Hi there, can’t decide which antivirus to opt for. Well in this article we’ll give you a detailed description of both Bitdefender and ESET antivirus and compare them head to head. so that the readers can understand the difference between the 2 and choose the one which suits them best.
So, Let’s get started.
The internet is growing with a booming rate and so does its users and as the traffic increases, the malicious ware and files infecting the user risk also increase. As for the users using the internet. They are prone to get infected by more than 800 million types of malicious ware available on the internet which are responsible for personal data loss, cyber theft, cybercrime and many more. Hence in terms of security and safety. Antivirus software comes into play. Since they are capable to block out the dangerous files and hence protect the personal data as well as details of your computer.
Therefore, there are 2 leading Antivirus in the market. Bitdefender and ESET. People while opting an antivirus software often fails to decide which one to opt among these 2. Since they pack a lot in them and hence offer a lot of features to their customers. Although they may lack a couple of things or may excel to one another in a couple of things which tends to make them different from each other. Hence, the detailed comparison for the same is carried out making it easier for readers to decide between them.
Bitdefender vs ESET – Detailed Comparison
The list below explains about products offered by the companies for home users.
Plans & Packages
Bitdefender Antivirus Suites:
- Bitdefender Antivirus Free Edition (Windows Only).
- The plus version of the software. Bitdefender Antivirus Plus (Windows Only).
- Bitdefender Internet Security version (Windows Only).
- Total security version. Bitdefender Total Security (Both Windows and Macintosh).
- Bitdefender Family Pack (Both Windows and Macintosh).
- The Virus Scanner version(Macintosh Only).
- And the dedicated Mac version. Bitdefender Antivirus for Macintosh (Macintosh Only).
ESET Security Suites:
- The ESET nod32 Antivirus version. (Windows Only).
- Internet security version. ESET Internet Security (Windows Only).
- A higher version. ESET Smart Security Premium (Windows Only).
- The Multi-Device Security version. ESET Multi-Device Security (Both Windows and Macintosh).
- ESET Cyber Security (Macintosh Only).
- The pro version of cybersecurity. ESET Cyber Security Pro (Macintosh Only).
Therefore, the above list provides readers with the availability of all antivirus software provided by the 2 companies for home users.
A detailed description of everything included in Bitdefender’s Antivirus Suites:
Bitdefender is a very well-known name in the field of antivirus. It is because of its product quality as well as because of the features it offers to its customers. The company provides its users with many versions to choose according to their need. Hence the detailed description of those versions are as follows:
Bitdefender Antivirus Free Edition:
This is the first in the line software company provides to the user. It is a free version and hence provides protection from basic malware. Like ransomware, viruses, worms, etc. But it does not provide users with advanced protection features. Although protection against online threats is induced in the software.
Bitdefender Antivirus Plus:
The next step up is to Bitdefender’s Antivirus Plus software. It comprises of features like WiFi Security Advisor which tends to block threats trying to spread through the network, A Vulnerability Scanner which holds regular checks in for outdated software and security holes in the OS and a file shredding utility which helps you delete your files with complete security and makes it insanely hard for anyone but you to recover them. Also, Advanced multi-layered ransomware protection, A hardened web browser, and a password management utility. They all are present here in this version of the software.
Note: A single subscription of the Plus version lets you protect up to 3 PCs.
Bitdefender Internet Security:
This is the next version up in the list of software provided by the company. It consists of all those features present in the Plus suite. As well as offers a two-way firewall, A spam filter and a file encryption utility which tends to monitor ongoing and outgoing connections and blocks of malicious ware. Also, Blocks junk emails and messages and protects personal files and documents from hackers respectively. It also features a limited parental control utility which is responsible for blocking age sensitive content as well as helps in monitoring children usage of internet and a limited VPN.
Note: This version also lets a single subscription of the software protect up to 3 PCs.
Bitdefender Total Security:
This is the full-blown version of the software company has to offer. Meaning it contains all the feature which the company has to offer. In simpler words, it consists of all the features from the previous version and hence adds Anti-theft Module which is responsible for finding lost and stolen devices. Also, adds up the performance enhancing tools. Such as OneClick Optimizer, Disk Cleanup, Startup Optimizer.
Unlike other Antivirus suites, this particular version is compatible with Macintosh Systems as well.
Note: This particular version lets you protect up to five PCs, Macs, Android, and iOS devices. With a single Total Security Subscription.
Bitdefender Family Pack:
If you are looking for a family subscription. Then there is no better option available other than this. As this particular subscription lets, you protect unlimited no. of PCs, Macs, Androids and iOS devices. That too with “Total Security” Subscription.
Bitdefender Antivirus For Mac:
This is a specialized premium version of the software created for Mac OS. It is incorporated with all the features and is capable of blocking every type of Mac-related malware and dangerous files. Also, is equipped with VPN and an encryption utility. Therefore, on the upper hand it is also incorporated with protection against annoying adware and dangerous phishing attacks.
Note: Both Bitdefender Family pack and Bitdefender Total Security are compatible with Macintosh OS.
A detailed description of everything included in ESET Security Packages:
As similar to other antivirus manufacturers. ESET also offers different Antivirus for different platforms. Although one of its many software is a multi-device compatible. Therefore, the different version of the software that the company offers are as follows:
ESET NOD32 Antivirus:
It is the entry-level Antivirus offered by the company. It does not contain specialized security features or additional tools. Although it protects you from all the bases. Meaning, it is capable of blocking off all types of viruses, spyware, worms, trojans, etc. and is also incorporated with protection against ransomware and phishing attacks.
And hence contain an additional feature of a silent mode utility which tends to suspend notification for better movie or game experience.
ESET Internet Security:
The next level in the Security packages of ESET is of ESET Internet Security. It includes every feature incorporated in the previous version followed by a hardened browser, A two-way firewall, An Anti-spam filter, An Anti-theft module and a Network Monitor which are responsible for all types of activities held online.
It also comes with an additional feature of webcam protection. Meaning it provides additional protection against web spies.
ESET Smart Security Premium:
The company’s full-blown version of the Antivirus. It contains everything the company has to offer. It is incorporated with all the features that were there in NOD32 and Internet security version and some additional features of the password manager and the Secure Data module. It is an encryption utility responsible for creating virtual drives in order to protect your data from hackers.
ESET Multi-Device security:
If you wish to opt for multiple device security. The subscription of the Multi-Device security lets you accomplish that. Although it restricts the no. of device. Meaning, unlike Bitfinder’s Family Pack it won’t allow unlimited device protection from one subscription.
Also, because of some reasons, you can opt for either NOD32 version or Internet Security version to accompany this subscription. As Company doesn’t allow the installation of high-shelf ESET Smart Security Premium suite.
So opting for this particular version might be costly for users who plan to opt an Antivirus for the whole family.
ESET Cyber Security:
This is an exclusive version of the Antivirus created for Mac OS. It is incorporated with global protection against all malware threats. It also features a presentation mode which tends to suspend notification in order to maintain the interruption-free experience and also contain the full free premium support.
ESET Cyber Security Pro:
This is the pro version of the previously explained version. It comprises of all the features present there in the Cyber Security version and consists of a firewall and a parental control module in it.
Bitdefender vs ESET (in terms of providing better protection):
As of the 2 software. Both of them are considered to be really good Antivirus. Because, as of today’s time virus is more likely to hit a system. Since there is a growing number of internet users day by day, threats are also increasing at a faster rate.
Therefore, the tests were held by AV-Test and AV-Comparatives in order to check how well an Antivirus is against such increasing threats. Since these are the software responsible for an individuals internet security and safety.
AV-Test (Tests):
The AV-Test held a study in July and August 2018. In which Bitdefender was tested against 19,747 widespread malware samples and 275 zero-day malware samples. As of the results. Bitdefender showed excellent outcomes. It detected 100% of both types of malware in both months and received a perfect score of 6 out of 6 in the “Protection” category.
And as for the ESET Antivirus. It did not participate in the Test. Its AV-Test evaluations are not taken into account.
AV-Comparatives (Tests):
Therefore, one more test was held by AV-Comparatives. But this test was held in sight of aiming to test a product in real-world malware conditions and as of result, Bitdefender was one of the few Antivirus software to get “ADVANCED+” rating. Because of its 100% malware detection and low false positives’ count.
And as for the ESET. The Antivirus could manage to get the Third best “STANDARD” award in the conducted test. Since it detected a slightly lower percentage of malware at 99.82%. And gave out 1 false positive result.
Although again all together, the report of the Malware Protection Test was published by AV-Comparatives which was calculated in the course of 5 months from February to June 2018 and as for the results, Bitdefender again bagged the ADVANCED+ award and ESET bagged second best “ADVANCED” award.
Hence, for the protection test on two software, It is clear that Bitdefender provides better protection than ESET.
Bitdefender vs ESET (in terms of impact on system):
Antivirus is majorly known for running in the background in order to perform Real-Time scanning. Although, it is been a concern of people since they tend to eat up most of the CPU performance. But is important for the sake of safety and security.
Therefore, for antivirus to be perfect it should imply a less strain on PC. Since heavy strain can result in unexpected pauses and hang in a system which can be pretty annoying.
Therefore, tests were conducted by independent labs in order to carry out the result of how the 2 software fared in a particular category. By carrying out a couple of activities like launching popular websites, downloading and installing, commonly used applications, copying of files, and more.
Note: The tests were carried out on a standard PC as well as High-end PC.
Bitdefender’s impact Test:
As for the test which was carried out on Bitdefender. The Antivirus once again got a 6/6 rating in AV-Test whereas an “ADVANCED+” award in AV-Comparatives Test with a rating of 6.9 in the “performance” category.
ESET’s impact Test:
As of the ESET’s AV-Test. The Antivirus software didn’t participate in it. Whereas of AV-Comparative test, the software received “ADVANCED+” award with a rating of 6.5 making it a pretty stable software to use.
As for this test conclusion, it is clear that both of the software is pretty stable and tend to provide minimal impact on the system. Whereas, if we go for the stats, Bitdefender tends to dominate this section of the comparison making it better than ESET in terms of impact on the system.
ESET vs Bitdefender Price Comparison
Almost both companies resulted in attaining a good score and almost contains similar features. But as for the price tags, it might not be the same case. As in this section, we’ll be stating the allotted price of each software version provided by both companies. Hence making it easier for readers to decide which one falls in their budget range.
Bitdefender’s Antivirus Software Pricing:
- Bitdefender Antivirus Plus:
The Antivirus Plus subscription is available in 29.99 dollars for 1-year plan.
- Bitdefender Internet Security:
The Bitdefender Internet Security is available for 34.99 dollars for 1-year subscription.
- Bitdefender Total Security:
Total security version of Bitdefender Antivirus is available at 38.99 dollars for a year subscription.
- Bitdefender Family Pack:
One can get a 1-year subscription of this version at 54.99 dollars.
- Bitdefender Antivirus For Mac:
This Mac dedicated Antivirus software can be purchased for 34.99 dollars a year.
- Bitdefender Small Office Security:
One can purchase this for 99.98 dollars. And it includes a 1-year subscription for 10 devices.
Therefore, the context stated above tells the readers about the prices available for all different type of Bitdefender software.
ESET Antivirus Software Pricing:
- ESET NOD32 Antivirus:
The NOD32 Antivirus will cost an individual 39.99 dollars for 1-year subscription.
- ESET Internet Security:
This Particular version costs 49.99 dollars for a year subscription.
- ESET Smart Security Premium:
The Smart Security Premium costs 59.99 dollars for a 1-year complete subscription.
- ESET Multi-device Security:
The Multi-Device subscription for 1 year will cost an individual 69.99 dollars.
- ESET Cyber Security for Mac:
The simple Cyber Security Costs 39.99 dollars a year and the Cyber Security Pro costs 49.99 dollars a year.
Therefore, the context stated above tells the readers about the prices available for all different type of ESET software on a different platform.
Winner?
Getting a premium antivirus in today’s time is everybody’s need. Since they tend to provide individuals with security and safety from online threats. As of the 2 Antivirus software discussed in this article. Both Bitdefender and ESET proved to meet our needs. Although, the comparison is for people to understand the software better and to opt the one which suits best for their needs.
Hence, the conclusion is that both of the Antivirus software is very well functioning and, are pretty successful in protecting the individual from online threats and malicious ware. But as of the result of the comparison between the 2. Bitdefender excels, Because of its streamlined features as well as prices and options available for all the customers. Also, it highly excels in terms of giving out false positives. Meaning that it tend to report very few safe files as a threat in comparison to that of ESET Antivirus and tend to protect from 100% of malicious files followed by giving out less impact on the system.
Therefore, it is clear that Bitdefender is the winning contender of this head to head comparison between Bitdefender and ESET.