ESET PROTECT vs Qualys: Complete Comparison (2026)
In comparing ESET PROTECT and Qualys in 2026, ESET PROTECT is the stronger choice for smbs wanting lightweight, effective endpoint security with central management due to lightweight with low system impact. Qualys excels for enterprise security teams needing comprehensive vulnerability and compliance scanning with comprehensive vulnerability management. ESET PROTECT offers Endpoint protection, Cloud sandbox, Full disk encryption starting at $21/device/yr. Qualys provides Vulnerability scanning, Compliance monitoring, Asset inventory from Custom pricing. For teams prioritizing value, ESET PROTECT delivers a hiltonsoftware Score of 74/100. ESET PROTECT and Qualys compete in the cybersecurity segment of the SaaS market, where cloud-native solutions, API integrations, and workflow automation drive enterprise and SMB adoption. Other leading cybersecurity tools include Okta, 1Password, Cloudflare. ESET PROTECT serves 400K+ orgs users globally (founded 1992) while Qualys reports 10K+ orgs active users (founded 1999).
ESET PROTECT vs Qualys at a Glance
What are the main differences between ESET PROTECT and Qualys?
ESET PROTECT and Qualys differ across ease of use, features, value, support, integrations, scalability, and learning curve. ESET PROTECT leads in 7 of 7 categories.
What are the pros and cons of ESET PROTECT vs Qualys?
Which is better, ESET PROTECT or Qualys?
After evaluating ESET PROTECT and Qualys across features, pricing, integrations, and user satisfaction, ESET PROTECT earns a higher hiltonsoftware Score of 74/100 versus Qualys at 65/100. ESET PROTECT stands out for "lightweight with low system impact" and "excellent detection rates". Qualys delivers competitive advantages in "comprehensive vulnerability management", making Qualys a viable alternative.
Neither ESET PROTECT nor Qualys offers a free plan. ESET PROTECT starts at $21/device/yr and Qualys at Custom pricing.
Bottom line: Choose ESET PROTECT for smbs wanting lightweight, effective endpoint security with central management. Choose Qualys for enterprise security teams needing comprehensive vulnerability and compliance scanning. Both ESET PROTECT and Qualys are established cybersecurity platforms.
SMBs wanting lightweight, effective endpoint security with central management.
Enterprise security teams needing comprehensive vulnerability and compliance scanning.
ESET PROTECT vs Qualys: Frequently Asked Questions
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Reviewed by Elena Kowalski, Security & Enterprise Editor. Last updated: 2026-04-24. Pricing verified: March 2026.
Read our scoring methodology to understand how the hiltonsoftware Score is calculated.