ESET Antivirus Review 2022: Is It Any Good?

ESET Review: Quick Expert Summary

I’m a big fan of ESET SysInspector. This tool details every file and driver in your system. You can save and print a complete report in a matter of minutes. This tool can be used to troubleshoot problems with computers.

I also love Network Connections which shows me all of the programs on my device with active network connections. If you have slow internet, you can deactivate the application that is using most bandwidth.

ESET SysRescueLive also has the ability to create rescue disks that scan for malware without having to start Windows. ESET SysRescueLive offers an extra recovery option for severely compromised devices. Windows already has a decent boot rescue feature.

ESET is a top-rated antivirus program that offers advanced diagnostics tools. These tools allow advanced users to look deeper into the inner workings of their computer.

System Cleaner (Windows only)

ESET’s “System Cleaner” is a simple tool that doesn’t offer many of the optimization features offered by other antiviruses.

System Cleaner is able to reset Windows settings to default or return to a system restore point previously created. It can also reset your wallpaper.

ESET’s system cleaning features are all available in Windows. The System Cleaner only consolidates them into one place. A variety of tools are available in other antiviruses, including Norton 360, Avira, TotalAV, and TotalAV. They can scan for junk files, clear out temporary folders, identify duplicates, and remove unused apps.

You can find the best system cleaning tools and optimization software for PCs in 2022 by looking at this list.

It’s very basic and I think most users won’t ever use it. Avira Norton or TotalAV have better system optimization features than the System Cleaner. ESET’s ability to quickly clean and restore Windows settings may be appreciated by more advanced users.

Anti-Theft Protections (Windows only)

ESET provides anti-theft protection that allows users to track and secure stolen or lost devices. It is only available with ESET Windows plans. ESET’s Anti-Theft Tools: Here are some examples of what you can do.

• Messages. Send your message to a lost device.
• Remote screen recording/camera access. Any device connected to an internet connection can view what is happening on a laptop/phone that has been lost or stolen.
• Phantom Account. Forces thieves to create a fake ID that prevents them accessing confidential files.
• Search your IP address and browse history. Track the location of your device.

I love that ESET offers computer anti-theft features. From my phone, I logged in to the anti-theft dashboard and marked my laptop as missing. ESET then reset my system and forced it to a phantom login, making it impossible for me access my files. It allowed my computer also to receive and display the messages I sent from my smartphone.

ESET also took regular photos of my webcam, and screenshotted my computer screen. These photos and screenshots were then placed on ESET’s online anti theft dashboard.

The only problem with the phantom account was that I could still access and download files from the internet. This means that thieves can also install rootkits and hack your files.

The anti-theft protections can be used to protect your laptop and mobile device. You can also send messages and track the location of your device.

Parental Controls

ESET’s parental controls for are very basic. They don’t work well and lack essential features that other competitors provide.

ESET’s parental controls do not provide any additional protection than a content filter. Based on your child’s birth date, you can use them to prevent your child access to certain websites. You can edit the categories or create exceptions by hand in the options.

I turned off the parental controls. To ensure that the screening could filter content for a 9 year old, I entered a fake birthdate. However I was still allowed to search YouTube for terms such as “violence”, and “sex”. Google Image searches also failed to filter my search.

Top competitors Bitdefender and Norton offer parental controls that include app limits, scheduled device usage times and geo-fencing. ESET does not provide these parental control functions and the content filter feels like an unnecessary extra.

I recommend Norton antivirus if you are looking for an antivirus that has good parental controls.

Additional Features

ESET Windows plans have quite a few extra features.

• Password manger.
• Gamer mode.
• Device management.
• Protection.
• Secure Browser.
• Spam filter.

ESET’s password managers protect passwords using 256bit encryption (the industry norm), offer multi-devicesynchronization and have good auto-fill/auto-save abilities, but nothing else. If you are looking for advanced tools like password auditing or data breach alerts, dark Web monitoring, and other features, then you should look into 1Password or Dashlane.

The Gamer Mode of ESET is very basic, but still very useful . When you’re using full-screen software, it suspends all scans and notifications. So, you can watch movies or play video games with no interruptions. BullGuard and other antiviruses are better for gaming.

Secure Data is a device control option that makes it impossible for certain users to access data on USB devices or CD/DVD drive, SD card readers, or other storage media. It can be frustratingly difficult to set up. It took me approximately 10 minutes to figure it out. Once it’s setup, it works very well.

Webcam Protection will ask for your permission whenever an app or web site attempts to access the webcam. McAfee has similar tools to Norton. They also offer microphone protection, which ESET lacks.

ESET’s secure internet browser and spam filters weren’t my favorite. However, the secure browser encrypts all your keystrokes, but it doesn’t protect you against screen loggers. The spam filter felt unnecessary. It works only on Windows Live Mail or Microsoft Outlook. These programs already have spam filters.

ESET’s additional features are average. But they’re still better than most of the top antivirus programs.

ESET Plans and Pricing

ESET has three main pricing plans. They can be categorized as Essential, Advanced or Ultimate.

ESET’s main product is Windows packages. While the packages say they are compatible across all operating systems, it isn’t. Instead you will be directed to download “nearest” the appropriate software for each OS. It has different features and different levels of protection. You can still buy at least one plan to cover multiple devices and just use the “best available software” for each OS.

The mid-range “Advanced”, plan, Internet Security for Windows (or Cyber Security for Mac) provides the best mix of security features . The plan is slightly more expensive than TotalAV’s midrange Internet Security plans, which include a VPN, excellent tune up tools, and coverage that covers up to 5 devices.

ESET’s plans each cover one device. However, there is an additional charge for each additional device. This also includes operating systems other than Windows. So you can buy e.g. Internet Security covers 3 devices. The licenses can be used on either a Mac or Android. However, each OS will provide the software package.

Although the cost of ESET per device is prohibitive for large families and groups who need to share their internet security plan, it will still be a good option for anyone who only needs coverage for one or two devices.

ESET Essential: NOD32 Antivirus for Windows and Linux (Cyber Security for Mac)

NoD32 Antivirus by ESET is the most basic antivirus program. It features:

• Anti-malware scanner.
• Anti-phishing protection.
• Ransomware detection.
• Gaming mode.

Cyber Security Mac Version,includes the antimalware scanner and antiphishing protection. However, the ransomware detector and gamer modes aren’t compatible for macOS.

Priced at D911,980/year, NOD32Antivirus is an affordable antivirus that’s great for anyone looking for a simple and low-cost option. However, has more options than Avira, which offers much better packages.

NOD32Antivirus can be a great choice for those who don’t need extra protection and just want a basic antivirus scanner.

ESET Advanced: Internet Security for Windows (Cyber Security Pro for Mac)

ESET’s Internet Security costs D1,140,000.030 per annum. While it has a lot of features, it isn’t as affordable as other products that provide similar features or malware detection capabilities (like TotalAV).

ESET Internet Securityincludes, in addition to the Essential features:

• Firewall.
• Antispam.
• Safe browser.
• Parental control.
• Webcam protection.
• Advanced diagnostics software.
• System cleaner.
• Network monitor.
• Anti-theft protection.

Cyber Security Pro, a similar Mac product, only offers the firewall, parental control, web and email scanning, as well as a limited number of diagnostics tools. This limited number of features makes the Mac version not very useful. Intego, a Mac-focused program like Intego, is better if you’re looking to protect your Mac.

Internet Security from ESET is the main/Windows version. However, many of the features aren’t that great. Secure browser and parental controls don’t seem worth the effort. The web protection, anti-malware engines, network security tools as well as anti-theft and advanced diagnostics tools make it a solid antivirus program.

ESET Ultimate: Smart Security Premium for Windows

ESET Smart Security Premier is only available to Windows users. ESET’s website claims that this package is compatible with Android as well as Mac. However, it isn’t. You can only use the extra features of this plan on Windows devices. When you buy Smart Security Premium to protect your Mac or Android, Smart Security Premium will direct users to the appropriate plans for their OS: Cyber Security Pro Mac and Mobile Security Pro Android.

Available at D1,368,080/year Smart Security Premier includes everything from the Internet Security bundle plus 3 extra features: A password manager, device encryption and LiveGuard — a cloud-based scanner used to detect zero-day threats.

The password manager works well, but is missing some key features. It does not offer emergency access, password sharing or other useful features that stand-alone password managers have.

The device encryption, including the password manager isn’t very good when compared with other products on market. Additionally, most modern computers are equipped with data encryption. These work as well as ESET’s encryption feature.

LiveGuard, mentioned above, is a great option. However, Smart Security Premium does not offer this feature. It simply runs in background, so you wouldn’t notice the feature as a user. Avira Prime is another antivirus that offers similar functionality at no additional cost.

Smart Security Premium doesn’t offer a lot. Smart Security Premium isn’t worth the extra features. Bitdefender or Norton 360 should be considered if you are looking for a premium anti-virus suite.

ESET Ease of Use and Setup

The user interface for is quite simple, but it has some complicated features. To access a feature, simply click on it and it will be displayed at the center of the dashboard.

However, some features may not be clear or intuitive to use and many things can take much longer to setup than they need.

ESET’s anti-malware protection works automatically. But, you can customize it . This is especially frustrating when Avira and other companies offer scans that are quick and easy.

ESET is a reliable antivirus. However some of its features are difficult to set-up and users with less technical knowledge will struggle to understand its more advanced features.

ESET Mobile App

ESET’s mobile application is very good but only for Android. Mobile Security can be purchased either as an add-on or completely independent.

Mobile Security contains many of ESET’s most important features, including:

• Malware scanner.
• Anti-phishing protection.
• App lock.
• Payment protection.
• Wi-Fi security.
• Anti-theft protection.
• Call filter.
• Security audit/report.

These features function in the same way on Android as the PC version of ESET, and work just as well. The Android malware scanner detected and blocked all the malware I had installed on my phone. This included ransomware, spyware, and ransomware.

My computer also allowed me to log in to the online anti-theft dashboard and locate my phone within minutes. Bitdefender’s mobile application allows you to send messages to your phone but you cannot make it sound an alarm or wipe out your data remotely.

ESET Mobile Safety displayed important settings and permissions to my device and alerted me via push notification of any problems. It also analyzed apps for suspicious behavior.

ESET’s call filter allows you to block unknown numbers and can even be used to block certain numbers. ESET makes it easy to find these settings, which is something that many mobile phones can do by default.

ESET’s mobile app overall is quite good. However, it lacks many features that make Norton and TotalAV better choices (such as a VPN). ESET’s iOS support is also lacking, except for the password manager.

ESET’s Android app is still a good low-cost option to protect Android.

ESET Customer Support

ESET provides a variety of customer support options including email support and phone support. However, they are hard to find or use. Plus, not all support options will be available in all markets. Live chat isn’t available in the UK for example.

ESET has an extensive knowledge base which includes:

• Product guidelines.
• Troubleshooting guide.
• Forums.

ESET support services are available in English and Spanish. Norton is a better option, offering support in many languages, including English and Dutch, German as well as Turkish, Arabic, Turkish, Arabic, Mandarin, and Turkish.

I tried the email support and was met with an answer that ESET clearly copied and purged (which didn’t really answer me question). I sent it during business hours and received my response within the hour. This is a great response time. However, I would have preferred a more personal response.

The chat team was helpful and I had a pleasant experience. I was able asking questions and learning a lot about the program. They also helped me uninstall my software, something many users don’t understand. It is a shame that the live chat service is not available in all countries.

ESET’s customer service has been excellent. ESET offers live chat support in 3 languages. I found their representatives to be knowledgeable and helpful. However I’d like to see them provide phone support for technical problems, longer chat hours, and make it easy to find all contact points.

Is ESET Worth Trying in 2022?

ESET may be a decent antivirus program but it’s not as efficient as some of its rivals.

Unfortunately, many of ESET’s extra features are lacking. ESET’s system cleanup tools are just a wallpaper changer, and its parental controls are just a basic content filter. You should look at our top 10 best antivirus lists if you are looking for an antivirus with great features that is also affordable.

You can still use ESET if you need a powerful anti-malware scan and advanced diagnostic tools to help you troubleshoot any problems with your PC.

ESET has a variety of plans available, but the best deal for you is ESET’s Internet Security plan,the middle-tier plan. It offers a decent range of security options at a fair price. The 30-day free trial is followed by a 30-day refund guarantee. If you’re interested in trying it, it’s certainly worth a look.

Is ESET safe?

Yes.ESET offers many powerful anti-malware tools to prevent users being hacked.

This virus scanner uses advanced machine learning and heuristics in order to detect encrypted malware and zero day threats.

ESET also has a “Host-Intrusion Prevention System(HIPS)” which blocks files that are based on suspicious behaviour.

Is ESET free?

No. ESET doesn’t offer any free versions. But, I don’t think there are many free antivirus programs. Avira Free Internet Security, my favorite free antivirus, is the best way to protect important devices like smartphones and computers.

There are several good free antiviruses that work on different operating systems. However, it is better and more cost-effective to purchase a premium antivirus.

ESET offers both a 30-day free trial as well as a 30-day money back guarantee on all plans.

Which ESET plan is best for me?

The best value plan for Windows users is ESETInternet Security. It offers network protection, anti-theft controls, and more.

ESET NOD32 is the cheapest plan. It does not include the anti-malware engines. This makes it a good option for anyone looking for a reliable antivirus scanner.

Smart Security Premium, ESET’s highest-tier plan is not worth the upgrade. While I enjoy the device encryption, the password manager isn’t up to the mark. If you want to have a standalone password manager, it’s best to go for Norton or another antivirus suite with better addons.

There are better options for Mac users than Intego. Intego is specifically made for Macs.

Source : #safetydetectives
Editor by : BEST Antivirus KBS Team