ESET NOD32
Fast, lightweight antivirus protection with AI-powered threat detection that run...
Malwarebytes
Malwarebytes is a comprehensive antivirus and anti-malware solution that provide...
ESET NOD32 vs Malwarebytes: Which Is Better in 2026?
Comprehensive comparison of ESET NOD32 and Malwarebytes covering features, pricing, pros & cons, and our expert verdict to help you make the right choice for your business.
ESET NOD32 vs Malwarebytes: Overview
Choosing between ESET NOD32 and Malwarebytes is a common dilemma for antivirus users. Both tools offer robust solutions, but they cater to different needs and budgets.
ESET NOD32 offers a free tier and starts at $39.99/annually, while Malwarebytes also has a free option and begins at $39.99/annually. But pricing is just one factor—let's dive into features, use cases, and which tool fits your specific needs.
ESET NOD32 is best known for extremely lightweight with minimal system impact, whereas Malwarebytes stands out for minimal impact on system performance. In this detailed comparison, we'll analyze both tools across pricing, features, ease of use, and ideal use cases.
Quick Overview
ESET NOD32
- Best for: Users who prioritize system performance, Gamers and content creators
- Starting price: Free
- Category: antivirus
- Founded: 1992
Malwarebytes
- Best for: Users seeking lightweight antivirus protection, Businesses needing endpoint security
- Starting price: Free
- Category: antivirus
- Founded: 2008
Feature Comparison
Side-by-side feature comparison to help you understand the key differences between ESET NOD32 and Malwarebytes.
| Feature | E ESET NOD32 | M Malwarebytes |
|---|---|---|
| Real-time antivirus protection | AI-powered detection against malware, ransomware, spyware and viruses | |
| Ransomware Shield | Blocks ransomware and protects valuable data | |
| Anti-phishing protection | Protects against fraudulent websites and scams | |
| Gamer Mode | Automatically pauses background tasks and silences pop-ups | |
| Safe Banking | Essential plan and above | |
| Password Manager | Premium plan and above | |
| File Encryption | Premium plan and above | |
| Unlimited VPN | Premium plan and above, device limits vary by plan | |
| Identity Protection | Ultimate plan only, includes $1M insurance | |
| Network Inspector | Monitors home Wi-Fi and connected devices | |
| Real-time Protection | Premium plans only | |
| Ransomware Protection | Premium plans only | |
| Browser Guard | Free browser extension | |
| Web Protection | Blocks malicious websites | |
| VPN | Plus and Ultimate plans | |
| Exploit Protection | Premium plans only | |
| Custom Scans | Multiple scan modes available | |
| Identity Theft Protection | Ultimate plan only | |
| Threat Quarantine | All versions | |
| Machine Learning Detection | Malware.AI technology |
Features Deep Dive
Both ESET NOD32 and Malwarebytes offer core antivirus functionality, but their feature sets differ in key areas.
Shared features: Core functionality.
ESET NOD32 unique strengths: Real-time antivirus protection, Ransomware Shield, Anti-phishing protection. This makes it ideal for users who prioritize system performance.
Malwarebytes unique strengths: Real-time Protection, Ransomware Protection, Browser Guard. This makes it better suited for users seeking lightweight antivirus protection.
ESET NOD32 offers 10 core features with 5 integrations, while Malwarebytes provides 10 features and 5 integrations.
Our Verdict
After extensive testing and analysis, ESET NOD32 edges out as the winner in this comparison. While both tools excel in their respective areas, ESET NOD32 offers more features for the price. Malwarebytes remains a strong alternative, especially for users who prioritize users seeking lightweight antivirus protection.
ESET NOD32
Best for Users who prioritize system performance and Gamers and content creators. Extremely lightweight with minimal system impact.
Try ESET NOD32Malwarebytes
Best for Users seeking lightweight antivirus protection and Businesses needing endpoint security. Minimal impact on system performance.
Try MalwarebytesPros & Cons
ESET NOD32 Pros & Cons
Pros
- Extremely lightweight with minimal system impact
- High malware detection rates (99.8% in recent tests)
- Clean, intuitive interface without bloatware
- 30-day free trial with full features
- No history of security breaches or vulnerabilities
Cons
- Limited mobile protection, especially on iOS
- Basic parental controls compared to dedicated solutions
- Confusing pricing structure with multiple tiers
- Ultimate plan requires minimum 5 devices
Malwarebytes Pros & Cons
Pros
- Minimal impact on system performance
- Strong ransomware protection
- Free version available with basic protection
- 60-day money-back guarantee
- Good detection of zero-day threats
Cons
- Limited malware detection in real-time tests
- Free version lacks real-time protection
- Fewer features compared to comprehensive security suites
- No integrated firewall or password manager
Pricing Comparison
Compare the pricing plans and see which tool offers better value for your budget.
ESET NOD32
subscription- Antivirus & anti-malware
- Ransomware Shield
- Anti-phishing
- All NOD32 features
- Safe banking protection
- Firewall
- All Essential features
- Password manager
- File encryption
- All Premium features
- Identity protection with $1M insurance
- Unlimited VPN (up to 25 devices)
Malwarebytes
freemium- Manual malware scans
- Basic malware removal
- Browser Guard extension
- Real-time protection
- Ransomware protection
- Web protection
- All Standard features
- VPN included
- 3 devices coverage
- All Plus features
- Identity theft protection
- Advanced threat detection
- Business endpoint protection
- 1-20 devices
- Email and phone support
- Advanced business security
- 10+ endpoints
- Cloud management
Pricing Comparison Analysis
ESET NOD32 Pricing: Free tier available. Paid plans start at $39.99/annually. 4 plans available: NOD32 Antivirus, Essential, Premium, Ultimate.
Malwarebytes Pricing: Free tier available. Paid plans start at $39.99/annually. 6 plans available: Free, Standard, Plus, Ultimate, For Teams, Core Endpoint Protection.
Verdict: ESET NOD32 is more affordable at the entry level and offers a free tier. However, Malwarebytes may offer better value at scale with more advanced features.
For budget-conscious teams, ESET NOD32 is the clear winner. For teams prioritizing users seeking lightweight antivirus protection, Malwarebytes's pricing may be justified.
Which Tool Is Best For You?
Choose ESET NOD32 if you need:
- Users who prioritize system performance
- Gamers and content creators
- Windows and macOS users seeking basic protection
- Businesses needing lightweight endpoint security
- Extremely lightweight with minimal system impact
- High malware detection rates (99.8% in recent tests)
Choose Malwarebytes if you need:
- Users seeking lightweight antivirus protection
- Businesses needing endpoint security
- Removing existing malware infections
- Supplementing primary antivirus software
- Minimal impact on system performance
- Strong ransomware protection
Final Verdict
Choose ESET NOD32 if: You need users who prioritize system performance or gamers and content creators. It excels at extremely lightweight with minimal system impact and high malware detection rates (99.8% in recent tests).
Choose Malwarebytes if: You prioritize users seeking lightweight antivirus protection or businesses needing endpoint security. It's particularly strong for minimal impact on system performance and strong ransomware protection.
Overall: ESET NOD32 has a slight edge with a 4.2/5 rating from 15,000 reviews. However, Malwarebytes has a larger user base with 50,000 reviews, suggesting broader market validation.
Both tools are solid choices in the antivirus space. Your decision should ultimately depend on your specific requirements, team size, and budget.
ESET NOD32 vs Malwarebytes FAQ
What are the main differences between ESET NOD32 and Malwarebytes?
ESET NOD32 focuses on users who prioritize system performance with extremely lightweight with minimal system impact, while Malwarebytes excels at users seeking lightweight antivirus protection with minimal impact on system performance. Key differences include pricing structure, feature depth, and target user base.
Is ESET NOD32 or Malwarebytes better for small businesses?
ESET NOD32 offers a free tier which is great for small businesses starting out. For small businesses with limited budgets, consider starting with the tool that offers ESET NOD32's lower starting price of $39.99/month.
What is the pricing difference between ESET NOD32 and Malwarebytes?
ESET NOD32 starts at $39.99/month with a free tier available, while Malwarebytes starts at $39.99/month with a free tier available. Both offer multiple pricing tiers with different feature sets.
Can ESET NOD32 integrate with Malwarebytes?
While direct integration may vary, both ESET NOD32 and Malwarebytes support third-party integrations through platforms like Zapier. ESET NOD32 integrates with Windows, macOS, Android, while Malwarebytes works with Windows, macOS, Android.
Which tool is easier to use, ESET NOD32 or Malwarebytes?
Based on user reviews, ESET NOD32 generally receives higher marks for ease of use with a 4.2 rating. However, ease of use can depend on your specific needs and technical background. ESET NOD32 is known for high malware detection rates (99.8% in recent tests).
Does ESET NOD32 or Malwarebytes offer better customer support?
Both ESET NOD32 and Malwarebytes provide customer support, with options varying by plan tier. ESET NOD32 offers support through standard support channels. Check each tool's specific plan for support details.
What are the pros of ESET NOD32 compared to Malwarebytes?
ESET NOD32's main advantages include: Extremely lightweight with minimal system impact, High malware detection rates (99.8% in recent tests), Clean, intuitive interface without bloatware. Compared to Malwarebytes, it's particularly strong for users who prioritize system performance.
What are the cons of ESET NOD32 compared to Malwarebytes?
ESET NOD32's potential drawbacks include: Limited mobile protection, especially on iOS, Basic parental controls compared to dedicated solutions. Malwarebytes may be a better choice if these limitations affect your use case.
Should I switch from ESET NOD32 to Malwarebytes or vice versa?
Consider switching if your current tool doesn't meet your needs. Key factors include: current pain points, migration complexity, team training, and total cost of ownership. Use our ROI calculator to estimate the potential impact of switching.
Which tool is best for antivirus in 2026?
In 2026, ESET NOD32 leads in this comparison with a 4.2 rating. However, the best choice depends on your specific requirements. ESET NOD32 excels for users who prioritize system performance, while Malwarebytes is ideal for users seeking lightweight antivirus protection.