ESET or Microsoft?

Choose ESET for next-level privacy, identity, and device protection

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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

Stronger malware defense

ESET protects—online or offline

99.93%

Online protection

96.4%

Offline Detection

ESET

99.93%

Online protection

89.2%

Offline Detection

Microsoft

Stronger malware defense

In AV-Comparatives’ Malware Protection test. Source.

 

Smarter everyday security

ESET blocks threats without interruptions

Advanced+

(3 stars)

99.5%

ESET

Advanced+

(3 stars)

99.1%

Microsoft

Smarter everyday security

ESET earned 3 stars in AV-Comparatives’ Real-World Protection test.

With a 99.5% 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.

Cybersecurity & Device Protection

1

2

Microsoft

Anti-theft Lost your laptop? No problem. ESET Anti-Theft helps you track, lock, and recover lost devices fast.

Microsoft Defender relies on basic location tools recycled from Windows. It does not have an integrated theft recovery system.

basic Windows version

Email protection

limited to Microsoft Outlook

Folder security ESET Folder Guard blocks untrusted apps from modifying protected folders. You’ll also get alerts for unauthorized access attempts.

Microsoft Defender relies on basic folder protection recycled from Windows, with limited control and no alerting.

basic Windows version

Antispam

Antimalware

Real-time protection

Ransomware defense

Cloud-powered protection

Cloud backup

Privacy & Identity Protection

1

2

Microsoft

Banking protection Shop and bank with ease. ESET Safe Banking automatically secures your browser—no extra steps needed.

Not available with Microsoft Defender.

Browsing protection Surf safely! Our secured browser mode automatically protects your online activities from malware and other digital threats.

Not available with Microsoft Defender.

Unlimited VPN Protect your privacy with an anonymous IP and secure your connection anywhere. Plus, enjoy unlimited bandwidth for endless access to your favorite content. Easily shared with friends!

Not available with Microsoft Defender.

Metadata cleanup Photos contain information you can't see. ESET removes hidden data—like location or camera info—before you upload. An excellent way to protect your privacy.

Microsoft Defender does not offer dedicated metadata cleanup.

Scam protection

limited to Windows ecosystem

Data encryption

basic Windows version

Anti-phishing

Identity protection Both ESET and Microsoft offer identity protection, but ESET’s is more comprehensive, featuring Lost Wallet Assistance and Social Media Monitoring. It also includes a Smart SSN Tracker that alerts you if your SSN is linked to an unfamiliar name or address.

Webcam protection

Protection score

Performance & Smart Home Protection

1

2

Microsoft

Wi‑Fi security Stay safe on any network! ESET alerts you to risks on your home or public Wi‑Fi—like weak passwords or unknown devices—so you can fix issues before they cause damage.

Microsoft Defender does not offer standalone Wi-Fi security.

Remote access protection

Firewall

basic Windows version

Gaming mode

basic Windows version

Vulnerability assessment

Trustpilot

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!

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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.