ESET vs Avast One
ESET and Avast One 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.
ESET
WinnerAward-winning protection with minimal system impact
Starting from
$49.99/yr
Avast One
Strong free tier with comprehensive paid options
Starting from
$35.88/yr
Feature Comparison
| Feature | ||
|---|---|---|
| Overall Rating | 9.2/10 | 8.4/10 |
| Starting Price | $49.99/yr | $35.88/yr |
| User Reviews | ||
| Protection | ||
| Malware Detection | 100% | 99.98% |
| Real-Time Protection | ||
| Ransomware Protection | ||
| Firewall | ||
| Extras | ||
| VPN Included | Ultimate only | |
| Password Manager | ||
| Parental Controls | ||
| Coverage | ||
| Devices | Up to 10 | Up to 30 |
| Gaming Mode | ||
| Webcam Protection | ||
Pros & Cons Breakdown
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
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
Key Difference
The key difference: ESET offers password manager while Avast One provides vpn included. This fundamental distinction shapes who each product serves best.
Which Should You Choose?
ESET
Choose ESET if you prioritize av-comparatives product of the year 2024, or value perfect 6/6 av-test scores across all categories.
Avast One
Choose Avast One if you prioritize excellent free antivirus option, want to start with a free tier, or value good malware detection.
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 ESET better than Avast One?
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, ESET or Avast One?
Avast One is more affordable at $0.00/mo vs $49.99/mo. Avast One offers 100% savings.
ESET vs Avast One: which should I choose?
Choose ESET if you prioritize av-comparatives product of the year 2024. Choose Avast One if you need excellent free antivirus option. Both are solid antivirus software options.
What's the main difference between ESET and Avast One?
The main difference is ESET offers award-winning protection with minimal system impact, while Avast One focuses on strong free tier with comprehensive paid options.