ESET PROTECT vs Kaspersky Endpoint Security: Complete Comparison 2026
An in-depth comparison of features, pricing, and user experience to help you make the right choice.
ESET PROTECT
8.2(4,680 reviews)
Lightweight endpoint security platform from Slovakia with one of the lowest system footprints and strong detection against advanced threats.
Kaspersky Endpoint Security
8.4(7,120 reviews)
Award-winning endpoint protection from Russia-founded Kaspersky with deep threat intelligence and consistently top AV-TEST detection scores.
Quick Comparison
| Aspect | ESET PROTECT | Kaspersky Endpoint Security |
|---|---|---|
| Best For | Organizations with older hardware or resource-constrained endpoints | Organizations outside the US wanting top-tier detection at competitive pricing |
| Pricing Model | Subscription | Subscription |
| Starting Price | $3.08/mo | $4.17/mo |
| Deployment | cloud, on premise, hybrid | cloud, on premise, hybrid |
| Platforms | WEB, WINDOWS, MAC, LINUX, IOS, ANDROID | WEB, WINDOWS, MAC, LINUX, IOS, ANDROID |
| Rating | 8.2/10 | 8.4/10 |
Pros & Cons
ESET PROTECT
Pros
- Lightest endpoint agent in the industry at under 60MB RAM usage
- 99.5% detection with zero false positives in AV-TEST evaluations
- Most affordable top-tier protection starting at $3.08/device/month
- Full disk encryption included in Advanced tier at no extra cost
- Excellent Linux support including full GUI management
Cons
- XDR and MDR capabilities are less mature than CrowdStrike or Sophos
- Management console UI lacks the modern polish of newer competitors
- Threat intelligence network is smaller than the major US-based vendors
- Limited brand recognition in North America compared to Europe
- Ransomware rollback feature is basic compared to Sophos CryptoGuard
Kaspersky Endpoint Security
Pros
- 99.9% detection rate tied for highest in AV-TEST with zero false positives
- Deepest threat intelligence from GReAT team that discovered Stuxnet and Flame
- Competitive pricing with encryption and patch management included at $5.42/device
- EDR Optimum gives solid detection and response at a reasonable price point
- Excellent heuristic engine that catches polymorphic and evasive malware
Cons
- US government ban in 2024 restricts usage for American organizations
- Geopolitical concerns affect enterprise procurement decisions globally
- Management console (Security Center) has a steep learning curve
- Cloud management options arrived later and are less mature than competitors
- Minimum 10-device purchase requirement excludes very small businesses
Pricing Comparison
| Product | Pricing Model | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|
| ESET PROTECT | subscription | $3.08/mo |
| Kaspersky Endpoint Security | subscription | $4.17/mo |
Our Verdict
Choose ESET PROTECT if...
Organizations with older hardware or resource-constrained endpoints
Choose Kaspersky Endpoint Security if...
Organizations outside the US wanting top-tier detection at competitive pricing
Still Not Sure?
Explore more alternatives or read in-depth reviews to make your decision.