Bitdefender vs ESET: which is better?
Quick verdict
Bitdefender Total Security covers 5 devices with a VPN capped at 200 MB a day (unlimited on Premium Security) and a Family plan for 25 devices, with a 30-day trial. ESET sells Essential, Premium and Ultimate for 1 to 25 devices; the VPN is unlimited from Premium, and Ultimate adds a router VPN, identity protection and identity recovery insurance. ESET’s 2-year plans save 15%.
Option B
Feature comparison
| Criterion | Bitdefender | ESET HOME Security |
|---|---|---|
| Tiers | Total Security, Family, Premium Security | Essential, Premium, Ultimate |
| Devices | 5 or 25 (Family) | 1 to 25 |
| Unlimited VPN | Premium Security | Premium and Ultimate |
| Identity insurance | Not in these plans | Ultimate |
| Trial | 30 days | Not listed |
Independent lab tests
These numbers come from lab tests. The scales differ between tests, so we don’t merge them into one score.
| Test | Bitdefender | ESET HOME Security |
|---|---|---|
Real-world protection AV-Comparatives: Real-World Protection Test February-May 2026 · published June 15, 2026 | Blocked 398 of 400 attacks — 99.5% false positives: 5 Tested version: Bitdefender Total Security | Blocked 394 of 400 attacks — 98.5% false positives: 2 Tested version: ESET HOME Security Essential |
Malware protection AV-Comparatives: Malware Protection Test March 2026 · published April 15, 2026 | Online — 99.94%, offline detection — 97.6% false positives: 4 Tested version: Bitdefender Total Security | Online — 99.93%, offline detection — 96.4% false positives: 16 Tested version: ESET HOME Security Essential |
Impact on computer speed AV-Comparatives: Performance Test April 2026 · published April 22, 2026 | Impact score 9.6 (lower is better) Tested version: Bitdefender Total Security | Impact score 4.2 (lower is better) Tested version: ESET HOME Security Essential |
AV-TEST scores AV-TEST: Windows 11 - June 2026 · tested 2026-05–2026-06 | Protection 6/6, performance 6/6, usability 6/6 Tested version: Bitdefender Total Security | Protection 6/6, performance 6/6, usability 6/6 Tested version: ESET Security Ultimate |
Both are well-known antivirus makers with tiered suites. The differences are in the VPN, device counts and what the top tier adds.
If you don’t want to read further
A family plan for many devices or a trial first — Bitdefender. An unlimited VPN on the middle tier, a router VPN or identity insurance — ESET.
What really sets them apart
In each row, the last sentence matters most — what the difference means for you.
Unlimited VPN from which tier?
Bitdefender
Premium Security (Total Security and Family are capped at 200 MB a day per device).
ESET HOME Security
Premium and Ultimate.
Both put unlimited VPN on the middle tier; ESET Ultimate adds a router VPN.
Devices?
Bitdefender
5 per account; Family 25 devices for 5 accounts.
ESET HOME Security
Choose 1 to 25 devices on any tier.
ESET lets you buy exactly the number you need.
Identity protection?
Bitdefender
Data breach detection; Scam Protection Pro on Premium.
ESET HOME Security
Ultimate: dark web scanning, credit and SSN monitoring and identity recovery insurance.
For identity insurance, ESET Ultimate.
Longer terms?
Bitdefender
First-year price, then a higher renewal.
ESET HOME Security
Yearly; 2-year plans save 15%, paid up front.
ESET rewards a two-year commitment.
Where they don’t differ, even though it seems they should
This part is often more useful than the list of differences — it saves money for anyone who was about to pay for an imaginary advantage.
Windows, Mac and mobile
Both cover PCs, Macs, phones and tablets.
Up to 25 devices
Bitdefender Family and ESET’s largest option both reach 25.
Priced per year
Both list yearly prices for their home plans.
Which one fits whom
| Your situation | What to choose | On what condition |
|---|---|---|
| A family with separate accounts | Bitdefender Family | 5 accounts, parental control. |
| You want a VPN on your router | ESET Ultimate | Router VPN included. |
| You want to try first | Bitdefender | 30-day trial. |
| You need exactly 2 or 3 devices | ESET | Pick 1 to 25. |
- Bitdefender’s first-year price renews higher, plus applicable sales tax.
- ESET’s 2-year plans are paid up front.
- Bitdefender’s VPN on Total Security is capped at 200 MB a day per device.
- ESET’s router VPN and identity protection are Ultimate only.
Where the facts come from
Sources: Bitdefender’s and ESET’s US product and pricing pages. Prices are in the price blocks on each service’s page.
Facts in the text checked: .
FAQ: Bitdefender or ESET HOME Security
Other comparisons
The same products against other competitors, and other comparisons in the “Antivirus software” category.
Comparison text updated: