ESET or Microsoft?
Choose ESET for next-level privacy, identity, and device protection
Why ESET?
Glad you asked!
ESET stops breaches before they start.
Our multilayered technology—backed by AI, human expertise, and live cloud protection—safeguards every part of your digital life, from banking to browsing to securing your data, networks, and devices.
With over 30 years of cybersecurity innovation, we’ve got you covered.
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Explore some of our top-rated technologies and features:
MULTILAYERED SECURITY
More than just antivirus. ESET detects, blocks, and removes threats like spam, worms, and ransomware.
SAFE BANKING & SAFE BROWSING
Surf, bank, and shop securely with advanced browser security. Includes keyboard-browser encryption, safe searches, and metadata removal for uploaded images.
WI-FI SECURITY
Protect your home router and connected devices from weak passwords and other risks.
WEBCAM PROTECTION
Safeguard your privacy with proactive security alerts and prevent unwanted access to your webcam.
ANTI-THEFT
Track, lock, and locate lost or stolen devices to keep your personal data safe.
ESET FOLDER GUARD
Keep your files safe and block ransomware—only trusted apps can access protected folders.
LOGIN ATTACK PROTECTION
Block attempts to guess your password and break into your accounts!
LIVE CLOUD PROTECTION
Stop new and never-before-seen threats in real time. Powered by threat intelligence from millions of users.
HIGHLIGHTS—facts and stats
Faster performance
ESET keeps your devices running smooth
Advanced+
(3 stars)
5.1
Impact score*
ESET
Advanced
(2 stars)
18.9
Impact score*
Microsoft
*The lower the impact score, the smoother your protection.
Faster performance
In AV-Comparatives’ Performance test, ESET had a much lower impact rating than Microsoft (5.1 vs. 18.9)—meaning it uses fewer system resources and won’t slow you down. Source.
Stronger malware defense
ESET protects—online or offline
99.94%
Online protection
88%
Offline Detection
ESET
99.84%
Online protection
68.8%
Offline Detection
Microsoft
Stronger malware defense
In AV-Comparatives’ Malware Protection test, ESET outperformed Microsoft in both detection and protection—with or without an internet connection. Source.
Smarter everyday security
ESET blocks threats without interruptions
Advanced+
(3 stars)
99.2%
ESET
Standard
(2 stars)
98.3%
Microsoft
Smarter everyday security
ESET earned 3 stars in AV-Comparatives’ Real-World Protection test—Microsoft got 2.
With a 99.2% protection rate, ESET is here to secure your digital life. Source.
WHAT YOU GET—feature comparison
ESET HOME Security Ultimate vs. Microsoft 365 Family with Microsoft Defender
BUILT-IN,
OR BUILT FOR YOU?
Microsoft Defender relies on the basic security tools already built into Windows. These offer limited protection, work only within the Windows ecosystem, and leave little room for customization.
ESET, on the other hand, offers powerful, dedicated features—designed to deliver smarter protection, easier control, and consistent performance across all your devices.
COMPARING STRENGHTS—a quick breakdown
ULTIMATE
ESET HOME Security Ultimate delivers advanced protection, including:
- Antispam and Anti-Theft
- Unlimited VPN
- Banking, browsing, and Wi‑Fi protection
All without slowing you down!
Microsoft 365 Family
with Microsoft Defender
Microsoft 365 Family with Microsoft Defender is helpful for productivity and storage. It includes:
- Basic Windows-integrated security
- 1 TB of cloud storage per user
- Easy access to Microsoft Office apps
But it lacks a VPN, Wi‑Fi protection, and deeper privacy and identity features.
The bottom line: Choose ESET to protect your entire digital life, not just your operating system.