Norton 360 vs ESET
Norton 360 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, Norton 360 edges ahead at 9.3/10.
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Quick Answer
Norton 360 beats ESET for most users. It scores 9.3/10 vs 9.2/10 and excellent malware detection rates. Choose ESET if you need av-comparatives product of the year 2024.
Norton 360
WinnerComplete protection with identity theft monitoring
Starting from
$29.99/yr
ESET
Award-winning protection with minimal system impact
Starting from
$49.99/yr
Feature Comparison
| Feature | ||
|---|---|---|
| Overall Rating | 9.3/10 | 9.2/10 |
| Starting Price | $29.99/yr | $49.99/yr |
| User Reviews | ||
| Protection | ||
| Malware Detection | 99.8% | 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
Norton 360
- Excellent malware detection rates
- Identity theft protection included
- Unlimited VPN with no data caps
- Cloud backup storage included
- Dark web monitoring
- 100% virus protection promise
- Higher price point than competitors
- Can slow down older systems
- Auto-renewal at full price
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: Norton 360 offers vpn included while ESET provides banking protection. This fundamental distinction shapes who each product serves best.
Which Should You Choose?
Norton 360
Choose Norton 360 if you prioritize excellent malware detection rates, or value identity theft protection included.
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, Norton 360 is our winner with a rating of 9.3/10 compared to ESET's 9.2/10. Norton 360 stands out for its excellent malware detection rates and identity theft protection included. Norton 360 also offers better value at its price point. However, ESET remains an excellent choice if av-comparatives product of the year 2024 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 Norton 360 better than ESET?
Norton 360 scores higher in our testing (9.3/10 vs 9.2/10). Norton 360 excels at excellent malware detection rates, while ESET is better for av-comparatives product of the year 2024.
Which is cheaper, Norton 360 or ESET?
Norton 360 is more affordable at $29.99/mo vs $49.99/mo. Norton 360 offers 40% savings.
Norton 360 vs ESET: which should I choose?
Choose Norton 360 if you prioritize excellent malware detection rates. Choose ESET if you need av-comparatives product of the year 2024. Both are solid antivirus software options.
What's the main difference between Norton 360 and ESET?
The main difference is Norton 360 offers complete protection with identity theft monitoring, while ESET focuses on award-winning protection with minimal system impact.