# ESET PROTECT vs Malwarebytes Student Protection Program: 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). [Malwarebytes Student Protection Program](https://cybersectools.com/tools/malwarebytes-student-protection-program) is a free [endpoint protection platform](https://cybersectools.com/categories/epp) solution by [Malwarebytes](https://cybersectools.com/companies/malwarebytes). Features, integrations, deployment and the company behind each one, side by side.

## Side-by-side comparison

| | ESET PROTECT | Malwarebytes Student Protection Program |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing model | Commercial | Free |
| Category | Endpoint Protection Platform | Endpoint Protection Platform |
| Verified | No | No |
| Deployment type | Hybrid | Cloud |
| Company size fit | SMB, Mid-Market, Enterprise | Startup |
| Company | Lockbits | Malwarebytes |
| Headquarters | – | – |

### Use cases and capabilities

| | ESET PROTECT | Malwarebytes Student Protection Program |
|---|---|---|
| Ransomware Prevention | Yes | – |
| Sandbox | Yes | – |
| Encryption | Yes | – |
| Botnet | Yes | – |
| Network Protection | Yes | – |
| Windows Security | Yes | – |
| Zero Day | Yes | – |
| Rootkit | Yes | – |
| Ransomware | – | Yes |
| Education | – | Yes |

### Core features

**ESET PROTECT**

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

**Malwarebytes Student Protection Program**

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.

- [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.
- [Malwarebytes Student Protection Program](https://cybersectools.com/tools/malwarebytes-student-protection-program) fits if you want a cloud product, you are a startup and you need a free product.

## ESET PROTECT vs Malwarebytes Student Protection Program FAQ

Common questions when comparing ESET PROTECT vs Malwarebytes Student Protection Program for endpoint protection platform.

### What is the difference between ESET PROTECT and Malwarebytes Student Protection Program?

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

**Malwarebytes Student Protection Program**: Free 2-year premium security for eligible US college students, built by Malwarebytes.

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

### Who makes ESET PROTECT and Malwarebytes Student Protection Program?

**ESET PROTECT** is made by Lockbits. **Malwarebytes Student Protection Program** is made by Malwarebytes. 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 Malwarebytes Student Protection Program?

Often, yes. ESET PROTECT and Malwarebytes Student Protection Program are both Endpoint Protection Platform products. Key differences: ESET PROTECT is Commercial while Malwarebytes Student Protection Program is Free. 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 DataSecure RDR](https://cybersectools.com/compare/datasecure-rdr-vs-eset-protect)
- [Malwarebytes Student Protection Program vs Bkav Pro](https://cybersectools.com/compare/bkav-pro-vs-malwarebytes-student-protection-program)
- [Malwarebytes Student Protection Program vs Cyemptive ZeroStrike](https://cybersectools.com/compare/cyemptive-zerostrike-vs-malwarebytes-student-protection-program)
- [Malwarebytes Student Protection Program vs DataSecure RDR](https://cybersectools.com/compare/datasecure-rdr-vs-malwarebytes-student-protection-program)

## Alternatives to each

- [See all ESET PROTECT alternatives](https://cybersectools.com/alternatives/eset-protect)
- [See all Malwarebytes Student Protection Program alternatives](https://cybersectools.com/alternatives/malwarebytes-student-protection-program)

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Source: https://cybersectools.com/compare/eset-protect-vs-malwarebytes-student-protection-program

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 Malwarebytes Student Protection Program: 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