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ESET NOD32 Antivirus Review

ESET NOD32 Antivirus protects you from malware and online threats like phishing. Learn more to see if this antivirus program fits your needs.

ESET NOD32

4.5

Malware and virus identification and ransomware protection
Good system performance
Simple user interface
Password manager

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By Laura E. Hilton

Nov 09, 2022

4 min read

ESET NOD32 Antivirus offers basic protection for PCs against common threats like spyware without taking a ton of space on your computer. So you can keep gaming, surfing the web, shopping online, and working without any hiccups.

ESET’s software offers solid protection, and it’s easy to use, but the products lack features like a VPN and file shredder that come standard with other brands’ antivirus packages. And while NOD32 doesn’t work for Mac and iOS, ESET does have programs compatible with Apple products.

Pros

Simple and easy-to-use interface

Highly rated reviews in independent tests

Good variety of plans

State-of-the-art malware detection

No drain on computer speed

Cons

Potentially expensive prices

Required manual update

Missing some standard features

ESET Antivirus review: Quick overview

ESET NOD32 Antivirus is the entry-level version of ESET’s security services. It’s ranked among the top antivirus products by independent testing labs. Known for its excellent ability to identify and disable malware without slowing down your computer, ESET NOD32 is a solid choice for Windows users.

Additional security options, like password storage for Macs and Androids, are available with upgrades to other ESET packages.

Best for basic Windows protection

ESET NOD32 AntiVirus

Malware and virus protection

Easy installation

Simple user interface

Visit ESET

If you tend to do most of your computing on mobile devices (Chromebooks, tablets, phones), you’re less likely to need an antivirus program since those always have antivirus and malware protection built into their operating system. However, ESET does have options for added mobile security and even has options for parental controls on your children’s devices.

Pricing and plans

Here’s an overview of a few of ESET’s most popular plans.

Plan	Yearly subscription cost	Scan Downloads	Anti-Spam Features	Secure Password Storage	Webcam Protection	Mac and Android Compatibility	Learn more
ESET NOD32	$39.99	Yes	Yes	No	No	No	View plans
ESET Internet Security	$49.99	Yes	Yes	No	No	Yes	View plans
ESET Smart Security Premium	$59.99	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	View plans

Info current as of post date. Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change.

Compatibility with PC, Mac, and Android

While NOD32 is only for Windows, you can find ESET plans that work for different operating systems.

Easy installation

To get started with ESET, you literally just have to click “install” on their website. It doesn’t get simpler than that.

No issues with computer speed

The worst thing an antivirus product can do is bog down the processing speed of your computer. Most users report that ESET did not do this, and when we tried it, our computers were not slowed at all by the antivirus scan.

No 24-hour tech support

Many competitors offer round-the-clock customer service, but ESET reps are available only during standard business hours.

Expensive cost for multiple devices

If you want to use ESET for all your different devices, upgrades can get expensive fast.

Features and usability

Malware and anti-phishing protection

The protection from ESET NOD32 is good enough that Google uses it to keep Chrome safe. It's a good step towards protecting yourself from identity theft.

Straightforward user interface

With clearly organized prompts and dashboards, ESET does a great job of making it easy for everyone to use the software.

Sleek design

We really like the look of ESET’s software. It’s not cluttered or overwhelming.

Few notifications

Constant notifications can get annoying quickly. ESET does a great job of notifying you only when necessary.

No VPN

VPNs are a big part of keeping your information safe, but ESET doesn’t offer this service. You’ll need to buy another product if you want a private network.

No automatic backup

ESET doesn’t automatically back up its software, so you’ll have to dive into the support forums or contact customer service to figure out how to do it yourself.

No file shredder

ESET doesn’t have a feature that permanently deletes files—something that most antivirus software includes.

No automatic database update

You have to prompt the system to update the database, which can be easy to forget.

Is ESET right for you?

ESET offers quality protection. We also like how easy it is to use, but it just doesn't match up to some of the better brands like Bitdefender, Malwarebytes and Norton antivirus. Take a look at our picks for the top antivirus software for your devices.

FAQ

Windows Defender is a good start to protect your PC, but it doesn’t cover everything. A product like ESET can provide added protection from malware, phishing, and other online threats.

Yes. It automatically detects when an application has gone to full screen and will minimize its intrusions so it won’t interrupt what you’re doing.

While ESET does offer software for mobile devices, most do not need separate antivirus programs because they are built into the operating system. Users who do choose to install a security program on their mobile devices typically want extra protection beyond the basic manufacturer settings.

Yes. We reviewed home user packages but they do offer business packages for large and small companies.

ESET has been a part of the antivirus and firewall market since 1992. It was founded in Slovakia and is still headquartered in Bratislava but also has offices in the US, Canada, Australia, and other countries. It might be its international focus that kept its profile in the United States a little lower than other antivirus brands.

How we reviewed ESET NOD32 AntiVirus

Image: ESET

For our ESET Antivirus review, we evaluated ESET NOD32 Antivirus by testing it out ourselves, talking to cybersecurity experts, and scouring online forums. For more information, see our methodology.

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Written by

Laura E. Hilton

Laura is a writer, teacher, and mother based out of Utah. She is passionate about making and maintaining strong, safe, healthy communities. To learn more, visit her website at lauraehilton.com.