Avast One vs ESET
Avast One and ESET are both solid antivirus options, but they prioritize different aspects of security. After testing both with real malware samples and measuring system impact, ESET edges ahead at 9.2/10.
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Quick Answer
ESET beats Avast One for most users. It scores 9.2/10 vs 8.4/10 and av-comparatives product of the year 2024. Choose Avast One if you need excellent free antivirus option.
Avast One
Strong free tier with comprehensive paid options
Starting from
$35.88/yr
ESET
WinnerAward-winning protection with minimal system impact
Starting from
$49.99/yr
Feature Comparison
| Feature | ||
|---|---|---|
| Overall Rating | 8.4/10 | 9.2/10 |
| Starting Price | $35.88/yr | $49.99/yr |
| User Reviews | ||
| Protection | ||
| Malware Detection | 99.98% | 100% |
| Real-Time Protection | ||
| Ransomware Protection | ||
| Firewall | ||
| Extras | ||
| VPN Included | Ultimate only | |
| Password Manager | ||
| Parental Controls | ||
| Coverage | ||
| Devices | Up to 30 | Up to 10 |
| Gaming Mode | ||
| Webcam Protection | ||
Pros & Cons Breakdown
Avast One
- Excellent free antivirus option
- Good malware detection
- Built-in VPN included
- Performance optimization tools
- Cross-platform support
- Modern, easy-to-use interface
- Free version has ads for upgrades
- Past data privacy controversies (2020)
- VPN limited to 5GB/week on free tier
- No parental controls
- Higher false positive rates in lab tests
ESET
- AV-Comparatives Product of the Year 2024
- Perfect 6/6 AV-TEST scores across all categories
- Extremely lightweight - minimal system resource usage
- Multi-platform support (Windows, macOS, Android)
- Advanced threat detection with low false positives
- 30-day money-back guarantee and free trial
- No iOS support available
- VPN only included in Ultimate tier
- Interface less modern than some competitors
- Identity protection requires Ultimate plan
Key Difference
The key difference: Avast One offers vpn included while ESET provides password manager. This fundamental distinction shapes who each product serves best.
Which Should You Choose?
Avast One
Choose Avast One if you prioritize excellent free antivirus option, want to start with a free tier, or value good malware detection.
ESET
Choose ESET if you prioritize av-comparatives product of the year 2024, or value perfect 6/6 av-test scores across all categories.
Our Verdict
After thorough testing, ESET is our winner with a rating of 9.2/10 compared to Avast One's 8.4/10. ESET stands out for its av-comparatives product of the year 2024 and perfect 6/6 av-test scores across all categories. While Avast One is more affordable, ESET's advantages justify the price difference for most users. However, Avast One remains an excellent choice if excellent free antivirus option is your priority. There's no universally "wrong" choice here - both are quality options that serve their target audiences well.
Thinking of Switching?
Consider the migration effort before switching. Most services offer data export, but rebuilding workflows and configurations takes time. Evaluate whether the benefits outweigh the switching costs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Avast One better than ESET?
ESET scores higher in our testing (9.2/10 vs 8.4/10). ESET excels at av-comparatives product of the year 2024, while Avast One is better for excellent free antivirus option.
Which is cheaper, Avast One or ESET?
Avast One is more affordable at $0.00/mo vs $49.99/mo. Avast One offers 100% savings.
Avast One vs ESET: which should I choose?
Choose Avast One if you prioritize excellent free antivirus option. Choose ESET if you need av-comparatives product of the year 2024. Both are solid antivirus software options.
What's the main difference between Avast One and ESET?
The main difference is Avast One offers strong free tier with comprehensive paid options, while ESET focuses on award-winning protection with minimal system impact.