ESET Endpoint Protection Platform vs Microsoft Forefront [EOL] comparison

ESET and Microsoft are both solutions in the Endpoint Protection Platform (EPP) category. Additionally, 91% of ESET users are willing to recommend the solution, compared to 85% of Microsoft users who would recommend it.

Comparison Buyer's Guide

Download the report

Executive Summary

We performed a comparison between ESET Endpoint Protection Platform and Microsoft Forefront [EOL] based on real PeerSpot user reviews.

Find out what your peers are saying about CrowdStrike, Microsoft, SentinelOne and others in Endpoint Protection Platform (EPP).

To learn more, read our detailed Endpoint Protection Platform (EPP) Report (Updated: June 2026).

Buyer's Guide

Endpoint Protection Platform (EPP)

June 2026

Download the complete report

Helped 900,228 peers since 2012

Review summaries and opinions

We asked business professionals to review the solutions they use. Here are some excerpts of what they said:

Categories and Ranking

Cortex XDR by Palo Alto Net...

Featured Reviews

ABHISHEK_SINGH

Senior Process Expert at A.P. Moller - Maersk

Gained full visibility and streamlined threat detection through behavior-based insights and AI integration

Initially, we got to have a lot of false positives when we onboarded, but nowadays it's quite smooth. We have fine-tuned our security policies and allowed different levels of policies to get rid of those false positives. Currently, we are getting a fairly good amount of incidents that are not false positives or benign, but actionable items. The process is streamlined. In the initial days, the operations used to get involved in a lot of benign and other activities, but now the process is streamlined. We are leveraging the auto-detection and remediation plans. The operations teams are now more involved in other business roles as well, not just looking into the logs and fetching out what's happening there. They have fixed a lot of things. Initially, they didn't have IAC code drift detection, cloud posture management, or security posture management, but they have those now. They purchased different vendors and did a merger with that. They have now Prisma Cloud that gets integrated and now they are working with Cortex Cloud. Everything that was negative has now been addressed, and the product altogether looks to be in a very better and mature shape now. Currently, it's more or less detecting the workloads with AI-based best practices. Since most organizations are consuming AI agents and other things, we are looking forward to seeing what other feature enhancements Palo Alto can support in that.

Read full review

Marko-Stojanovic

Owner at Online IT

Cloud-based protection has simplified daily client support and keeps threats under control

The problems that we are facing with policy adoption include slow adoption, as it takes more than five minutes to adopt policy on client computers. ESET Network Attack Protection sometimes helps in reducing network-level intrusions, but sometimes it prevents local devices on the network, which are well-known and good devices, from being recognized, treating them as a threat. So it requires more administration than usual. ESET could implement a good solution for remote support in ESET Endpoint Protection Platform for improvement in the future. Since you have the cloud console, ESET could have something similar to AnyDesk or TeamViewer, but from ESET.

Read full review

it_user772620

Systems Consultant at a tech services company with 501-1,000 employees

There is simplicity in the management of the product compared to its competitors

Web proxy services along with the integrated firewall VPN Intrusion prevention Malware inspection URL filtering The simplicity of managing the product compared to its competitors, like BIG-IP F5 and Citrix NetScaler The ease of deploying mobile functionality through the web proxy has…

Read full review

Quotes from Members

We asked business professionals to review the solutions they use. Here are some excerpts of what they said:

Pros

"We can use Cortex XDR to get the entire graph of the incidents from source to destination, and we can take remedial action."

"Palo Alto Networks Traps improves our security posture and lowers risk by providing next-gen methods to combat against modern threats on all the major platforms."

"Cortex is the best solution for avoiding security breaches, malware attacks, and other kinds of security issues."

"Has great threat detection capabilities."

"The most valuable features are incident creation, policy-based protection, IP whitelisting, and device encryption. These are beneficial for endpoint and server security."

"The stability of this product is very good."

"Cortex is a very good total solution on the endpoints."

"The dashboard is customizable."

More Cortex XDR by Palo Alto Networks pros

"ESET is recognized as one of the best in the security field, providing a high level of security while the ERA Web Console increases productivity because we can do all we need to do with clients from one central place with plenty of options for those clients."

"The product is good and has a good interface."

"As a technical person, I would recommend it based on its performance and the way in which it does not block you or get in the way when doing work."

"ESET provides good protection."

"ESET Endpoint Security is stable, I did not have any issues with it."

"The product offers great reporting tools"

"It is absolutely invisible once running."

"The most valuable feature of ESET Endpoint Security is the antivirus for the endpoints."

More ESET Endpoint Protection Platform pros

"It cost us approx. US$250k to set up and is roughly US$200 day to day."

"To date we have not had a virus infecting a desktop with Forefront installed - this is the main reason why we will not use another anti-virus solution."

"The snort engine, which is the muscle behind the Sourcefire IPS technology, has always been a joy for me to work with."

"Product has been enough for our customers’ requirements."

"Our ROI is that we can provision users accounts within 30 minutes of them being put into the system."

"Performance wise, it's one of the most effective anti-virus solutions we have ever used."

"It has automated the entire user and group management process, thus reducing manual work and help desk cost to a great extent."

"The simplicity of managing the product compared to its competitors, like BIG-IP F5 and Citrix NetScaler, is a valuable feature."

Cons

"The GUI could be improved. It's a little bit cumbersome. It could be more user-friendly."

"There are some false positives."

"It's more focused on network communication. If a customer wants to increase the level of protection and start working with documents, it's impossible to integrate these features into the system. It's more of a communication-oriented system than a content security-oriented system."

"It automatically detects security issues. It should be able to protect our network devices while operating autonomously."

"Cortex XDR by Palo Alto Networks could improve by offering remote management. It would be useful to look at the client's issue to fix it."

"The main issue I could point out is the offline agents and the way that it is missing."

"The technical support is not very good. I find the process difficult."

"The downside to the solution is that there are a large number of false positives."

More Cortex XDR by Palo Alto Networks cons

"They could be more aggressive with malware."

"Pricing for ESET Endpoint Security could be lower because here in Hungary, it's expensive."

"The tool needs to explore security possibilities to secure iOS and Mac devices."

"The new versions only support no operative systems in Mac and do not support operative systems."

"Its initial setup process could be more straightforward."

"Dual management for the customer, who needs to access the local on-premise console from a remote cloud-based console."

"The heuristic of ESET is not so effective in standard mode."

"I have not found the solution to be very helpful in providing endpoint security. As analysts, we need to do things fast; we rely on automation and on scripts, but I find this lacking in the solution."

More ESET Endpoint Protection Platform cons

"Web user interface from 1990s. Users laugh at it."

"The product has unfortunately reach its End-Of-Life (EOL) at Microsoft and is now replaced by several products."

"One of the biggest pain points was that username changes were not automated and caused problems."

"More out of box connectors and conducting awareness of the product along with more marketing."

"When using Forefront in a domain network, it is quite difficult to create the group policies needed for definition/engine updates using WSUS."

"Without a local Windows Update Server, the client seems to update very slowly and may take a lot of time."

"I’d personally like to see some additional customization capabilities in the reporting section."

"Pretty awful. A large initial investment with something that could have been done by one person full time over six years with less hassle."

Pricing and Cost Advice

"It is cost-effective compared to similar solutions. It fits for the small businesses through to the big businesses."

"The pricing is okay, although direct support can be expensive."

"It has a higher cost than other solutions, like CrowdStrike or Microsoft’s EDR tools, but it reduces the cost of our operations because it’s a new generation antivirus tool."

"The price of the solution is high for the license and in general."

"I am using the Community edition."

"The price was fine."

"It has reasonable pricing for the use cases it provides to the company."

"Very costly product."

More Cortex XDR by Palo Alto Networks pricing and cost advice

"The cost of the solution is hard to justify even if the EDR operates well."

"ESET is cheap."

"This is not an expensive solution."

"I think it's available for a pretty fair price. If you know how to use it, then it's a very fair price for what you get."

"The license is annually, and the price is low compared to competitors."

"Pricing for ESET Endpoint Security could be lower because here in Hungary, it's expensive."

"The solution's license is moderately priced."

"This solution is a good value for the money."

More ESET Endpoint Protection Platform pricing and cost advice

Information not available

See which vendors are best for you

Use our free recommendation engine to learn which Endpoint Protection Platform (EPP) solutions are best for your needs.

See recommendations

900,228 professionals have used our research since 2012.

Top Industries

By visitors reading reviews

Construction Company

12%

Financial Services Firm

11%

Manufacturing Company

10%

Comms Service Provider

14%

Manufacturing Company

10%

Financial Services Firm

Construction Company

No data available

Company Size

By reviewers

Large Enterprise

Midsize Enterprise

Small Business

By reviewers
Company Size	Count
Small Business	46
Midsize Enterprise	20
Large Enterprise	52

By reviewers
Company Size	Count
Small Business	69
Midsize Enterprise	18
Large Enterprise	21

By reviewers
Company Size	Count
Small Business	2
Midsize Enterprise	4
Large Enterprise	2

Questions from the Community

Cortex XDR by Palo Alto vs. Sentinel One

Cortex XDR by Palo Alto vs. SentinelOne SentinelOne offers very detailed specifics with regard to risks or attacks. ...

See all answers

Comparing CrowdStrike Falcon to Cortex XDR (Palo Alto)

Cortex XDR by Palo Alto vs. CrowdStrike Falcon Both Cortex XDR and Crowd Strike Falcon offer cloud-based solutions th...

See all answers

How is Cortex XDR compared with Microsoft Defender?

Microsoft Defender for Endpoint is a cloud-delivered endpoint security solution. The tool reduces the attack surface,...

See all answers

What is your experience regarding pricing and costs for ESET LiveGuard Advanced?

The pricing, setup cost, and licensing of ESET Endpoint Protection Platform are good with no issues. The price is ver...

See all answers

What needs improvement with ESET LiveGuard Advanced?

ESET Endpoint Protection Platform could be improved by offering integrations and user-friendly dashboards that could ...

See all answers

What is your primary use case for ESET LiveGuard Advanced?

My main use case for ESET Endpoint Protection Platform is preventing malware and preventing outside attackers. When a...

See all answers

Ask a question

Earn 20 points

Comparisons

Microsoft Defender for Endpoint vs Cortex XDR by Palo Alto Networks

Compared 10% of the time

SentinelOne Singularity Endpoint vs Cortex XDR by Palo Alto Networks

Compared 5% of the time

CrowdStrike Falcon vs Cortex XDR by Palo Alto Networks

Compared 4% of the time

Cortex XSIAM vs Cortex XDR by Palo Alto Networks

Compared 3% of the time

Symantec Endpoint Security vs Cortex XDR by Palo Alto Networks

Compared 3% of the time

More Cortex XDR by Palo Alto Networks Competitors

HP Wolf Security vs ESET Endpoint Protection Platform

Compared 4% of the time

Symantec Endpoint Security vs ESET Endpoint Protection Platform

Compared 4% of the time

WatchGuard EPDR vs ESET Endpoint Protection Platform

Compared 3% of the time

AhnLab MDS vs ESET Endpoint Protection Platform

Compared 3% of the time

Microsoft Defender for Endpoint vs ESET Endpoint Protection Platform

Compared 3% of the time

More ESET Endpoint Protection Platform Competitors

No data available

Product Reports

Buyer's Guide

Cortex XDR by Palo Alto Networks

June 2026

Download Cortex XDR by Palo Alto Networks product report

Buyer's Guide

ESET Endpoint Protection Platform

June 2026

ESET Endpoint Protection Platform report

Download ESET Endpoint Protection Platform product report

Buyer's Guide

Universal Access Gateways

May 2026

Download Microsoft Forefront [EOL] product report

Also Known As

Cyvera, Cortex XDR, Palo Alto Networks Traps

Smart Security, ESET PROTECT Advanced, ESET LiveGuard Advanced, ESET PROTECT Platform

MS Forefront [EOL]

Overview

Cortex XDR by Palo Alto Networks provides advanced threat detection with AI-driven endpoint protection and seamless integration, ensuring multi-layered security and automatic threat response.

Cortex XDR is designed to safeguard endpoints against malware and suspicious activities. It offers advanced threat detection and response capabilities using behavioral analysis, AI, and machine learning. It seamlessly integrates with security infrastructures, providing endpoint security, firewall integration, and enhanced visibility in both cloud-based and on-premises environments.

What are the key features of Cortex XDR?

Advanced Threat Detection: Uses AI and machine learning for proactive threat identification.
Multi-layered Security: Combines various security measures for comprehensive protection.
Endpoint Protection: Safeguards against malware and exploits.
Behavioral Analysis: Monitors suspicious activity for early detection.
Automatic Threat Response: Automates responses to neutralize threats.

What benefits should users expect?

Ease of Use: Simplifies security management with intuitive design.
Resource Efficiency: Minimizes impact on system resources.
Integration Capabilities: Works well with existing security setups.
Reduced Analyst Workload: Automates processes to decrease manual intervention.

Organizations in diverse sectors deploy Cortex XDR to protect against malware, leveraging its advanced threat detection capabilities. Its integration with existing security infrastructures appeals to those seeking comprehensive protection in both cloud and on-premises environments, providing enhanced visibility and threat intelligence.

Palo Alto Networks

ESET Endpoint Protection Platform offers comprehensive security with minimal CPU and RAM impact, effective malware protection, and seamless updates, making it ideal for organizations needing reliable digital security.

ESET Endpoint Protection Platform is highly regarded for its effective ThreatSense technology, advanced firewall, and central control capabilities. Users benefit from its lightweight design and efficient notification system, enjoying customizable management through its management console. Despite its strengths, there are opportunities to enhance malware repair, update processes, and AI integration. The platform's compatibility across operating systems and integration with systems like ESET PROTECT allows organizations to effectively secure endpoints and servers against threats like malware, viruses, and ransomware.

What are the key features of ESET Endpoint Protection Platform?

Minimal CPU and RAM Impact: Designed for efficient use of resources.
ThreatSense Technology: Provides reliable threat detection and response.
Advanced Firewall: Offers enhanced network security.
Central Control: Allows for organized management from a single point.
Cloud Integration: Seamlessly integrates with cloud services for expanded functionality.

What benefits should users look for in reviews?

Reliable Malware Protection: Ensures effective defense against diverse threats.
Seamless Updates: Facilitates stress-free upgrading to maintain security.
Lightweight and Efficient: Provides strong security without compromising system performance.
Customizable Management: Allows for tailored security management to suit specific needs.
Affordable Pricing: Offers value-driven pricing without compromising on protection quality.

Organizations deploy ESET Endpoint Protection Platform to safeguard laptops, desktops, and servers from cyber threats. Its use extends to antivirus protection, firewall configuration, and network monitoring. Companies often integrate it with ESET PROTECT and Apache HTTP Proxy for optimized management and updates, making it a versatile choice in industries requiring robust endpoint security.

ESET

Our agile methodology and our integration expertise brings you the best catalyst to craft solutions of exceptional quality and distinctive success.

Microsoft

Sample Customers

CBI Health Group, University Honda, VakifBank

ERSTE Group Bank, Miller Solutions, Wesleyan University, The Hospital Center of Luxembourg, Deer Valley USD, SPAR, Industrial Federal Credit Union, Honda, City Hall of Palmela, Hays CISD, Lester B Pearson School Board

EUROVIA CS, a. s., King Abdullah Bin Abdulaziz Public Education Devel, Bank Alfalah Ltd., CLEAResult, St. Lucie County Public Schools, Wiltshire Council

Buyer's Guide

Endpoint Protection Platform (EPP)

June 2026

Download Free Report

Find out what your peers are saying about CrowdStrike, Microsoft, SentinelOne and others in Endpoint Protection Platform (EPP). Updated: June 2026.

DOWNLOAD NOW

900,228 professionals have used our research since 2012.

See our list of best Endpoint Protection Platform (EPP) vendors.

We monitor all Endpoint Protection Platform (EPP) reviews to prevent fraudulent reviews and keep review quality high. We do not post reviews by company employees or direct competitors. We validate each review for authenticity via cross-reference with LinkedIn, and personal follow-up with the reviewer when necessary.