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Top 10 Best Business Anti-Virus Software of 2026

Top 10 best business anti-virus software. Protect your business – click to find top solutions.

Min-ji Park

Min-ji Park

Feb 11, 2026

10 tools comparedExpert reviewed
Independent evaluation · Unbiased commentary · Updated regularly
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In today’s digital-first business landscape, reliable anti-virus software is indispensable—protecting critical data, safeguarding against evolving threats, and preserving operational integrity. With a broad spectrum of tools available, identifying the right fit demands attention to functionality, performance, and business needs, and our curated list distills the top contenders to streamline your decision-making.

Quick Overview

  1. 1#1: CrowdStrike Falcon - AI-powered cloud-native endpoint protection platform delivering real-time threat detection, prevention, and response for businesses.
  2. 2#2: SentinelOne Singularity - Autonomous endpoint protection with AI-driven behavioral analysis for advanced threat detection and automated remediation in enterprise environments.
  3. 3#3: Microsoft Defender for Endpoint - Integrated endpoint detection and response solution with cloud-delivered protection, EDR, and attack surface reduction for Microsoft ecosystems.
  4. 4#4: Bitdefender GravityZone - Multi-layered business security platform combining antivirus, EDR, risk analytics, and patch management for comprehensive endpoint defense.
  5. 5#5: Sophos Intercept X - Next-generation endpoint protection with deep learning malware detection, exploit prevention, and managed threat response for businesses.
  6. 6#6: ESET PROTECT - Cloud-managed endpoint security platform offering layered antivirus, detection, and response capabilities with low system impact.
  7. 7#7: Kaspersky Endpoint Security - Advanced endpoint protection for businesses with antivirus, EDR, encryption, and vulnerability assessment in a single console.
  8. 8#8: Trend Micro Apex One - Enterprise endpoint protection platform with AI-enhanced detection, behavior monitoring, and integrated XDR for scalable business security.
  9. 9#9: McAfee Endpoint Security - Comprehensive business antivirus solution featuring adaptive threat protection, machine learning, and centralized management for endpoints.
  10. 10#10: Malwarebytes Nebula - Cloud-based endpoint protection and remediation platform focused on malware removal, ransomware rollback, and real-time monitoring for SMBs.

We ranked these solutions through rigorous evaluation of technical innovation, real-world threat detection efficacy, ease of management, and overall value, ensuring each entry represents a blend of advanced capabilities and practical usability.

Comparison Table

In the complicated digital world, strong business anti-virus software is key to safeguarding data and systems. This comparison table looks at leading tools like CrowdStrike Falcon, SentinelOne Singularity, and Microsoft Defender for Endpoint, analyzing features such as threat detection and performance. Readers will learn which software aligns best with their organization's security needs.

AI-powered cloud-native endpoint protection platform delivering real-time threat detection, prevention, and response for businesses.

Features
9.9/10
Ease
8.4/10
Value
8.2/10

Autonomous endpoint protection with AI-driven behavioral analysis for advanced threat detection and automated remediation in enterprise environments.

Features
9.7/10
Ease
9.0/10
Value
8.8/10

Integrated endpoint detection and response solution with cloud-delivered protection, EDR, and attack surface reduction for Microsoft ecosystems.

Features
9.5/10
Ease
8.7/10
Value
9.0/10

Multi-layered business security platform combining antivirus, EDR, risk analytics, and patch management for comprehensive endpoint defense.

Features
9.5/10
Ease
8.8/10
Value
8.5/10

Next-generation endpoint protection with deep learning malware detection, exploit prevention, and managed threat response for businesses.

Features
9.2/10
Ease
8.5/10
Value
8.0/10

Cloud-managed endpoint security platform offering layered antivirus, detection, and response capabilities with low system impact.

Features
8.7/10
Ease
7.9/10
Value
8.6/10

Advanced endpoint protection for businesses with antivirus, EDR, encryption, and vulnerability assessment in a single console.

Features
9.0/10
Ease
7.5/10
Value
8.0/10

Enterprise endpoint protection platform with AI-enhanced detection, behavior monitoring, and integrated XDR for scalable business security.

Features
8.7/10
Ease
8.3/10
Value
8.0/10

Comprehensive business antivirus solution featuring adaptive threat protection, machine learning, and centralized management for endpoints.

Features
8.7/10
Ease
7.6/10
Value
7.8/10

Cloud-based endpoint protection and remediation platform focused on malware removal, ransomware rollback, and real-time monitoring for SMBs.

Features
7.4/10
Ease
8.7/10
Value
7.2/10
1
CrowdStrike Falcon logo

CrowdStrike Falcon

enterprise

AI-powered cloud-native endpoint protection platform delivering real-time threat detection, prevention, and response for businesses.

Overall Rating9.7/10
Features
9.9/10
Ease of Use
8.4/10
Value
8.2/10
Standout Feature

Falcon OverWatch: 24/7 human-led threat hunting with AI augmentation for proactive breach prevention

CrowdStrike Falcon is a cloud-native endpoint detection and response (EDR) platform designed for businesses, offering advanced threat prevention, detection, and automated response beyond traditional antivirus. It uses AI-driven behavioral analysis and machine learning to identify and stop sophisticated attacks in real-time across endpoints, cloud workloads, and identities. The unified Falcon console provides comprehensive visibility and management, backed by 24/7 expert threat hunting through Falcon OverWatch.

Pros

  • Unmatched threat detection rates in independent tests like MITRE ATT&CK evaluations
  • Lightweight single agent with minimal performance impact
  • Integrated managed detection and response (MDR) via Falcon OverWatch

Cons

  • Premium pricing that may be prohibitive for small businesses
  • Complex setup and management requiring skilled IT/security teams
  • Relies on cloud connectivity for optimal functionality

Best For

Mid-to-large enterprises needing top-tier, proactive endpoint security with expert-managed threat hunting.

Pricing

Quote-based subscription starting at ~$60/endpoint/year for core prevention, scaling to $150+ with full modules like EDR and MDR.

2
SentinelOne Singularity logo

SentinelOne Singularity

enterprise

Autonomous endpoint protection with AI-driven behavioral analysis for advanced threat detection and automated remediation in enterprise environments.

Overall Rating9.4/10
Features
9.7/10
Ease of Use
9.0/10
Value
8.8/10
Standout Feature

AI-powered autonomous rollback that automatically restores endpoints from ransomware and other attacks

SentinelOne Singularity is an AI-powered endpoint protection platform (EPP) and extended detection and response (XDR) solution designed for businesses, offering autonomous prevention, detection, and remediation of sophisticated threats like ransomware and zero-days. It leverages behavioral AI to analyze and stop attacks in real-time without signature-based detection, while providing rollback capabilities to restore systems post-attack. The unified console enables centralized management, threat hunting, and integration with broader security ecosystems for enterprise-scale deployment.

Pros

  • Autonomous AI-driven threat prevention and response
  • Ransomware rollback to pre-attack states
  • Scalable XDR with deep visibility and integrations

Cons

  • Premium pricing requires custom quotes
  • Advanced features have a learning curve
  • Overkill for very small businesses

Best For

Mid-to-large enterprises needing autonomous, next-gen endpoint security with automated remediation.

Pricing

Quote-based enterprise pricing, typically $50-120 per endpoint/year depending on tier (Control, Complete, Core).

3
Microsoft Defender for Endpoint logo

Microsoft Defender for Endpoint

enterprise

Integrated endpoint detection and response solution with cloud-delivered protection, EDR, and attack surface reduction for Microsoft ecosystems.

Overall Rating9.2/10
Features
9.5/10
Ease of Use
8.7/10
Value
9.0/10
Standout Feature

AI-driven automated investigation and remediation that reduces alert fatigue by up to 90%

Microsoft Defender for Endpoint is an enterprise-grade endpoint security platform that combines next-generation antivirus, endpoint detection and response (EDR), and automated investigation capabilities to protect business devices from advanced threats like malware, ransomware, and zero-days. It leverages cloud-based AI and behavioral analytics for real-time threat detection and response, supporting Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android endpoints. Integrated deeply with the Microsoft 365 security ecosystem, it enables centralized management through Microsoft Defender portal, making it ideal for IT teams handling large-scale deployments.

Pros

  • Exceptional EDR capabilities with automated investigation and response
  • Seamless integration with Microsoft 365 and Azure for unified security
  • High detection efficacy validated by independent tests like AV-Comparatives and MITRE ATT&CK

Cons

  • Steeper learning curve for admins outside the Microsoft ecosystem
  • Higher endpoint resource consumption compared to lighter AV solutions
  • Limited flexibility for non-Microsoft environments without additional integrations

Best For

Mid-sized to large enterprises heavily invested in Microsoft 365 seeking comprehensive endpoint protection.

Pricing

Standalone pricing starts at $5.20/user/month (Plan 1) or $7.20/user/month (Plan 2); included in Microsoft 365 E5 plans (~$57/user/month).

4
Bitdefender GravityZone logo

Bitdefender GravityZone

enterprise

Multi-layered business security platform combining antivirus, EDR, risk analytics, and patch management for comprehensive endpoint defense.

Overall Rating9.2/10
Features
9.5/10
Ease of Use
8.8/10
Value
8.5/10
Standout Feature

GravityZone Risk Analytics for proactive identification of risky applications, behaviors, and configurations

Bitdefender GravityZone is a cloud-managed endpoint security platform designed for businesses, offering multi-layered protection including antivirus, anti-ransomware, EDR, and patch management through a single lightweight agent. It provides centralized control via the GravityZone Control Center, enabling scalable deployment across physical, virtual, mobile, and cloud environments. Renowned for its high detection rates in independent tests, it emphasizes risk analytics to proactively identify vulnerabilities and risky behaviors.

Pros

  • Exceptional malware detection rates, consistently topping AV-Test and AV-Comparatives
  • Lightweight single agent with minimal performance impact
  • Comprehensive centralized management console for multi-platform support

Cons

  • Premium tiers can be expensive for small businesses
  • Advanced features have a learning curve for non-experts
  • Occasional false positives in behavioral detection

Best For

Mid-sized to large enterprises needing scalable, analytics-driven endpoint protection with strong third-party test performance.

Pricing

Starts at ~$15/user/year for basic endpoint security, scaling to $40+ for full EDR and enterprise suites; custom quotes for volume licensing.

Visit Bitdefender GravityZonebitdefender.com/business
5
Sophos Intercept X logo

Sophos Intercept X

enterprise

Next-generation endpoint protection with deep learning malware detection, exploit prevention, and managed threat response for businesses.

Overall Rating8.7/10
Features
9.2/10
Ease of Use
8.5/10
Value
8.0/10
Standout Feature

Exploit Prevention that blocks zero-day attacks by stopping malicious code execution techniques before they compromise systems

Sophos Intercept X is a next-generation endpoint detection and response (EDR) solution designed for businesses, combining deep learning AI-powered antivirus, exploit prevention, and ransomware protection to combat advanced threats. It integrates with Sophos Central for cloud-based management, offering visibility across endpoints, servers, and mobile devices. The platform also provides optional Managed Detection and Response (MDR) services for proactive threat hunting and response.

Pros

  • Exceptional ransomware protection via CryptoGuard rollback technology
  • High detection rates with deep learning AI and exploit prevention
  • Seamless integration with Sophos XDR for broader ecosystem visibility

Cons

  • Pricing can escalate with advanced features and MDR add-ons
  • Resource usage may impact performance on lower-end hardware
  • Advanced configuration requires some expertise

Best For

Mid-sized businesses needing robust endpoint protection with managed threat response options.

Pricing

Starts at ~$40/endpoint/year for Intercept X basic; Advanced editions ~$55-70/endpoint/year; enterprise quotes required for MDR bundles.

6
ESET PROTECT logo

ESET PROTECT

enterprise

Cloud-managed endpoint security platform offering layered antivirus, detection, and response capabilities with low system impact.

Overall Rating8.4/10
Features
8.7/10
Ease of Use
7.9/10
Value
8.6/10
Standout Feature

LiveGrid cloud sandbox for instant analysis of unknown threats

ESET PROTECT is a centralized management platform for ESET's business endpoint security solutions, enabling IT admins to deploy, monitor, and manage antivirus protection across Windows, macOS, Linux, and mobile devices. It offers multi-layered defenses including real-time malware scanning, ransomware protection, network threat blocking, and exploit prevention. The platform supports both cloud-based and on-premise deployments, making it scalable for small to large enterprises.

Pros

  • Superior malware detection with low false positives
  • Minimal system performance impact
  • Flexible cloud or on-premise management

Cons

  • User interface feels dated compared to competitors
  • Limited native EDR capabilities without add-ons
  • Initial setup can be complex for non-experts

Best For

Small to medium-sized businesses needing lightweight, reliable endpoint security without excessive resource demands.

Pricing

Starts at $32 per endpoint/year for basic protection; advanced bundles up to $60 per endpoint/year, with volume discounts.

7
Kaspersky Endpoint Security logo

Kaspersky Endpoint Security

enterprise

Advanced endpoint protection for businesses with antivirus, EDR, encryption, and vulnerability assessment in a single console.

Overall Rating8.2/10
Features
9.0/10
Ease of Use
7.5/10
Value
8.0/10
Standout Feature

Kaspersky Security Network: Cloud-based threat intelligence from over 1 billion daily checks for proactive, real-time global threat data.

Kaspersky Endpoint Security is a comprehensive business antivirus solution designed to protect endpoints such as PCs, servers, mobile devices, and virtual environments from malware, ransomware, and advanced threats. It leverages machine learning, behavioral analysis, and the Kaspersky Security Network for real-time threat intelligence and detection. Centralized management via Kaspersky Security Center allows for scalable deployment, policy enforcement, and reporting across enterprises.

Pros

  • Exceptional malware detection rates in independent lab tests (AV-Test, AV-Comparatives)
  • Low system performance impact with advanced EDR and behavioral monitoring
  • Integrated vulnerability assessment and patch management for comprehensive security

Cons

  • Geopolitical concerns due to Russian origins leading to distrust in some regions
  • Complex management console with a steep learning curve for smaller IT teams
  • Pricing can be higher compared to competitors for basic small-business needs

Best For

Mid-to-large enterprises requiring robust, scalable endpoint protection with advanced threat response capabilities.

Pricing

Subscription-based starting at around $28 per endpoint/year for core protection, scaling with features, devices, and volume discounts for enterprises.

Visit Kaspersky Endpoint Securitykaspersky.com/business-security
8
Trend Micro Apex One logo

Trend Micro Apex One

enterprise

Enterprise endpoint protection platform with AI-enhanced detection, behavior monitoring, and integrated XDR for scalable business security.

Overall Rating8.4/10
Features
8.7/10
Ease of Use
8.3/10
Value
8.0/10
Standout Feature

Integrated machine learning behavior analysis with ransomware protection and rollback

Trend Micro Apex One is a comprehensive endpoint security solution for businesses, providing multi-layered protection against viruses, malware, ransomware, and advanced threats through antivirus, behavior monitoring, and machine learning. It features centralized management via a single console, supporting both on-premises and cloud deployments for scalability across endpoints. The platform includes vulnerability protection, exploit defense, and integration with Trend Micro's XDR ecosystem for enhanced threat visibility and response.

Pros

  • Strong multi-layered defense including EDR and ransomware rollback
  • Intuitive centralized console for policy management
  • Minimal performance impact on endpoints

Cons

  • Pricing can be steep for small businesses without volume discounts
  • Steeper learning curve for advanced features
  • Occasional false positives in behavior monitoring

Best For

Mid-sized enterprises needing scalable, feature-rich endpoint protection with XDR integration.

Pricing

Subscription-based, typically $35-55 per endpoint per year depending on volume and features; custom quotes required.

9
McAfee Endpoint Security logo

McAfee Endpoint Security

enterprise

Comprehensive business antivirus solution featuring adaptive threat protection, machine learning, and centralized management for endpoints.

Overall Rating8.1/10
Features
8.7/10
Ease of Use
7.6/10
Value
7.8/10
Standout Feature

Adaptive Threat Protection with machine learning-driven behavioral analysis for proactive threat blocking

McAfee Endpoint Security is a robust enterprise-grade antivirus solution designed to protect business endpoints from malware, ransomware, zero-day threats, and advanced persistent threats through real-time scanning and behavioral analysis. It features centralized management via ePolicy Orchestrator (ePO) or cloud-based consoles, enabling IT admins to deploy policies, monitor threats, and respond across thousands of devices. The platform includes exploit prevention, firewall controls, and web protection, making it suitable for medium to large organizations seeking layered defense.

Pros

  • Excellent malware detection rates in independent lab tests
  • Scalable centralized management for large deployments
  • Advanced features like exploit prevention and EDR capabilities

Cons

  • High CPU and memory usage impacting endpoint performance
  • Complex initial setup and management console learning curve
  • Premium pricing that may not suit small businesses

Best For

Medium to large enterprises with distributed endpoints needing comprehensive, managed threat protection.

Pricing

Subscription-based, typically $50-$100 per endpoint/year depending on features and scale; custom quotes for enterprises.

10
Malwarebytes Nebula logo

Malwarebytes Nebula

enterprise

Cloud-based endpoint protection and remediation platform focused on malware removal, ransomware rollback, and real-time monitoring for SMBs.

Overall Rating7.6/10
Features
7.4/10
Ease of Use
8.7/10
Value
7.2/10
Standout Feature

Nebula Cloud Console for browser-based, real-time endpoint management and policy deployment from anywhere

Malwarebytes Nebula is a cloud-managed endpoint security platform tailored for businesses, providing robust protection against malware, ransomware, exploits, and phishing through its lightweight agent and centralized Nebula Console. It offers real-time scanning, web protection, application control, and automated remediation to keep endpoints secure without heavy resource usage. Designed primarily for small to medium-sized businesses, it emphasizes ease of deployment and management via a browser-based interface.

Pros

  • Excellent malware detection and remediation capabilities
  • Intuitive cloud-based Nebula Console for easy management
  • Lightweight agent with minimal performance impact

Cons

  • Lacks advanced EDR and behavioral analytics compared to enterprise leaders
  • Limited customization and reporting options
  • Higher pricing for advanced tiers without full XDR features

Best For

Small and medium-sized businesses seeking straightforward, reliable endpoint protection without needing complex enterprise-grade tools.

Pricing

Starts at around $69 per endpoint per year for basic protection, with higher tiers up to $120+ per device annually; Nebula Console free for up to 500 endpoints.

Visit Malwarebytes Nebulamalwarebytes.com/business

Conclusion

The reviewed business anti-virus tools showcase diverse strengths, with CrowdStrike Falcon leading as the top choice due to its AI-powered, cloud-native design, excelling in real-time threat detection and response. SentinelOne Singularity and Microsoft Defender for Endpoint follow closely, offering autonomous protection and seamless Microsoft integration respectively, making them strong alternatives for varying business needs. Together, these tools represent the pinnacle of enterprise security, ensuring robust defense against evolving threats.

CrowdStrike Falcon logo
Our Top Pick
CrowdStrike Falcon

Don’t wait—secure your operations with CrowdStrike Falcon, the top-ranked solution combining cutting-edge AI and cloud capabilities. Evaluate your specific security requirements and explore the leading options to find the best fit for your business.