Quick Overview
- 1#1: CrowdStrike Falcon - Cloud-native endpoint protection platform delivering AI-powered threat prevention, detection, and response for businesses.
- 2#2: Microsoft Defender for Endpoint - Integrated enterprise endpoint security solution with advanced threat protection, EDR, and Microsoft 365 ecosystem integration.
- 3#3: SentinelOne Singularity - Autonomous AI-driven endpoint protection platform offering real-time threat detection, response, and rollback capabilities.
- 4#4: Bitdefender GravityZone - Layered business cybersecurity platform protecting endpoints, servers, mobile devices, and cloud workloads with risk analytics.
- 5#5: Sophos Intercept X - Next-generation endpoint protection using deep learning AI, exploit prevention, and managed threat response services.
- 6#6: Palo Alto Networks Cortex XDR - Unified extended detection and response platform correlating endpoint, network, and cloud data for enterprise threat hunting.
- 7#7: Trend Micro Apex One - Advanced endpoint protection for servers and devices with machine learning-based threat defense and XDR integration.
- 8#8: ESET PROTECT - Cloud-managed endpoint detection and response platform providing lightweight, multi-layered security for businesses.
- 9#9: Malwarebytes Endpoint Protection - Business-focused endpoint security emphasizing real-time malware prevention, remediation, and vulnerability management.
- 10#10: Cisco Secure Endpoint - Endpoint security solution with behavioral analysis, threat hunting, and integration into Cisco's secure access framework.
We ranked these tools based on factors like AI-driven threat detection accuracy, seamless integration with business environments (cloud, servers, mobile), ease of management for IT teams, and overall value, ensuring they represent the pinnacle of enterprise-grade security innovation.
Comparison Table
In today's digital business environment, reliable antivirus software is essential for protecting critical systems, and this comparison table examines top options like CrowdStrike Falcon, Microsoft Defender for Endpoint, SentinelOne Singularity, Bitdefender GravityZone, Sophos Intercept X, and more. Readers will discover key features, performance insights, deployment ease, and cost considerations to select the most suitable tool for their organizational needs.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | CrowdStrike Falcon Cloud-native endpoint protection platform delivering AI-powered threat prevention, detection, and response for businesses. | enterprise | 9.8/10 | 9.9/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.7/10 |
| 2 | Microsoft Defender for Endpoint Integrated enterprise endpoint security solution with advanced threat protection, EDR, and Microsoft 365 ecosystem integration. | enterprise | 9.3/10 | 9.6/10 | 8.8/10 | 9.1/10 |
| 3 | SentinelOne Singularity Autonomous AI-driven endpoint protection platform offering real-time threat detection, response, and rollback capabilities. | enterprise | 9.1/10 | 9.5/10 | 8.4/10 | 8.2/10 |
| 4 | Bitdefender GravityZone Layered business cybersecurity platform protecting endpoints, servers, mobile devices, and cloud workloads with risk analytics. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.3/10 | 8.4/10 |
| 5 | Sophos Intercept X Next-generation endpoint protection using deep learning AI, exploit prevention, and managed threat response services. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 9.3/10 | 8.1/10 | 8.2/10 |
| 6 | Palo Alto Networks Cortex XDR Unified extended detection and response platform correlating endpoint, network, and cloud data for enterprise threat hunting. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 9.5/10 | 7.5/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 7 | Trend Micro Apex One Advanced endpoint protection for servers and devices with machine learning-based threat defense and XDR integration. | enterprise | 8.2/10 | 8.7/10 | 8.0/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 8 | ESET PROTECT Cloud-managed endpoint detection and response platform providing lightweight, multi-layered security for businesses. | enterprise | 8.3/10 | 8.7/10 | 7.9/10 | 8.5/10 |
| 9 | Malwarebytes Endpoint Protection Business-focused endpoint security emphasizing real-time malware prevention, remediation, and vulnerability management. | enterprise | 8.1/10 | 8.0/10 | 9.0/10 | 7.7/10 |
| 10 | Cisco Secure Endpoint Endpoint security solution with behavioral analysis, threat hunting, and integration into Cisco's secure access framework. | enterprise | 8.2/10 | 9.1/10 | 7.4/10 | 7.8/10 |
Cloud-native endpoint protection platform delivering AI-powered threat prevention, detection, and response for businesses.
Integrated enterprise endpoint security solution with advanced threat protection, EDR, and Microsoft 365 ecosystem integration.
Autonomous AI-driven endpoint protection platform offering real-time threat detection, response, and rollback capabilities.
Layered business cybersecurity platform protecting endpoints, servers, mobile devices, and cloud workloads with risk analytics.
Next-generation endpoint protection using deep learning AI, exploit prevention, and managed threat response services.
Unified extended detection and response platform correlating endpoint, network, and cloud data for enterprise threat hunting.
Advanced endpoint protection for servers and devices with machine learning-based threat defense and XDR integration.
Cloud-managed endpoint detection and response platform providing lightweight, multi-layered security for businesses.
Business-focused endpoint security emphasizing real-time malware prevention, remediation, and vulnerability management.
Endpoint security solution with behavioral analysis, threat hunting, and integration into Cisco's secure access framework.
CrowdStrike Falcon
enterpriseCloud-native endpoint protection platform delivering AI-powered threat prevention, detection, and response for businesses.
AI-driven behavioral prevention via a single lightweight agent that unifies AV, EDR, and threat intelligence
CrowdStrike Falcon is a cloud-native endpoint protection platform that combines next-generation antivirus with endpoint detection and response (EDR), threat hunting, and prevention capabilities powered by AI and machine learning. It protects business endpoints, cloud workloads, and identities by analyzing behaviors in real-time to stop sophisticated attacks before they cause damage. Falcon's single, lightweight agent deploys quickly and scales effortlessly for enterprises, offering unified visibility and automated response across hybrid environments.
Pros
- Industry-leading threat detection with top MITRE ATT&CK scores
- Lightweight single agent with minimal performance impact
- Cloud-managed console for rapid deployment and scalability
Cons
- High pricing requires custom quotes
- Steep learning curve for advanced features
- Ongoing subscription costs can add up for small businesses
Best For
Mid-sized to large enterprises needing enterprise-grade EDR and proactive threat hunting.
Pricing
Subscription-based starting at ~$60-150 per endpoint/year (quote-based; bundles available for full platform)
Microsoft Defender for Endpoint
enterpriseIntegrated enterprise endpoint security solution with advanced threat protection, EDR, and Microsoft 365 ecosystem integration.
Automated investigation and remediation that handles threats with minimal human intervention
Microsoft Defender for Endpoint is an enterprise-grade endpoint detection and response (EDR) solution that goes beyond traditional antivirus to provide advanced threat protection for business devices. It delivers real-time malware scanning, behavioral analysis, ransomware protection, and automated investigation/remediation via the Microsoft Defender portal. Ideal for Windows-centric environments, it integrates deeply with Microsoft 365, Azure, and Intune for unified security management across endpoints.
Pros
- Advanced EDR with automated investigation and response
- Seamless integration with Microsoft 365 ecosystem
- Scalable cloud management for enterprises
Cons
- Best suited for Microsoft-heavy environments
- Steep learning curve for non-Microsoft admins
- Premium pricing without bundling
Best For
Mid-to-large enterprises with Microsoft 365 deployments needing comprehensive endpoint security.
Pricing
Plan 1: $3/user/month; Plan 2: $5.20/user/month (annual); often included in Microsoft 365 E3/E5.
SentinelOne Singularity
enterpriseAutonomous AI-driven endpoint protection platform offering real-time threat detection, response, and rollback capabilities.
Autonomous Behavioral AI with one-click rollback, reversing entire attack chains without manual intervention
SentinelOne Singularity is an AI-powered endpoint protection platform (EPP/EDR/XDR) designed for businesses, offering real-time threat detection, prevention, and autonomous response to cyberattacks. It leverages behavioral AI to identify and neutralize advanced threats like ransomware without relying solely on signatures, while providing comprehensive visibility through its Storyline feature that contextualizes incidents. The platform scales for enterprises, supporting endpoints, cloud workloads, and identity protection in a unified console.
Pros
- Advanced AI-driven behavioral detection with low false positives
- Autonomous remediation that rolls back threats automatically
- Unified console with powerful Storyline visualization for incident analysis
Cons
- Premium pricing may not suit small businesses
- Steeper learning curve for non-enterprise IT teams
- Custom quotes required, lacking transparent public pricing
Best For
Mid-to-large enterprises with dedicated security operations centers needing autonomous, scalable threat response.
Pricing
Custom enterprise pricing starting at approximately $50-100 per endpoint/year, based on features, volume, and contract length.
Bitdefender GravityZone
enterpriseLayered business cybersecurity platform protecting endpoints, servers, mobile devices, and cloud workloads with risk analytics.
GravityZone Risk Analytics, which continuously scans and scores risks from applications, users, and devices to prevent breaches proactively
Bitdefender GravityZone is a comprehensive, cloud-managed endpoint detection and response (EDR) platform tailored for businesses, providing multi-layered protection against malware, ransomware, phishing, and advanced threats. It includes antivirus, behavioral analysis, patch management, encryption, and Risk Analytics for proactive vulnerability assessment across physical, virtual, and mobile endpoints. The solution scales from SMBs to enterprises with centralized management via an intuitive web console.
Pros
- Exceptional malware detection rates with low false positives
- Advanced Risk Analytics for identifying hidden vulnerabilities
- Scalable cloud console for multi-platform management
Cons
- Higher pricing can strain small business budgets
- Resource usage may impact older hardware performance
- Complex setup for non-expert IT teams
Best For
Medium to large businesses seeking enterprise-grade endpoint security with strong risk management tools.
Pricing
Quote-based; typically starts at $20-40 per endpoint per year depending on plan (Business Security, Elite, Enterprise) and volume discounts.
Sophos Intercept X
enterpriseNext-generation endpoint protection using deep learning AI, exploit prevention, and managed threat response services.
Exploit Prevention technology that blocks weaponized vulnerabilities without signatures or updates
Sophos Intercept X is a next-generation endpoint detection and response (EDR) solution tailored for businesses, leveraging deep learning AI, behavioral analysis, and exploit prevention to block advanced malware, ransomware, and zero-day threats. It integrates with Sophos Central for centralized cloud management, enabling scalable deployment across endpoints, servers, and virtual environments. The platform also offers optional Managed Detection and Response (MDR) services, providing 24/7 expert threat hunting and response.
Pros
- Superior exploit prevention and ransomware rollback with CryptoGuard
- High detection rates via deep learning AI and behavioral analysis
- Seamless integration with Sophos MDR for hands-off security operations
Cons
- Higher pricing compared to basic AV solutions
- Steeper learning curve for full EDR features
- Potential performance impact on resource-constrained endpoints
Best For
Mid-sized to large businesses needing advanced endpoint protection with optional managed threat response.
Pricing
Starts at approximately $40-60 per endpoint per year, with tiered plans (Intercept X Advanced/Endpoint) and volume discounts; custom quotes for MDR add-ons.
Palo Alto Networks Cortex XDR
enterpriseUnified extended detection and response platform correlating endpoint, network, and cloud data for enterprise threat hunting.
Cortex XDR Analytics for AI-powered root cause analysis and precise incident investigation
Palo Alto Networks Cortex XDR is an enterprise-grade extended detection and response (XDR) platform that provides comprehensive protection for endpoints, networks, and cloud environments. It leverages AI-powered behavioral analytics, machine learning, and automation to prevent, detect, and respond to advanced threats in real-time. Designed for business antivirus needs, it offers unified visibility, incident investigation, and root cause analysis to streamline security operations.
Pros
- AI-driven behavioral threat protection with high detection accuracy
- Unified XDR visibility across endpoints, network, and cloud
- Automated response and integration with Palo Alto security ecosystem
Cons
- High cost, often requiring custom enterprise quotes
- Steep learning curve and complex management interface
- Overkill for small businesses without dedicated SOC teams
Best For
Large enterprises with mature security operations needing advanced, integrated XDR for sophisticated threat hunting.
Pricing
Quote-based enterprise pricing, typically $70-$120 per endpoint per year depending on features, volume, and deployment scale.
Trend Micro Apex One
enterpriseAdvanced endpoint protection for servers and devices with machine learning-based threat defense and XDR integration.
Virtual Patching for protecting endpoints from zero-day vulnerabilities without software updates
Trend Micro Apex One is a robust endpoint security platform tailored for businesses, delivering multi-layered protection against malware, ransomware, exploits, and advanced threats through antivirus, behavior monitoring, and machine learning. It offers centralized management via the Apex Central console, supporting both on-premises and cloud deployments for scalable oversight of endpoints across networks. The solution includes EDR capabilities for threat hunting and response, making it suitable for mid-sized to enterprise environments.
Pros
- Comprehensive multi-layered protection including EDR and XDR integration
- Centralized web-based management console for easy deployment and monitoring
- Low performance impact with efficient scanning technologies
Cons
- Pricing can be higher for smaller businesses without volume discounts
- Advanced features have a learning curve for non-expert admins
- Some modules require additional licensing for full functionality
Best For
Mid-sized businesses and enterprises needing scalable, centralized endpoint protection with advanced threat detection.
Pricing
Subscription per endpoint, starting at ~$35/user/year; scales with volume discounts and additional modules.
ESET PROTECT
enterpriseCloud-managed endpoint detection and response platform providing lightweight, multi-layered security for businesses.
Ultra-lightweight scanner that maintains high detection efficacy without taxing system resources
ESET PROTECT is a centralized management platform for ESET's business endpoint security solutions, providing comprehensive antivirus, anti-malware, and advanced threat detection across Windows, macOS, Linux, and mobile devices. It offers real-time protection, behavioral monitoring, ransomware defense, and network attack blocking through a unified console deployable on-premise, in the cloud, or hybrid. The platform integrates Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) capabilities and leverages ESET's LiveGrid cloud sandbox for rapid threat intelligence sharing.
Pros
- Exceptional malware detection rates with low false positives
- Lightweight agents with minimal performance impact
- Strong multi-platform support and flexible deployment options
Cons
- Management console interface feels dated and less intuitive
- Advanced features like full EDR require higher-tier licensing
- Customer support response times can be inconsistent for smaller businesses
Best For
Mid-sized businesses needing reliable, low-overhead endpoint protection with centralized management.
Pricing
Starts at around $30 per endpoint/year for basic protection, with advanced bundles up to $60+ per endpoint/year; volume discounts available.
Malwarebytes Endpoint Protection
enterpriseBusiness-focused endpoint security emphasizing real-time malware prevention, remediation, and vulnerability management.
Proprietary anomaly-based detection that identifies unknown threats using machine learning without heavy reliance on signatures
Malwarebytes Endpoint Protection is a cloud-managed endpoint security platform designed for businesses, providing real-time protection against malware, ransomware, exploits, and zero-day threats. It includes features like web protection, application control, USB device control, and rapid remediation tools, all centralized through the Nebula management console. This solution excels in malware detection and removal, making it a solid choice for endpoint defense in SMB environments.
Pros
- Excellent malware and ransomware detection rates
- Lightweight agent with minimal system impact
- Intuitive cloud-based Nebula console for easy management
Cons
- Lacks advanced EDR capabilities like full behavioral analytics
- No integrated firewall or network protection
- Reporting and analytics are basic compared to enterprise leaders
Best For
Small to medium-sized businesses needing reliable, straightforward endpoint protection without the complexity of full EDR platforms.
Pricing
Starts at around $85 per endpoint per year (billed annually), with tiered plans and volume discounts for larger deployments.
Cisco Secure Endpoint
enterpriseEndpoint security solution with behavioral analysis, threat hunting, and integration into Cisco's secure access framework.
Cisco Talos real-time threat intelligence integration
Cisco Secure Endpoint is an enterprise-grade endpoint detection and response (EDR) platform that provides advanced malware protection, behavioral analysis, and threat hunting for business environments. It leverages machine learning, cloud sandboxing, and Cisco Talos threat intelligence to detect and remediate sophisticated attacks in real-time. The solution offers centralized management through a cloud console, enabling IT teams to monitor, investigate, and respond to threats across endpoints efficiently.
Pros
- Superior threat detection with ML and behavioral analysis
- Integration with Cisco Talos intelligence for proactive defense
- Robust EDR tools for incident response and forensics
Cons
- Steep learning curve for non-expert users
- High pricing unsuitable for SMBs
- Resource-intensive on endpoints
Best For
Large enterprises with complex IT environments and existing Cisco infrastructure needing advanced EDR.
Pricing
Custom enterprise subscriptions, typically $50-100 per endpoint/year depending on features and volume.
Conclusion
The top business antivirus tools reviewed deliver exceptional protection, with CrowdStrike Falcon leading as the clear winner—its cloud-native, AI-powered platform excels at proactive threat prevention, detection, and response. Microsoft Defender for Endpoint and SentinelOne Singularity stand out as strong alternatives, with Microsoft’s deep integration into enterprise ecosystems and SentinelOne’s autonomous AI-driven response offering tailored strengths for different organizational needs.
Ready to secure your business? Start with CrowdStrike Falcon, the top choice, and experience reliable, adaptive protection that keeps your endpoints, data, and operations safe from evolving threats.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison