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ESET vs ThreatLocker

Updated June 2026 · A structured head-to-head comparison.

Lightweight, effective antivirus.

Application allowlisting and zero trust endpoint control

The verdict

Both ESET and ThreatLocker are credible antivirus tools, and the right pick comes down to your priorities.

Choose ESET if you want a lower starting price (from $3.33/mo). Lightweight, effective antivirus.

Choose ThreatLocker if you'd rather have a higher overall rating (4.8/5). Application allowlisting and zero trust endpoint control

ESET vs ThreatLocker: side by side

DimensionESETThreatLocker
Starting priceFrom $3.33/moWinnerCustom
Free planNoNo
Free trial30 days30 days
Pricing modelSubscriptionSubscription
Best forIndividuals, SmbSmb, Msp, It Teams
PlatformsWindows, Mac, Linux, AndroidWindows, Mac, Linux, Api
Rating4.5/54.8/5Winner

ESET key facts

Vendor
ESET
Pricing
Subscription — From $3.33/mo
Free tier
Free trial (30 days)
Platforms
Windows, Mac, Linux, Android
Best for
Individuals, Smb
Editor rating
4.5 / 5
Founded
1992
Headquarters
Bratislava, Slovakia

ThreatLocker key facts

Vendor
ThreatLocker
Pricing
Subscription — Custom
Free tier
Free trial (30 days)
Platforms
Windows, Mac, Linux, Api
Best for
Smb, Msp, It Teams
Editor rating
4.8 / 5
Founded
2017
Headquarters
Orlando, USA

Frequently asked questions

Is ESET better than ThreatLocker?

Neither is universally better — ThreatLocker edges ahead on overall rating, but the best choice depends on price, platforms, and your use case. See the side-by-side table above.

Is ESET or ThreatLocker cheaper?

ESET is the more affordable of the two to get started, at from $3.33/mo. ESET starts at from $3.33/mo; ThreatLocker starts at custom.

Can ESET replace ThreatLocker?

Yes for most teams — both are antivirus tools with heavily overlapping features. The main trade-offs are pricing and platform support, covered in the comparison above.