ESET provides a commendable range of free Android antivirus protection, although this offer comes with notable limitations. Users eager to take advantage of the full benefits of the Premium edition must utilize one of their licenses. In my case, I activated the installation on my Pixel 9 Pro, enabling access to the comprehensive features ESET offers.
Good Android Test Lab Scores
The efficacy of ESET’s antivirus capabilities on Android is verified by several testing labs. Of the five that I follow which evaluate Windows antivirus solutions, three also assess Android security applications. ESET consistently performs well, having secured perfect scores across four out of five labs for its Windows version. While its Android scores are impressive, they do not reach absolute perfection.
For instance, the AV-Test Institute evaluates Android apps based on the same criteria—Protection, Performance, and Usability—that it applies to Windows programs. The last report assessing ESET’s Android security demonstrated an outstanding score of 17.5 out of 18 points, earning it recognition as a Top Product. However, it’s noteworthy that ESET did not appear in the latest Android-focused report.
In the recent assessments from AV-Comparatives, ESET’s protective capabilities were rated at an impressive 99.6%. For perspective, Bitdefender achieved a perfect score of 100%, while other competitors fell between 99.5% and 99.9%.
Additionally, MRG-Effitas evaluates antivirus accuracy using various methods, and ESET scored 99.29% in these evaluations. Comparatively, competitors such as Bitdefender, F-Secure, and Malwarebytes all hit the mark with a perfect score of 100%. Among all tested, Bitdefender stands out with flawless scores from all three labs, though ESET’s performance remains commendable, trailing by less than a single percentage point.
Getting Started on Android
Upon installation, ESET’s app requests several permissions essential for its functionality. Immediately following installation, the app launches a quick scan and subsequently recommends enabling six key components: Anti-Phishing, Anti-Theft, App Lock, Call Filter, Payment Protection, and Scheduled Scan. Activating these features will involve granting ESET additional permissions. For example, App Lock necessitates access to usage data, while Anti-Theft requires permission to access location and camera data, as well as Device Administrator permissions.
(Credit: ESET/PCMag)
The App Lock feature, akin to functionalities in Bitdefender Total Security and McAfee, allows users to secure sensitive applications with a secondary PIN. This means even if someone picks up your phone, like a curious friend or a child, they won’t have access to your private emails or make unintended purchases.
Anti-Theft for Android
Much like its Windows counterpart, the anti-theft functionality of ESET for Android requires several optimization steps for full activation. From the ESET Home web portal, you have the ability to mark the device as missing, with options to lock it down, regularly track its location, or perform a remote wipe. Additionally, if you believe the device is nearby, you can activate a loud siren to help locate it.
One standout feature is the capability to lock the device if the SIM card is removed, a feature shared with several competitors, including Bitdefender. However, since my testing device isn’t equipped for cellular data, I couldn’t explore this functionality personally.
The anti-theft system also enhances security by locking the device after three failed login attempts, and it captures a photo of anyone attempting unauthorized access.
(Credit: ESET/PCMag)
After following all initial recommendations, the interface resembles that of its Windows version, featuring a clean white background and blue buttons. It organizes various features into three primary groups: Security, Privacy, and Device. The Security section showcases a panel summarizing essential reports with links to critical functions including Antivirus, Anti-Phishing, Payment Protection, and Network Inspector. Meanwhile, the Privacy group emphasizes features like Anti-Theft and App Lock, and the Device group offers tools like Call Filter and Security Audit.
It’s worth noting that the Network Inspector wasn’t visible during my testing, as it only functions on Android versions 12 and later, while my Pixel runs a newer version.
Useful Security Features
A vital component of ESET’s Android security suite is the Anti-Phishing feature, which safeguards popular applications like Chrome and Firefox, as well as social media platforms such as Facebook and Instagram. I tested this feature against real phishing pages, confirming that it effectively displayed appropriate warnings. Other Android security applications, such as Bitdefender and Norton, also focus on phishing prevention.
(Credit: ESET/PCMag)
For the Payment Protection feature, ESET adopts a unique approach for Android. Unlike the Windows version that launches a secure browser session, the Android application allows users to specify which apps they want protected under its Safe Launcher. This adaptation ensures that accessing sensitive financial information is secure.
(Credit: ESET/PCMag)
To utilize the Call Filter component effectively, users must grant access to calls and contacts along with notification privileges. This feature enables users to block calls from specific numbers or types, including hidden numbers. Although my testing device lacks cellular capabilities, these functions are straightforward and user-friendly.
(Credit: ESET/PCMag)
Much akin to similar tools in other antivirus apps, ESET’s Security Audit evaluates applications with potentially risky permissions. It flags apps that may have access to sensitive data like contacts or location, allowing users to review and adjust permissions as needed. This feature solidifies user control and peace of mind.
Furthermore, Security Audit also inspects device settings, raising alerts for any configurations that could compromise security, such as rooted devices or enabled USB debugging options.
The inclusion of Payment Protection and Call Filter enhances the capabilities of ESET’s Android app, making it a robust Android security utility. In addition to its standard antivirus and anti-theft features, it brings valuable functionalities like app lock and security audits, equipping users with comprehensive protection for their Android devices.
