For those seeking robust antivirus protection without unnecessary complexities, ESET Home Security emerges as a commendable choice, particularly for budget-conscious consumers. The Premium tier is distinguished by its unique features, including a gamer mode that silences interruptions from antivirus alerts, parental filters, comprehensive virus scanning tools, and an innovative antitheft service designed to safeguard devices against theft.
Feature Set and Pricing
Despite its merits, ESET Home Security remains somewhat underappreciated in the crowded antivirus landscape. This can be attributed to its intricate features and user interface, which may overwhelm some users. Notably, the Premium tier lacks a VPN client, a feature available in the more expensive ESET Ultimate version. While the upgrade to Ultimate, priced at 6 annually for five devices, includes identity theft protection, it raises the cost significantly compared to the entry-level Premium version, which is available for per year.
In comparison, leading competitors like Bitdefender Total Security offer more extensive antivirus capabilities at a similar price point. ESET Premium’s pricing structure also positions it between other options such as Norton 360 Deluxe and McAfee+ Premium, both of which exceed 0 annually. After the initial year, ESET Premium’s cost rises to .99, while Bitdefender’s price escalates to 9.99.
Antivirus Features and Performance
ESET Premium excels in providing a comprehensive suite of antivirus features that extend well beyond basic protection. Users can opt for quick scans or delve into custom scans that allow for an in-depth examination of all files on their systems, including boot sector files. The app’s ThreatSense technology actively monitors the boot sector and compares signature files against a database of known threats, while its Deep Behavior Inspection feature enhances security by identifying suspicious activities rather than merely matching files to a database.
Additional protective measures include the Host Intrusion Protection System (HIPS), which safeguards the application from tampering, and a Ransomware Shield that detects and blocks suspicious application behavior in real-time. ESET Premium also offers defenses against botnets, brute force attacks, and network-based threats.
During testing, ESET demonstrated impressive speed, with quick scans completing in approximately five minutes and in-depth scans taking around 30 minutes. However, it is worth noting that ESET’s scanning capabilities did not match the breadth of Bitdefender, which identified a greater number of files in a similar timeframe.
Additional Features
Beyond its antivirus capabilities, ESET Premium includes a variety of supplementary security tools. Its parental filter stands out, allowing parents to block a wide range of harmful content and set age-appropriate limits for their children. The password manager, while functional, resembles a basic browser extension and can generate complex passwords, store credit card information, and provide security reports on password usage.
Other notable features include browser protections, a secure browsing mode to shield against keylogging, a firewall, and an anti-spam feature for email. ESET Premium also provides file encryption, a Wi-Fi blocker for home routers, and an anti-theft system that can track stolen devices and even capture webcam images to assist in recovery.
User Interface and Support
Despite its robust feature set, ESET Premium’s user interface has been criticized for being somewhat outdated and complex. Many scanning features are hidden within advanced settings, making them less accessible. While the app maintains a lightweight design, the lack of visual cues can make navigation cumbersome for users unfamiliar with its layout.
Support options include limited phone assistance during weekdays, 24-hour email support via ticketing, and variable chat support. ESET also offers an extensive knowledge base and an AI-based chat agent within the app to assist users with common inquiries.
