Why people look for ESET alternatives
ESET buyers often compare other tiered suites or products that include a VPN at the entry level.
Features vary by operating system across all tiers Essential tier excludes VPN and identity protection VPN device coverage is limited and varies by package size VPN for Router and ransomware remediation only in Ultimate ESET alternatives ecosystem
Curated alternatives, the category they share and the buying guides ESET appears in. Every node links to its page.
How close is each alternative?
Placed by our editorial taxonomy (subcategory and category), not by a computed similarity score.
← More similarMore different →
Same category, different approach
Different category
None in this set
Alternative explorer
Pick an alternative to see why it made the list, how it differs from ESET, and a side-by-side snapshot.
Bitdefender Total Security covers Windows, macOS, iOS and Android with layered malware, ransomware and privacy protection.
Why it's on this list
Bitdefender Total Security bundles a password manager and capped VPN in one plan across four platforms, rather than spreading features across tiers.
Strengths
- Supports Windows, macOS, iOS and Android
- Includes Safepay, webcam and microphone protection
Watch out for
- Some features, such as Safe Files and Rescue Environment, are specific to certain operating systems
ESET compared with Bitdefender | ESET | Bitdefender |
|---|
| Pricing | Varies — see official pricing | Varies — see official pricing Pricing not yet verified |
|---|
| Best for | Users who prefer tiered security, Windows and Mac users wanting antivirus only | Mixed-platform households, Users focused on device protection |
|---|
| Free plan | Not verified | Not verified |
|---|
| Free trial | Not verified | Not verified |
|---|
Norton 360 bundles antivirus with a VPN, scam protection, password manager and, on Windows, cloud backup.
Why it's on this list
Norton 360 includes a VPN from its Standard tier, whereas ESET requires Premium or above for VPN access.
Strengths
- VPN included from Norton 360 Standard upward
- Scam Protection covers texts and deepfake videos
Watch out for
- Cloud Backup is only available on Windows, excluding S mode and ARM devices
ESET compared with Norton | ESET | Norton |
|---|
| Pricing | Varies — see official pricing | Varies — see official pricing Pricing not yet verified |
|---|
| Best for | Users who prefer tiered security, Windows and Mac users wanting antivirus only | Windows households wanting an all-in-one suite, Families needing parental controls |
|---|
| Free plan | Not verified | Not verified |
|---|
| Free trial | Not verified | Not verified |
|---|
#3 · Security & identity suite Antivirus bundled with scam detection, a VPN and identity monitoring, sold as Total Protection or the broader McAfee+ tiers.
Why it's on this list
McAfee suits buyers who want identity monitoring and data broker cleanup alongside antivirus, with unlimited devices in McAfee+ tiers.
Strengths
- Scam Detector covers texts, email and video
- McAfee+ plans offer antivirus on unlimited compatible devices
Watch out for
- Several identity, credit and cleanup features are available only in higher McAfee+ tiers
ESET compared with McAfee | ESET | McAfee |
|---|
| Pricing | Varies — see official pricing | Varies — see official pricing Pricing not yet verified |
|---|
| Best for | Users who prefer tiered security, Windows and Mac users wanting antivirus only | Households wanting identity monitoring with antivirus, Families with many devices |
|---|
| Free plan | Not verified | Not verified |
|---|
| Free trial | Not verified | Not verified |
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