### ESET: A Look at Free and Premium Android Antivirus Protection
ESET provides users with a free tier of its Android antivirus protection, but potential customers should be aware that the features are limited. To harness the full power of ESET’s Premium edition, users must activate a license. For instance, I tested the application by sending an activation email from the ESET Home portal to my Pixel 9 Pro. By employing one of my licenses, I successfully accessed all the Premium features.
### Review of ESET’s Performance in Tests
When it comes to antivirus testing, ESET has garnered high marks in Android security assessments. Three of the five testing labs I monitor for Windows antivirus reviews also evaluate Android apps, and two recently included ESET in their discussions. Under Windows conditions, ESET achieved perfect scores from four out of five labs, while its Android performance was notably robust, albeit not flawless.
For instance, the AV-Test Institute assesses Android apps based on criteria like Protection, Performance, and Usability—similar to their Windows testing. In ESET’s last Android report, the software scored 17.5 out of a possible 18 points, branding it as a “Top Product.” However, it’s worth noting that ESET hasn’t appeared in the latest Android test report from this lab.
Meanwhile, AV-Comparatives rated ESET’s protective capabilities at an impressive 99.6%. Although Bitdefender aced the test with a perfect score, competing security applications hovered between 99.5% and 99.9%.
In another examination by MRG-Effitas, ESET reached a commendable 99.29%. While other heavyweights like Bitdefender, F-Secure, and McAfee achieved the coveted perfect score of 100%, ESET’s results still stand out.
Ultimately, Bitdefender is the reigning champion in Android lab tests, boasting flawless records across the board, yet ESET’s scores remain stellar and narrowly shy of perfection.
### Getting Started with ESET on Android
ESET’s Android application behaves similarly to other security software, requesting a variety of permissions necessary for its operation. After installation, the app initiates a quick scan and recommends enhancing security by enabling six key features: Anti-Phishing, Anti-Theft, App Lock, Call Filter, Payment Protection, and Scheduled Scan. Activating these features often necessitates granting ESET additional permissions. For example, App Lock requires access to usage data, while Anti-Theft needs location and camera data, as well as Device Administrator approval.
(Credit: ESET/PCMag)
ESET’s App Lock feature enhances security by allowing users to set a secondary PIN for sensitive applications. This feature becomes invaluable if a friend happens to grab your unlocked phone, preventing them from accessing your emails. Additionally, App Lock offers flexibility, making it convenient to hand your device to a child without the fear of accidental app purchases.
### Exploring ESET’s Anti-Theft Features
ESET also provides robust anti-theft features reminiscent of its Windows counterpart. However, fully activating these capabilities may require completing additional steps. Through the ESET Home web portal, users can tag a device as “missing,” locking it down while periodically reporting its location. Options to remotely wipe the device are available, and there’s even a siren feature to alert someone nearby if the device is suspected to be close.
In a standout feature, ESET’s anti-theft system can lock the device if the SIM card is removed—a capability shared by peers like Bitdefender. While I was unable to fully test this feature due to the Android device I was using not being equipped with cellular data, it adds an extra layer of defense.
Another crucial aspect is that anti-theft locks the device after three failed login attempts, capturing a photo of the unauthorized user in the process.
(Credit: ESET/PCMag)
Once you’ve addressed the initial recommendations, the app interface begins to resemble its Windows version. It retains a clean white backdrop complemented by blue buttons and a status banner. Key features are organized into three main groups: Security, Privacy, and Device. Security features include Antivirus, Anti-Phishing, and Payment Protection, while Privacy options feature Anti-Theft and App Lock. The Device section contains Call Filter, Security Audit, and Settings.
### Diving Into Security Features
Activating the Anti-Phishing feature is crucial for safeguarding popular browsers such as Chrome and Firefox, as well as apps like Facebook and Instagram. I tested this component using some actual phishing pages and was pleased to see it provide appropriate warnings. Other Android apps like Bitdefender and Norton have similar protections against phishing schemes.
(Credit: ESET/PCMag)
Payment Protection functions differently on Android than on Windows, where it opens a secured browser for safe online transactions. Here, users can designate specific apps to be protected by the Safe Launcher, which enhances security during online shopping.
(Credit: ESET/PCMag)
The Call Filter component requires permission to access calls and contacts alongside notification capabilities. It helps users filter calls from unwanted numbers, with features to block recent callers or specific categories, although I was unable to actively test this feature due to the nature of my testing device.
(Credit: ESET/PCMag)
ESET’s Security Audit feature is thoughtfully designed to flag apps with potentially risky permissions—like those accessing contacts or location data. This function allows users to review and ensure that their application permissions are appropriate and secure.
In comparison, Android security solutions like Norton 360 Deluxe have elevated app-reviewing to an advanced level, scrutinizing apps even before download. Meanwhile, Trend Micro emphasizes resource usage over permissions for app reviews.
The Security Audit also checks your device settings for vulnerabilities, warning users about risky configurations, such as enabled USB debugging or rooted devices.
Additional features such as Payment Protection and Call Filter bolster the effectiveness of ESET’s Android application, enriching its toolbox as a comprehensive security utility. Beyond standard antivirus and anti-theft capabilities, ESET offers an expansive array of tools, solidifying its status as a formidable player in the mobile security arena.
