Kaspersky vs ESET
Kaspersky 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 Kaspersky for most users. It scores 9.2/10 vs 6/10 and av-comparatives product of the year 2024. Choose Kaspersky if you need outstanding malware detection rates (international).
Kaspersky
BANNED IN US - Still available internationally
Starting from
$27.99/yr
ESET
WinnerAward-winning protection with minimal system impact
Starting from
$49.99/yr
Feature Comparison
| Feature | ||
|---|---|---|
| Overall Rating | 6.0/10 | 9.2/10 |
| Starting Price | $27.99/yr | $49.99/yr |
| User Reviews | ||
| Protection | ||
| Malware Detection | 100% | 100% |
| Real-Time Protection | ||
| Ransomware Protection | ||
| Firewall | ||
| Extras | ||
| VPN Included | Ultimate only | |
| Password Manager | ||
| Parental Controls | ||
| Coverage | ||
| Devices | Up to 10 | Up to 10 |
| Gaming Mode | ||
| Webcam Protection | ||
Pros & Cons Breakdown
Kaspersky
- Outstanding malware detection rates (international)
- Safe Money protects online banking
- Low system impact
- User-friendly interface
- Good parental controls
- Competitively priced internationally
- BANNED in United States since September 2024
- Cannot receive updates for US customers
- Russian government ties led to Commerce Dept. ban
- US users auto-migrated to UltraAV
- VPN has daily data limits (300MB on Standard)
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: Kaspersky offers vpn included while ESET provides banking protection. This fundamental distinction shapes who each product serves best.
Which Should You Choose?
Kaspersky
Choose Kaspersky if you prioritize outstanding malware detection rates (international), or value safe money protects online banking.
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 Kaspersky's 6/10. ESET stands out for its av-comparatives product of the year 2024 and perfect 6/6 av-test scores across all categories. While Kaspersky is more affordable, ESET's advantages justify the price difference for most users. However, Kaspersky remains an excellent choice if outstanding malware detection rates (international) 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 Kaspersky better than ESET?
ESET scores higher in our testing (9.2/10 vs 6/10). ESET excels at av-comparatives product of the year 2024, while Kaspersky is better for outstanding malware detection rates (international).
Which is cheaper, Kaspersky or ESET?
Kaspersky is more affordable at $27.99/mo vs $49.99/mo. Kaspersky offers 44% savings.
Kaspersky vs ESET: which should I choose?
Choose Kaspersky if you prioritize outstanding malware detection rates (international). Choose ESET if you need av-comparatives product of the year 2024. Both are solid antivirus software options.
What's the main difference between Kaspersky and ESET?
The main difference is Kaspersky offers banned in us - still available internationally, while ESET focuses on award-winning protection with minimal system impact.