanced In-The-Wild Malware Test, there are no recent results from other major independent labs like AV-TEST or AV-Comparatives to back up that performance. 

Lack of a browser cleaner

Emsisoft doesn’t include a built-in browser cleaner, which may be a drawback for users looking for all-in-one maintenance tools. While it blocks malicious websites and phishing attempts through its browser extension, it doesn’t offer features like clearing cache, removing cookies, or managing unwanted browser extensions.

Customer Reviews

Emsisoft has received mostly positive reviews across the board. Users on Trustpilot rate it 4.3 out of 5, while G2 gives it a higher score of 4.5 out of 5. The majority of feedback highlights Emsisoft’s lightweight performance, responsive customer support, and strong malware detection capabilities.

Positive reviews

Many customers praise Emsisoft for being simple to use while still offering powerful protection. Longtime users mention that it runs smoothly without slowing down their devices. One reviewer noted that after testing over a dozen antivirus tools, Emsisoft was the most effective and lightest option. Others highlight the emergency kit, real-time protection, and cloud console as features that make both home and business use more manageable. Several reviews also applaud the customer service team, describing them as “responsive.” 

Negative reviews

On the other hand, a few users have expressed concerns about system performance and uninstallation difficulties. One customer mentioned that Emsisoft used almost 99% of CPU resources, causing their system to lag. Another business user reported having to reset multiple machines to fully remove the software. Others criticized the lack of Linux or macOS support, limited browser compatibility for phishing protection, and a cluttered interface in some cases. Some reviews also noted a slightly higher number of false positives compared to other programs.

How Can I Contact Emsisoft?

If you need help with installation, licensing, or technical issues, Emsisoft offers support through live chat and email. You can send a message directly via their contact form or start a conversation with a representative through their website. Their help center also includes detailed user guides, troubleshooting steps, and setup instructions for both home and business users. For managing devices and licenses, the MyEmsisoft portal gives you full control over your subscriptions and settings.

Emsisoft is active on social media and regularly shares updates, product tips, and security insights. You can follow them on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and YouTube to stay connected. Whether you’re protecting one device or managing dozens, their team is accessible and ready to help.

Conclusion

Emsisoft is a cybersecurity company headquartered in Nelson, New Zealand. The company operates with a globally distributed team, embracing a remote-first approach since its inception. Emsisoft specializes in developing lightweight yet robust anti-malware solutions, primarily for Windows and Android platforms. Their products feature a dual-engine scanner that combines proprietary technology with Bitdefender’s engine, offering comprehensive protection against various threats, including viruses, ransomware, and spyware. Additional features include Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR), behavior-based threat detection, and cloud-based management tools. Emsisoft’s commitment to privacy and user trust is evident in their design philosophy, emphasizing efficiency without compromising system performance.

If you’re still exploring your options, we’ve got you covered. Check out our list of top antivirus solutions to see how Emsisoft compares. You can also use our comparison tool for side-by-side insights or visit our blog for practical tips and the latest security updates.