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Alternatives

Best ESET alternatives in 2026

ESET is subscription antivirus for Windows, macOS, Android and Linux. These 6 alternatives come from the same rankings, ordered by editorial score. Connected products carry a small, disclosed lift.

6 alternatives From best antivirus software How we rank

Ranked alternatives

  1. 1

    Bitdefender

    Has a free option; also runs on iOS. A free Antivirus version and paid suites that cover five devices per account, with VPN and identity tools bundled. Its many product tiers make the right plan harder to pick.

    Best for Multi-device protection with a free starter

    WindowsmacOSAndroidiOSFree plan, paid upgrades

    90.5of 100
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  2. 2

    Microsoft Defender Antivirus

    Has a free option. Built into Windows Security at no extra cost and needs no setup. It covers Windows only, and tools such as a VPN come from third-party suites like the ones in this list.

    Best for Windows PCs that need no extra software

    WindowsFree

    89.0of 100
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  3. 3

    Malwarebytes

    Has a free option; also runs on iOS. A free malware scanner and device cleaners, with paid Premium Security for ongoing protection, a VPN and a browser guard. It covers PCs, Macs, Android and iPhone with a 60-day money-back guarantee.

    Best for Free malware scans and paid ongoing protection

    WindowsmacOSAndroidiOSFree plan, paid upgrades

    87.0of 100
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  4. 4

    Norton

    Also runs on iOS. Antivirus bundled with a VPN, scam protection and LifeLock identity options, with mobile apps for Android and iOS. It has no free antivirus, and first-year discounts renew at a higher price.

    Best for Antivirus bundled with VPN and identity tools

    WindowsmacOSAndroidiOSSubscription

    81.0of 100
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  5. 5

    Avira

    Has a free option; also runs on iOS. Free Avira Free Security for Windows, with paid Prime plans that include Prime Mobile apps for iOS and Android. The free download is listed for Windows only.

    Best for Free Windows antivirus with paid mobile plans

    WindowsmacOSAndroidiOSFree plan, paid upgrades

    80.0of 100
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  6. 6

    ClamAV

    Has a free option; is open source. An open-source GPL-2.0 antivirus engine for Windows, macOS and Linux, suited to administrators, mail gateways and developers. It has no interface of its own and is not a consumer app.

    Best for Open-source scanning for servers and mail

    WindowsmacOSLinuxFree and open sourceOpen source

    78.5of 100
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Narrow the alternatives

Free alternatives to ESET

ESET alternatives for iOS

About ESET alternatives

What is the best alternative to ESET?
On listme.name the highest-scored alternative is Bitdefender, followed by Microsoft Defender Antivirus. The right choice depends on price, platform and whether you need open source.
Is there a free alternative to ESET?
Yes. Free options include Bitdefender, Microsoft Defender Antivirus, Malwarebytes.