Choosing the right ESET PROTECT plan can make a difference
One of the most frequent questions we receive from IT managers in small and medium-sized enterprises is: what is the real difference between ESET PROTECT Entry and ESET PROTECT Advanced? And above all: which one do I need?
Both solutions are part of the ESET PROTECT range for businesses and share the same multi-layered technological foundation that has made ESET one of the most recognized cybersecurity manufacturers in the world. However, they have important differences that can be decisive depending on your company’s size, the level of risk you are exposed to, and the available budget.
In this guide, we explain without technical jargon what each plan includes, how they differ, and what type of company should choose each one.
What is ESET PROTECT Entry?
ESET PROTECT Entry is the entry-level solution in the ESET PROTECT range for businesses. It is specifically designed for small and medium-sized enterprises with up to 50-100 endpoints that need solid protection without management complexity.
It includes protection for Windows, macOS, and Linux computers as well as Windows file servers. Android and iOS mobile devices can be protected by purchasing separate licenses; in Advanced, they are included (2 per license). Everything is managed from a single administration console available both in the cloud and on-premises (on-premises), with no additional cost.
What does ESET PROTECT Entry protect?
- Desktop and laptop computers (Windows, macOS, Linux)
- Mobile devices (Android and iOS), with separate licensing
- Windows file servers
Key features of Entry
- Multi-layered protection: combines machine learning, behavioral analysis, and a real-time reputation database
- Ransomware Shield: blocks ransomware attacks before they encrypt files
- ESET PROTECT administration console: centralized management of all devices from a single dashboard
- Automatic updates: without manual intervention by the administrator
- Low resource consumption: does not slow down workstations
What is ESET PROTECT Advanced?
ESET PROTECT Advanced includes everything Entry offers and adds an extra layer of protection aimed at more sophisticated threats. It is the recommended option for companies handling sensitive data, having greater exposure to cyberattacks, or operating in regulated sectors.
The key difference lies in two features not included in Entry: the cloud sandbox (ESET LiveGuard Advanced) and Full Disk Encryption.
What does Advance add compared to Entry?
- ESET LiveGuard Advanced (cloud sandbox): analyzes suspicious files in an isolated environment before executing them on company devices. Especially effective against zero-day threats and previously unseen malware.
- Full Disk Encryption: encrypts the entire content of hard drives to protect data in case of device loss or theft. Manages and monitors BitLocker (Windows) and FileVault (macOS) from the ESET PROTECT console.
Important note: email and Microsoft 365 (Exchange Online, Teams, OneDrive, SharePoint) protection is not included in Advanced — it is an exclusive feature of ESET PROTECT Complete.
Comparative table: Entry vs Advanced
| Feature | ESET PROTECT Entry | ESET PROTECT Advanced |
|---|---|---|
| Endpoint protection (Windows, Mac, Linux) | ✅ | ✅ |
| Mobile protection (Android/iOS) | Separate license | ✅ Included (2 mobiles per license) |
| File server security | ✅ | ✅ |
| Administration console (cloud + on-premises) | ✅ | ✅ |
| Ransomware Shield | ✅ | ✅ |
| Cloud sandbox (LiveGuard Advanced) | ❌ | ✅ |
| Full Disk Encryption | ❌ | ✅ |
| Microsoft 365 / email protection (only in Complete) | ❌ | ❌ |
| Price from (annual license, 5 endpoints) | 37,05 €/endpoint/year | 48,17 €/endpoint/year |
| Buy Entry | Buy Advanced |
When to choose ESET PROTECT Entry?
ESET PROTECT Entry is the right option if your company meets any of these conditions:
- You have fewer than 25 employees and the IT budget is tight
- The level of exposure to threats is low: standard web browsing, with no access to particularly sensitive third-party data
- You do not have legal requirements for data encryption (standard GDPR, without financial, healthcare, or defense sectors)
- You are looking for solid and easy-to-manage protection without the need for a dedicated IT team
Ideal company example for Entry: a 10-person advisory firm with Windows devices and a local file server, needing reliable protection against viruses and ransomware without management complexity.
When to choose ESET PROTECT Advanced?
The additional investment in Advanced is justified when:
- Employees work remotely or use laptops that could be lost or stolen: disk encryption is essential to comply with GDPR in case of an incident
- You operate in sectors with sensitive data: healthcare, finance, legal, engineering, education with minors’ data
- You have suffered from or are concerned about zero-day attacks: the cloud sandbox analyzes unknown files before they reach the endpoint
- You have a contractual or legal obligation to demonstrate that data is encrypted at rest
Do you use Microsoft 365? If you need to protect email in Exchange Online, Teams, OneDrive, or SharePoint, the appropriate solution is ESET PROTECT Complete, which includes ESET Cloud Office Security.
Ideal company example for Advanced: a 20-person law firm with laptops containing confidential client documentation and working remotely, without the need to protect email in the cloud.
Price difference: is the jump worth it?
The difference between Entry and Advanced is 11,12 € per endpoint and year (from 37,05 € a 48,17 € with 5 seats). For a company of 20 employees, with the volume price (31,54 € y 41,04 €), the additional annual cost is approximately 190 € per year.
Compared to the average cost of a ransomware incident in a Spanish SME (estimated at €35,000–€50,000 between business downtime, recovery, and potential GDPR fines), the additional investment in Advanced is marginal for businesses that truly need it.
If you are unsure about what level of protection your company needs, our team offers free, no-obligation pre-sales advice. We can analyze your IT environment and recommend the most suitable solution.
What about ESET PROTECT Complete?
If after reading this comparison you still need more coverage — especially if you use Microsoft 365 — there is a third level: ESET PROTECT Complete.
Complete adds to everything above:
- ESET Cloud Office Security: protection for email in Exchange Online, files in OneDrive and SharePoint, and conversations in Teams
- Mail Security for Exchange on-premises: protection for your own mail server
- Vulnerability and patch management: automated detection and patching of outdated software
We explain this in detail in the comparison between ESET PROTECT Advanced and Complete.
Frequently asked questions about ESET PROTECT Entry and Advanced
Can I start with Entry and then upgrade to Advanced?
Yes. ESET allows you to change the license level at any time. If you start with Entry and your company grows or changes tools, we can manage the upgrade to Advanced with a simple renewal.
Do licenses cover as many devices as needed?
ESET licenses are per endpoint (device). You can purchase the exact number you need, starting from 5 endpoints, and expand at any time by paying only the prorated difference.
Is Advanced’s disk encryption compatible with BitLocker?
Yes. ESET Full Disk Encryption manages and monitors Windows’ native encryption (BitLocker) and macOS (FileVault) from the ESET PROTECT console, without needing to install additional software on the devices.
Can I try ESET PROTECT Advanced before buying?
Yes, ESET offers a 30-day free trial for any of its solutions. As authorized distributors, we can activate the trial and support you throughout the evaluation process.
Does it include technical support in Spanish?
By purchasing licenses through us, as an authorized ESET distributor in Spain, you have access to technical support in Spanish and Catalan, both during implementation and ongoing use. View our support services.
Do you have questions about which plan best suits your company? Contact us — the advice is free and without obligation. We have been helping Spanish companies choose and manage their ESET cybersecurity solutions for over 15 years.
