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Avast vs ESET Antivirus – Which Antivirus Should You Get?

Dave Miller with Online Cloud Security

Dave Miller – Tech Enthusiast & Security Expert – May 8th, 2022

Avast vs ESET antivirus is Avast antivirus king

Computers have grown dramatically over the years, but not to the point where you can choose between antivirus between Avast vs ESET Antivirus without hesitation.

According to estimates, at least one data breach has impacted 64 % of Americans. So, whether you’re using Windows or Mac OS, antivirus software is still required for complete security.

Yes, not all users are affected, but power users may need third-party protection more than previously.

Undoubtedly, Antivirus softwares have come a long way in the last several decades, and today’s advanced antivirus includes far too many features. As a result, selecting an antivirus program is challenging.

Continue reading to see which antivirus will keep you safer depending on the essential characteristics. I’ll offer you all the information you need to make an educated decision.

Avast vs ESET Antivirus – Which Antivirus Should You Get?

Antivirus – What You Need and Why

Our world activities generate an estimated 2.5 quintillion bytes of data every day. As a result, hackers now have greater access to sensitive data than ever before. Hackers will have even more chances as the world continue to digitize and data quantities grow. It is where antivirus software comes in. Antivirus software gets used to prevent, detect, and eradicate malware infestations on individual computers, networks, and IT systems.

In 2021, some of the most destructive cyberattacks in recent memory happened, and the world’s fast digital change only increases the likelihood of future attacks. The AV-Test Institute records around 350,000 new infections and potentially unwanted applications every day.

Newer technologies solve most issues on their own. However, most experts believe that while each effective system has built-in antivirus protection, the security industry’s strategy has also developed. iPhones are the only operating system you do not need to install antivirus software. Antivirus software gets still required for Windows, macOS, and Android.

Since even the most advanced operating system may not be able to eradicate all vulnerabilities, you’ll need a reputable antivirus.

Choosing an option that is closest to the most acceptable security measure will assist you in staying secure. The remainder of this article will assist you in deciding between Avast vs ESET Antivirus

Avast vs ESET Antivirus – What You Need to Keep in Mind

Before going into the difference between both antivirus, let’s go over some crucial facts you need to consider before deciding.

  • Some cybersecurity software only works after a problem has happened. You’ll want proactive protection from your antivirus on top of this so you may use your devices without fear. As a result, double-check: Does Your Program Provide Real-Time Prevention and Removal?
  • Pay attention to how quickly you can scan the computer without compromising its performance. It is helpful for anyone that doesn’t spend a lot of time in front of the computer.
  • Avoid companies involved in controversies. Some of the top makers of antivirus and computer protection software are sharers of personal information, believe it or not.
  • Find simple software to use and comprehend and include extra functions as part of a comprehensive package.

Avast Antivirus – Company Overview

Avast is a worldwide cybersecurity software firm based in Prague, Czech Republic. Its significant concentration is on computer security software, machine learning, and artificial intelligence research and development. It was started in 1988 by Pavel Baudi and Eduard Kuera to empower people to live freely and safely online to form a better digital environment that benefits everyone. 

It guarantees that everyone has control over what they share on the internet and with whom they share it. Currently, the firm has more than 435 million monthly active users. With 1.5 billion+ cyberattacks prevented per month and no signs of slowing down, it’s been a proud 30 years of innovation.

ESET Antivirus – Company Overview

ESET is a Slovak internet security firm with headquarters in Bratislava, Slovakia. In 2008, 2009, and 2010, it got named the most successful Slovak company. As a global digital security firm with over 30 years of specialized experience,

ESET focuses on security software in over 200 countries, defending millions of customers and businesses globally. This privately held firm gets still operated by the same engineers who founded it three decades ago. Thus, allowing them to maintain their independence while safeguarding customers and companies in the future.

Hundreds of professionals in 13 R&D centers worldwide are engaged every day, anticipating new threats. The firm currently has 110,000,000+ Protected users globally and 400,000+ Business clients.

Winner: Eset and Avast are well-known antivirus products with millions worldwide users. Avast got recently caught capturing user data and selling it to other parties. And data can get linked back to the people’s true identities, revealing every click and search they’ve performed.

Avast’s reputation has taken a hit as a result of this controversy. Apart from the Stealth Falcon group incident, Eset has retained its reputation over the years. As a result, although both companies have been there for the same period, Eset’s reputation is more substantial.

Avast vs ESET Antivirus – Antivirus Product

Avast’s main marketed offer is a free antivirus that provides light and adequate protection for Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS. It has six levels of security, a robust virus scanner that runs without stuttering or pauses. Independent testers have awarded it awards.

It quickly searches for security and performance concerns and assists you in resolving them. It also provides real-time protection by evaluating unfamiliar files before reaching your device. Avast’s commercial security suites also get recognized for robust protection, a visually straightforward design, and the ability to run various security programs simultaneously and the free version.

Avast’s main marketed offer is a free antivirus that provides light and adequate protection for Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS. It has six levels of security, a robust virus scanner that runs without stuttering or pauses. Independent testers have awarded it awards.

It quickly searches for security and performance concerns and assists you in resolving them. It also provides real-time protection by evaluating unfamiliar files before reaching your device. Avast’s commercial security suites also get recognized for robust protection, a visually straightforward design, and the ability to run various security programs simultaneously and the free version.

Winner: Although we will examine the features of both antivirus programs in greater depth. Avast appears to be more enticing to typical consumers regarding their free antivirus marketing. While ESET is not available for free other than a trial, it is available for only purchase. As a result, Avast attracts many consumers looking for free antivirus software.

Avast vs ESET Antivirus – Pricing

The pricing approach of Avast is relatively affordable; however, it is regionally dependent; thus, costs may differ throughout the world.

  • Avast Essential’s free tier provides all of the information security you’re likely to need, including malware and ransomware protection.
  • Avast Premium Security costs $69.48 for the first year and includes extra features such as Webcam and phishing protection. (Upto 10 Devices)
  • Avast One is the most well-known package. It provides everything from free and premium security plans to essential VPN services, which cost $50.28 for the first year but do not include VPN service. (5 to 30 Devices)
  • Avast’s all-in-one business package is also an option for different companies

Avast provides a 30-day trial in addition to the free version.

The pricing approach of Avast is relatively affordable; however, it is regionally dependent; thus, costs may differ throughout the world.

  • Avast Essential’s free tier provides all of the information security you’re likely to need, including malware and ransomware protection.
  • Avast Premium Security costs $69.48 for the first year and includes extra features such as Webcam and phishing protection. (Upto 10 Devices)
  • Avast One is the most well-known package. It provides everything from free and premium security plans to essential VPN services, which cost $50.28 for the first year but do not include VPN service. (5 to 30 Devices)
  • Avast’s all-in-one business package is also an option for different companies

Avast provides a 30-day trial in addition to the free version.

Winner: The free edition of Avast takes the lead in terms of pricing. Also, when comparing ESET and Avast for five devices, Avast is less expensive. Still, ESET is more affordable if you require it for one device. Overall, Avast’s pricing is more straightforward because ESET’s customization costs would be too high for many home users.

Avast vs ESET Antivirus – Features

Avast offers a variety of features and tools to improve your online security. However, they will be vastly different depending on whatever plan you select. Its free edition offers essential protection, but it cannot access some of its more valuable features without being prompted to purchase. A handful of the more significant aspects are as follows:

 

ESET provides complete security for multiplatform, including Windows, Mac, Android, and Linux. You can secure numerous devices with the same license depending on your package. ESET central hub comes in handy as a single-centre to oversee all of your installations.

Although ESET’s mobile app is excellent, it is only available for Android. All three ESET packages can protect against phishing attacks, malicious scripts, and ransomware. Here are some of the essential characteristics you’d want to have.

Phishing & Ransomware Protection: ESET can keep ransomware from infecting your computer. It can also guard against phishing attempts and malware, including camera protection, browser security extensions, and a unique scanner. ESET also includes a Host Intrusion Prevention System (HIPS), which continuously analyzes your computer for ransomware and rootkits.

Firewall: ESET’s firewall allows you to create a security perimeter around your computer or network to help protect it from malicious incoming traffic. This system can also filter hazardous outbound traffic, lowering the risk of exfiltration by a rogue insider going unnoticed. Most users only favor Automatic mode, while Learning advance mode is an excellent alternative for those who wish to teach the firewalls on their network choices.

ESET Parental Controls: ESET Parental Controls is an online service that takes only a few minutes to set up for each kid. It gets included with ESET Internet Security and Smart Security Premium. With Device Control enabled, you may block the usage of a wide range of device types while allowing trusted devices to operate normally.

Anti-Theft Protection: Users can trace and safeguard their stolen or lost devices using ESET’s anti-theft protection. You see what thieves are looking for and monitor your device’s position using these tools.

Network Inspector (Windows only): Network Inspector from ESET displays all connected devices to your Wi-Fi network and examines them for vulnerabilities. This helpful tool can help you find open ports and passwords that aren’t strong enough on your network. It is an excellent tool for determining whether or not someone is attempting to use your Wi-Fi without your permission.

Password Manager: The built-in password manager guides you through the process of creating secure, unpredictable passwords. When new accounts get established, the login details get automatically saved.

Winner: Both ESET and Avast include many security tools to keep you secure from attacks on the internet. ESET has a few more capabilities than Avast in device control and password management, but they are all premium. At the same time, Avast offers most of its features in a free edition and consistently outperforms the competition in terms of customer satisfaction.

Avast vs ESET Antivirus – Performace and Ease of Usage

The interface is relatively simple, with large, well-labeled buttons and an outstanding design that makes it easy to navigate for everyone, from a seasoned PC expert to a newbie user. Avast has a straightforward user interface based on an easy-to-use control panel.

Purple, dark blue, and green tones get expertly mixed in this theme. Avast has a negligible impact on system performance, earning it the highest AV-Comparatives Performance certification of Advanced+.

The ESET desktop interface is simple and clutter-free, with a useful features menu on the left side. It is easy to browse, although some functions may be difficult for new users and require further explanation. Still, you will be up and running in no time. The theme is blue and gray in hue. You may adjust the interface and run it in either windowed or full-screen mode or run it in the background with little to no effect on system performance.

Winner: Avast takes the lead in terms of interface since its UI is more graphics-intensive than ESET’s. Avast features a free version with a user interface that many people like. When it comes to performance, both are nearly identical and may operate in the background smoothly without consuming all of your computer’s resources.

Avast vs ESET Antivirus – Customer Services

Avast provides thorough customer assistance via chat and email and many how-to FAQs for various products and troubleshooting. However, the only option to address any problem is for free users to read the help page.

The Avast Care premium subscription, which includes 24/7 support and remote access troubleshooting, is available if you need further assistance. This package, which costs $ 79.00 per call or $ 199.00 per year, claims to assist you in resolving any difficulties you may be having with your PC or Avast products. Keep in mind that the assistance is only available in English.

For premium members, ESET offers a variety of customer assistance alternatives, including phone help, email support, and live chat. You’ll also access the Troubleshooting articles, which provide setup guidance and technical issue answers. You can also locate manuals and documents specific to your product type. It is far more convenient than going through countless help manuals and pre-screening questions before contacting them directly for assistance. All ESET customer service is available in English,  French, and Spanish, which is a nice mix of languages.

Winner: Both Avast and ESET provide an extensive library of help articles for every issue you can encounter. However, there are occasions when you need to speak with a customer service representative to obtain a rapid and accurate response. Avast Premium Support appears to be a better alternative; however, it is significantly more expensive and requires you to purchase the service separately. On the other hand, ESET provides customer help with ease on phone calls in several languages, which is why ESET is ranked higher in customer service than Avast.

Bottom Line

The most considerable distinction between ESET and Avast is that Avast has a free version, whereas ESET does not. There are a few more unique features to each piece of software, and it is up to you to decide which one to use.

Avast has earned a reputation among security enthusiasts as a top performer in the antivirus business for internet threats. However, as previously mentioned, Avast was embroiled in a scandal after discovering that their third-party venture Jumpshot sold private and sensitive data to tech and advertising firms.

Millions of people got forced to hunt for an alternative due to the incident. Since Avast has halted all relevant activities, it is still a viable alternative if you’re seeking a comprehensive security package.

On the other hand, ESET has maintained its reputation throughout its existence. ESET’s features are unique in the industry. As validated by professional lab testers, it can identify possible dangers and will secure your device from any hazards. It has more functionality than just eliminating malware and preventing future assaults. Although the free antivirus software doesn’t provide much in features other than malware protection, it’s still something consumers can try out before spending any money.

Now with all the information, you can select what suits you. But, I recommend ESET because of its better-tailored plans and lack of a tainted history. Even though Avast has discontinued the controversial practice, they have lost its top trust.

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Dave Miller with Online Cloud Security

Dave Miller

IT Consultant at Online Cloud Security

Dave Miller is an IT Consultant for Online Cloud Security and has over 7 years of experience in the Information Technology space. He also specializes in repairing laptops & computers. In his spare time, he loves to talk about new technologies and hosts monthly IT and Cyber Security meetings in the Houston area.

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About Online Cloud Security:

Online Cloud Security is here to recommend you the most secure devices, from laptops to smartphones, we only want to provide you with products that we have tested and used ourselves for online security. Every product that we recommend is heavily inspected and tested for security against hackers, viruses, malware, and any other intruders that may want to steal your information. 

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Online Cloud Security Logo (500x500px)

About Online Cloud Security

Online Cloud Security is here to recommend you the most secure devices, from laptops to smartphones, we only want to provide you with products that we have tested and used ourselves for online security. Every product that we recommend is heavily inspected and tested for security against hackers, viruses, malware, and any other intruders that may want to steal your information. 

Recent Posts: