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.

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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

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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.

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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.

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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…

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Quotes from Members

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

Pros

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

"Cortex covers everything I need. It's a perfect solution. Cortex provides a different level of visibility because it's an extended EDR, allowing you to grab logs from the network and firewalls. Palo Alto invented the concept of the extended EDR or XDR."

"I like that the product has behavior-based detection which offers many benefits over signature-based detection."

"Cortex XDR can integrate the firewalls and determine the tendencies of the attacks. It's a new generation antivirus, with protection endpoints and detection response. It is very easy to use and everybody can operate the solution."

"I've found the solution to be highly scalable for enterprises."

"The level of security I get for my endpoints and servers is extremely valuable."

"The tool is designed to scale for large enterprises and handle large volumes of data."

"Previously, we had to install endpoint protection per machine and then scan and update, but Cortex XDR basically does that centrally and predictably, so we have more time to do day-to-day work rather than spend time chasing those endpoints."

More Cortex XDR by Palo Alto Networks pros

"The scalability is very good, because if you need to increase the number of systems then it is flexible and able to be scaled."

"The administration is its most valuable feature as I can see all versions in one place."

"Technical support has been very helpful and responsive."

"The dashboard is useful for management, and its cost for the features is hard to beat."

"The most valuable feature of ESET Endpoint Security is that it is light on resources. It has a very low impact on the system. It uses low memory and the setup size is very low."

"I really like the solution and how it works."

"It hasn't crashed a single time, so it is stable in that sense."

"For organizations with budget constraints that need a reliable solution, ESET Endpoint Protection Platform is an excellent choice."

More ESET Endpoint Protection Platform pros

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

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

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

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

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

"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."

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

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

Cons

"I don't like that they have different types of licenses. For example, if users select a license, they think they will have all the platforms they need to improve their network or security. But after some time, Palo Alto Networks changed their licensing, and some of the features that, for example, were free at the beginning now have a cost. I think the integration can be improved. For example, a lot of tools are just integrated through APIs."

"I would like to see improvement in the tool's user interface, particularly in the area of managing alerts and providing more reporting capabilities."

"If they had pulse rate detection, it would be better."

"The solution needs better reports. I think they should let the customer go in and customize the reports."

"The server sometimes stops continuously to check things so it would be helpful to receive access updates or technical reasons."

"Cortex XDR could improve its sales support team, including better commission structures and referral programs."

"It is not easy to sell Cortex XDR, not because it isn't a good tool. Its marketing needs to be improved."

"Limited remote connection."

More Cortex XDR by Palo Alto Networks cons

"We do get false positives."

"The solution could improve by having higher-level security and reporting."

"Sometimes, ESET sends alerts within my own network that cause confusion. That is, it might warn about contamination, or that the VM has crashed, but it doesn't go further than that. It just shows me the alert and sometimes I am not sure what to do about it."

"The adware module could be improved."

"The use of SQL Server can be improved. At times, there is a bit of challenge while linking it with the Javascript. ESET Endpoint Security requires modern technology or modern equipment on site. You will find it difficult to use ESET Endpoint Security with dual-core machines. If they can add the cloud management feature to their product, it will be much easier. If you look at this COVID situation that we are in right now, people are working from home, so you need to control the computers wherever you are. For example, if you are using any email setup and you are hosting it on your own, all the email traffic will be going through the same network. You need to protect all of your computers from the attack. It is best if you can do it remotely rather than having an IT person to come onsite to manage all computers and metrics etc, which isn't a smart way to do it."

"There are some new antivirus technologies that rely on AI, artificial intelligence. ESET does not have this technology right now."

"Its initial setup process could be more straightforward."

"The interface is good. However, it could always be better. It could be more user-friendly."

More ESET Endpoint Protection Platform cons

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Pricing and Cost Advice

"The pricing is a little high. It is per user per year."

"The tool's price is moderate."

"I feel it is fairly priced."

"We pay about $50,000 USD per year for a bundle that includes Cortex XDR."

"Traps pays for itself within the first 16 months of a three-year subscription. This is attributed to OPEX savings, as security teams spent less time trying to identify and isolate malware for analysis as a result of a reduction in malware incidents, false positives, and breach avoidance."

"It is present, but when compared to other competitive products, I would say it is not less expensive; however, when all of the other added values are considered, the price is reasonable."

"It's way too expensive, but security is expensive. You pay for your licensing, and then you pay for someone to monitor the stuff."

"Our license will require renewal in August, after which the maintenance will continue as usual."

More Cortex XDR by Palo Alto Networks pricing and cost advice

"For 200 or so users, it might cost around $10,000 or so. That is for a first-time purchase. A renewal may come in at $7,000 to $8,000, or around 20% to 30% less. This is a rough estimate of what to expect."

"ESET is cheap."

"The price of ESET Endpoint Security is in the middle range of price compared to other solutions. For example, BitDefender can be more expensive."

"The pricing is pretty good."

"The solution costs around $20 or $30 per user per year."

"The price of the solution is very good compared to other solutions."

"This is not an expensive solution."

"There is a license needed to use the solution and the price depends on the features you want to use. The overall price is reasonable."

More ESET Endpoint Protection Platform pricing and cost advice

Information not available

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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

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What needs improvement with ESET LiveGuard Advanced?

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Comparisons

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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

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