Yes—ESET is a credible antivirus choice in 2026. ESET Security Ultimate 19.1 achieved 6/6 for protection, performance and usability in AV-TEST’s June 2026 Windows home-user test. AV-Comparatives also named ESET a Top-Rated Product in its 2025 consumer summary. Those results support ESET’s core protection, but they do not mean every ESET plan, device or operating system performs identically. Your decision should come down to the plan’s features, device compatibility and renewal cost.
What the independent tests show
AV-TEST: perfect scores for the tested Windows edition
AV-TEST gave ESET Security Ultimate 19.1 a full 6/6 protection, 6/6 performance and 6/6 usability in its June 2026 Windows home-user results. This is a laboratory result for that product version and test period—not a guarantee that every configuration will block every threat.
AV-Comparatives: broad recognition in 2025
AV-Comparatives’ Consumer Summary Report 2025 named ESET a Top-Rated Product, stating that it received the highest Advanced+ award in all seven tests. ESET also earned Gold in Advanced Threat Protection. The report praised both ease of use for non-experts and the customization and scan options available to advanced users.
Additional dated test context
A March 2025 AV-Comparatives Malware Protection Test, reported by Tom’s Guide, recorded 99.95% blocking of 10,025 files and six false alarms. Tom’s Guide also reported a 6/6 protection score in AV-TEST’s May–June 2025 testing. These figures are historical and should not be confused with the newer June 2026 AV-TEST result.
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#1 Best Overall
![ESET Home Security Essential | Antivirus | 2025 Edition | 3 Devices | 1 Year | Safe Banking | Privacy Protection | IOT Protection | Ransomware | Digital Download [PC/Mac/Android]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41U+x9+6JKL._SL160_.jpg)
- WORRY-FREE BANKING AND BROWSING: Safely bank, shop, and surf with our secured browser mode. The extra Browser Privacy & Security extension for Windows helps you search safely, clean your browser, and block phishing sites.
- FAST, SEAMLESS SECURITY: Stay safe from online and offline threats. With protection to prevent, detect, and resolve issues, you get advanced defense against theft, spam, ransomware, and more—all without slowdown.
- WEBCAM AND MIC CONTROLS: Get notified whenever there’s an attempt to access your webcam or microphone. Instantly allow or block it to prevent unwanted recording or surveillance.
- EASY MANAGEMENT: Manage your subscription with ESET HOME, the complete security management platform. Add new devices, activate powerful features, and see exactly who and what is protected—all from one space.
- FLEXIBLE PROTECTION: Secure up to # devices under one subscription, and easily purchase additional subscriptions. These must be managed via your ESET HOME account to avoid overwriting existing ones.
ESET NOD32 versus ESET HOME Security
The names describe different levels of protection. ESET NOD32 Antivirus is the basic antivirus and anti-malware product. ESET HOME Security subscriptions add online-security and privacy tools, with the exact package depending on the tier.
| Option | What it is positioned for | Features described by ESET |
|---|---|---|
| NOD32 Antivirus | Core protection without additional privacy features | Antivirus and anti-malware protection; a downloaded copy is activated with a purchased subscription |
| Essential | Lightweight everyday protection | Real-time protection against malware, ransomware, spyware and phishing; secured browsing, device and smart-home protection, and a network shield |
| Higher ESET HOME tiers | Broader online security and privacy coverage | Depending on tier: online-banking protection, ransomware defense, browser privacy and security features, identity protection and unlimited VPN |
Feature availability can vary by operating system. ESET’s “lightweight” wording for Essential is a vendor positioning claim; the independent performance evidence cited above applies specifically to ESET Security Ultimate 19.1 on Windows.
Rank #2
![ESET NOD32 Antivirus | 2025 Edition | 1 Device | 1 Year | Antivirus Software | Gamer Mode | Small System Footprint | Digital Download [PC/Mac]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41+egi-twuL._SL160_.jpg)
- Antivirus and Antispyware functionality provides protection from online and offline threats and blocks the spread of malware to other users.
- Ransomware Shield keeps data private and secure by blocking attempts to lock you out of your personal data in exchange for a ransom payment.
- Anti-phishing protects you from frauds and fake websites attempting to access sensitive information or feed you fake news.
- Exploit blocker prevents attacks designed to bypass antivirus detection and fortifies commonly exploited application types such as web browsers, PDF readers and other applications.
- Gamer Mode runs media quickly and smoothly. It postpones alerts and notifications to save resources, disables pop-up windows and halts the activity of the scheduler. ESET protection still runs in the background on Gamer Mode but does not demand any interaction.
Supported devices and important limits
- Windows: ESET’s US product information lists Windows 10 and 11 or later.
- Mac: The relevant US page lists macOS 13 or later.
- Windows on ARM: ESET warns that some features and functions are not supported.
- iPhone and iPad: ESET says it does not provide an iOS security solution.
Do not treat Windows test results as proof of equivalent protection or feature coverage on macOS, Android or ARM devices. Check the exact plan’s compatibility before buying, particularly for a mixed-device household.
Pricing, trials and renewals
ESET says prices displayed on its US site apply to the first term and may change. The stable renewal price is not established here, so compare the checkout total, renewal terms, device count and included features rather than judging value from an introductory figure.
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![ESET Home Security Essential | Antivirus | 2025 Edition | 1 Device | 1 Year | Safe Banking | Privacy Protection | IOT Protection | Ransomware | Digital Download [PC/Mac/Android]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41dk5LnrvhL._SL160_.jpg)
- WORRY-FREE BANKING AND BROWSING: Safely bank, shop, and surf with our secured browser mode. The extra Browser Privacy & Security extension for Windows helps you search safely, clean your browser, and block phishing sites.
- FAST, SEAMLESS SECURITY: Stay safe from online and offline threats. With protection to prevent, detect, and resolve issues, you get advanced defense against theft, spam, ransomware, and more—all without slowdown.
- WEBCAM AND MIC CONTROLS: Get notified whenever there’s an attempt to access your webcam or microphone. Instantly allow or block it to prevent unwanted recording or surveillance.
- EASY MANAGEMENT: Manage your subscription with ESET HOME, the complete security management platform. Add new devices, activate powerful features, and see exactly who and what is protected—all from one space.
- FLEXIBLE PROTECTION: Secure up to # devices under one subscription, and easily purchase additional subscriptions. These must be managed via your ESET HOME account to avoid overwriting existing ones.
ESET’s US trial page describes a 30-day trial with no payment details and no automatic charge after the trial. It also describes a 30-day money-back guarantee for a paid Premium subscription. Offers and terms can change, so confirm the wording and region at purchase.
Which ESET plan fits?
Choose NOD32 when you want core antivirus
NOD32 is the logical fit if you mainly need malware, ransomware, spyware and phishing protection and do not need a bundled VPN, identity tools or extra browser and banking features.
Rank #4
![ESET Home Security Premium | Antivirus | 2025 Edition | 3 Devices | 1 Year| Unlimited VPN | Privacy Protection | Ransomware | Anti-Theft | Digital Download [PC/Mac/Android]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51rUg2B8o2L._SL160_.jpg)
- Unlimited VPN Rely on secure network connections at home or on the go—access secure servers across 40 countries on up to 3 devices. Protect your data from theft and tracking, and stay safe with an anonymous IP. Includes unlimited bandwidth!
- ESET Folder Guard Secure valuable data! Ensure only trusted apps can modify files in protected folders, providing an extra layer of defense against ransomware and other threats.
- KEEP YOUR DATA PRIVATE AND SECURE. This feature blocks attempts to lock your files in exchange for payment, shielding you from threats and device damage. SECURE DATA Protect sensitive data with military-grade encryption. Safeguard files and USBs from unauthorized access and safely share your data with others.
- WORRY-FREE BANKING AND BROWSING: Safely bank, shop, and surf with our secured browser mode. The extra Browser Privacy & Security extension for Windows helps you search safely, clean your browser, and block phishing sites.
- SAFE NETWORKS: Check your home router for risks like weak passwords or outdated firmware. See all connected devices, scan them for vulnerabilities, and get suggestions on how to resolve security issues.
Choose Essential for broader everyday coverage
Essential suits users who want the core engine plus the browsing, network and smart-home protections ESET lists for that tier. Confirm that your operating system supports every feature you expect.
Consider a higher HOME tier for privacy tools
A higher tier may make sense if you specifically need features such as online-banking protection, identity protection or an included VPN. Do not assume those tools are included in every HOME subscription.
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![ESET Home Security Premium | Antivirus | 2025 Edition | 1 Device | 1 Year| Unlimited VPN | Privacy Protection | Ransomware | Anti-Theft | Digital Download [PC/Mac/Android]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51wb8soobpL._SL160_.jpg)
- Unlimited VPN Rely on secure network connections at home or on the go—access secure servers across 40 countries on up to 3 devices. Protect your data from theft and tracking, and stay safe with an anonymous IP. Includes unlimited bandwidth!
- ESET Folder Guard Secure valuable data! Ensure only trusted apps can modify files in protected folders, providing an extra layer of defense against ransomware and other threats.
- KEEP YOUR DATA PRIVATE AND SECURE. This feature blocks attempts to lock your files in exchange for payment, shielding you from threats and device damage. SECURE DATA Protect sensitive data with military-grade encryption. Safeguard files and USBs from unauthorized access and safely share your data with others.
- WORRY-FREE BANKING AND BROWSING: Safely bank, shop, and surf with our secured browser mode. The extra Browser Privacy & Security extension for Windows helps you search safely, clean your browser, and block phishing sites.
- SAFE NETWORKS: Check your home router for risks like weak passwords or outdated firmware. See all connected devices, scan them for vulnerabilities, and get suggestions on how to resolve security issues.
How to compare ESET with another antivirus
- Match the evidence: Compare the independent lab, test date, product version, operating system and protection score.
- Check performance context: A lab performance score is more useful than an unsupported “lightweight” marketing description.
- Map required features: Separate basic antivirus from ransomware, banking and browsing protection, VPN and identity tools.
- Verify compatibility: Check Windows, macOS, Android, ARM and iOS support for the exact plan and device mix.
- Calculate cost over time: Compare first-term price, renewal price, number of covered devices and any introductory discount.
Verdict: is ESET worth it in 2026?
ESET has unusually strong recent independent evidence: a perfect AV-TEST score for Security Ultimate 19.1 on Windows in June 2026 and Top-Rated status from AV-Comparatives’ 2025 consumer program. That makes it a sound shortlist candidate for Windows users. The best value depends on whether you need only NOD32’s core protection or the extra privacy and security features in an ESET HOME tier, and whether your devices and renewal budget fit the plan.
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