CrowdStrike vs ESET PROTECT -- Endpoint & EDR Compared

CrowdStrike vs ESET PROTECT

ESET PROTECT delivers reliable, lightweight endpoint protection backed by over three decades of threat research. While CrowdStrike leads in advanced EDR and threat hunting, ESET excels in environments where minimal resource usage, low false positives, and affordable pricing are the primary requirements.

The Verdict

Choose ESET PROTECT if you need lightweight, reliable endpoint protection with minimal resource impact and affordable pricing, especially for diverse or constrained endpoint environments. Choose CrowdStrike if you need advanced EDR capabilities, managed threat hunting, and a cloud-native platform for mature security operations.

Feature-by-Feature Comparison

FeatureESET PROTECTCrowdStrike
System FootprintIndustry-leading low resource usageLight agent, slightly higher footprint
False Positive RateExceptionally lowLow with some tuning required
EDR MaturityNewer, developing capabilitiesMature, industry-leading EDR
Threat Research30+ years, ESET LiveSenseCrowdStrike Intelligence threat graph
Managed HuntingLimited MDR offeringFalcon OverWatch (elite managed hunting)
Deployment OptionsCloud and on-premises managementCloud-only
Mobile ProtectionBuilt-in mobile threat defenseFalcon for Mobile (add-on)
PricingFrom $21/device/yearFrom $59.99/device/year

When to Choose Each Tool

Choose ESET PROTECT when:

  • +Minimal system resource usage is critical for your endpoint fleet
  • +You need reliable protection with very low false positive rates
  • +Budget constraints require affordable per-device pricing
  • +Your environment includes older or resource-constrained endpoints
  • +You want flexible cloud or on-premises management deployment

Choose CrowdStrike when:

  • +Advanced EDR investigation and threat hunting are essential capabilities
  • +You need managed threat hunting with dedicated human analysts
  • +Your organization has a mature SOC requiring advanced tooling
  • +Cloud-native architecture and single lightweight agent matter most
  • +You need the broadest ecosystem of security integrations and modules

Pros & Cons Comparison

ESET PROTECT

Pros

  • +Industry-leading low system resource consumption
  • +Excellent detection with very low false positive rates
  • +Flexible deployment with cloud and on-prem options
  • +Over 30 years of threat detection expertise
  • +Affordable pricing across all tiers

Cons

  • EDR and XDR capabilities are newer and less mature
  • Smaller market presence than enterprise-focused competitors
  • Limited managed detection and response offering
  • Fewer advanced SOC features for large enterprises

CrowdStrike

Pros

  • +Industry-leading detection rates
  • +Lightweight single agent architecture
  • +Cloud-native with no on-premises infrastructure
  • +Excellent managed threat hunting service
  • +Strong threat intelligence from massive data set

Cons

  • Premium pricing compared to competitors
  • Complex tiered product packaging
  • Can be resource-intensive on older endpoints
  • Requires internet connectivity for full functionality
  • Add-on modules increase total cost significantly

CrowdStrike vs ESET PROTECT FAQ

Common questions about choosing between CrowdStrike and ESET PROTECT.

What is the main difference between CrowdStrike and ESET PROTECT?

ESET PROTECT delivers reliable, lightweight endpoint protection backed by over three decades of threat research. While CrowdStrike leads in advanced EDR and threat hunting, ESET excels in environments where minimal resource usage, low false positives, and affordable pricing are the primary requirements.

Is ESET PROTECT better than CrowdStrike?

Choose ESET PROTECT if you need lightweight, reliable endpoint protection with minimal resource impact and affordable pricing, especially for diverse or constrained endpoint environments. Choose CrowdStrike if you need advanced EDR capabilities, managed threat hunting, and a cloud-native platform for mature security operations.

How much does ESET PROTECT cost compared to CrowdStrike?

ESET PROTECT pricing: From $21/device/year (PROTECT Entry) / Enterprise custom. CrowdStrike pricing: From $59.99/device/year (Falcon Go) / Enterprise custom. ESET PROTECT's pricing model is per-device subscription, while CrowdStrike uses per-device subscription pricing.

Can I migrate from CrowdStrike to ESET PROTECT?

Yes, you can migrate from CrowdStrike to ESET PROTECT. The migration process depends on your specific setup and the features you use. Both platforms offer APIs that can facilitate automated migration. Consider running both tools in parallel during the transition to ensure zero downtime.

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