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

[ClamAV](https://cybersectools.com/tools/clamav) is a free [endpoint protection platform](https://cybersectools.com/categories/epp) solution. [ESET PROTECT](https://cybersectools.com/tools/eset-business-security) is a commercial [endpoint protection platform](https://cybersectools.com/categories/epp) solution by [ESET](https://cybersectools.com/companies/eset). Features, integrations, deployment and the company behind each one, side by side.

## Our take

What our shortlists say about the one we picked.

### [ESET PROTECT](https://cybersectools.com/tools/eset-business-security)

Best for: Smaller teams wanting a light agent

Its place on the list comes from fit with smaller IT teams, because it plugs into the RMM platforms that IT staff and service providers already use. Its size fit runs from startups to enterprise, and you can keep the console on premises if your policy needs that. Check which add-ons you need, since encryption and multi-factor authentication come separately.

From [Best Endpoint Security Solutions for Business](https://cybersectools.com/shortlists/best-endpoint-security-solutions), Fall 2026.

Reviewed by [Nika (Nikoloz) Kokhreidze](https://cybersectools.com/about).

## Side-by-side comparison

| | ClamAV | ESET PROTECT |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing model | Free | Commercial |
| Category | Endpoint Protection Platform | Endpoint Protection Platform |
| Verified | No | No |
| Deployment type | On-Premises | Hybrid |
| Company size fit | Startup, SMB, Mid-Market, Enterprise | Startup, SMB, Mid-Market, Enterprise |
| Company | – | ESET |
| Headquarters | – | – |

### Use cases and capabilities

| | ClamAV | ESET PROTECT |
|---|---|---|
| Open Source | Yes | – |
| Security Tools | Yes | – |
| Ransomware Prevention | – | Yes |

### Core features

**ClamAV**

No features listed.

**ESET PROTECT**

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

### Integrations

**ClamAV**

No integrations listed.

**ESET PROTECT**

17 integrations 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.

- [ClamAV](https://cybersectools.com/tools/clamav) fits if you need to run it on your own servers and you need a free product.
- [ESET PROTECT](https://cybersectools.com/tools/eset-business-security) fits if you need both cloud and on-premises options.

## ClamAV vs ESET PROTECT FAQ

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

### What is the difference between ClamAV and ESET PROTECT?

**ClamAV**: ClamAV is an open-source antivirus engine that detects trojans, viruses, malware, and other malicious threats.

**ESET PROTECT**: Cloud-managed endpoint protection, detection and response for businesses. Built by ESET.

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

### Is ClamAV a good alternative to ESET PROTECT?

Often, yes. ClamAV and ESET PROTECT are both Endpoint Protection Platform products. Key differences: ClamAV is Free while ESET PROTECT is Commercial. Use the table above to see where features, deployment and company size fit differ.

## Related comparisons

- [ClamAV vs Comodo Advanced Endpoint Protection](https://cybersectools.com/compare/clamav-vs-comodo-advanced-endpoint-protection)
- [ClamAV vs Bitdefender GravityZone Small Business Security](https://cybersectools.com/compare/bitdefender-gravityzone-small-business-security-vs-clamav)
- [ClamAV vs Bitdefender GravityZone Business Security](https://cybersectools.com/compare/bitdefender-gravityzone-business-security-vs-clamav)
- [ESET PROTECT vs Comodo Advanced Endpoint Protection](https://cybersectools.com/compare/comodo-advanced-endpoint-protection-vs-eset-business-security)
- [ESET PROTECT vs Bitdefender GravityZone Small Business Security](https://cybersectools.com/compare/bitdefender-gravityzone-small-business-security-vs-eset-business-security)
- [ESET PROTECT vs Bitdefender GravityZone Business Security](https://cybersectools.com/compare/bitdefender-gravityzone-business-security-vs-eset-business-security)

## Alternatives to each

- [See all ClamAV alternatives](https://cybersectools.com/alternatives/clamav)
- [See all ESET PROTECT alternatives](https://cybersectools.com/alternatives/eset-business-security)

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Source: https://cybersectools.com/compare/clamav-vs-eset-business-security

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

More on ClamAV 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