ESET Antivirus Review: NOD32 for Lightweight Defense

ESET at a Glance

ESET is a privately owned cybersecurity provider that has been in operation since 1992. Based in Bratislava, Slovakia, and with a North American headquarters in San Diego, California, the company serves individuals and businesses worldwide. With products available in over 200 countries and support for multiple platforms, ESET’s mission is to make proactive protection accessible, effective, and performance-friendly.

Their lineup includes various security software solutions for different needs—from basic antivirus to complete security suites for home, mobile, and business environments. At the core of their offerings is ESET NOD32 Antivirus, a well-known product praised for its speed, low system impact, and multilayered security. It features AI-powered threat detection, ransomware shielding, exploit blocking, and advanced scanning technologies. Most of ESET’s paid products include a 30-day free trial, and Android users can try a free mobile version with optional upgrades.

Their antivirus software has performed strongly in independent lab evaluations. In AV-Test’s assessments, their Windows antivirus scored 6 out of 6 in protection, performance, and usability. These results reinforce ESET’s commitment to combining strong security with a smooth, uninterrupted user experience.

Over the years, they have earned their place in the industry through consistent performance and a focus on quality. NOD32 was the first antivirus solution to earn more than 100 VB100 Awards from Virus Bulletin, a respected testing authority in malware detection. While the Better Business Bureau (BBB) doesn’t accredit ESET, they currently hold an A+ rating.

The Features & Perks of ESET

ESET NOD32

ESET NOD32 antivirus includes many tools that deliver fast, intelligent protection, focusing on system performance and usability. Below is a breakdown of its core and advanced features:

• Antivirus and antispyware: ESET’s core antivirus engine provides continuous protection against malware, including viruses, trojans, worms, and spyware. It scans in real-time to prevent infections before they can take hold, using a combination of signature detection and behavior monitoring to stay effective against known and unknown threats
• AI-powered threat detection: Leveraging advanced artificial intelligence, ESET detects threats based on behavioral patterns rather than traditional signatures alone. This enables it to recognize emerging threats faster and provide real-time protection, even against brand-new malware strains
• Advanced machine learning: ESET’s machine learning engine strengthens its detection capabilities by analyzing how programs behave. It flags suspicious activity even when the files are not identified as malicious, offering a strong defense against zero-day attacks
• DNA detections: DNA-based detection analyzes malware at a deeper code level, identifying core components shared across malware families. This allows the system to block modified or disguised threats that would otherwise bypass basic antivirus tools
• Ransomware shield: This feature proactively monitors applications for suspicious file encryption behavior. If ransomware-like activity is detected, ESET intervenes immediately to stop the attack and protect your documents from being locked or held hostage
• Exploit blocker: Applications like browsers, document readers, and email clients are common targets for exploit-based attacks. ESET’s exploit blocker guards these apps against vulnerabilities, preventing attackers from gaining control or injecting malicious code through unpatched software
• Script-based attack protection: Harmful scripts hidden in websites, documents, or emails are blocked before execution. These threats are intercepted at runtime to prevent unauthorized system actions, whether delivered via JavaScript, PowerShell, or browser exploits
• Anti-phishing protection: ESET helps protect your valuable data by blocking phishing sites that steal login credentials, credit card numbers, or other sensitive data. This is especially useful when accessing online banking, shopping platforms, or financial accounts through a secure browser, enhancing internet security and helping to prevent unauthorized access and identity theft
• Web and email scanning: All web content and email communications, including attachments and links, are scanned in real-time. This feature reduces the risk of downloading malware or falling for phishing scams directly from your inbox or browser
• Removable media control: External drives like USB sticks and SD cards are automatically scanned when connected. This helps prevent infections that spread via shared storage and ensures all media devices entering your system are clean
• Personal firewall: ESET includes a personal firewall to monitor network traffic for users who want an extra layer of protection. It blocks unauthorized inbound or outbound connections, protecting your system from remote intrusions and data leaks
• Multithread scanning: Optimized for multi-core processors, ESET performs background scans more efficiently without overloading the system. Users can run scans without experiencing slowdowns, even on older or lower-spec devices
• Gamer mode: During full-screen activities like gaming, streaming, or presentations, ESET automatically suspends alerts and background scans. This prevents interruptions and keeps performance smooth while maintaining core protection
• Small system footprint: Designed for efficiency, ESET consumes very few system resources. It operates quietly in the background and is known for having one of the lightest impacts on device speed among antivirus providers
• ESET SysInspector: This diagnostic tool examines your system’s workings—from drivers and processes to registry entries and network connections. Each item is scored by risk level, making troubleshooting issues or detecting hidden malware easier
• System cleaner: After a malware infection, system settings may be altered or security functions disabled. ESET’s clean test system helps restore the default configuration, fixing common post-infection security issues like blocked updates or disabled Task Manager access
• Quarantine: Suspicious files are automatically isolated in quarantine, preventing them from causing harm and allowing users to review or restore them if needed. It adds a layer of control for managing borderline or flagged files
• Security report: ESET visually summarizes recent scans, blocked websites, and detected threats. This dashboard helps users track their system’s security status and understand how the software performs over time
• Scheduler: The built-in scheduler can automate regular scans and software updates. This ensures your protection stays current without requiring manual checks or reminders

Other solutions

While ESET NOD32 Antivirus is popular for those seeking fast and lightweight protection, it’s only one part of the company's broader security ecosystem. For individual users looking for additional layers of security, ESET offers a range of all-in-one home solutions with extra privacy features such as online banking protection, password management, browser privacy and security extension, identity protection, and unlimited VPN. These solutions are available across multiple devices and platforms—including Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS—providing layered protection for the entire household.

ESET also delivers comprehensive solutions for small businesses and large enterprises. Their business security tools go beyond standard antivirus, including server protection, cloud security, endpoint encryption, mobile threat defense, and centralized management via the ESET PROTECT console. Businesses can tailor their coverage with add-ons like vulnerability patching, multi-factor authentication, and managed detection and response (MDR) services. Whether managing five devices or thousands, ESET’s scalable protection is built to adapt to a company’s size and structure.

ESET Plans & Prices

ESET offers a range of subscription-based plans for individual users and businesses, with transparent pricing for most of their products. Their flagship product, ESET NOD32, is sold as a standalone antivirus and can be customized based on the number of devices and years you want to cover.

A single-device subscription to ESET NOD32 Antivirus starts at $39.99 per year. Users can customize their plan by adding up to five devices and choosing coverage for up to three years. Each additional device costs $5 per year, and each additional year adds $39.99 to the total. For example:

• One device, two years: $79.98
• Two devices, one year: $44.99
• Three devices, three years: $149.97
• Five devices, three years: $179.97

The plan is flexible and can be adjusted based on your setup, whether you're covering a single PC or multiple machines over a longer term.

ESET Home Security Essential, Premium, and Ultimate plans are available for users looking beyond basic antivirus. Prices range from $49.99 to $179.99, with longer-term discounts available. These plans introduce features like password managers, file encryption, and VPN access.

For small offices, protection starts at $179.99 for five devices, while business-grade includes Protect Entry for $211, Protect Advanced for $275, and Protect Complete for $287.72 for five devices over one year. ESET offers Protect MDR, a managed detection and response service available only through direct quotes.

The Advantages of ESET Antivirus

Multi-layered threat detection powered by AI

ESET uses advanced machine learning and behavior-based detection to spot threats—even ones that haven’t been formally identified. This proactive approach gives users an extra defense against zero-day attacks and rapidly evolving malware.

Reliable real-time scanning and malware prevention

Their core antivirus engine constantly monitors your system, blocking viruses, trojans, worms, and spyware as they try to access your files. This always-on protection is ideal for users who want peace of mind without constantly needing to run manual scans.

Customizable pricing and coverage options

NOD32 allows users to tailor their subscriptions to fit their specific needs. They can choose how many devices to protect and how long to cover them. Whether you’re a single user or covering multiple PCs, the pricing scales predictably and stays affordable. That flexibility adds value for households or users managing multiple machines.

Extensive configuration options for advanced users

For those who like control, ESET offers a high degree of customization. Users can tweak detection settings, exclusions, and notification preferences, allowing more tech-savvy customers to fine-tune the software for their workflows or systems.

30-day trial available

ESET allows users to try out NOD32 Antivirus for 30 days at no cost by simply clicking the “Try before you buy” option. This gives potential customers a risk-free way to explore the software’s interface, performance, and protection before purchasing.

Low system resource usage

ESET NOD32 is designed to be lightweight and efficient, even on low-end or aging systems. This makes a noticeable difference in day-to-day use for users who need reliable protection without sacrificing performance, especially during gaming, streaming, or multitasking.

Cross-platform support for multiple device types

ESET NOD32 is available for both Windows and macOS, with mobile protection options offered separately for Android smartphones. This flexibility allows users to secure different types of devices under the same ecosystem, which is especially useful for households or individuals using a mix of platforms

Why You Might Not Choose ESET

Limited protection scope

While NOD32 focuses on core antivirus and anti-malware, it doesn’t include extras like a VPN, password manager, payment protection, safe banking, or identity monitoring. Customers who want those features must look at ESET’s different solutions, which can mean extra costs or less convenience.

Feature availability varies by platform

ESET provides protection for Windows, macOS, and Android, but the features available for each platform differ. For instance, multithreaded scanning is available on Windows but not on macOS. Conversely, web and email scanning is included on macOS but not Windows. This can lead to an uneven experience for users running the software on multiple devices, especially if they expect the same level of protection across the board.

No dedicated mobile app

ESET NOD32 is only available for Windows and macOS, but they do not offer a version for Android or iOS devices. Users looking for a single antivirus solution to cover all their devices must explore separate products within ESET’s lineup.

Complex uninstallation process

Several users have reported that fully removing ESET from their system can be a hassle, often requiring Safe Mode and a dedicated uninstall tool. For those switching services or troubleshooting, this can be an unnecessary obstacle.

What Is the Customer Experience Like?

Although the BBB does not accredit ESET, they maintain a strong A+ rating on the platform. Across other major review sites, the company holds 4.3 out of 5 stars on Trustpilot and an impressive 4.6 out of 5 on G2.

While these scores reflect ESET’s overall product ecosystem rather than just the NOD32 Antivirus, they still offer insight into how customers feel about the brand's reliability, performance, and support.

Positive reviews

Customers frequently describe ESET as a trustworthy and consistently effective antivirus solution. Many long-time users mentioned that they’ve relied on ESET NOD32 for over a decade without a single virus infection, praising the software for its quiet operation and minimal impact on system performance. One reviewer described it as “so light you wouldn't even think you have a security program running,” echoing a common sentiment among those who value performance just as much as protection.

Users also appreciated the depth of ESET’s threat detection and the real-time blocking of suspicious files, apps, and websites. The intuitive online dashboard, automatic updates, and low rate of false positives made it particularly appealing to everyday users and IT professionals. Others highlighted the ease of deployment, especially when managing multiple devices, and the ability to fine-tune security settings based on personal preferences. Several reviews also noted that ESET’s support materials—like tutorials and templates—make it easier to understand and control the software.

Negative reviews

Not all feedback is glowing, however. Several customers expressed frustration with ESET’s subscription management and renewal process. Some reported being charged after canceling, while others found it confusing to differentiate between product tiers when attempting to upgrade or renew.

Complaints often focused on a lack of clear communication during these changes, leading to accidental purchases or feeling locked into unwanted plans.

Another common concern involved difficulty uninstalling the software completely, with several users describing the removal process as overly complicated, sometimes requiring Safe Mode or third-party uninstallers. A few customers also criticized ESET’s customer support, citing long wait times, disconnections, or unhelpful responses.

One particularly troubling account described a dismissive support interaction that felt unprofessional and condescending. Others mentioned lingering notifications or account setup confusion, especially with the transition to the ESET HOME platform, leading to some uncertainty about whether their antivirus protection was fully active.

Additionally, some customers pointed out the absence of a quick scan option, which would have allowed for faster checks. However, ESET administrators note that the system automatically scans thoroughly after each update.

Customer Support

ESET offers several customer support channels, with options designed to assist users before and after purchase. While they do not operate a 24/7 helpline, live chat and phone support are available Monday through Friday from 6 a.m. to 5 p.m. PST. Users can speak directly with a tech support agent during these hours by calling 1-866-343-3738 or using their website's live chat feature.

Users can submit requests through ESET’s technical support form. While response times may vary, this method provides a documented way to follow up on more complex questions.

Customers can explore various resources, including product guides, FAQs, a searchable knowledge base, and an active security forum. These materials help users troubleshoot, configure, or better understand their software without contacting support directly.

The Bottom Line

In conclusion, ESET NOD32 antivirus stands out for its intelligent, performance-friendly approach to malware protection. AI-powered threat detection, ransomware shielding, and behavior-based scanning offer users a robust layer of real-time defense. Its low system impact and customizability appeal to those who want reliable protection without compromising speed or control. With perfect scores of 6 out of 6 from AV-Test’s assessment, their flexibility in pricing, based on device count and subscription length, also adds practical value for individual users and households.

Despite their strengths, there are notable limitations. ESET NOD32 lacks a mobile version, and its features differ depending on the platform, which may lead to inconsistent experiences across devices and operating systems. Some users have also cited frustrations with uninstalling the software and navigating subscription changes. While ESET offers various other home and business solutions to bridge these gaps, those interested solely in NOD32 should be aware of what it does—and does not—include.

To ensure you're selecting the right antivirus software for your needs, we recommend exploring our full library of antivirus reviews, using our comparison tool to weigh providers side by side, and visiting our blog for practical tips and deeper insights into the latest cybersecurity developments.