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

[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). [Hardentools](https://cybersectools.com/tools/hardentools) is a free [endpoint protection platform](https://cybersectools.com/categories/epp) solution. Features, integrations, deployment and the company behind each one, side by side.

## Side-by-side comparison

| | ESET PROTECT | Hardentools |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing model | Commercial | Free |
| Category | Endpoint Protection Platform | Endpoint Protection Platform |
| Verified | No | No |
| Deployment type | Hybrid | On-Premises |
| Company size fit | SMB, Mid-Market, Enterprise | Startup |
| GitHub stars | – | 3,042 |
| Last commit | – | Aug 2025 |
| Company | Lockbits | – |
| Headquarters | – | – |

### Use cases and capabilities

| | ESET PROTECT | Hardentools |
|---|---|---|
| Ransomware Prevention | Yes | – |
| Sandbox | Yes | – |
| Encryption | Yes | – |
| Botnet | Yes | – |
| Network Protection | Yes | – |
| Windows Security | Yes | Yes |
| Zero Day | Yes | – |
| Rootkit | Yes | – |
| Security Hardening | – | Yes |
| System Security | – | Yes |
| Security Configuration | – | Yes |
| Windows | – | Yes |
| Microsoft | – | Yes |
| Security Tools | – | Yes |

### Core features

**ESET PROTECT**

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

**Hardentools**

No features listed.

## Which one fits you

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

- [ESET PROTECT](https://cybersectools.com/tools/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](https://cybersectools.com/tools/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.

## ESET PROTECT vs Hardentools FAQ

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

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

**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.

### Who makes ESET PROTECT and Hardentools?

**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.

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

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.

## Related comparisons

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

## Alternatives to each

- [See all ESET PROTECT alternatives](https://cybersectools.com/alternatives/eset-protect)
- [See all Hardentools alternatives](https://cybersectools.com/alternatives/hardentools)

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

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

More on ESET PROTECT and Hardentools: 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