ESET Smart Security

Download Details

Version

20.0.7.0 (latest)

File size

85.6 MB

License

Free Trial

Security scan

VirusTotal: 69 of 69 engines say OK (0 flagged)

Developer

ESET

Supported OS

Windows 11, Windows 10

Installers

64-bit (x64), ARM (Arm64), Offline

Downloads

6176

Rating

4.4 out of 5 · 69 reviews

File name(s)

essp_nt64.exe

Reviewed by Ahmed Madbouli
Tested on Windows 11 and 10 · November 4, 2026 · How we review

Screenshots

ESET Smart Security is a Windows security suite that bundles antivirus, a firewall, anti-phishing and banking protection in one app.

It suits people who want an all-in-one paid suite that stays quiet in the background, with Gamer Mode for full-screen apps.

It is worth trying through the 30-day free trial, because there is no permanent free version.

What is ESET Smart Security?

ESET Smart Security is a Windows security suite from ESET that protects against malware, phishing and network attacks.

It is sold as part of the ESET HOME Security Premium and Ultimate subscriptions, so the app name can differ from the plan name on your invoice.

That naming mismatch is cosmetic. The features come from the subscription you hold.

Protection: what it does well

• Real-time protection: files and activity are watched continuously, backed by cloud lookups and machine learning.
• Anti-phishing: fake sites that try to steal logins are blocked.
• Personal firewall: incoming and outgoing network traffic is monitored.
• Exploit Blocker: it watches for attacks on commonly targeted programs such as browsers and document readers.
• Ransomware Shield: it looks for behavior that suggests files are being encrypted.
• Banking and payment protection: a secure browser mode keeps online payments away from other processes.

Tip: use the secure browser mode whenever you log in to a bank or pay online.

Performance and Gamer Mode

ESET is built to have a small system footprint, so scans run without much fuss on an everyday PC.

Gamer Mode postpones pop-ups, updates and other heavy tasks while a full-screen app is running.

Tip: the same behavior helps during presentations and full-screen video, so notifications stay out of the way.

Extra tools in the suite

• Password Manager: stores logins and fills them in for you.
• Secure Data: encrypts sensitive files and removable drives.
• Anti-Theft: helps you track a lost or stolen laptop through your ESET account.
• Parental controls and anti-spam: filter what children can reach and clean up unwanted email.

Tip: if you already use a dedicated password manager, leave this one off to avoid keeping two vaults.

ESET Smart Security free vs paid

Is ESET Smart Security safe to install?

Yes. The installer on this page was checked with VirusTotal and came back clean.

The real risk is pirated keys and cracks from random sites, so stick to the trial or a legitimate subscription.

Who should skip it

• People who only want free basic protection, since Microsoft Defender is already built into Windows.
• Users who want identity monitoring, which sits in a higher ESET plan.
• Anyone on Windows on ARM who needs every feature to work.

Pros & Cons

Best ESET Smart Security Alternatives

• 
  Bitdefender Total Security

  Security suite with ransomware protection, VPN and parental controls for home PCs.

• 
  Norton 360

  Antivirus suite with firewall, VPN and password manager in one subscription.

• 
  McAfee Total Protection

  Antivirus, firewall, VPN and identity monitoring bundled into one paid security suite.

• 
  Avira Internet Security

  Internet security suite adding web protection, password manager and software updater.

Conclusion

4.4★★★★★out of 5 · 69 user ratings

A security suite is easier to judge next to the options you could pick instead.

Compare what you get, what it costs and which platforms you need to cover.

Final verdict

ESET Smart Security is a good fit if you want a full Windows suite that stays out of your way, especially if you game or work in full-screen apps.

Try the 30-day trial first. If you only need basic protection, Microsoft Defender may be enough.

FAQ

Found a problem with this download? Report an outdated version, broken link, suspicious installer or incorrect information.

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