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ESET NOD32 Antivirus alternatives: 7 apps ranked by verified data

Facts checked Nov 8, 2026AppBreakup editorialHow we rankAll antivirus and anti-malware software

Top picks

  • Bitdefender logo

    Best overall

    Bitdefender

    Total Security plan: $59.99 a year, 1 member, up to 5 devices

  • Malwarebytes logo

    Best free option

    Malwarebytes

    Starting price: $59.99 a year (Standard, 3 devices)

Common reasons people leave ESET NOD32 Antivirus: no free version, and covers only Windows and macOS; phones need a higher plan. We ranked 7 alternatives by how directly each one replaces ESET NOD32 Antivirus, then by reviews, real visits and how recently each app's facts were checked against its own website. Bitdefender currently ranks first.

Quick comparison

#AppPricingVerified priceOpen sourcePlatformsVerified factsScore
1Bitdefender logoBitdefenderFree plan + paid$59.99 a year, 1 member, up to 5 devicesNoWindows, macOS, Android +18 of 868.8
2Kaspersky logoKasperskyPaid—NoWindows, macOS, Android +24 of 464.8
3Norton AntiVirus Plus logoNorton AntiVirus PlusPaid—NoWindows, macOS3 of 359.6
4Malwarebytes logoMalwarebytesFree plan + paid$59.99 a year (Standard, 3 devices)NoWindows, macOS, Android +16 of 659.4
5F-Secure logoF-SecurePaid€49.99/year for 1 deviceNoWindows, macOS, Android +15 of 555.9
6Avast Antivirus logoAvast AntivirusFree plan + paid—NoWindows, macOS, Android +15 of 555.3
7Trend Micro logoTrend MicroPaid$59.95 a year, Internet Security (list $83.95)NoWindows, macOS, Android +18 of 854.5
  1. Bitdefender logo

    1. BitdefenderTop pick

    Best for: Windows users who want a quiet, high-scoring free antivirus with an upgrade path

    Free plan + paidWindows, macOS, Android, iOS

    68.8

    score / 100

    Why switch from ESET NOD32 Antivirus

    Consistently top-rated detection with a light footprint, plus a free edition if you only need basic scanning.

    Pros

    • Free Windows edition with no time limit and few alerts
    • Basic VPN included even in the free version
    • Total Security covers up to 10 devices across four platforms

    Cons

    • Free edition is Windows only
    • Free VPN is capped at 200 MB a day
    • Paid plans renew at a higher price than the first year
    Visit Bitdefender Compare with ESET NOD32 AntivirusDetails and reviews
    How this score is calculated
    Editorial fit ×0.3100
    Reviews ×0.363
    Clicks (90 days) ×0.150
    Freshness ×0.15100
    Votes ×0.150

    0 counted reviews, 0 up and 0 down votes. Full formula

    Is Bitdefender a good ESET NOD32 Antivirus alternative?

    Verified facts

    8 of 8 verified
    Free version
    Yes, Windows only
    Checked Nov 8, 2026bitdefender.com(opens source in a new tab)
    No time limit
    Yes
    Checked Nov 8, 2026bitdefender.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Free VPN allowance
    200 MB per day
    Checked Nov 8, 2026bitdefender.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Platforms (Total Security)
    Windows, macOS, Android, iOS; up to 10 devices
    Checked Nov 8, 2026bitdefender.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Total Security plan
    $59.99 a year, 1 member, up to 5 devices
    Checked Nov 8, 2026bitdefender.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Premium Security plan
    $79.99 a year
    Checked Nov 8, 2026bitdefender.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Antivirus Plus Multiplatform plan
    $29.99 a year, 3 devices
    Checked Nov 8, 2026bitdefender.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Free plan
    Yes, Windows only, no time limit
    Checked Nov 8, 2026bitdefender.com(opens source in a new tab)
  2. Kaspersky logo

    2. Kaspersky

    Best for: Home users outside the US who want a full security suite with VPN and parental controls bundled

    PaidWindows, macOS, Android, iOS, Linux

    64.8

    score / 100

    Why switch from ESET NOD32 Antivirus

    Similar lean, detection-first antivirus with tiered suites that add a VPN and password manager.

    Pros

    • Strong results in independent antivirus lab tests
    • Higher plans bundle VPN, password manager and parental controls
    • Covers desktop and mobile platforms under one subscription

    Cons

    • No longer sold or updated in the United States following a 2024 US government ban
    • Mobile features are limited in some countries
    • Bundled cleanup and upsell tools add clutter if you only want antivirus
    Visit Kaspersky Compare with ESET NOD32 AntivirusDetails and reviews
    How this score is calculated
    Editorial fit ×0.387
    Reviews ×0.363
    Clicks (90 days) ×0.150
    Freshness ×0.15100
    Votes ×0.150

    0 counted reviews, 0 up and 0 down votes. Full formula

    Is Kaspersky a good ESET NOD32 Antivirus alternative?

    Verified facts

    4 of 4 verified
    Entry plan
    Kaspersky Standard
    Checked Nov 1, 2026kaspersky.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Platforms
    Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, Linux
    Checked Nov 1, 2026kaspersky.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Money-back guarantee
    30 days
    Checked Nov 1, 2026kaspersky.com(opens source in a new tab)
    System requirements
    Windows 7 SP1 or later, macOS 14 or later
    Checked Nov 8, 2026kaspersky.com(opens source in a new tab)
  3. Norton AntiVirus Plus logo

    3. Norton AntiVirus Plus

    Best for: Home users who want a well-known paid antivirus for one computer with support to call on

    PaidWindows, macOS

    59.6

    score / 100

    Why switch from ESET NOD32 Antivirus

    Adds cloud backup and a password manager to the antivirus, for people who want more bundled in one licence.

    Pros

    • Long-established brand with consistent results in independent lab tests
    • Includes a firewall and password manager, not just a virus scanner
    • Easy upgrade path to Norton 360 bundles with VPN and identity protection

    Cons

    • No free tier, unlike Avast, AVG or the built-in Microsoft Defender
    • Renewal prices are well above the discounted first-year price
    • Frequent in-app prompts to upgrade to bigger Norton 360 plans
    Visit Norton AntiVirus Plus Details and reviews
    How this score is calculated
    Editorial fit ×0.377
    Reviews ×0.363
    Clicks (90 days) ×0.150
    Freshness ×0.1585
    Votes ×0.150

    0 counted reviews, 0 up and 0 down votes. Full formula

    Is Norton AntiVirus Plus a good ESET NOD32 Antivirus alternative?

    Verified facts

    3 of 3 verified
    Owner
    Gen Digital
    Checked Nov 8, 2026support.norton.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Current edition
    Norton AntiVirus Plus
    Checked Nov 8, 2026support.norton.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Mobile apps
    Norton Mobile Security for Android and iOS
    Checked Nov 8, 2026support.norton.com(opens source in a new tab)
  4. Malwarebytes logo

    4. Malwarebytes

    Best for: People who want a familiar anti-malware scanner across several platforms

    Free plan + paidWindows, macOS, Android, iOS

    59.4

    score / 100

    Why switch from ESET NOD32 Antivirus

    Simple interface and a free on-demand scanner, often run alongside or instead of a full antivirus.

    Pros

    • Free scanner is handy for cleaning up an already infected machine
    • One subscription covers Windows, Mac, Android and iOS devices
    • Paid plans include a scam and ad blocking browser extension

    Cons

    • Real-time protection requires a paid subscription
    • Higher tiers bundle a VPN and identity services some people won't need
    • Feature set differs between operating systems
    Visit Malwarebytes Compare with ESET NOD32 AntivirusDetails and reviews
    How this score is calculated
    Editorial fit ×0.369
    Reviews ×0.363
    Clicks (90 days) ×0.150
    Freshness ×0.15100
    Votes ×0.150

    0 counted reviews, 0 up and 0 down votes. Full formula

    Is Malwarebytes a good ESET NOD32 Antivirus alternative?

    Verified facts

    6 of 6 verified
    Free version
    Cleanup scanner
    Checked Nov 8, 2026malwarebytes.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Starting price
    $59.99 a year (Standard, 3 devices)
    Checked Nov 8, 2026malwarebytes.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Money-back guarantee
    60 days
    Checked Nov 8, 2026malwarebytes.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Platforms
    Windows, Mac, Android, iOS
    Checked Nov 8, 2026malwarebytes.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Plus plan
    $79.99 a year, adds VPN
    Checked Nov 8, 2026malwarebytes.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Standard Family plan
    $119.99 a year, 10 devices
    Checked Nov 8, 2026malwarebytes.com(opens source in a new tab)
  5. F-Secure logo

    5. F-Secure

    Best for: Households wanting a European antivirus suite with scam and banking protection across their devices

    PaidWindows, macOS, Android, iOS

    55.9

    score / 100

    Why switch from ESET NOD32 Antivirus

    Finnish vendor with a clean, minimal app and bundles covering browsing protection and a VPN.

    Pros

    • Covers Windows, Mac, Android and iOS in one subscription
    • Banking and scam protection beyond basic virus scanning
    • European company subject to GDPR
    • 30-day free trial and money-back guarantee

    Cons

    • No free antivirus plan, only a one-off online scanner
    • Standalone Anti-Virus product is no longer sold separately
    • Some features vary between desktop and mobile apps
    Visit F-Secure Details and reviews
    How this score is calculated
    Editorial fit ×0.357
    Reviews ×0.363
    Clicks (90 days) ×0.150
    Freshness ×0.15100
    Votes ×0.150

    0 counted reviews, 0 up and 0 down votes. Full formula

    Is F-Secure a good ESET NOD32 Antivirus alternative?

    Verified facts

    5 of 5 verified
    Free trial
    30 days
    Checked Nov 8, 2026f-secure.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Starting price
    €49.99/year for 1 device
    Checked Nov 8, 2026f-secure.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Platforms
    PC, Mac, Android, iOS
    Checked Nov 8, 2026f-secure.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Headquarters
    Finland
    Checked Nov 8, 2026f-secure.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Money-back guarantee
    30 days
    Checked Nov 8, 2026f-secure.com(opens source in a new tab)
  6. Avast Antivirus logo

    6. Avast Antivirus

    Best for: Home users who want a free real-time antivirus for Windows or Mac

    Free plan + paidWindows, macOS, Android, iOS

    55.3

    score / 100

    Why switch from ESET NOD32 Antivirus

    Free antivirus tier for Windows, Mac and Android if you'd rather not pay for a yearly licence.

    Pros

    • Free edition includes real-time protection, not just scans
    • Covers Windows, Mac, Android and iPhone
    • Smart Scan checks malware, add-ons and settings together

    Cons

    • Free version shows frequent upgrade offers
    • Firewall and ransomware shields need a paid plan
    • Setup can offer extra Avast apps you may not want
    Visit Avast Antivirus Compare with ESET NOD32 AntivirusDetails and reviews
    How this score is calculated
    Editorial fit ×0.363
    Reviews ×0.363
    Clicks (90 days) ×0.150
    Freshness ×0.1585
    Votes ×0.150

    0 counted reviews, 0 up and 0 down votes. Full formula

    Is Avast Antivirus a good ESET NOD32 Antivirus alternative?

    Verified facts

    5 of 5 verified
    Free version
    Avast Free Antivirus for Windows
    Checked Nov 8, 2026support.avast.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Windows support
    Windows 7 SP1 to Windows 11
    Checked Nov 8, 2026support.avast.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Mac version
    Avast Security for Mac
    Checked Nov 8, 2026support.avast.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Smart Scan
    Yes
    Checked Nov 8, 2026support.avast.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Owner
    Gen Digital
    Checked Nov 8, 2026press.avast.com(opens source in a new tab)
  7. Trend Micro logo

    7. Trend Micro

    Best for: Households wanting one antivirus subscription across Windows, Mac, phones and Chromebooks

    PaidWindows, macOS, Android, iOS

    54.5

    score / 100

    Why switch from ESET NOD32 Antivirus

    Comparable home antivirus with strong web and email threat filtering and Mac support.

    Pros

    • One plan covers Windows, Mac, Android, iOS and Chromebook
    • Strong focus on scam websites and online banking protection
    • Top tier bundles VPN and identity monitoring

    Cons

    • No free real-time antivirus, only the HouseCall on-demand scan
    • Many extras are split into separate apps and tiers
    • Introductory prices rise at renewal
    Visit Trend Micro Details and reviews
    How this score is calculated
    Editorial fit ×0.353
    Reviews ×0.363
    Clicks (90 days) ×0.150
    Freshness ×0.15100
    Votes ×0.150

    0 counted reviews, 0 up and 0 down votes. Full formula

    Is Trend Micro a good ESET NOD32 Antivirus alternative?

    Verified facts

    8 of 8 verified
    Maximum Security devices
    Up to 5
    Checked Nov 8, 2026trendmicro.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Platforms
    Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Chromebook
    Checked Nov 8, 2026trendmicro.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Premium Security Suite devices
    Up to 10
    Checked Nov 8, 2026trendmicro.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Free scanner
    HouseCall online scan
    Checked Nov 8, 2026trendmicro.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Threats stopped
    250 million+ per day
    Checked Nov 8, 2026trendmicro.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Starting price
    $59.95 a year, Internet Security (list $83.95)
    Checked Nov 8, 2026trendmicro.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Maximum Security plan
    $74.95 a year for 5 devices (list $104.95)
    Checked Nov 8, 2026trendmicro.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Premium Security Suite plan
    $109.95 a year (list $154.95)
    Checked Nov 8, 2026trendmicro.com(opens source in a new tab)

The best ESET NOD32 Antivirus alternative for…

The highest-ranked app in this list for each need.

Bitdefender logo

Best ESET NOD32 Antivirus alternative for most people

Bitdefender

Consistently top-rated detection with a light footprint, plus a free edition if you only need basic scanning.

Malwarebytes logo

Best ESET NOD32 Antivirus alternative for a free plan you can upgrade

Malwarebytes

Simple interface and a free on-demand scanner, often run alongside or instead of a full antivirus.

Kaspersky logo

Best ESET NOD32 Antivirus alternative for Mac

Kaspersky

Similar lean, detection-first antivirus with tiered suites that add a VPN and password manager.

Norton AntiVirus Plus logo

Best ESET NOD32 Antivirus alternative for Windows

Norton AntiVirus Plus

Adds cloud backup and a password manager to the antivirus, for people who want more bundled in one licence.

Kaspersky logo

Best ESET NOD32 Antivirus alternative for Linux

Kaspersky

Similar lean, detection-first antivirus with tiered suites that add a VPN and password manager.

F-Secure logo

Best ESET NOD32 Antivirus alternative for iPhone and Android

F-Secure

Finnish vendor with a clean, minimal app and bundles covering browsing protection and a VPN.

ESET NOD32 Antivirus alternatives: common questions

What is the best alternative to ESET NOD32 Antivirus?

Bitdefender ranks first right now. Consistently top-rated detection with a light footprint, plus a free edition if you only need basic scanning. Kaspersky and Norton AntiVirus Plus follow it in our ranking.

ESET NOD32 Antivirus vs Bitdefender: what's the difference?

ESET NOD32 Antivirus is a paid product; Bitdefender is free with paid plans. Only Bitdefender runs on Android and iOS.

Is ESET NOD32 Antivirus free?

ESET NOD32 Antivirus is a paid product. Free trial: 30 days. Checked on ESET NOD32 Antivirus's own site, November 2026.

How much do ESET NOD32 Antivirus alternatives cost?

Verified prices for the top-ranked ESET NOD32 Antivirus alternatives: Bitdefender, $59.99 a year, 1 member, up to 5 devices; Malwarebytes, $59.99 a year (Standard, 3 devices); F-Secure, €49.99/year for 1 device; Trend Micro, $59.95 a year, Internet Security (list $83.95). Each price was checked on the app's own site; see each card below for the date and source.

Is there a free alternative to ESET NOD32 Antivirus?

Yes. Bitdefender (free plan + paid), Malwarebytes (free plan + paid) and Avast Antivirus (free plan + paid) have a free option. Check each app's verified facts for current plan limits.

Is there an open-source alternative to ESET NOD32 Antivirus?

None of the 7 alternatives in this list is open source.

Which ESET NOD32 Antivirus alternatives work on Linux?

Kaspersky runs on Linux.

Why do people switch from ESET NOD32 Antivirus?

The complaints we hear most: no free version; covers only Windows and macOS; phones need a higher plan; firewall and VPN are not in the NOD32 tier.

How is this list ranked?

Every app is scored with the same published formula: how directly it replaces ESET NOD32 Antivirus, reviews (weighted by verification), visits from AppBreakup, how recently its facts were checked against its own website, and reader votes.