ESET PROTECT Core review

ESET PROTECT Core is the first plan in ESET's current business lineup, and it is the plan most small offices will start with. ESET's US store priced the default 10-device subscription at $549.00 for one year when we checked, and online orders run from 5 to 99 devices. That money buys more in the box than most rivals' entry tiers: next-gen antivirus for computers, servers, mobiles and cloud VMs, a firewall with web and device control, cloud sandboxing through ESET LiveGuard for zero-day files, and full disk encryption for system drives. A Plus package adds email, Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace protection for an extra fee. Everything is run from the cloud ESET PROTECT console. The tradeoff is cost per device, which is about twice Bitdefender's at the same seat count, and automated patching sits outside Core.

Who it is for

Offices with 5 to 99 devices that want a full prevention suite with encryption and sandboxing bought online.

Price

$549.00 per year for the default 10 devices on the US store (minimum 5 devices, online up to 99).

ESET PROTECT Core Solid protection for businesses that want to effectively prevent cyber threats across their devices without added complexity. Explore details – + Devices $549.00
Quoted from the vendor pricing page on November 10, 2026.

Key features

• Next-gen antivirus for computers, servers, mobiles and cloud VMs with ESET LiveSense
• Firewall, web control and device control
• Cloud sandboxing and zero-day analysis with ESET LiveGuard
• Full disk encryption for system disks and partitions
• Optional Plus package for Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace protection

Strengths and weaknesses

• Strength: Encryption and cloud sandboxing included in the entry plan
• Strength: Web and device control included rather than sold as add-ons
• Strength: Covers servers and mobiles in the same license
• Weakness: Costs more per device than Bitdefender or Avast at 10 seats
• Weakness: Online purchase starts at 5 devices
• Weakness: Patching and vulnerability management need a higher plan or add-on

Key facts

• Online device range: 5 to 99
• Includes: Antivirus, firewall, web and device control, sandboxing, disk encryption
• Plus add-on: $164.00 for email and cloud app protection
• Higher plan: ESET PROTECT Premium with 24/7 MDR

Where it ranks

ESET PROTECT Core is No. 2 in our Best Antivirus for Small Business verdict.