Head-to-head · Malware Removal Software
ESET Online Scanner vs Dr.Web LiveDisk
ESET Online Scanner leads on 0 checks, Dr.Web LiveDisk on 1, and 3 are even. Who comes out ahead on the 4 yes/no, price and count checks where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.
Our verdict
- Highest scoreESET Online Scanner · 9.2/10
- Free planboth
ESET Online Scanner scores higher on our rubric for malware removal software: 9.2 against 9.0 out of 10; our editors rank them #2 and #4.
Dr.Web LiveDisk offers bootable rescue media; ESET Online Scanner doesn't.
ESET Online Scanner is the better fit for free, straightforward Windows malware scanning. Dr.Web LiveDisk is the better fit for free bootable recovery for infected systems.
- ESET Online Scanner fits best
Free, straightforward Windows malware scanning
- Dr.Web LiveDisk fits best
Free bootable recovery for infected systems
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Side by side
| Feature | ESET Online Scanner 9.2/10 Visit ↗ | Dr.Web LiveDisk 9.0/10 Visit ↗ |
|---|---|---|
| At a glance | ||
| Editor score | 9.2 | 9.0 |
| Ranking | #2 in Malware Removal Software | #4 in Malware Removal Software |
| Best for | Free, straightforward Windows malware scanning | Free bootable recovery for infected systems |
| Pricing model | Free | Free |
| Starting price | Free plan | Free plan |
| Free plan | ✓ | ✓ |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Deployment | Desktop | Self-hosted |
| Platforms | Windows | Windows |
| Support | Email, Live chat, Phone, Docs | Docs |
| Built for | Solo, Small business | Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise |
| Features ESET Online Scanner 2/3 · Dr.Web LiveDisk 2/3 | ||
| Threat quarantine | ✓ | ✓ |
| Bootable rescue media | — | ✓ (best) |
| Scheduled scans | ✓ (best) | Not checked yet |
| Specs | ||
| Scan modes | Not checked yet | Not checked yet |
| Operating systems | Windows | Windows |
| Remediation automation | Automatic | Automatic |
| Our review | ||
| Pros |
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| Cons |
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| Our verdict | ESET Online Scanner is a free, on-demand malware removal utility for Windows computers. It is intended for people who want a straightforward way to check a PC for malware alongside existing antivirus software, whether for a one-time review… Read the review → |
Dr.Web LiveDisk is a free emergency recovery environment for computers affected by malware or unable to start normally. It runs from optical media or a USB flash drive and provides a Linux-based portable operating system with Dr.Web… Read the review → |
Strengths and trade-offs
ESET Online Scanner — where it wins
- Full, quick, and custom scan modes
- Quarantine with restore capability and saved scan logs
- Automatic monthly scans with archive and unwanted-application detection
Where it doesn't
- Windows-only coverage
- No continuous real-time protection
- Remediation is assisted rather than fully automated
Dr.Web LiveDisk — where it wins
- Boots from optical media or USB when normal startup is unavailable
- Offers quick, custom, curing, deletion, and isolation workflows
- Includes quarantine, database updates, registry tools, and file managers
Where it doesn't
- Requires bootable optical media or a USB flash drive
- Focuses on emergency recovery, not continuous protection
- Interface capabilities may differ in newer builds
- ESET Online Scanner9.2/10 · Free plan
A straightforward free scanner for periodic Windows malware checks and removal.
Visit ESETFull verdict → - Dr.Web LiveDisk9.0/10 · Free plan
A free recovery environment for scanning, isolating, and restoring malware-affected systems.
Visit Dr.WebFull verdict →
ESET Online Scanner vs Dr.Web LiveDisk: questions
Which is better for malware removal software, ESET Online Scanner or Dr.Web LiveDisk?
ESET Online Scanner scores higher on our rubric for malware removal software: 9.2 against 9.0 out of 10; our editors rank them #2 and #4.
How do ESET Online Scanner and Dr.Web LiveDisk compare?
Of the 4 checks we put side by side, ESET Online Scanner leads on none, Dr.Web LiveDisk on 1, and 3 are level. Bootable rescue media only on Dr.Web LiveDisk.
Do ESET Online Scanner and Dr.Web LiveDisk have a free plan?
ESET Online Scanner: Yes. Dr.Web LiveDisk: Yes.
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- ESET Online Scanner vs Xcitium Cleaning Essentials
- Kaspersky Virus Removal Tool vs Dr.Web LiveDisk
All malware removal software comparisons → · Full ranking →
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Nov 2026
Last updated · How we research and update





