Three products compared, plus one-time vs. subscription.
ShieldGuard, ShieldGuard EDR, and ShieldGuard NET are independent products. This page breaks down what each one does, and how a one-time purchase compares to a typical subscription-based antivirus.
ShieldGuard vs EDR vs NET: features, targets, and pricing
| Product | ShieldGuard | ShieldGuard EDR | ShieldGuard NET |
|---|---|---|---|
| Role | Detects viruses and malware in files | Detects tampering or deletion in a chosen folder | Scans your home network and router for vulnerabilities |
| Detection method | Hash, YARA, heuristics | Filesystem watchdog | Read-only port scanning and banner grabbing |
| Supported OS | Windows 10/11, Linux | Windows 10/11, Linux | Windows 10/11, Linux |
| Price (one-time) | $6.60 | $6.60 | $6.60 |
| One-time use | Not available | Not available | $1.88 (single use) |
| Best for | Ongoing antivirus protection | Noticing tampering in configs or important files | Checking your router's vulnerabilities right now |
Each product is an independent license, so you can buy only what you need. If you just want to check one file, the One-Time File Scan ($1.88) is also available.
One-time purchase vs. subscription pricing, explained
Most antivirus software is sold as an annual or monthly subscription, so the total cost keeps rising the longer you use it. ShieldGuard is a one-time $6.60 purchase with no recurring fees.
| One-time (ShieldGuard) | Typical subscription | |
|---|---|---|
| Upfront cost | $6.60 (1 product, 1 device) | Annual/monthly plans, most common |
| Ongoing cost | $0 (no recurring fees) | Charged for as long as you keep the subscription |
| Total after 1 year | $6.60 | Varies by plan, often higher |
| Renewal / cancellation | N/A (one-time purchase) | Often requires active cancellation to stop auto-renewal |
If you only need it briefly, the one-time $1.88 microservices are worth considering. If you plan to use it for a while, a one-time purchase is typically the lower total cost.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between ShieldGuard, EDR, and NET?
ShieldGuard detects viruses and malware in files. ShieldGuard EDR detects tampering or deletion in a folder you choose. ShieldGuard NET scans your home network and router for known vulnerabilities. Each is an independent product and license, so you can buy only the ones you need.
Is a one-time purchase or a subscription better value?
Most antivirus software is sold as an annual or monthly subscription, so the total cost keeps rising the longer you use it. ShieldGuard is a one-time $6.60 purchase with no recurring fees. If you plan to use it for more than a year, a one-time purchase is typically cheaper overall.
Which product should I choose if I only want to try it once?
If you just want to check a single file, use the One-Time File Scan. If you want to check your home router once, use the One-Time Router Scan. Both are available for $1.88 on the Microservices page. For ongoing use, the full one-time-purchase versions are better value.