Choose ESET or Kroll
Choose ESET if
- SMBs with 25-500 devices that want managed detection without meeting 200+ endpoint minimums
- Organizations already running ESET endpoint protection that want to add managed services on top
- European or global organizations that need multi-language support (30+ languages) and GDPR-aligned operations
Choose Kroll if
- Organizations wanting IR expertise built into MDR with 3,000+ annual cases feeding detection
- Enterprises needing full threat eradication including forensics and root cause analysis
- Regulated industries needing compliance reporting, IR pedigree, and included $1M breach warranty
- You need Identity and Network coverage included in base pricing
- Breach warranty matters to you (Kroll offers one, ESET does not)
What’s actually different
Buyer brief
Fit. ESET is a Platform vendor that requires its own security platform. Kroll is a Services firm that works with your existing tools. ESET targets SMB, Mid-market, and Enterprise organizations; Kroll serves SMB, Mid-market, and Enterprise. ESET includes 3 attack surfaces in base pricing (Endpoint, Cloud, SaaS), compared to 5 for Kroll (Endpoint, Cloud, SaaS, Identity, Network).
FAQ
What is the main difference between ESET and Kroll?
ESET is a Platform vendor that is platform-native (requires their own security stack). Kroll is a Services firm that is technology-agnostic (works with your existing tools). ESET covers 3 attack surfaces in base pricing vs. 5 for Kroll.
How do ESET and Kroll differ in response capabilities?
ESET supports 6 autonomous actions (endpoint isolation, process termination, network containment, account disable, file quarantine, custom playbooks) and approval is configurable. Kroll supports 6 autonomous actions (endpoint isolation, process termination, network containment, account disable, file quarantine, custom playbooks) and approval is configurable.
How does ESET pricing compare to Kroll?
ESET pricing: Not published, custom-quoted based on environment and device count with volume discounts (25-seat minimum). Kroll pricing: Not publicly disclosed. Unverified field estimates suggest $30K-$200K+/year depending on scope.. Watch for with ESET: Requires ESET PROTECT Enterprise or Elite subscription as the base, which is a separate cost from MDR itself; MDR Ultimate pricing is significantly higher than standard MDR, but the exact gap is not published. Watch for with Kroll: CrowdStrike Falcon Complete migration (Dec 2025) increases platform dependency, customers wanting vendor-agnostic EDR lose that flexibility; Named TAM support (vs. Shared TAM) likely incurs additional cost, cost delta not disclosed.