Cybersecurity is very important both for everyday users and businesses. When it comes it making a choice, there turn out to be numerous options. Today, however, we’ll compare Windows Defender vs ESET. Let’s discuss the main peculiarities of both programs to pick a better one for your business.
Features
Unlike Windows Defender, ESET Antivirus comes with a bundle of extra tools like a password manager, file encryption tool, etc.
It’s important to realize that Windows Defender is a free antivirus solution that comes as a part of the Windows operating system. A user can’t uninstall it as the features work whenever the system has no other antivirus protection installed. It’s also impossible to adjust or change things. The main features include a firewall, a virus scanner, regular updates, and parental control features.
ESET Antivirus, on the other hand, is an independent software a user may download and install. Depending on the version, the package contains different features. The main ones are a silent mode, UEFI scanner, anti-spyware, and anti-phishing tools. In case, your business needs mode advanced protection, it’s possible to get a safe browser, a firewall, an anti-spam tool, a password manager, etc.
Malware Protection
Despite being free, Windows Defender protects from malware better than ESET.
Both software is regularly tested by such independent labs as AV-Test, AV-Comparatives, SE Labs, etc. According to them, Windows Defender offers better malware protection. However, the scores don’t differ much as both antivirus solutions protect the devices from viruses, malware, zero-day threats, etc.
System Performance
Both antivirus programs impact the system in the same way. The independent comparison proved that they have a moderate impact and don’t slow down system performance much. However, different labs delivered completely different results and it’s hard to tell which one had more precision.
User-Friendliness
ESET Antivirus has a simple and straightforward interface. Inexperienced and average can easily learn to navigate it and access various features.
Whenever a person or a company chooses antivirus protection, they often evaluate the interface’s convenience. Everyone should feel at ease navigating the software and using the features. In this case, Windows Defender has a minimalistic design. It groups the main features on the dashboard and includes Virus Threat & Protection, Account Protection, Firewall & Network Protection, App & Browser Control, Device Security, Device Performance & Health, and Family Options.
ESET’s interface is also sleek and modern. It has a convenient feature of drag-and-drop for the files that require scanning. It also divides all the features into simple categories that are Home, Computer Scan, Update, Tools, Setup, Help and Support. The main screen also states the current protection status and signalizes about issues by changing color from green to yellow or red.
Pricing
Since Windows Defender is a free antivirus, there’s nothing cheaper than that. It comes as a pre-installed part of the operating system. While average users find it very appealing, businesses should look for better solutions.
ESET Antivirus costs about $40 for an average user. To cover more household devices, the license gets bigger by $10 for each one. Businesses should get a quote to find out the price for their specific situation.
Final Words
Based on the results of the independent testing labs and the comparison of two programs, ESET Antivirus seems to be a better choice here. It offers more features, simple interface, and minimal impact on system performance. The software is better for businesses and offers more tools. Windows Defender showed good results in the independent tests. However, business owners should probably opt for a solution with better protection and more additional tools that will protect the documents and devices from hacks, leaks, and information loss.