Overview of Emsisoft
Emsisoft is a New Zealand-based company that's been in the anti-malware business since 2003. Today, it provides plans that cater to the needs of individuals, small businesses, and even enterprises.
This program protects the device and beyond, extending to secure surfing and phishing protection, all in several affordable plans.
How to Set It Up and Install
To start using Emsisoft, you either sign up for a free trial or provide your license code. The program will then launch a download and installation in a matter of minutes.
- Click ‘Install.’
- Accept the End-User License Agreement.
- Accept the installation of browser add-ons.
Features
Emsisoft doesn’t offer many super-advanced features, but still, the program provides a well-rounded protective service.
General
| Money-back Guarantee | Yes, up to 30 days from the date of purchase |
| Free Version | No |
| Platform | Windows |
| Parental Controls | Yes |
| Email Protection | No |
| Chat | No |
| VPN Service | No |
| Smartphone Optimizer | No |
| USB Virus Scans | Yes |
| Automated Virus Scans | Yes |
| Game Mode | Yes |
| Safe Browser | Yes |
| Passive Mode | Yes |
Threat Protection
| Anti-Spyware | Yes |
| Anti-Worm | Yes |
| Anti-Trojan | Yes |
| Anti-Rootkit | Yes |
| Anti-Phishing | Yes |
| Anti-Spam | Yes |
| Adware Prevention | No |
Scanning
The Scan window in the main interface allows you to run quick and deep scans of your device. Emsisoft is super-configurable, too, allowing you to set up customized scanning of only parts of your PC.
Pricing
| Plan | Price | Number of Devices | Top Features |
| Anti-Malware Home | €19.99 yearly | 1 Windows PC | Antivirus, Web Protection, Automatic Updates, Basic Remote Management |
| Business Security | €39.98 Yearly | 3 Windows PCs | All Home Features, Full Remote Management, Runs on Servers |
| Enterprise Security | €59.98 Yearly | 3 Windows PCs | All Business Features, AD Integration |
Discount
Emsisoft offers special discounts for educational purposes to students, teachers, schools, and universities, as well as charitable organizations.
Privacy and Security
Privacy - the browser add-ons help protect user privacy by blocking malicious and phishing websites from picking up any credentials or other sensitive data.
Security - anti-malware protection and easy configuration provide a decent level of security and virus protection.
Performance and Protection
The quality of both performance and protection provided by Emsisoft is good, but not excellent. It’s reasonably quick to catch issues when they arise.
Malware Protection
The antivirus section of this program captures and prevents malware, covering all known virus types.
Ransomware Detection
Emsisoft features a behavior blocker and dual scanner that prevent ransomware.
Phishing Detection
This program blocks and whitelists phishing websites, although on a limited number of browsers.
Spyware Detection
The dual scanner that protects against ransomware is also quite efficient in detecting spyware.
Firewall Protection
Emsisoft’s Internet Security provides great firewall protection, and you’ll find the details on the console.
Lab Test Results
Unfortunately, few of the major independent labs tackled Emsisoft. The antivirus holds VirusBulletin's VB100 certification, and it got an ‘Advanced’ at AV-Comparatives. These provide some level of reassurance, but more results are always better.
Ease of Use and Interface
The UI is quite cluttered for a program that doesn’t offer many bonus functions. You’ll find four main tabs, many links and shortcuts, and extra options as you scroll down each.
This feature doesn’t make the program difficult to use per se, but it makes the task a bit more tiring for the average user. On the flip side, the more technically-inclined will find the plethora of options a bonus.
Customer Support
Emsisoft offers two main support options to its users. Unfortunately, you can only contact them through email, but the user guides are many and detailed.
