ESET PROTECT is a commercial endpoint protection platform solution by Lockbits. Hardentools is a free endpoint protection platform solution. Features, integrations, deployment and the company behind each one, side by side.
Multi-tier endpoint protection platform with EDR, sandboxing
A Windows security hardening tool that disables potentially dangerous features in Windows 10/11 and common applications to reduce attack surface for individual users.
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Based on what each listing shows: deployment, company size, price and open source.
ESET PROTECT fits if you need both cloud and on-premises options and you are a small business or a mid-market company or an enterprise.
Hardentools fits if you need to run it on your own servers, you are a startup, you need a free product and you want an open-source product.
Common questions when comparing ESET PROTECT vs Hardentools for endpoint protection platform.
ESET PROTECT: Multi-tier endpoint protection platform with EDR, sandboxing. Built by Lockbits.
Hardentools: A Windows security hardening tool that disables potentially dangerous features in Windows 10/11 and common applications to reduce attack surface for individual users.
The table above shows where their features, integrations, deployment and company size fit differ.
ESET PROTECT is made by Lockbits. Hardentools is open-source with 3,042 GitHub stars. The vendor behind a product decides its roadmap, support, and longevity, so check each company's profile before you commit.
Often, yes. ESET PROTECT and Hardentools are both Endpoint Protection Platform products, and both cover Windows Security. Key differences: ESET PROTECT is Commercial while Hardentools is Free, Hardentools is open-source. Use the table above to see where features, deployment and company size fit differ.
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Updated 2026-11-01
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