ESET vs Webroot
ESET and Webroot 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.
Some products are sponsored. Rankings reflect our honest assessment. See our affiliate disclosure
Quick Answer
ESET beats Webroot for most users. It scores 9.2/10 vs 8/10 and av-comparatives product of the year 2024. Choose Webroot if you need extremely lightweight - under 4mb install.
ESET
WinnerAward-winning protection with minimal system impact
Starting from
$49.99/yr
Webroot
Ultra-lightweight cloud-based protection with fast scans
Starting from
$49.99/yr
Feature Comparison
| Feature | ||
|---|---|---|
| Overall Rating | 9.2/10 | 8.0/10 |
| Starting Price | $49.99/yr | $49.99/yr |
| User Reviews | ||
| Protection | ||
| Malware Detection | 100% | 98.9% |
| Real-Time Protection | ||
| Ransomware Protection | ||
| Firewall | ||
| Extras | ||
| VPN Included | Ultimate only | Total Protection only |
| Password Manager | ||
| Parental Controls | ||
| Coverage | ||
| Devices | Up to 10 | Up to 10 |
| 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
Webroot
- Extremely lightweight - under 4MB install
- Lightning-fast scans (20 seconds average)
- Cloud-based with minimal system impact
- Identity protection and dark web monitoring
- 70-day money-back guarantee
- LastPass password manager included
- No AV-TEST participation since 2019
- Lower detection rates than top competitors
- Web protection not as effective
- Limited macOS feature set
- Renewal prices double after first year
Key Difference
The key difference: ESET offers banking protection while Webroot provides identity protection. 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.
Webroot
Choose Webroot if you prioritize extremely lightweight - under 4mb install, or value lightning-fast scans (20 seconds average).
Our Verdict
After thorough testing, ESET is our winner with a rating of 9.2/10 compared to Webroot's 8/10. ESET stands out for its av-comparatives product of the year 2024 and perfect 6/6 av-test scores across all categories. While Webroot is more affordable, ESET's advantages justify the price difference for most users. However, Webroot remains an excellent choice if extremely lightweight - under 4mb install 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 Webroot?
ESET scores higher in our testing (9.2/10 vs 8/10). ESET excels at av-comparatives product of the year 2024, while Webroot is better for extremely lightweight - under 4mb install.
Which is cheaper, ESET or Webroot?
Webroot is more affordable at $49.99/mo vs $49.99/mo. Webroot offers 0% savings.
ESET vs Webroot: which should I choose?
Choose ESET if you prioritize av-comparatives product of the year 2024. Choose Webroot if you need extremely lightweight - under 4mb install. Both are solid antivirus software options.
What's the main difference between ESET and Webroot?
The main difference is ESET offers award-winning protection with minimal system impact, while Webroot focuses on ultra-lightweight cloud-based protection with fast scans.