# ESET PROTECT vs Kaspersky Next Optimum Comparison
---
## AI Generated Summary
- **G2 reviewers report** that ESET PROTECT excels in central management capabilities, allowing users to easily monitor and manage client devices from a single tool. This feature is particularly praised for its ability to ensure devices are up-to-date and secure, making it a strong choice for organizations needing comprehensive oversight.
- **Users say** that Kaspersky Next Optimum offers strong security efficiency and essential EDR features, making it a cost-effective option for SMBs and mid-sized businesses. Reviewers appreciate its ability to fulfill compliance needs while providing robust AV and EDR protection.
- **According to verified reviews** , ESET PROTECT has a slight edge in user satisfaction, with a higher overall rating compared to Kaspersky Next Optimum. This reflects a more consistent positive experience among users, particularly in areas like ease of use and quality of support.
- **Reviewers mention** that Kaspersky Next Optimum is easy to use and update, which is beneficial for organizations looking for straightforward implementation. However, some users have noted that it may not fully meet specific workflow needs, indicating potential configuration challenges.
- **G2 reviewers highlight** that ESET PROTECT's features like web control and application blocking are particularly useful for managing access and ensuring data security. This functionality is especially valuable for educational institutions and organizations with strict compliance requirements.
- **Users report** that while Kaspersky Next Optimum provides advanced threat detection and centralized management, ESET PROTECT's comprehensive monitoring and compliance checks give it an advantage in maintaining device security across various projects and teams.



| | ESET PROTECT | Kaspersky Next Optimum | 
|---|---|---|
| **Star Rating** | 4.6 out of 5 | 4.3 out of 5 | 
| **Total Reviews** | 1,002 | 208 | 
| **Largest Market Segment** | Mid-Market (46.9% of reviews) | Mid-Market (41.1% of reviews) | 
| **Entry Level Price** | Contact Us | $77 node/year | 

---
## Top Pros & Cons

### ESET PROTECT

Pros:
- Ease of Use (94 reviews)
- Protection (78 reviews)

Cons:
- Learning Curve (32 reviews)
- Difficult Configuration (31 reviews)

### Kaspersky Next Optimum

Pros:
- Blocking (5 reviews)
- Ease of Use (5 reviews)

Cons:
- High Resource Usage (6 reviews)
- Slow Performance (5 reviews)

---
## Ratings Comparison
| Rating | ESET PROTECT | Kaspersky Next Optimum | 
|---|---|---|
  | **Meets Requirements** | 9.3 (866 reviews) | 8.9 (173 reviews) | 
  | **Ease of Use** | 8.9 (867 reviews) | 8.6 (174 reviews) | 
  | **Ease of Setup** | 8.8 (602 reviews) | 8.2 (71 reviews) | 
  | **Ease of Admin** | 8.5 (448 reviews) | 8.4 (65 reviews) | 
  | **Quality of Support** | 8.9 (802 reviews) | 8.4 (167 reviews) | 
  | **Has the product been a good partner in doing business?** | 8.9 (437 reviews) | 8.2 (65 reviews) | 
  | **Product Direction (% positive)** | 8.7 (851 reviews) | 8.5 (174 reviews) | 

---
## Pricing

### ESET PROTECT

#### Entry-Level Pricing

Plan: ESET PROTECT Advanced

Price: Contact Us

Description: Best-in-class endpoint protection against ransomware & zero-day threats.
Cross-platform solution with easy-to-use cloud or on-prem management, server security, advanced threat defense, and full disk encryption.

Key Features:
- Console
- Server Security 
- Modern Endpoint Protection 

[Browse all 5 editions](https://www.g2.com/products/eset-protect/pricing)

#### Free Trial

Yes

### Kaspersky Next Optimum

#### Entry-Level Pricing

Plan: Advanced

Price: $77 node/year

Description: Advanced combines Next Generation protection with role-based management and automation for a unique security posture, driving encryption adoption and improving efficiency for businesses of all sizes.


[Browse all 3 editions](https://www.g2.com/products/kaspersky-next-optimum/pricing)

#### Free Trial

Yes

---
## Features Comparison By Category

### Network Sandboxing

| Product | Score | Reviews |
|---|---|---|
| **ESET PROTECT** | N/A | N/A |
| **Kaspersky Next Optimum** | 8.7/10 | 14 |

#### Sandbox

| Feature | ESET PROTECT | Kaspersky Next Optimum | 
|---|---|---|
| **Sandbox** | Not enough data | 9.0 (13 reviews) | 

#### Evaluation

| Feature | ESET PROTECT | Kaspersky Next Optimum | 
|---|---|---|
| **Malware Evaluation** | Not enough data | 9.0 (13 reviews) | 
| **Automatic Submission** | Not enough data | 8.6 (12 reviews) | 
| **Automatic Evaluation** | Not enough data | 8.5 (12 reviews) | 
| **Malware Probability Scores** | Not enough data | 8.6 (12 reviews) | 

### Endpoint Protection Platforms

| Product | Score | Reviews |
|---|---|---|
| **ESET PROTECT** | 9.2/10 | 313 |
| **Kaspersky Next Optimum** | 8.9/10 | 64 |

#### Administration

| Feature | ESET PROTECT | Kaspersky Next Optimum | 
|---|---|---|
| **Compliance** | 9.3 (231 reviews) | 9.0 (51 reviews) | 
| **Web Control** | 9.2 (232 reviews) | 8.9 (50 reviews) | 
| **Application Control** | 9.1 (228 reviews) | 8.9 (51 reviews) | 
| **Asset Management** | 8.9 (224 reviews) | 8.9 (48 reviews) | 
| **Device Control** | 9.0 (226 reviews) | Feature Not Available | 

#### Functionality

| Feature | ESET PROTECT | Kaspersky Next Optimum | 
|---|---|---|
| **System Isolation** | 9.1 (224 reviews) | 8.8 (48 reviews) | 
| **Firewall** | 9.2 (238 reviews) | 8.8 (48 reviews) | 
| **Endpoint Intelligence** | 9.1 (231 reviews) | 8.9 (50 reviews) | 
| **Malware Detection** | 9.3 (264 reviews) | 9.1 (52 reviews) | 

#### Analysis

| Feature | ESET PROTECT | Kaspersky Next Optimum | 
|---|---|---|
| **Automated Remediation** | 9.1 (234 reviews) | 8.8 (49 reviews) | 
| **Incident Reports** | 9.1 (229 reviews) | 9.0 (49 reviews) | 
| **Behavioral Analysis** | 8.8 (91 reviews) | 8.7 (49 reviews) | 

### Malware Analysis Tools

| Product | Score | Reviews |
|---|---|---|
| **ESET PROTECT** | 9.5/10 | 102 |
| **Kaspersky Next Optimum** | N/A | N/A |

#### Detection

| Feature | ESET PROTECT | Kaspersky Next Optimum | 
|---|---|---|
| **Malware Detection** | 9.6 (86 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Compliance Monitoring** | Feature Not Available | Not enough data | 
| **Threat Alerting** | 9.5 (83 reviews) | Not enough data | 

#### Analysis

| Feature | ESET PROTECT | Kaspersky Next Optimum | 
|---|---|---|
| **Malware Evaluation** | 9.6 (85 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Sandboxing** | 9.0 (79 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Threat Intelligence** | 9.5 (82 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **File Analysis** | 9.5 (84 reviews) | Not enough data | 

#### Response

| Feature | ESET PROTECT | Kaspersky Next Optimum | 
|---|---|---|
| **Response Automation** | 9.4 (83 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Malware Removal** | 9.5 (86 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Data Protection** | 9.5 (84 reviews) | Not enough data | 

#### Generative AI

| Feature | ESET PROTECT | Kaspersky Next Optimum | 
|---|---|---|
| **AI Text Summarization** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 

### Extended Detection and Response (XDR) Platforms

| Product | Score | Reviews |
|---|---|---|
| **ESET PROTECT** | 9.8/10 | 38 |
| **Kaspersky Next Optimum** | N/A | N/A |

#### Detection & Response

| Feature | ESET PROTECT | Kaspersky Next Optimum | 
|---|---|---|
| **Response Automation** | 9.8 (30 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Threat Hunting** | 9.8 (31 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Rule-Based Detection** | 9.7 (31 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Real-Time Detection** | 9.9 (31 reviews) | Not enough data | 

#### Management

| Feature | ESET PROTECT | Kaspersky Next Optimum | 
|---|---|---|
| **Extensibility** | 9.8 (28 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Workflow Automation** | 9.9 (31 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Unified Visibility** | 9.7 (30 reviews) | Not enough data | 

#### Analytics

| Feature | ESET PROTECT | Kaspersky Next Optimum | 
|---|---|---|
| **Threat Intelligence** | 9.7 (32 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning** | 9.5 (30 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Data Collection** | 9.7 (31 reviews) | Not enough data | 

#### Agentic AI - Extended Detection and Response (XDR) Platforms

| Feature | ESET PROTECT | Kaspersky Next Optimum | 
|---|---|---|
| **Autonomous Task Execution** | 9.7 (25 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Proactive Assistance** | 9.8 (24 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Decision Making** | 9.9 (26 reviews) | Not enough data | 

#### Services - Extended Detection and Response (XDR)

| Feature | ESET PROTECT | Kaspersky Next Optimum | 
|---|---|---|
| **Managed Services** | 9.9 (23 reviews) | Not enough data | 

### Managed Detection and Response (MDR)

| Product | Score | Reviews |
|---|---|---|
| **ESET PROTECT** | 9.6/10 | 32 |
| **Kaspersky Next Optimum** | N/A | N/A |

#### Platform Features

| Feature | ESET PROTECT | Kaspersky Next Optimum | 
|---|---|---|
| **24/7 support** | 9.2 (28 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Proactive report alerts** | 9.8 (27 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Application  control** | 9.6 (27 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Proactive threat hunting** | 9.7 (29 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Rapid response time** | 9.7 (27 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Customizeable reports** | 9.8 (28 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Managed Services** | 9.5 (23 reviews) | Not enough data | 

#### Automation Capabilities

| Feature | ESET PROTECT | Kaspersky Next Optimum | 
|---|---|---|
| **Automated remediation** | 9.8 (27 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Automated investigation** | 9.6 (27 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **AI Agents** | 8.8 (23 reviews) | Not enough data | 

### Antivirus

| Product | Score | Reviews |
|---|---|---|
| **ESET PROTECT** | 6.1/10 | 40 |
| **Kaspersky Next Optimum** | N/A | N/A |

#### Generative AI

| Feature | ESET PROTECT | Kaspersky Next Optimum | 
|---|---|---|
| **AI Text Generation** | 6.0 (39 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **AI Text Summarization** | 6.1 (40 reviews) | Not enough data | 

### Endpoint Detection & Response (EDR)

| Product | Score | Reviews |
|---|---|---|
| **ESET PROTECT** | 9.8/10 | 36 |
| **Kaspersky Next Optimum** | N/A | N/A |

#### Services - Endpoint Detection & Response (EDR) 

| Feature | ESET PROTECT | Kaspersky Next Optimum | 
|---|---|---|
| **Managed Services** | 9.8 (28 reviews) | Not enough data | 

### Cloud Security

| Product | Score | Reviews |
|---|---|---|
| **ESET PROTECT** | N/A | N/A |
| **Kaspersky Next Optimum** | N/A | N/A |

#### Cloud Visibility

| Feature | ESET PROTECT | Kaspersky Next Optimum | 
|---|---|---|
| **Data Discovery** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Cloud Registry** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Cloud Gap Analytics** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 

#### Security

| Feature | ESET PROTECT | Kaspersky Next Optimum | 
|---|---|---|
| **Data Security** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Data loss Prevention** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Security Auditing** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 

#### Identity

| Feature | ESET PROTECT | Kaspersky Next Optimum | 
|---|---|---|
| **SSO** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Governance** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **User Analytics** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 

### Encryption

| Product | Score | Reviews |
|---|---|---|
| **ESET PROTECT** | N/A | N/A |
| **Kaspersky Next Optimum** | 9.3/10 | 10 |

#### Encryption

| Feature | ESET PROTECT | Kaspersky Next Optimum | 
|---|---|---|
| **Email Encryption** | Not enough data | 9.7 (6 reviews) | 
| **Messaging Encryption** | Not enough data | 9.2 (6 reviews) | 
| **File Transfer Encryption** | Not enough data | 9.7 (6 reviews) | 
| **Data Encryption** | Not enough data | 9.5 (7 reviews) | 
| **Document Encryption** | Not enough data | 9.5 (7 reviews) | 
| **Full-Disk Encryption** | Not enough data | 9.8 (7 reviews) | 

#### Compliance

| Feature | ESET PROTECT | Kaspersky Next Optimum | 
|---|---|---|
| **Authentication** | Not enough data | 8.9 (6 reviews) | 
| **Policy Enforcement** | Not enough data | 9.0 (7 reviews) | 
| **Access Management** | Not enough data | 9.3 (7 reviews) | 

#### Management

| Feature | ESET PROTECT | Kaspersky Next Optimum | 
|---|---|---|
| **Backup** | Not enough data | 9.4 (6 reviews) | 
| **Recovery** | Not enough data | 9.3 (7 reviews) | 
| **File Management** | Not enough data | 9.0 (7 reviews) | 
| **Anomaly Detection** | Not enough data | 9.0 (7 reviews) | 

### Endpoint Protection

| Product | Score | Reviews |
|---|---|---|
| **ESET PROTECT** | N/A | N/A |
| **Kaspersky Next Optimum** | N/A | N/A |

#### System Control

| Feature | ESET PROTECT | Kaspersky Next Optimum | 
|---|---|---|
| **Device Control** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Web Control** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Application Control** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Asset Management** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **System Isolation** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 

#### Vulnerability Prevention

| Feature | ESET PROTECT | Kaspersky Next Optimum | 
|---|---|---|
| **Endpoint Intelligence** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Firewall** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Malware Detection** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 

#### Security Management

| Feature | ESET PROTECT | Kaspersky Next Optimum | 
|---|---|---|
| **Incident Reports** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Security Validation** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Compliance ** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 

---
## Categories
**Shared Categories (1):** [Endpoint Protection Platforms](https://www.g2.com/categories/endpoint-protection-platforms)

**Unique to ESET PROTECT (6):** [Extended Detection and Response (XDR) Platforms](https://www.g2.com/categories/extended-detection-and-response-xdr-platforms), [Managed Detection and Response (MDR)  Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/managed-detection-and-response-mdr), [Endpoint Detection & Response (EDR) Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/endpoint-detection-response-edr), [Malware Analysis Tools](https://www.g2.com/categories/malware-analysis-tools), [Patch Management Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/patch-management), [Antivirus Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/antivirus)

**Unique to Kaspersky Next Optimum (2):** [Encryption Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/encryption-software), [Network Sandboxing Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/network-sandboxing)


---
## Reviewer Demographics

### By Company Size

| Segment | ESET PROTECT | Kaspersky Next Optimum | 
|---|---|---|
| **Small-Business** | 42.9% | 30.7% | 
| **Mid-Market** | 46.9% | 41.1% | 
| **Enterprise** | 10.2% | 28.1% | 

### By Industry

#### ESET PROTECT

- **Information Technology and Services:** 12.9%
- **Computer Software:** 5.4%
- **Construction:** 4.4%
- **Computer & Network Security:** 3.8%
- **Internet:** 3.5%
- **Non-Profit Organization Management:** 3.4%
- **Hospital & Health Care:** 3.0%
- **Marketing and Advertising:** 2.7%
- **Education Management:** 2.7%
- **Consumer Services:** 2.3%
- **Other:** 55.9%

#### Kaspersky Next Optimum

- **Information Technology and Services:** 22.7%
- **Computer Software:** 5.7%
- **Accounting:** 4.6%
- **Financial Services:** 4.6%
- **Computer & Network Security:** 3.6%
- **Internet:** 3.6%
- **Hospital & Health Care:** 3.1%
- **Computer Networking:** 3.1%
- **Telecommunications:** 2.6%
- **Health, Wellness and Fitness:** 2.6%
- **Other:** 43.8%

---
## Alternatives

### Alternatives to ESET PROTECT

- [CrowdStrike Falcon Endpoint Protection Platform](https://www.g2.com/products/crowdstrike-falcon-endpoint-protection-platform/reviews) — 4.6/5 stars (440 reviews)
- [ThreatDown](https://www.g2.com/products/threatdown/reviews) — 4.6/5 stars (1088 reviews)
- [Sophos Endpoint](https://www.g2.com/products/sophos-endpoint/reviews) — 4.7/5 stars (834 reviews)
- [Check Point Endpoint Security](https://www.g2.com/products/check-point-endpoint-security/reviews) — 4.5/5 stars (284 reviews)
- [SentinelOne Singularity Endpoint](https://www.g2.com/products/sentinelone-singularity-endpoint/reviews) — 4.7/5 stars (202 reviews)
- [Microsoft Defender for Endpoint](https://www.g2.com/products/microsoft-defender-for-endpoint/reviews) — 4.4/5 stars (312 reviews)
- [Bitdefender GravityZone XDR](https://www.g2.com/products/bitdefender-gravityzone-xdr/reviews) — 4.2/5 stars (106 reviews)
- [Symantec End-user Endpoint Security](https://www.g2.com/products/symantec-end-user-endpoint-security/reviews) — 4.4/5 stars (553 reviews)
- [Webroot Business Endpoint Protection](https://www.g2.com/products/webroot-business-endpoint-protection/reviews) — 4.5/5 stars (532 reviews)
- [WatchGuard Endpoint Security](https://www.g2.com/products/watchguard-endpoint-security/reviews) — 4.4/5 stars (123 reviews)

### Alternatives to Kaspersky Next Optimum

- [ThreatDown](https://www.g2.com/products/threatdown/reviews) — 4.6/5 stars (1088 reviews)
- [Sophos Endpoint](https://www.g2.com/products/sophos-endpoint/reviews) — 4.7/5 stars (834 reviews)
- [Symantec End-user Endpoint Security](https://www.g2.com/products/symantec-end-user-endpoint-security/reviews) — 4.4/5 stars (553 reviews)
- [Webroot Business Endpoint Protection](https://www.g2.com/products/webroot-business-endpoint-protection/reviews) — 4.5/5 stars (532 reviews)
- [CrowdStrike Falcon Endpoint Protection Platform](https://www.g2.com/products/crowdstrike-falcon-endpoint-protection-platform/reviews) — 4.6/5 stars (440 reviews)
- [Microsoft Defender for Endpoint](https://www.g2.com/products/microsoft-defender-for-endpoint/reviews) — 4.4/5 stars (312 reviews)
- [Check Point Endpoint Security](https://www.g2.com/products/check-point-endpoint-security/reviews) — 4.5/5 stars (284 reviews)
- [FortiClient](https://www.g2.com/products/forticlient/reviews) — 4.4/5 stars (276 reviews)
- [SentinelOne Singularity Endpoint](https://www.g2.com/products/sentinelone-singularity-endpoint/reviews) — 4.7/5 stars (202 reviews)
- [WatchGuard Endpoint Security](https://www.g2.com/products/watchguard-endpoint-security/reviews) — 4.4/5 stars (123 reviews)

---
## Top Discussions

### ESET PROTECT

- Title: [Does ESET nod32 protect against malware?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/does-eset-nod32-protect-against-malware) — 2 comments
  > **Top comment:** "Yes"
- Title: [How can I backup the encryption key?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/how-can-i-backup-the-encryption-key) — 2 comments, 1 upvote
  > **Top comment:** "Hi Mahmoud - here's some information from ESET's online help that can hopefully walk you through the backup process: ..."
- Title: [Is ESET an antivirus?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/is-eset-an-antivirus) — 1 comment
  > **Top comment:** "It sure is! works great too"
- Title: [What is ESET protect?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/what-is-eset-protect) — 1 comment, 2 upvotes
  > **Top comment:** "Computer security software"
- Title: [Is ESET nod32 antivirus any good?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/is-eset-nod32-antivirus-any-good) — 1 comment
  > **Top comment:** "Good"

### Kaspersky Next Optimum

- Title: [What is endpoint security software?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/kaspersky-endpoint-security-for-business-what-is-endpoint-security-software) — 1 comment
  > **Top comment:** "Endpoint security software is software designed to protect your endpoints, or devices used for daily business operations such as desktop PCs, laptops,..."
- Title: [now Kaspersky Endpoint Security is really heavy for the pc when i do the scan?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/now-kaspersky-endpoint-security-is-really-heavy-for-the-pc-when-i-do-the-scan) — 1 comment, 1 upvote
  > **Top comment:** "It depends on your system specification. You can  check the scan settings and select deep scan once a week when system remain idle"
- Title: [What is the best way to configure kaspersky to achieve the balance, security and performance](https://www.g2.com/discussions/what-is-the-best-way-to-configure-kaspersky-to-achieve-the-balance-security-and-performance) — 1 comment, 1 upvote
  > **Top comment:** "There is no one balance to achieve security and performance.  Your own risk tolerance will determine what level of security you need, and that will have a..."
- Title: [What is the purpose of cloud-based protection?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/cloud-based-protection) — 1 comment, 1 upvote *(includes official response)*
  > **Top comment:** "Most IT security vendors use the cloud to improve protection levels. Hybrid protection (antivirus databases + proactive defense + the cloud) is the most..."
- Title: [What is the ‘cloud’?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/what-is-the-cloud) — 1 comment, 1 upvote *(includes official response)*
  > **Top comment:** "It is a service that runs on a company’s servers rather than on user devices and which can be used over the Internet from anywhere in the world. Examples of..."

---
**Source:** [G2.com](https://www.g2.com) | [Comparison Page](https://www.g2.com/compare/eset-protect-vs-kaspersky-next-optimum)