ESET is renowned for its lightweight and efficient antivirus solutions that minimize performance impact. While speed is crucial, top-tier antivirus software must also provide robust protection against evolving cyber threats. This review delves into ESET Premium to assess its malware protection capabilities, user interface, customer support responsiveness, and subscription value.
Specifications
| Feature | ESET Premium |
|---|---|
| Platforms | Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android |
| Devices | 1+ (Essential, Premium), 5+ (Ultimate) |
| Support | Chat, Email, Phone |
| Free Version | No |
Pricing and Subscription Tiers
ESET offers three security subscription tiers, each with options to add more devices and extend the period.
ESET provides three subscription tiers with flexible pricing options to add more devices and extend the subscription term for cost savings.
The Essential plan, priced at $50 annually, offers real-time malware protection, a network firewall, and PC cleanup tools for one device. Additional devices can be added for $5 each. The Premium subscription, at $60 per year, includes a password manager, ransomware protection, and file encryption, also covering one device initially.
The top-tier Ultimate plan costs $130 annually and covers five devices, with additional devices costing $5 each. It includes an unlimited VPN, image metadata removal, and dark web monitoring.
For budget-conscious users, explore our guide to the best antivirus software deals, demonstrating that high-quality security doesn’t have to be expensive.
ESET Essential and Premium offer a 30-day free trial, while the Ultimate plan requires a paid subscription. While ESET offers basic malware scanning and removal tools, superior free antivirus applications are available.
Design and User Experience
ESET installation is quick and easy.
ESET installation is straightforward, initiated from the website welcome page after subscribing. The installer offers customization options, including ESET LiveGrid and customer experience improvement data collection.
I opted out of unwanted app detection but ESET Premium scanned and notified me anyway.
A quick tour highlights key features, and an initial scan detects existing malware. Despite opting out of unwanted application detection, the software flagged a deliberately downloaded application.
The ESET Premium app provides a clear security status overview, with real-time protection status prominently displayed. The sidebar offers access to malware scans, updates, tools, settings, account details, and support.
ESET Premium has a clean design but the options are somewhat vague.
Premium includes a password manager, ransomware protection, data encryption, network inspection, and browser protection. The numerous options can be overwhelming, and default settings are generally sufficient. The initial scan flagged several known and desired applications.
Performance and Protection
AV-Comparatives protection tests are good for 2024 but reveal ESET's earlier weaknesses.
AV-Comparatives’ independent testing shows improved performance in 2024, but highlights previous weaknesses. ESET received only one star in real-time protection tests conducted in the latter half of 2023. AV-Test results also show strong 2024 performance but lack consistent data from earlier years. For a consistently high protection record, solutions like Norton 360 offer a more robust track record.
ESET Premium blocked all of Wicar's malware tests.
Testing with Wicar’s malware test website, ESET Premium successfully blocked all 13 threats, demonstrating effective browser protection. It’s noteworthy that Microsoft Defender also provides similar protection against these threats.
The included password manager is basic, offering automatic login filling but lacking advanced features found in dedicated password management solutions.
Customer Support
ESET live chat is available 6 a.m. to 5 p.m. PT, even if the AI chatbot claims it's not.
ESET Premium offers 24/7 AI-powered technical support. While responsive to simple queries, the chatbot struggles with complex issues, providing unhelpful links. For consistently responsive human support, Bitdefender offers a better experience. Accessing live chat directly through the contact page, bypassing the AI, proved more effective.
Privacy and Security
ESET’s privacy policy states data is used solely for service provision and shared only with third-party support, billing, and related services. Despite robust internal security, a reported breach of partner Comsecure led to a brief phishing campaign targeting ESET customers.
Conclusion: Is ESET Right for You?
ESET offers speed and good 2024 protection, but its inconsistent track record is concerning. While other leading antivirus solutions maintain consistently high protection, ESET’s performance has fluctuated. For performance-focused protection, other options exist that offer a better balance of speed and security.
