# AppLocker Guidance vs ESET PROTECT: side-by-side comparison (2026)

[AppLocker Guidance](https://cybersectools.com/tools/applocker-guidance) is a free [endpoint protection platform](https://cybersectools.com/categories/epp) solution. [ESET PROTECT](https://cybersectools.com/tools/eset-protect) is a commercial [endpoint protection platform](https://cybersectools.com/categories/epp) solution by [Lockbits](https://cybersectools.com/companies/lockbits). Features, integrations, deployment and the company behind each one, side by side.

## Side-by-side comparison

| | AppLocker Guidance | ESET PROTECT |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing model | Free | Commercial |
| Category | Endpoint Protection Platform | Endpoint Protection Platform |
| Verified | No | No |
| Deployment type | On-Premises | Hybrid |
| Company size fit | SMB, Mid-Market, Enterprise | SMB, Mid-Market, Enterprise |
| GitHub stars | 232 | – |
| Last commit | Oct 2025 | – |
| Company | – | Lockbits |
| Headquarters | – | – |

### Use cases and capabilities

| | AppLocker Guidance | ESET PROTECT |
|---|---|---|
| AppLocker | Yes | – |
| Security Hardening | Yes | – |
| Configuration Management | Yes | – |
| Policy | Yes | – |
| Windows | Yes | – |
| Windows Security | Yes | Yes |
| Whitelist | Yes | – |
| Active Directory | Yes | – |
| Ransomware Prevention | – | Yes |
| Sandbox | – | Yes |
| Encryption | – | Yes |
| Botnet | – | Yes |
| Network Protection | – | Yes |
| Zero Day | – | Yes |
| Rootkit | – | Yes |

### Core features

**AppLocker Guidance**

No features listed.

**ESET PROTECT**

10 features listed. Sign in on the page to see them.

## Which one fits you

Based on what each listing shows: deployment, company size, price and open source.

- [AppLocker Guidance](https://cybersectools.com/tools/applocker-guidance) fits if you need to run it on your own servers, you need a free product and you want an open-source product.
- [ESET PROTECT](https://cybersectools.com/tools/eset-protect) fits if you need both cloud and on-premises options.

## AppLocker Guidance vs ESET PROTECT FAQ

Common questions when comparing AppLocker Guidance vs ESET PROTECT for endpoint protection platform.

### What is the difference between AppLocker Guidance and ESET PROTECT?

**AppLocker Guidance**: A repository containing scripts and configuration files to help administrators implement Microsoft AppLocker for application whitelisting based on NSA security guidelines.

**ESET PROTECT**: Multi-tier endpoint protection platform with EDR, sandboxing. Built by Lockbits.

The table above shows where their features, integrations, deployment and company size fit differ.

### Who makes AppLocker Guidance and ESET PROTECT?

**AppLocker Guidance** is open-source with 232 GitHub stars. **ESET PROTECT** is made by Lockbits. The vendor behind a product decides its roadmap, support, and longevity, so check each company's profile before you commit.

### Is AppLocker Guidance a good alternative to ESET PROTECT?

Often, yes. AppLocker Guidance and ESET PROTECT are both Endpoint Protection Platform products, and both cover Windows Security. Key differences: AppLocker Guidance is Free while ESET PROTECT is Commercial, AppLocker Guidance is open-source. Use the table above to see where features, deployment and company size fit differ.

## Related comparisons

- [AppLocker Guidance vs Bkav Pro](https://cybersectools.com/compare/applocker-guidance-vs-bkav-pro)
- [AppLocker Guidance vs OnSystem Logic OnSystem Defender](https://cybersectools.com/compare/applocker-guidance-vs-onsystem-logic-onsystem-defender)
- [AppLocker Guidance vs Cyemptive ZeroStrike](https://cybersectools.com/compare/applocker-guidance-vs-cyemptive-zerostrike)
- [ESET PROTECT vs Bkav Pro](https://cybersectools.com/compare/bkav-pro-vs-eset-protect)
- [ESET PROTECT vs OnSystem Logic OnSystem Defender](https://cybersectools.com/compare/eset-protect-vs-onsystem-logic-onsystem-defender)
- [ESET PROTECT vs Cyemptive ZeroStrike](https://cybersectools.com/compare/cyemptive-zerostrike-vs-eset-protect)

## Alternatives to each

- [See all AppLocker Guidance alternatives](https://cybersectools.com/alternatives/applocker-guidance)
- [See all ESET PROTECT alternatives](https://cybersectools.com/alternatives/eset-protect)

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Source: https://cybersectools.com/compare/applocker-guidance-vs-eset-protect

For AI agents: each product above has its own Markdown page (add .md to its URL, for example https://cybersectools.com/tools/applocker-guidance.md). Every CybersecTools shortlist is listed at https://cybersectools.com/shortlists.md.

More on AppLocker Guidance and ESET PROTECT: funding, momentum, hiring and news, plus the full product and company record, are available through the Mandos MCP Server (paid plans), which connects to AI assistants: https://mandos.io/mcp?utm_source=cybersectools.com&utm_medium=compare-md