---
title: "Guardian360 vs ClamAV, an honest comparison"
description: "How Guardian360 compares to ClamAV: An open-source antivirus engine used widely for mail and web gateways, a malware component, not a posture tool. See where each one fits."
url: https://guardian360.net/compare/clamav/
locale: en
source: guardian360.net
---
[Comparisons](https://guardian360.net/compare)

# Guardian360 vs ClamAV

complement ClamAV

Guardian360 works alongside ClamAV, covering ground it doesn’t. An open-source antivirus engine used widely for mail and web gateways, a malware component, not a posture tool.

What ClamAV is good at

ClamAV is a widely used open-source antivirus engine, ideal for embedding malware scanning into mail and web gateways. It is a useful component rather than a posture or compliance platform.

Side by side

## How they compare

|  | Guardian360 | ClamAV |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Origin & data residency | Netherlands, EU-only | Open-source (global) |
| Delivery model | Partner-only | None (open project) |
| Deployment | Agentless SaaS | Agent / engine on host |
| Compliance coverage | 25+ frameworks, continuously mapped | None |
| Intrusion detection | Built-in honeypots | Malware only |
| Microsoft 365 insight | Included | No |
| Ease of use | High | Manual integration |

Based on publicly available information at the time of writing. Vendors evolve quickly, always verify the latest details with each provider.

When ClamAV may fit better

Technical teams that need a free malware-scanning engine to embed in mail or web gateways.

When Guardian360 fits better

Organisations that need vulnerability scanning, compliance mapping, intrusion detection and Microsoft 365 insight, a different job entirely from a malware engine.

Common questions

## Guardian360 vs ClamAV, answered

Does Guardian360 include antivirus?

Guardian360 is not a malware engine like ClamAV; it focuses on scanning, compliance, detection and M365 insight. They address different needs.

Is ClamAV enough on its own?

For malware scanning in a gateway, it can be. For posture, compliance and intrusion detection, you would add a platform such as Guardian360.

## See it on your own environment

Run a free Quickscan, start a trial, or talk to a partner. Guardian360 is delivered exclusively through our partners.

[Run a free Quickscan](https://guardian360.net/quickscan)[Talk to a partner](https://guardian360.net/contact)