Microsoft Defender for Endpoint vs ESET PROTECT
Side-by-side from the Top 11 ranking of Top 11 Endpoint Protection Software. Last verified July 4, 2026.
The short answer
Microsoft Defender for Endpoint ranks higher on Top 11 (#2 vs #8) for IT and security leaders. Enterprise EDR built into Windows and E5.
At a glance
| Microsoft Defender for Endpoint | ESET PROTECT | |
|---|---|---|
| Top 11 rank | #2 / Top 11 Endpoint Protection Software | #8 / Top 11 Endpoint Protection Software |
| Score (out of 9.4) | 9.1 | 8.4 |
| Best for | Best native option for Microsoft estates | Best for light footprint and flexible hosting |
| Pricing | $ ($3/endpoint/mo Plan 1, or bundled in Microsoft 365 E5) | $$ (roughly $40 to $85 per endpoint per year) |
| HQ | Redmond, USA | Bratislava, Slovakia |
| Founded | 2019 | 1992 |
Microsoft Defender for Endpoint
Enterprise EDR built into Windows and E5.
www.microsoft.com/en-us/security/business/endpoint-security/microsoft-defender-endpointESET PROTECT
One of the lightest agents with flexible hosting.
www.eset.com/us/business/protect-platform/Methodology and scoring weights live at /methodology. No vendor pays for placement — see about.