With many options and so much competition in the marketplace, it can be difficult to decide which antivirus provider to choose to best protect your devices and suit your specific needs. So, in this summary, we have investigated the benefits and challenges of choosing the ESET versus the Bitdefender. In this review, I will examine the pros and cons of both of these brands to provide an in-depth and comprehensive summary of my malware tests and those carried out by the independent testing labs.
Like any good investigation, I will examine the most important features both services provide. Below is a short summary of the best aspects of premium services from ESET and Bitdefender, outlining the most prominent benefits of both.
Summary: ESET Vs. Bitdefender
ESET
- Anti-theft protection
- Webcam protection and control
- Low system impact
Bitdefender
- VPN
- Webcam and microphone protection
- File shredder
| No value | ESET | Bitdefender |
|---|---|---|
| Website | www.eset.com | www.Bitdefender.com |
| Antivirus and Antispyware | ||
| Firewall | ||
| Web protection/anti phishing | ||
| Parental controls | ||
| Password Manager | ||
| Webcam protection | ||
| PC Cloud Backup | ||
| VPN | ||
| Ransomware protection | ||
| Banking and Payment Protection | ||
| Network Attack Protection | ||
| Secure data encryption | ||
| Automatically update apps | ||
| File Shredder | ||
| Performance Optimization | ||
| Identity Theft Protection | ||
| Best deal (per month) | $4.99 Save 25% with a 2 year subscription |
$5.83 Save 56% on one year plans |
Background
Based in Bratislava, Slovakia, ESET was initially founded in 1992. Since then, the company has won several awards for its security products. ESET provides both personal and business protection for multiple devices. With over 110 million users worldwide, ESET has been highly praised across the industry by users and experts alike.
Bitdefender was established in Bucharest, Romania. Founded in 2001, Bitdefender now holds a number of offices across the world, with users located in over 150 countries worldwide. Bitdefender has also won a number of awards and certifications, all of which are stated on their website, these include ‘Best Protection’ in the 2019 AV-Test Awards.
ESET Pricing & Compatibility
When finding the right antivirus program for you, price is a very important factor to consider. I looked at the pricing for various products in the ESET and Bitdefender lineup.
| No value | ESET NOD32 Antivirus | ESET Internet Security | ESET Smart Security Premium | ESET Mobile Security for Android | ESET Cyber Security | ESET Cyber Security Pro |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Website | www.eset.com | www.eset.com | www.est.com | www.eset.com | www.eset.com | www.eset.com |
| First year price | $39.99 | $49.99 | $59.99 | $14.99 | $39.99 | $49.99 |
| Renewal price | $39.99 | $49.99 | $59.99 | $14.99 | $39.99 | $49.99 |
| Best deal (per month) | $3.33 Save 25% on a 2-year subscription! |
$4.16 SAVE 24% on 2 year plans |
$4.99 Save 25% with a 2 year subscription |
$1.24 ONLY $44.99 for a 2 year plan |
$3.33 SAVE 25% on 2 year plans |
$4.16 SAVE 25% on 2 year plans |
At the time of writing, Bitdefender has several discounts available for new customers and a free trial option.
| No value | Bitdefender Antivirus Plus | Bitdefender Internet Security | Bitdefender Total Security | Bitdefender Premium Security |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Website | www.Bitdefender.com | www.bitdefender.com | www.bitdefender.com | www.bitdefender.com |
| First year price | $29.99 | $34.99 | $39.98 | $69.98 |
| Renewal price | $59.99 | $79.99 | $89.99 | $159.99 |
| Best deal (per month) | $2.49 Get 60% OFF! |
$2.91 Save 56% on 1 year plans - 3 devices |
$3.33 Save 56% on 1 year plans - 5 devices |
$5.83 SAVE 56% on 1 year plans - 10 devices |
ESET and Bitdefender offer a range of prices depending on what protection you require and the number of devices you are looking to cover. However, it is worth noting that the Bitdefender prices stated are the current sale prices. Under usual circumstances, there would be a significant difference in cost between ESET and Bitdefender. In terms of ‘premium’ services, there is a marked difference in cost between the two, with Bitdefender Premium Security usually costing $159.99 per year compared to just $59.99 for ESET Smart Security Premium. However, the Bitdefender license covers 10 devices.
It is also worth noting that while ESET and Bitdefender are technically compatible with all Android, Mac, and Windows PC, there are some restrictions on Android and Mac regarding Bitdefender’s protection. ESET also has a Linux antivirus with an interface, it is one of few big players to have a consumer Linux antivirus.
Effectiveness Against Malware
To fully and accurately test the malware and virus protection provided by ESET and Bitdefender, I installed both programs on my device and ran a series of malware tests and trials.
First, I ran a real-time malware test that took place while I was using the device. During this sample, the antivirus proactively searched for any new threats to the device while I was busy working on my PC. If you don’t have real-time protection turned on, the antivirus will only check for malware at a scheduled scan time set by the user.
During the second sample, I disabled the real-time protection feature and ran several sample malware test files directly from the EICAR (The European Institute for Computer Antivirus Research) through the device. These files simulate viruses coming in different forms over secure and insecure connections to see how antivirus responds.
As the table below shows, both ESET and Bitdefender performed excellently in these malware file test runs. In all cases, both services effectively blocked any files they deemed a threat to the device’s security. Compared to other antivirus packages I have tested previously, including Avast Protection and Kaspersky, ESET and Bitdefender outperformed the competition.
| No value | ESET | Bitdefender |
|---|---|---|
| Website | www.eset.com | www.Bitdefender.com |
| Eicar Sample 1 | Blocked | Blocked |
| Eicar Sample 2 | Blocked | Blocked |
| Eicar Sample 3 | Blocked | Blocked |
| Eicar Sample 4 | Blocked | Blocked |
| Live Sample 1 (Adware) | Blocked | Blocked |
| Live Sample 2 (Trojan) | Blocked | Blocked |
| Live Sample 3 (Trojan) | Blocked | Blocked |
| Best deal (per month) | $4.99 Save 25% with a 2 year subscription |
$5.83 Save 56% on one year plans |
Below are examples of ESET and Bitdefender successfully detecting and deleting files on a real-time basis.
However, only Bitdefender offers a full quick scan with all findings comprehensively recorded, as seen below.
To further add to my own malware tests, I looked at some results from leading independent testing labs. Throughout September 2021, AV-Comparatives’ round of Malware Protection Tests, ESET, and Bitdefender performed exceptionally well out of the test group that included other antivirus protection providers, including Kaspersky and Avast.
Considering the results of both services, it is clear that Bitdefender ran a more thorough and far-reaching scan into the malware and computer as a whole. It should also be noted that Bitdefender did take longer to run this full scan by nearly 40 minutes, which could be something to consider when weighing up these options.
Impact on PC Performance
When deciding which anti-virus software to install on your devices, it is important to look into whether there will be any lasting impact on the performance and speed of the device.
I reviewed various data while the software scanned in the background to gather a comprehensive view of the impact of both ESET and Bitdefender on computer performance.
| No value | ESET | Bitdefender |
|---|---|---|
| Website | www.eset.com | www.Bitdefender.com |
| Full Scan Time (minutes) | 68 | 110 |
| Full Scan # Items Scanned | 930,000 | 4200000 |
| Full Scan CPU Utilization % | 68 | 56 |
| Full Scan Memory Utilization % | 70 | 81 |
| Full Scan Disk Utilization (seconds) | 510 | 3577 |
| Control CPU Utilization % (no scan) | 32 | 32 |
| Control Memory Utilization % (no scan) | 63 | 74 |
| Control Disk Utilization (seconds) (no scan) | 17 | 65 |
| Quick Scan Time (seconds) | N/A | 338 |
| Quick Scan CPU Utilization % | N/A | 56 |
| Quick Scan Memory Utilization % | N/A | 81 |
| Quick Scan Disk Utilization % | N/A | 3557 |
| Best deal (per month) | $4.99 Save 25% with a 2 year subscription |
$5.83 Save 56% on one year plans |
When running a complete scan, Bitdefender requires less CPU than ESET, with a 12% discrepancy between the results.
However, memory utilization differs more substantially: Bitdefender at 81% in the tests I performed, and ESET at 70%.
The time it takes ESET and Bitdefender to perform full scans differs significantly. ESET’s scan time of 68 minutes is substantially shorter than Bitdefender’s 110 minutes. While scan time may seem to have little to do with general speed and performance, it is still an important statistic. The longer a scan runs in the background of the PC, the more impact it may have on performance.
It’s impossible to compare the impact on performance during a quick scan, as ESET does not offer this function in its antivirus program.
I also wanted to see how my test results compared with the independent labs’ results. The AV-Comparatives’ Performance Test is run several times throughout the year on all major antivirus and malware protection groups. These tests investigate the protection and usability of every provider’s programs and subscriptions. The AV-Comparatives’ test team runs several tests to investigate the impact of antivirus protection on the speed and performance of a PC. These tasks can include:
- File copying
- Archiving / unarchiving
- Installing/uninstalling applications
- Launching applications
- Downloading files
- Browsing websites
Throughout their 2021 tests, ESET and Bitdefender scored well with minimal impact while performing these tasks.
ESET Features
Antivirus and malware protection aside, ESET and Bitdefender provide users with many premium services to help make your PC as safe and secure as possible. These include:
ESET
- Multi-level protection
- Anti-virus
- Anti-theft
- Anti-phishing
- Network protection
- Online shopping and banking protection- keeping your transactions safe
- Password protection
- Photo encryption
- Advanced parental controls
- Data protection
- Webcam protection
- Multi-layer ransomware protection
- Gamer mode
- File encryption service
- Security settings to fit specific needs
- License management
- A monthly security report
- ESET SysInspector
- Free support
Bitdefender
- Protection for up to 10 different devices (smartphones and tablets included)
- A dedicated online Bitdefender account, only accessible through an active subscription
- Multi-layer ransomware
- File protection
- Unlimited VPN
- Premium users received priority when accessing Bitdefender customer support
- An advanced level of parental control functions
- Anti-phishing
- Anti-spam
- Firewall support
- Rescue Mode
- Network protection
- Game mode
- Movie mode
- Work mode
- Battery mode
- Password Manager
- Access to a vulnerability assessment
- Anti-theft
- Banking protection
- Webcam and microphone protection
- Data security
ESET and Bitdefender offer their premium customers many services and features that offer a solid level of protection and support. It is refreshing that both ESET and Bitdefender provide their customers with round-the-clock support and assistance via online ‘chat’ features. This reassures users that whenever they may need help, both services will assist right away.
With such a lengthy list of premium benefits, it can still be challenging to narrow down whether ESET or Bitdefender provides the best protection and added features.
So I have taken a few of the most outstanding features from ESET and Bitdefender and had a close look at what these specific extensions offer.
ESET
Location Tracking – With ESET, if you ever lose or have a device stolen, you can mark it as lost through a built-in ESET Anti-theft procedure. This will mean that your device is monitored and tracked wherever it is using Wi-Fi connections.
Anti-theft activity watch – If your device is stolen, ESET allows you to track the thieves through a built-in laptop activity watch that goes through the device’s webcam. It takes photos and saves them directly to your online ESET account.
Connected Home Monitor – This feature allows users to test their own routers for any issues or vulnerabilities. This feature will also allow you to see who is connected to your router and provides you with support and options for making sure your system is secure and safe.
Out-of-Home Network – This feature means you are protected and supported outside of the home. It will alert you automatically if you have connected to an unknown or unstable network and will prompt you on whether to switch settings. This feature also makes your device completely invisible to any other when connected to a network at the same time.
Bitdefender
Parental Controls – Bitdefender allows parents to log in remotely in order to monitor the sites and data their children are allowed to access on devices included in their package. This gives families the extra support they need when using the internet.
Anti-Tracker Controls – In order to speed up PC performance, Bitdefender has an Anti-tracker extension that blocks any data trackers that may have come into contact with your device. This keeps your data private and also makes web pages load quicker.
The ‘Traffic Light’ – Bitdefender has developed a feature that filters out inappropriate content when browsing or shopping online. When using your device, Bitdefender will use this feature and a specialist intelligence system to protect you and your family from coming into contact with harmful data or web pages.
Blocking Adware – Annoying and interrupting adware can hugely impact our online experiences. These pop-up ads can also connect your device with harmful malware, which can impact even Macs. With this feature, all unnecessary adware is blocked, and you won’t have to deal with any hassle or potential threat.
Sign Up and installation
Sign-up and installation for both providers are very simple and require you to enter a few details before the services run on your devices. The hotline number is listed at the top of the payment pages.
How easy is the interface to use?
ESET has a very modern and accessible interface. The application has a good flow and allows a lot of information to be displayed in a way that isn’t overwhelming to the user. Even if you normally get confused by tech jargon, you should have no issues here. ESET simply explains its features to help users less experienced with antivirus programs.
Bitdefender’s design reflects a more corporate identity in its look and feel, but the most commonly used tools in the program are easily available from the dashboard, while an overview of the suite’s functionalities appears along the left-hand side.
Customer Support
ESET and Bitdefender both offer similar customer support options if users are seeking information or troubleshooting issues. Both providers have live chat options displayed clearly on their websites for customers to get in contact with technical specialists. They also offer an option to call up an advisor during operating hours. ESET and Bitdefender offer their customers various help pages that display countless articles and posts dedicated to FAQs and common issues.
Overall, I would say the customer support of both ESET and Bitdefender is equally impressive and extensive.
Antivirus testing methodology
There are many antivirus brands on the market, and it’s hard to discern between them. To help consumers with choosing a service for their computer or mobile device, we consider each antivirus company’s reputation, their features, and the efficacy of their antivirus tools. We also consider the product’s ease of use and how a beginner might feel when installing and using it for the first time. Our in-depth, in-house antivirus testing methodology identifies:
- The impact on system resources when you run a quick or full device scan.
- How long does it take to run a scan?
- How effective real-time monitoring features are to protect you online.
- How effective is the AV’s scanning tool and its ability to protect against malware?
In addition to the analysis performed by our in-house AV reviewers, we leverage data from four of the world’s most trusted antivirus testing laboratories:
We combine this data to get a clear and unbiased picture of how the antivirus performed in the most recent round of testing. This allows us confidently to inform consumers about the AV product’s ability to protect against existing and emerging malware classes.
Conclusion
ESET and Bitdefender provide their users with a comprehensive and reliable antivirus service. They both performed well in the malware tests I carried out, aside from some differences in scan speed where ESET was faster.
When taking into consideration the cost of both packages, ESET offers better value for money. It is important to remember that the initial prices listed above for Bitdefender are for the first year only, and with no discounts, there is a significant difference in cost between the two providers.
The usability of the ESET interface, a lower price point, and a lighter system impact all make ESET the winner in this comparison.
See also:
L’article ESET vs Bitdefender: Which is best? est apparu en premier sur Comparitech.
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