ESET HOME Security Essential or Premium: feature comparison
How Premium differs from Essential: LiveGuard, Folder Guard, encryption, VPN. Who's fine with Essential and who should pay a bit more.
Both plans protect Windows, macOS and Android with one subscription and are managed from your ESET HOME account. The difference is in extra layers of protection that not everyone needs. Here's what exactly Premium adds and when it's worth paying more.
What's in both plans
The core protection is the same in Essential and Premium. According to ESET's feature table for Windows, it includes:
- machine-learning antivirus, exploit and script attack protection;
- ransomware protection (HIPS);
- anti-phishing and web access protection;
- firewall, network attack and botnet protection;
- ESET Network Inspector — checks your home network and connected devices;
- webcam protection;
- safe banking and browser security;
- parental control, Anti-Theft, anti-spam.
For most homes this is enough: Essential handles viruses, phishing, fraudulent sites and network attacks, and protects online banking.
What Premium adds
| Feature | What it does | Who it's useful for |
|---|---|---|
| ESET LiveGuard | Analyses suspicious files that aren't in the databases yet in ESET's cloud sandbox before they run | People who often download files from the internet, email or messengers |
| ESET Folder Guard | Stops unknown programs from changing selected folders | People who keep important documents, photos and work files on their PC |
| ESET Secure Data | Encrypts data on the disk and on removable drives | Owners of laptops and flash drives with personal or work data |
| ESET VPN | Encrypts traffic on public Wi-Fi and hides your IP | People who work from cafés, coworking spaces and hotels |
ESET's password manager used to be part of Premium too, but ESET is discontinuing the service, so don't factor it into your choice.
How to decide: three questions
- Is there data on your computer whose loss or leak would be critical? Think business documents, accounts, passport scans or a photo archive. If so, Folder Guard and encryption in Premium make sense.
- Do you often open files from strangers? Email attachments, archives from messengers, torrent downloads — that's the scenario for LiveGuard.
- Do you work on public Wi-Fi? If you do regularly, the VPN in Premium replaces a separate VPN subscription.
If all three answers are “no”, choose Essential. If at least one is “yes”, go for Premium.
What about NOD32 Antivirus?
ESET NOD32 Antivirus is Windows-only and just the core layer: antivirus, anti-phishing, ransomware protection. It has no firewall, banking protection, parental control or multi-platform support. NOD32 suits a single PC that needs a light, fast antivirus — a gaming computer, for example.
Number of devices and term
Both plans are sold for several devices and for 1–3 years. You can split the devices between Windows, Mac and Android however you like. On the product page, the configurator shows the price for the number of devices and term you need right away. If you're torn between plans, see the general guide to choosing ESET for home.
Can I start with Essential and move to Premium later?
Yes. You can upgrade to the higher plan when you renew. Write to us before the term ends and we'll suggest the best option.
FAQ
Does Essential have a firewall and banking protection?
Yes. The firewall, safe banking, parental control and Anti-Theft are in both plans.
Does the Premium VPN work on a phone?
ESET VPN is part of Premium. Your ESET HOME account shows the available platforms and the number of connections after activation.
Can I use one subscription for Windows and Mac?
Yes. Both plans are multi-platform within the chosen number of devices.
Choose ESET protection
Official ESET licences in Ukraine — key by email once the payment is confirmed.