CISO Tribune

Vendor comparison · 2 companies

ESET vs WatchGuard Technologies

ESET sells cybersecurity for all business sizes and enterprise organizations. WatchGuard Technologies sells a Unified Security Platform that combines network, endpoint, identity and cloud protection, purpose-built for MSPs servicing midsize companies and SMBs. CISO Tribune files both under EDR and XDR. This page sets the two records side by side: what each sells, where it is based, who owns and funds it, the customers it names and its recent news, each fact numbered to its source.

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  • ESET
  • WatchGuard Technologies
ESET vs WatchGuard Technologies: Products, Customers and Funding Compared
ESETESET sells cybersecurity for all business sizes and enterprise organizations.eset.comWatchGuard TechnologiesWatchGuard Technologies sells a Unified Security Platform that combines network, endpoint, identity and cloud protection, purpose-built for MSPs servicing midsize companies and SMBs.watchguard.com
What it sells
  • ESET HOME Security[4]Home security plans named ESET HOME Security Premium and ESET HOME Security Ultimate.
  • ESET NOD32[1]ESET NOD32 includes limited AI security capabilities.
  • ESET Secure Authentication[7]A service from ESET with a Web Console for 2FA accounts, users and components.
  • Unified Security Platform[1][5]WatchGuard unifies network, endpoint, identity and cloud protection under one agent, one console and one AI intelligence layer.
  • Firebox M Series[9]Firebox M Series rackmount appliances provide NGFW features.
  • Endpoint Security 360[11]WatchGuard Endpoint Security 360 is an autonomous zero trust endpoint detection and response solution.
  • AuthPoint[7][12][13]WatchGuard AuthPoint provides cloud-based authentication and access to applications.
  • Total Identity Security[13]Total Identity Security combines AuthPoint MFA with Dark Web Credential Monitoring.
  • WatchGuard Cloud[1][5][7][9][13]WatchGuard Cloud is built for MSPs and gives one place to deploy, standardize, monitor and report across all customers.
  • Compliance Reporting[15]WatchGuard Compliance Reporting offers configurable compliance controls and reports for regulatory needs.
Categories
Headquarters
Not stated on its pagesSeattle, United States[4]
Founded
Not stated on its pagesNot stated on its pages
Ownership and funding
Not stated on its pagesOwned by Vector Capital since 2022[6]
Named customers
Not stated on its pagesNot stated on its pages
Recent news
Not stated on its pages
  • July 7, 2026WatchGuard Technologies appointed Vincent Hwang as Chief Product Officer, reporting to CEO Joe Smolarski.[16]
G2 and Gartner Peer Insights
  • G2: listed, seen November 10, 2026[8]
  • Gartner Peer Insights: Not stated on its pages
  • G2: Not stated on its pages
  • Gartner Peer Insights: listed, seen October 30, 2026[6]
Who it fits
Not written yetWatchGuard delivers its security to businesses exclusively through managed service provider and reseller partners. Businesses receive protection configured and managed for them by a local WatchGuard partner. WatchGuard describes its devices as suited to securing branch offices, distributed networks and large data centers. WatchGuard secure access points are described for small offices, retail locations, schools, warehouses and outdoor deployments. WatchGuard Endpoint Security 360 is described as suited to organizations and MSPs.
Last verified
November 4, 2026September 27, 2026

Where they overlap

  • ESET and WatchGuard Technologies are both filed under EDR and XDR.

Where they differ, field by field

  • ESET's primary category is Endpoint protection platforms; WatchGuard Technologies's is Firewalls and NGFW.
  • ESET is also filed under Encryption, tokenization and key management and Mobile security. WatchGuard Technologies is also filed under Identity threat detection and response and Workforce IAM and SSO.
  • ESET lists ESET HOME Security, ESET NOD32 and ESET Secure Authentication. WatchGuard Technologies lists Unified Security Platform, Firebox M Series, Endpoint Security 360, AuthPoint, Total Identity Security and 2 more.
  • WatchGuard Technologies is headquartered in Seattle, United States.
  • WatchGuard Technologies is owned by Vector Capital, since 2022.

What it sells: ESET

What ESET NOD32 does[1]
ESET NOD32 includes limited AI security capabilities, powered by the existing multilayered technologies of ESET. Essential, Premium and Ultimate plans from ESET provide advanced AI security capabilities powered by specialized AI technologies.
What ESET Secure Authentication does[7]
ESET runs ESET Secure Authentication as a service. ESET Secure Authentication has a Web Console where customers activate 2FA for their accounts and manage users and components.

What it sells: WatchGuard Technologies

What Firebox M Series does[9]
Firebox M Series rackmount appliances provide NGFW features. Firebox rackmount appliances integrate with WatchGuard Cloud and ThreatSync and offer centralized management and AI-powered XDR correlation.
What Endpoint Security 360 does[11]
WatchGuard Endpoint Security 360 is an autonomous zero trust endpoint detection and response solution that blocks unknown applications automatically and continuously monitors trusted applications for signs of compromise. WatchGuard Endpoint Security 360 provides visibility into blocked executions, compromised trusted applications and the progression of attacks across endpoints.
What AuthPoint does[7][12][13]
WatchGuard AuthPoint provides cloud-based authentication and access to applications. AuthPoint MFA supports push, passkeys, TOTP, QR codes, hardware tokens and zero trust policies. AuthPoint is managed in WatchGuard Cloud, which configures policies, synchronizes users and enforces controls from one interface.
What Total Identity Security does[13]
Total Identity Security combines AuthPoint MFA with Dark Web Credential Monitoring. WatchGuard continuously monitors workforce user credentials across dark web, deep web and breach databases using AI-driven intelligence, and can alert affected end users directly. WatchGuard Cloud lets MSPs manage MFA and credential monitoring across customer accounts.
What WatchGuard Cloud does[1][5][7][9][13]
WatchGuard Cloud is built for MSPs and gives one place to deploy, standardize, monitor and report across all customers. ThreatSync XDR is part of WatchGuard Cloud and correlates activity across WatchGuard security layers. WatchGuard Cloud provides visibility, configuration control and real-time threat monitoring so MSPs can manage network security from anywhere with an Internet connection.
What Compliance Reporting does[15]
WatchGuard Compliance Reporting offers configurable compliance controls and reports for regulatory needs. WatchGuard Compliance Reporting is integrated with WatchGuard NDR and WatchGuard SaaS, delivering over 100 AI-refined network cybersecurity controls. WatchGuard Compliance Reporting includes configurable compliance report templates for ISO-27001, NIST 800-53, NIST 171/CMMC, UK Cyber Essentials, FFIEC, CISA Ransomware Defense, Cyber Insurance Compliance and Supply Chain Compliance.

Questions about ESET and WatchGuard Technologies

What do ESET and WatchGuard Technologies sell?
ESET sells ESET HOME Security, ESET NOD32 and ESET Secure Authentication. WatchGuard Technologies sells Unified Security Platform, Firebox M Series, Endpoint Security 360, AuthPoint, Total Identity Security and 2 more.
Are ESET and WatchGuard Technologies in the same category?
They share EDR and XDR. ESET's primary category is Endpoint protection platforms and WatchGuard Technologies's is Firewalls and NGFW.
Where are ESET and WatchGuard Technologies headquartered?
WatchGuard Technologies is headquartered in Seattle, United States.
Who owns ESET and WatchGuard Technologies?
WatchGuard Technologies is owned by Vector Capital, since 2022.
Who are ESET and WatchGuard Technologies sold to?
WatchGuard delivers its security to businesses exclusively through managed service provider and reseller partners.
What have ESET and WatchGuard Technologies announced recently?
July 7, 2026: WatchGuard Technologies appointed Vincent Hwang as Chief Product Officer, reporting to CEO Joe Smolarski.

About ESET

ESET sells cybersecurity for all business sizes and enterprise organizations. ESET describes its cybersecurity as powered by 35+ years of human expertise, 11 Research and Development Centers around the globe and local customer care. ESET offers expert-led, AI-powered scam protection for digital life. ESET sells real-time antivirus protection that shields against malware, theft, AI-driven scams, phishing, ransomware and more.

Anti-Phishing from ESET shields users from scams and fake websites attempting to access sensitive information or feed them fake news. ESET uses monitoring and expert-driven detection to spot suspicious AI behavior. ESET scans AI-generated responses to block phishing, malware and scams. ESET protection covers PCs, laptops, smartphones, smart TVs and IoT devices. ESET protection includes locking and tracking of missing devices, secured access to a webcam and monitoring of microphone activity.

ESET provides Firewall, Wi-Fi and network shield features that filter unwanted content, secure access to a network and test a home router and smart devices for vulnerabilities. ESET provides a secured browser mode and safeguards screens from unwanted access. ESET offers encryption of sensitive data and photos, including files and USBs. ESET helps manage website notifications and permissions and remove metadata from images uploaded to a browser, such as capture time and location.

VPN for Router protects every device on a home network with one setup. Essential, Premium and Ultimate plans from ESET provide advanced AI security capabilities powered by specialized AI technologies. ESET NOD32 includes limited AI security capabilities, powered by the existing multilayered technologies of ESET.[4]

Proactive Identity Protection from ESET covers credit score monitoring, dark web scanning for data leaks and 24/7 recovery services. ESET dark web scanning covers thousands of websites, including those on the Dark Web, blogs and other data sources, to detect the illegal trading of personal information. Credit Report Monitoring from ESET gives instant online access to credit reports and scores from one credit bureau. Social Media Identity Monitoring from ESET monitors Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and Instagram accounts for inappropriate activity and posts that could be perceived as violent. Identity Threat Alert from ESET keeps users updated on major data breaches, identity theft incidents and new identity theft laws. Lost Wallet Assistance helps cancel and replace credit, debit and ATM cards if a wallet is lost or stolen. ESET identity recovery includes $1M insurance and restoration services from Certified Protection Experts, based in the U.S., available 24/7.

ESET sells protection of AI conversations and autonomous AI agents from threats in the AI ecosystem. ESET sells antivirus for computers, servers, mobiles and cloud VMs, with the multilayered ESET LiveSense technology applied. Firewall, web and device control from ESET secures network traffic, blocks risky websites and controls external devices. ESET LiveGuard technology is used in a cloud-based deobfuscation, sandboxing and zero day protection service. ESET offers a Vulnerability & Patch Management module. ESET offers ESET Endpoint Security for macOS, with version 10.0.2200.0 available to download.[5]

ESET runs ESET Secure Authentication as a service. ESET Secure Authentication has a Web Console where customers activate 2FA for their accounts and manage users and components.[2][6][7]

ESET on the record

Sources

ESET full record

  1. [1]ESET Cybersecurity | Enterprise, Business and Home Solutions | ESETESET · undated page, accessed November 4, 2026 · Tier A
  2. [2]Debunking five myths about business encryptionESET · eset.com · published July 9, 2025 · Tier A
  3. [3]Press releases listESET · eset.com · undated page, accessed November 4, 2026 · Tier A
  4. [4]Clarification on Australia VPN Server Availability – ESET HOME Security Premium vs Ultimate - ESET Internet Security & ESET Smart Security Premium & ESET Security Ultimate - ESET Security ForumESET Security Forum · undated page, accessed November 10, 2026 · Tier A
  5. [5]ESET Endpoint Security & macOS 27 (Golden Gate) - ESET Endpoint Products for macOS - ESET Security ForumESET Security Forum · undated page, accessed November 10, 2026 · Tier A
  6. [6]ESET PROTECT Webコンソール | ESET PROTECT | ESETオンラインヘルプESET · undated page, accessed November 10, 2026 · Tier A
  7. [7]ESET StatusESET · undated page, accessed November 10, 2026 · Tier A
  8. [8]ESET PROTECT Reviews 2026: Details, Pricing, & FeaturesG2 · undated page, accessed November 10, 2026 · Tier C

WatchGuard Technologies full record

  1. [1]watchguard.comWatchGuard Technologies · watchguard.com · undated page, accessed September 27, 2026 · Tier A
  2. [2]Watchguard launches new high performance firebox appliances secure modernWatchGuard Technologies · watchguard.com · published June 2, 2026 · Tier A
  3. [3]vectorcapital.comVector Capital · vectorcapital.com · published July 5, 2022 · Tier A
  4. [4]Dex991WatchGuard Technologies via SEC EDGAR · sec.gov · published July 25, 2006 · Tier A
  5. [5]WatchGuard | Comprehensive Cybersecurity SolutionsWatchGuard Technologies · undated page, accessed October 30, 2026 · Tier A
  6. [6]WatchGuard Reviews, Ratings & Features 2026 | Gartner Peer InsightsGartner Peer Insights · undated page, accessed October 30, 2026 · Tier C
  7. [7]Centralized Management & Visibility | WatchGuard CloudWatchGuard Technologies · undated page, accessed November 10, 2026 · Tier A
  8. [8]Managed Security Services for MSPs | WatchGuardWatchGuard Technologies · undated page, accessed November 10, 2026 · Tier A
  9. [9]Rackmount Firewall Appliances | WatchGuardWatchGuard Technologies · undated page, accessed November 10, 2026 · Tier A
  10. [10]WatchGuard Endpoint Security | AI-Powered ProtectionWatchGuard Technologies · undated page, accessed November 10, 2026 · Tier A
  11. [11]WatchGuard Endpoint Security 360 - Zero Trust EDRWatchGuard Technologies · undated page, accessed November 10, 2026 · Tier A
  12. [12]AuthPoint 30-Day Free Trial | WatchGuard Free AuthPointWatchGuard Technologies · undated page, accessed November 10, 2026 · Tier A
  13. [13]AuthPoint Total Identity Security | WatchGuardWatchGuard Technologies · undated page, accessed November 10, 2026 · Tier A
  14. [14]Secure Wireless APs for Your Business | WatchGuardWatchGuard Technologies · undated page, accessed November 10, 2026 · Tier A
  15. [15]Compliance Reporting | WatchGuardWatchGuard Technologies · undated page, accessed November 10, 2026 · Tier A
  16. [16]WatchGuard Appoints Vincent Hwang as Chief Product OfficerWatchGuard Technologies · published July 7, 2026 · Tier A

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