ESET Antivirus Review

🏆ESET Antivirus: The All-Inclusive Protection Solution

ESET has been one of the leading antivirus solutions effective at preventing malware and detecting viruses. ESET has a host of products, from offering basic security to overall protection. The best selling product is the ESET NOD32 Antivirus which is ideal for individual users. ESET also develops antivirus solutions for businesses.

Today, we will find out how effective ESET is and go through the features to show what’s on offer.

Pros

• Less impact on computer resources
• Highly customizable for desired security level
• One license applicable for multiple devices
• Expert level settings and options

Cons

• URL filtering is not very effective
• Test results are not that impressive
• Complex to use
• Some products are expensive

Features

Multilayered Protection

9.5 out of 10

You are protected proactively against all digital threats like viruses, worms, malware and rootkits. Files are also scanned while they are being downloaded to avoid infections. The program tracks Javascript and Windows PowerShell-based malicious codes that attack the browser.

Cloud-Based Scanning

9 out of 10

ESET offers a quick and effective scan using the cloud-based database by whitelisting safe files. Unknown malware is also prevented by cloud-based reputation system.

Scans also run when the computer is idle to identify potential inactive threats.

Device Control

9.8 out of 10

Device control prohibits unauthorized copying of data to external devices like USB drives, CDs, DVDs, hard disks. You can also block devices that connect through Bluetooth, serial ports and FireWire. The feature enables you to control what to do when you connect an external device on your system.

Minimal System Usage

9.0 out of 10

ESET channels full power to whatever you are doing by minimizing consumption of system resources. You also get high performance with increased longevity of hardware with small sized update packages.

The solution preserves system resources by preventing all non-actionable programs, pop-ups and updates. All updates, pop-ups and notifications are also stopped when you are gaming or watching a movie in full screen mode.

URL Filtering

7.5 out of 10

The solution features a URL scanner which notifies you of malicious and dubious sites. The feature has received an upgrade and doesn’t create false alarms with legitimate sites.

Tools Menu

8.0 out of 10

The Tools Menu lets you view logs, blocked programs and processes running in the background. You can also download ESET’s bootable SysRescue cleaning tool from the tools menu.

ESET SysInspector

9.0 out of 10

Meant only for advanced users, it is an excellent tool which takes highlights of your system and interesting items. You can view running processes, critical files, network connections, registry entries and more. The excerpts enable an expert user to determine the status of their system and take any necessary actions.

Android Antivirus

9.0 out of 10

ESET offer both paid and a free Android antivirus with real-time scanning, remote lock, activity logs, tablet support and security report. The premium features include proactive anti-theft, scheduled scanning, automatic virus definition updates and security audit.

You can also locate your lost or stolen device and wipe all data for security and privacy.

Prices

ESET offers multiple solutions for Windows, Mac, Android and Linux users. ESET Smart Security starts from $59.99 a year while the Internet Security costs $49.99 each year. You can also buy the NOD32 antivirus for 39.99 per year.

Other solutions include ESET Smart TV Security, ESET Multi-Device Security, ESET Smart Security Premium, ESET Mobile Security for Android, ESET Cyber Security and more.

You can download and use most of the solutions for free. For example, the NOD32 antivirus has a free trial of 30 days where you can test all the features.

Devices, Operating Systems, Support

ESET solutions are available for Windows computers and laptops, Macbooks and Mac PCS, Linux OS and Android mobiles. You can choose an antivirus based on your device and operating system.

You can be sure of prompt and quick support for ESET products. You can also post your queries and browse the answers to resolve your query.

ESET also provides technical support for home and business owners to remotely handle any issues you face. Lastly, you can also call their customer care or chat online with your problems.

Interface, User Friendliness

The interface of ESET is a bit cluttered with all the elements like status information, sidebars, buttons and links. You may take a while to make things out, like launching a computer scan. You can either click computer scan and decide what to do or click Scan Your Computer for launching an immediate scan.

Once you have figured out the basics, you won’t have any problem finding your way around the antivirus. Beginners can use the provided settings and let the antivirus do its work. Experts, on the other hand, can tweak the settings and get their desired level of protection and preferences.

How to Download and Install

First, you need to decide the solution you want to buy or apply for the free trial. Go to the ESET website and click on “Buy Now” or “Download for Free” on the chosen product.

Now the installer file will download on your system. After the download is over, launch the program and follow on-screen instructions to install the software. The software will also automatically download parts from the ESET website during the installation process.

After the installation is over, the antivirus will run a system scan.

Free Software

ESET is not a free software, but you can avail free trial for most of the products. This way you can test the capabilities of the program before spending money to buy it. You can use all features for 30 days without restrictions to make an idea of how things work and the protection level offered.

Exclusive Features

One-Click Action

You can view your protection status and access important tools from all interfaces. You can resolve most issues with just one click.

Advanced Settings

Advanced users can access in-depth security settings. They can define maximum scan depth, time and size of files and much more. The diagnostic tool notifies you of critical system notifications and lets you troubleshoot a range of compatibility and security issues.

Install and Forget

For users who don’t want any hassles, ESET makes it super simple with easy upgrades, renewals and installations. You can perform all routine tasks without even breaking a sweat!

Advanced Memory Scanner

Stubborn malware uses multiple layers of protection to hide its activity. ESET improved memory scanner roots out the most persistent malware and quarantines it before any damage is done to your system.

Exploit Blocker

ESET uses technologies to detect the threats which are designed to bypass antivirus programs. It also works for ransomware and lock screens and prevents web browser attacks. Attacks on PDF or Java-based software are also eliminated.

Summary

ESET has a solution for every type of user with unique needs. You can choose from a range of antivirus or even go for the free trial. The ESET NOD32 is the most popular product while the Internet Security package leverages your online privacy and prevents identity theft.

You can take a free trial and see if ESET is really suitable for your circumstances.