Our verdict: ESET NOD32 Antivirus is a plain antivirus without the extras of bigger suites: real-time malware protection, anti-phishing and a Gamer mode, with a small system footprint. It has no firewall or banking protection; those come in the ESET HOME Security plans. The 30-day trial needs an ESET HOME account but no payment.
About ESET NOD32 Antivirus
NOD32 is ESET's long-running antivirus engine. ESET NOD32 Antivirus protects Windows and macOS computers against viruses, ransomware, spyware and phishing sites, uses AI-based detection for new threats and scans with multiple threads. Gamer mode and battery-saving mode hold back pop-ups and scheduled tasks while you play or work on battery.
The installer from the official page sets up a 30-day trial with full features; you sign in or create an ESET HOME account to start it. After the trial you need a subscription, which costs $39.99 per year for one device on ESET's US store. Features such as the firewall, Safe Banking, anti-theft and the VPN are only in the ESET HOME Security plans.
What it does well
- Real-time protection. Multilayered scanning against viruses, ransomware, trojans and spyware.
- Anti-phishing. Blocks fraudulent websites that try to steal passwords or banking details.
- Gamer mode. Suppresses pop-ups and scheduled tasks while games or full-screen apps run.
- Battery-saving mode. Reduces background activity when a laptop is on battery.
- Monthly security reports. Summarizes what ESET detected and blocked on the device.
Who it is for
Good fit
Users who want a light, no-frills paid antivirus and rely on the Windows Firewall for the rest.
Look elsewhere
People who want a firewall, VPN or banking protection in one package, or a free antivirus.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Trial works without a payment method
- Light on system resources
- Gamer and battery-saving modes
Cons
- No firewall, banking protection or VPN in this plan
- Requires an ESET HOME account for the trial
- Protects Windows and macOS only, not phones
How to install ESET NOD32 Antivirus
Download the live installer and run it; it downloads the current version and asks you to sign in or create an ESET HOME account, then click Try for free. Uninstall any other antivirus first. On Windows on ARM some features are not supported.
Questions about ESET NOD32 Antivirus
Is ESET NOD32 Antivirus free?
No. It has a free 30-day trial that needs an ESET HOME account but no payment details. After that a subscription costs $39.99 per year for one device on ESET's US store.
What is the difference between NOD32 and ESET HOME Security?
NOD32 Antivirus covers antivirus and anti-malware only. ESET HOME Security plans add a firewall, Safe Banking, anti-theft, a browser privacy extension and, in higher tiers, a VPN and identity protection.
Does ESET NOD32 work on Windows on ARM?
Yes, ESET offers a separate ARM download, but some features are not supported on Windows on ARM.
