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Best for Apple users
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Super reliable antivirus software with a non-intrusive free version
Simple yet powerful interface tools
Perfect protection score in third-party tests
Best for Windows users
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Lots of useful features
Offers a 30-day free trial with no credit card required
Malware is one of the most common and dangerous device threats today. Malware includes harmful software like viruses, spyware, and ransomware, which can sneak into your device without your knowledge. Don’t worry, there’s a way to protect yourself and your devices — antivirus software. In this matchup, Bitdefender is our winner.
Bitdefender offers more bang for your buck with plenty of features at an affordable price. But if you only need one or two devices covered or a no-frills antivirus, then ESET will suffice just fine.
We’ll help you understand how Bitdefender and ESET compare as far as costs, features, third-party testing, and more so you can decide which solution is right for you.
ESET, headquartered in Bratislava, Slovakia, was established in 1992. The company holds the record for the longest unbroken streak of VB100 awards for identifying malware globally among all internet security providers.
Bitdefender, headquartered in Bucharest, Romania, was established in 2001. It has accumulated numerous awards from independent testing organizations and industry analyst firms.
Each company offers several antivirus packages at various price points. This review focuses on two consumer offerings: Bitdefender Total Security and ESET Smart Security Premium.
 Bitdefender |
 ESET |
|
| Star rating | ||
| Starting price | Free or $49.99/yr (first year only) | Starts at $41.99/yr (first year only) |
| Max number of protected devices | Up to 10 | Up to 10 |
| Malware scans | Manual and scheduled | Manual and scheduled |
| Real-time protection | ||
| Phishing protection | ||
| Ransomware protection | Yes (Windows and Windows ARM only) | |
| 24/7 customer support | ||
| Compatibility | Windows, macOS, Android, iOS | Windows, macOS, Android, Windows ARM |
| Learn more | Get Bitdefender | Get ESET |
We use our proprietary grading rubric in all of our testing, which considers ease-of-use, third-party testing scores, internal testing scores, price, compatibility, and features offered, among other metrics.
This means that our testing process is designed to ensure that the product isn't too confusing, protects as it claims, and offers you a lot for a reasonable price. We download and run each program on our own computers on home networks, just like you would. Our ratings reflect the real-world performance of the antivirus product. This ensures that we can recreate a similar experience for you and give our best advice on whether or not it's worthwhile.
To learn more about how we test, check out our full antivirus testing methodology here.
ESET begins at $41.99/yr (first year only) for one device. While ESET has bountiful features for Windows, it lacks features for macOS like its ransomware shield, advanced machine learning, script-based attack protection, exploit blocker, and more.
Bitdfender has the better value, thanks to its superior pricing.
Bitdefender Best Pricing
|
ESET |
|
| Price range | Free–$49.99/first yr | $34.99–$143.49/first yr |
| Best value plan | Bitdefender Total Security for $69.99/yr (first year only) | ESET Premium Security for $125.99/yr (first year only) |
| Money-back guarantee | Yes — 30 days | Yes — 30 days |
| Learn more | Get Bitdefender | Get ESET |
Bitdefender’s price range is Free–$49.99/first yr, while ESET's range is $34.99–$143.49/first yr.
Bitdefender Total Security plan covers five devices for $69.99/yr (first year only). It's the best value plan because it's a comprehensive security solution, and you can save up to 61% with this option.
On the other hand, ESET's Premium Security plan costs $125.99/yr (first year only). If you are looking for maximum savings with ESET, we recommend going for a three-year option, which takes 20% off.
Both Bitdefender and ESET offer a money-back guarantee of 30 days, so you can try out their services risk-free. That way, you can test out either product and be confident that you're making the right choice for your cybersecurity needs.
Based on its bonus features, Bitdefender wins this category, too.
Bitdefender Best Pricing
|
ESET |
|
| Manual and scheduled scans | ||
| Phishing protection | ||
| Ransomware protection | ||
| Firewall | Yes (Windows only) | |
| Parental controls | ||
| Password manager | Yes (Windows and Windows ARM only) | |
| VPN | ||
| Ad blocker | Yes (with VPN) | |
| Device optimization tools | Yes (Windows and Android only) | |
| Learn more | Get Bitdefender | Get ESET |
When comparing Bitdefender's and ESET’s features, both antivirus programs offer similar essential tools for protection. They provide options for manual and scheduled scans, like device health checks, to catch potential problems. They also include phishing protection, which acts as a shield against tricky online scams that try to steal your personal information.
Both Bitdefender and ESET also have your back when it comes to ransomware, a type of digital kidnapping where your files are held hostage. They each come with a firewall, which is like a security guard for your internet connection, and parental controls to help you manage what your kids do online.
However, Bitdefender’s firewall is only available for Windows and Windows ARM users, while ESET’s ransomware shield is also only available for Windows users exclusively
Bitdefender Total Security has a built-in virtual private network (VPN), which masks your internet protocol (IP) address, keeping your online activities private. However, ESET doesn't offer a VPN.
Neither Bitdefender nor ESET comes with a standard ad blocker, but Bitdefender’s VPN does have an ad blocker feature. Ad blockers help you avoid annoying ads and potentially harmful content. As for device optimization tools, Bitdefender has one called OneClick Optimizer for all its platforms, while ESET has a small system footprint feature for Windows, Windows ARM, and macOS.
We rely on tests conducted by independent experts to see how well an antivirus can protect against malware. These tests help us get an accurate understanding of how effective an antivirus is in real-world situations. One of the trusted test sites we use is AV-TEST, which we used for this comparison.
Bitdefender Best Results
|
ESET |
|
| Windows score | 17.5/18.0 | 17.0/18.0 |
| macOS score | 18.0/18.0 | N/A |
| Android score | 18.0/18.0 | 18.0/18.0 |
| Learn more | Get Bitdefender | Get ESET |
Testing for usability and false positives in malware detection is crucial because it affects how user-friendly the antivirus software is and its accuracy in identifying threats. Usability looks at how easy the software is to use, making sure that people can navigate it without confusion. False positives occur when the antivirus wrongly labels safe files as harmful, causing unnecessary interruptions and potential data loss.
For usability scores on false positives, ESET beat Bitdefender. It only garnered one false warning across all tested platforms for its Windows offering. On protection, performance, and usability, ESET scored a total of 17.0/18.0 on Windows and a perfect 18.0/18.0 total score on Android. As for Mac, ESET has not tested its macOS program since 2018, so we couldn’t confirm its results.
As for Bitdefender, it scored a total of 17.5/18.0 on its Windows platform, which is below the industry average. Its Android and macOS platforms scored a perfect 18.0/18.0.
Bitdefender wins a close one here due to its greater compatibility and 24/7 support.
Bitdefender Best Pricing
|
ESET |
|
| Windows | ||
| macOS | ||
| Android | ||
| iOS | ||
| Browser extensions | Yes — Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge, Mozilla Firefox, and Internet Explorer | Yes — Google Chrome |
| Learn more | Get Bitdefender | Get ESET |
For our ESET test, installation and setup were straightforward and quick. We used an older Windows 10 laptop, and it took under 30 minutes to download, install, and start using the security software.
While exploring ESET's features, persistent yellow reminders popped up to complete the anti-theft, firewall, and other clicked features setup. Unfortunately, we couldn't dismiss these reminders, which was a drawback.
Beyond that, our ESET experience was positive. A full hard drive scan took less than five minutes, identifying files needing cleaning. Cleaning and rescanning showed no issues. Functions were user-friendly, most with simple toggles.
Bitdefender operates like typical antivirus software but offers cross-platform malware protection. While scanning, Bitdefender checks Apple devices for Windows malware and vice versa, which is handy for cross-device data transfer.
Bitdefender offers quick, custom, and deep scans. After installation, it suggests an initial "one-time scan" for a threat-free start, which is valuable for new users. While we appreciate this, Bitdefender could improve clarity on its scan duration. Our first scan took about 37 minutes, but our MacBook Air ran smoothly. Quick scans took five minutes and had minimal impact. The only con we noticed with Bitdefender is that Mac users miss scheduled scans, needing manual initiation, unlike its Windows counterparts.
With ESET, we also uncovered major discrepancies between the Windows features offered compared to the macOS features. Essentially, the functionality in the product you will get is substantially less than if you were a Windows user.
For Windows, ESET comes with up to 37 unique features. For macOS, that’s reduced to 15. That’s a pretty steep drop, in our opinion. Some of the ESET features you’ll miss out on if you’re an Apple user include the ransomware shield, advanced machine learning, cloud-powered scanning, gamer mode, and webcam protection.
Most people aren’t going to change operating systems just to reap the rewards of a single software. For this reason, Apple users: take note of this and weigh your needs. If you’re looking for a comprehensive solution, ESET’s Smart Security Premium for macOS is likely not going to deliver.
Bitdefender Best Pricing | ESET | |
| 24/7 live chat | ||
| Phone | ||
| Support forums | ||
| Online guides |
Regarding customer support, ESET's customer support is self-serve. It offers live chat and phone features for North America Monday through Friday from 6:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. PST. There is an option to email, but if you need help in a pinch, that timeframe might not be optimal.
On the other hand, Bitdefender offers 24/7 chat, video tutorials, email, and phone support. When we needed clarity about missing features in Bitdefender, we called customer support for assistance. They were helpful and responsive.
If you are a Windows user, Bitdefender’s security offering is impressive, and its user interface is straightforward. You’ll still benefit from good security if you're an Apple user, but it won't be as robust as if you used a PC.
Yes, ESET consistently performs in the highest categories of not producing false positives or warnings in AV-TESTs. It’s been around for decades, so you can trust it's reputable. It offers high-security features like Bitdefender too. While it may be more expensive than Bitdefender, ESET is still a solid choice for your money if you only need coverage for yourself or maybe one other user.
After installing any security software, your computer will slow down a little. As long as you scan your device for malware at least once a week, you can avoid lag. If you are still experiencing a lot of slowdown, you can troubleshoot your VPN.
For one, ESET scored 5.5 out of 6.0 for Windows on its most recent AV-TEST scores in the malware protection category compared to Bitdefender’s 6.0 out of 6.0. This may be a dealbreaker for Windows users.
Secondly, we are bummed by the lack of Apple device compatibility and support. ESET doesn’t offer an iOS platform at all, and its macOS version only offers 15 features compared to the 37 features that come with its Windows offering.
Lastly, we consider its more expensive price point another disadvantage, especially for people needing more than one or two device connections. It adds up quickly!
For us, Bitdefender antivirus is the clear winner here. ESET is more expensive than Bitdefender but with fewer features, less device compatibility, lower security scores in malware protection, and limited customer support. Bitdefender offers comprehensive, reliable antivirus software at an accessible price for any user.
The biggest drawback between both is the lack of Apple support, although ESET’s is more so. Traditionally, macOS and iOS antivirus software compatibility isn’t as standard as its PC counterparts. We’re hoping that will change in the coming years as technology evolves.
Looking for an antivirus that isn’t Bitdefender or ESET? Depending on your comfort level, security needs, and budget, we highly recommend these three alternatives, which are among the best antivirus software.
McAfee: Beyond its standard antivirus features, McAfee offers a firewall, parental controls, phishing protection, a VPN, and more
Get McAfee | Read Our McAfee Review
Norton 360: Norton provides tools like parental controls, a VPN, and identity theft protection to enhance your security.
Get Norton 360 | Read Our Norton 360 Review
Avast: Avast is a good option for an affordable and user-friendly antivirus. It offers protection against ransomware, scans websites for safe online shopping and banking, and keeps you safe from phishing.
Get Avast | Read Our Avast Review
Super reliable antivirus software with a non-intrusive free version
Simple yet powerful interface tools
Perfect protection score in third-party tests
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