ESET PROTECT vs Malwarebytes
Endpoint Security pricing comparison · 2026 · Updated March 2026
ESET PROTECT pricing ranges from $42.2–$67.5/per device/year, while Malwarebytes uses custom pricing. Malwarebytes is typically 100% more affordable, though your actual cost depends on tier and team size.
Sources & confidence
Every dollar amount and contract clause below traces back to a sourced fact. We don't manufacture composite scores.
Plans at a glance
Every tier per product. Lock one to drive the cost row above and reveal a tier-specific outbound CTA.
Contract terms
The fine print, surfaced. Green = buyer-friendly. Each clause backed by a quoted source.
What users say
Aggregated, with sample sizes. We use whichever review platform has data.
ESET PROTECT and Malwarebytes are two popular endpoint security platforms particularly well-suited to small and mid-sized businesses. ESET brings decades of antivirus heritage with layered protection and a lightweight agent that doesn't slow down devices. Malwarebytes is renowned for its remediation strength and its ability to clean up infections that other tools miss, making it a common secondary scanner even when another AV is primary.
Malwarebytes for Teams starts around $69/year for up to 3 devices, scaling per device beyond that. ESET uses custom/quote-based pricing for its business PROTECT platform, though consumer plans are publicly listed.
Plan-by-Plan Pricing
| Plan | ESET PROTECT | Malwarebytes |
|---|---|---|
| PROTECT Entry | Custom | Custom |
| PROTECT Advanced | Custom | Custom |
| PROTECT Complete | Custom | Custom |
| PROTECT Elite | Custom | Custom |
Market Intelligence
ESET PROTECT
- Median annual cost
- $350
- Based on
- 3 deals
Malwarebytes
- Median annual cost
- $6,872
- Average negotiated discount
- 17%
- Based on
- 23 deals
Contract Terms
| Term | ESET PROTECT | Malwarebytes |
|---|---|---|
| Auto-renewal | — | Yes |
| Cancellation | — | — |
| Minimum commitment | Annual subscription, minimum 5 devices | — |
Continue researching
Our Verdict
Choose ESET PROTECT for comprehensive, enterprise-grade endpoint protection with a centralized management console. ESET is a strong primary security solution for businesses that want proactive threat prevention, disk encryption management, and vulnerability scanning in one platform.
Choose Malwarebytes if you need an affordable, easy-to-deploy solution for small teams, or as a complementary remediation tool alongside another endpoint security product. Malwarebytes Teams starts at $69/year for up to 3 devices, making it one of the most accessible entry points in the endpoint security market.
Frequently Asked Questions
01 What does Malwarebytes cost for a small business?
Malwarebytes for Teams starts at approximately $69/year for up to 3 devices. For larger teams, pricing scales per device and includes centralized management. Business plans with EDR capabilities are available at higher tiers.
02 Does ESET PROTECT have a free version?
ESET PROTECT does not have a free business tier, but offers a 30-day free trial. ESET offers free consumer tools (ESET Online Scanner) but business customers require a paid subscription.
03 Can I use Malwarebytes alongside another antivirus?
Yes. Malwarebytes is designed to run alongside existing antivirus solutions without conflict. Many IT teams use it as a second-opinion scanner or for post-infection remediation in addition to a primary AV platform.
04 Which has better malware removal — ESET or Malwarebytes?
Malwarebytes is widely regarded as having superior malware removal and remediation capabilities, particularly for adware, PUPs (potentially unwanted programs), and ransomware remnants. ESET has stronger proactive prevention and broader threat coverage for primary protection.
05 Which is better for remote workforce endpoints?
Both support remote endpoint management. ESET PROTECT's cloud console is well-suited for managing distributed workforces at scale. Malwarebytes Nebula (cloud console) is simpler to administer and works well for small IT teams managing remote devices without deep security expertise.