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Top 10 Best End Point Security Software of 2026

Secure your devices with the best endpoint security software. Explore top tools, compare features, and choose the right solution now.

Alexander Schmidt

Alexander Schmidt

Feb 11, 2026

10 tools comparedExpert reviewed
Independent evaluation · Unbiased commentary · Updated regularly
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Endpoint security is a foundational layer of digital defense, protecting critical devices from evolving threats that target endpoints. The tools featured here represent industry-leading solutions, each with unique strengths, making informed selection essential for organizations aiming to build robust, adaptable protection strategies.

Quick Overview

  1. 1#1: CrowdStrike Falcon - Delivers cloud-native endpoint detection and response with AI-driven threat prevention and automated remediation.
  2. 2#2: Microsoft Defender for Endpoint - Provides integrated endpoint protection, detection, and response capabilities across Windows, macOS, Linux, and mobile devices.
  3. 3#3: Palo Alto Networks Cortex XDR - Offers extended detection and response by correlating endpoint, network, and cloud data for comprehensive threat hunting.
  4. 4#4: SentinelOne Singularity - Autonomous endpoint protection platform using AI to prevent, detect, and respond to malware and advanced attacks in real-time.
  5. 5#5: Trend Micro Apex One - Combines next-generation antivirus, behavior monitoring, and vulnerability protection for multi-platform endpoint security.
  6. 6#6: Sophos Intercept X - Deep learning-powered endpoint protection with exploit prevention, anti-ransomware, and managed threat response.
  7. 7#7: McAfee Endpoint Security - Adaptive threat protection delivering antivirus, EDR, and web control for endpoints in hybrid environments.
  8. 8#8: Bitdefender GravityZone - Risk analytics-driven platform for endpoint detection, response, and patch management with multilayered defense.
  9. 9#9: ESET Endpoint Security - Lightweight, multilayered protection with advanced threat detection for endpoints across multiple operating systems.
  10. 10#10: Cisco Secure Endpoint - Cloud-delivered endpoint protection with advanced malware protection and continuous monitoring for threat defense.

These tools were chosen for their technical excellence—including AI/ML-driven threat prevention, cross-platform coverage, and integration capabilities—paired with factors like ease of use, performance, and overall value, ensuring they meet the demands of modern, diverse environments.

Comparison Table

This comparison table examines top endpoint security tools, including CrowdStrike Falcon, Microsoft Defender for Endpoint, Palo Alto Networks Cortex XDR, SentinelOne Singularity, Trend Micro Apex One, and more, to help readers understand their key features, performance, and suitability for various needs. It breaks down critical capabilities, ease of use, and protection strengths to simplify the process of selecting the right solution for diverse environments.

Delivers cloud-native endpoint detection and response with AI-driven threat prevention and automated remediation.

Features
9.9/10
Ease
9.2/10
Value
8.8/10

Provides integrated endpoint protection, detection, and response capabilities across Windows, macOS, Linux, and mobile devices.

Features
9.6/10
Ease
8.8/10
Value
8.5/10

Offers extended detection and response by correlating endpoint, network, and cloud data for comprehensive threat hunting.

Features
9.6/10
Ease
8.4/10
Value
8.7/10

Autonomous endpoint protection platform using AI to prevent, detect, and respond to malware and advanced attacks in real-time.

Features
9.6/10
Ease
8.4/10
Value
8.2/10

Combines next-generation antivirus, behavior monitoring, and vulnerability protection for multi-platform endpoint security.

Features
9.2/10
Ease
8.0/10
Value
8.3/10

Deep learning-powered endpoint protection with exploit prevention, anti-ransomware, and managed threat response.

Features
9.3/10
Ease
8.5/10
Value
8.2/10

Adaptive threat protection delivering antivirus, EDR, and web control for endpoints in hybrid environments.

Features
8.5/10
Ease
7.5/10
Value
7.8/10

Risk analytics-driven platform for endpoint detection, response, and patch management with multilayered defense.

Features
9.2/10
Ease
8.4/10
Value
8.1/10

Lightweight, multilayered protection with advanced threat detection for endpoints across multiple operating systems.

Features
8.5/10
Ease
7.9/10
Value
7.8/10

Cloud-delivered endpoint protection with advanced malware protection and continuous monitoring for threat defense.

Features
9.2/10
Ease
7.8/10
Value
8.0/10
1
CrowdStrike Falcon logo

CrowdStrike Falcon

enterprise

Delivers cloud-native endpoint detection and response with AI-driven threat prevention and automated remediation.

Overall Rating9.7/10
Features
9.9/10
Ease of Use
9.2/10
Value
8.8/10
Standout Feature

Cloud-native single agent architecture enabling instant, global threat intelligence sharing and automated response without hardware appliances

CrowdStrike Falcon is a cloud-native endpoint detection and response (EDR) platform that delivers real-time threat prevention, detection, and automated response using AI-powered behavioral analysis and machine learning. It deploys a single, lightweight agent on endpoints to provide comprehensive protection against malware, ransomware, exploits, and advanced persistent threats without requiring on-premises hardware. The platform unifies visibility across endpoints, cloud workloads, and identities, enabling rapid threat hunting and response through its intuitive cloud console.

Pros

  • Industry-leading detection accuracy with near-zero false positives via AI/ML behavioral analysis
  • Single lightweight agent with modular, cloud-delivered capabilities for scalability and low overhead
  • 24/7 managed threat hunting through Falcon OverWatch for proactive elite adversary response

Cons

  • High subscription costs, especially for full module suites
  • Requires reliable internet connectivity due to cloud dependency
  • Steep learning curve for maximizing advanced features in complex environments

Best For

Large enterprises and organizations facing sophisticated cyber threats that need top-tier EDR with managed detection and response.

Pricing

Subscription-based starting at ~$60/endpoint/year for core protection, up to $150+/endpoint/year for full EDR and managed services; volume and custom enterprise pricing available.

2
Microsoft Defender for Endpoint logo

Microsoft Defender for Endpoint

enterprise

Provides integrated endpoint protection, detection, and response capabilities across Windows, macOS, Linux, and mobile devices.

Overall Rating9.3/10
Features
9.6/10
Ease of Use
8.8/10
Value
8.5/10
Standout Feature

Automated investigation and remediation powered by AI, handling up to 85% of alerts without human intervention

Microsoft Defender for Endpoint is a cloud-native endpoint detection and response (EDR) platform that provides enterprise-grade protection across Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS devices. It combines next-generation antivirus, behavioral threat protection, automated investigation and remediation, and attack surface reduction to defend against advanced cyberattacks. Deeply integrated with Microsoft 365 and Azure, it offers unified visibility and response through a single console, leveraging Microsoft’s vast threat intelligence.

Pros

  • Seamless integration with Microsoft 365 and Azure for unified security operations
  • AI-driven automated investigation and response reducing alert fatigue
  • Comprehensive cross-platform support and real-time threat intelligence

Cons

  • Premium pricing can be steep for SMBs without Microsoft ecosystem
  • Learning curve for admins unfamiliar with Microsoft security tools
  • Some advanced features gated behind higher-tier licenses or bundles

Best For

Enterprises deeply invested in the Microsoft stack seeking scalable, integrated endpoint protection.

Pricing

Plan 1: ~$3/user/month (AV + basic EDR); Plan 2: ~$5.20/user/month (full EDR/XDR); often included in Microsoft 365 E5 (~$57/user/month).

3
Palo Alto Networks Cortex XDR logo

Palo Alto Networks Cortex XDR

enterprise

Offers extended detection and response by correlating endpoint, network, and cloud data for comprehensive threat hunting.

Overall Rating9.2/10
Features
9.6/10
Ease of Use
8.4/10
Value
8.7/10
Standout Feature

AI-powered Behavioral Threat Protection that autonomously prevents zero-day exploits and ransomware without signatures

Palo Alto Networks Cortex XDR is an advanced extended detection and response (XDR) platform that provides comprehensive endpoint security through AI-powered behavioral analytics, real-time threat prevention, and automated response capabilities. It integrates endpoint data with network and cloud telemetry for holistic threat hunting and incident response, going beyond traditional EDR solutions. Designed for enterprises, it leverages machine learning to detect sophisticated attacks like ransomware and zero-days while offering seamless integration with Palo Alto's broader security ecosystem.

Pros

  • Superior AI/ML-driven behavioral analysis for proactive threat prevention
  • Unified visibility across endpoints, networks, and cloud environments
  • Robust automation and orchestration via integration with Cortex XSOAR

Cons

  • Premium pricing that may strain smaller budgets
  • Steeper learning curve for non-expert users
  • Requires ecosystem buy-in for maximum effectiveness

Best For

Large enterprises with complex, multi-environment infrastructures seeking enterprise-grade XDR for advanced threat protection.

Pricing

Subscription-based, typically $70-150 per endpoint per year depending on features, volume, and deployment scale; custom enterprise quotes required.

4
SentinelOne Singularity logo

SentinelOne Singularity

enterprise

Autonomous endpoint protection platform using AI to prevent, detect, and respond to malware and advanced attacks in real-time.

Overall Rating9.1/10
Features
9.6/10
Ease of Use
8.4/10
Value
8.2/10
Standout Feature

Rollback™ technology that automatically reverses ransomware and other attacks to pre-breach states

SentinelOne Singularity is an AI-powered endpoint protection platform (EPP) and extended detection and response (XDR) solution designed to autonomously prevent, detect, and respond to sophisticated cyber threats. It leverages behavioral AI, machine learning, and deep learning engines to stop zero-day attacks, ransomware, and advanced persistent threats in real-time without signature-based detection. The platform provides comprehensive visibility through its Storyline feature, which contextualizes threats, and includes rollback capabilities to restore endpoints to pre-attack states, making it a robust choice for enterprise endpoint security.

Pros

  • Autonomous AI-driven prevention and response with minimal manual intervention
  • Ransomware rollback feature restores endpoints quickly without data loss
  • Intuitive Storyline visualization for threat hunting and investigation

Cons

  • High resource consumption on endpoints can impact performance
  • Enterprise pricing is premium and quote-based, less ideal for SMBs
  • Steep learning curve for advanced XDR integrations and customization

Best For

Mid-to-large enterprises seeking autonomous, AI-powered endpoint security with strong ransomware protection and XDR capabilities.

Pricing

Quote-based enterprise pricing, typically $60-120 per endpoint/year depending on features and volume; includes tiers like Control (core EPP) and Complete (full XDR).

5
Trend Micro Apex One logo

Trend Micro Apex One

enterprise

Combines next-generation antivirus, behavior monitoring, and vulnerability protection for multi-platform endpoint security.

Overall Rating8.7/10
Features
9.2/10
Ease of Use
8.0/10
Value
8.3/10
Standout Feature

Dual endpoint protection engines combining signature-based and predictive machine learning for proactive zero-day threat blocking

Trend Micro Apex One is a robust endpoint security platform designed to protect Windows, macOS, Linux, and virtual endpoints from malware, ransomware, exploits, and advanced persistent threats using layered defenses including next-generation antivirus and endpoint detection and response (EDR). It features AI-powered machine learning, behavioral analysis, vulnerability shielding, and centralized management via the Apex One console or cloud-based Apex Central. The solution integrates with Trend Micro's broader XDR ecosystem for enhanced visibility and response across the enterprise.

Pros

  • Multi-layered protection with AI/ML and behavioral analysis excels against zero-days and ransomware
  • Low performance overhead and broad OS support including servers and virtual environments
  • Strong global threat intelligence from Trend Micro's Smart Protection Network

Cons

  • Pricing can be steep for SMBs without volume discounts
  • Steep learning curve for configuring advanced EDR and policy management
  • Occasional false positives in behavioral blocking require tuning

Best For

Mid-to-large enterprises needing scalable, enterprise-grade endpoint protection with deep integration into XDR workflows.

Pricing

Subscription-based; typically $45-70 per endpoint per year (volume-dependent), with custom quotes for advanced bundles including EDR and XDR.

6
Sophos Intercept X logo

Sophos Intercept X

enterprise

Deep learning-powered endpoint protection with exploit prevention, anti-ransomware, and managed threat response.

Overall Rating8.7/10
Features
9.3/10
Ease of Use
8.5/10
Value
8.2/10
Standout Feature

CryptoGuard anti-ransomware technology that detects and rolls back encryption in real-time without needing decryption keys

Sophos Intercept X is a next-generation endpoint detection and response (EDR) solution that provides advanced protection against malware, ransomware, exploits, and zero-day threats using deep learning AI and behavioral analysis. It combines traditional antivirus with innovative technologies like CryptoGuard for ransomware rollback and exploit prevention to secure endpoints across Windows, macOS, Linux, and mobile devices. Integrated with Sophos Central for cloud-based management, it offers visibility and automated response capabilities for enterprises.

Pros

  • Powerful AI-driven deep learning for unknown threat detection
  • Effective ransomware protection with CryptoGuard rollback
  • Seamless integration with Sophos XDR for broader threat hunting

Cons

  • Can be resource-intensive on lower-end hardware
  • Pricing escalates for smaller deployments
  • Advanced features require some configuration expertise

Best For

Mid-sized to large enterprises needing robust, AI-powered endpoint security against advanced persistent threats.

Pricing

Subscription-based; starts at ~$28/endpoint/year for Essentials, ~$42 for Advanced, ~$56 for Complete (billed annually, volume discounts apply; contact sales for quotes).

7
McAfee Endpoint Security logo

McAfee Endpoint Security

enterprise

Adaptive threat protection delivering antivirus, EDR, and web control for endpoints in hybrid environments.

Overall Rating8.1/10
Features
8.5/10
Ease of Use
7.5/10
Value
7.8/10
Standout Feature

Adaptive Threat Protection that dynamically throttles scans and defenses based on real-time risk assessment to minimize performance impact

McAfee Endpoint Security is a comprehensive enterprise-grade solution that protects endpoints from malware, ransomware, zero-day exploits, and advanced threats using signature-based detection, machine learning, and behavioral analysis. It includes features like a host-based firewall, web and application controls, exploit prevention, and adaptive threat protection. Centralized management through ePolicy Orchestrator (ePO) enables scalable deployment across Windows, macOS, Linux, and virtual environments.

Pros

  • High malware detection rates in independent tests like AV-Comparatives
  • Multi-layered defense with EDR-like capabilities via Active Response
  • Scalable centralized management for large deployments

Cons

  • Can be resource-intensive on lower-end hardware
  • Complex initial setup and policy configuration
  • Higher cost compared to some cloud-native alternatives

Best For

Mid-to-large enterprises needing robust, on-premises manageable endpoint protection for diverse OS environments.

Pricing

Subscription-based; typically $50-100 per endpoint per year depending on features, volume, and contract length (contact sales for custom quotes).

8
Bitdefender GravityZone logo

Bitdefender GravityZone

enterprise

Risk analytics-driven platform for endpoint detection, response, and patch management with multilayered defense.

Overall Rating8.6/10
Features
9.2/10
Ease of Use
8.4/10
Value
8.1/10
Standout Feature

GravityZone Risk Analytics, which uses behavioral analysis to score and remediate endpoint vulnerabilities proactively.

Bitdefender GravityZone is a cloud-managed endpoint security platform offering comprehensive protection for businesses, including antivirus, EDR, ransomware remediation, and risk analytics. It excels in multi-layered threat prevention with high detection rates in independent tests, while supporting patch management and full disk encryption. The solution scales well for SMBs to enterprises via a centralized console for policy deployment and monitoring.

Pros

  • Top-tier malware and ransomware detection rates from AV-Test/AV-Comparatives
  • Cloud-based management console with intuitive dashboards
  • Advanced Risk Analytics for proactive vulnerability assessment

Cons

  • Can impact system performance on lower-end devices
  • Pricing is higher compared to some competitors
  • Steeper learning curve for advanced EDR features

Best For

Mid-sized businesses and enterprises seeking robust, scalable endpoint protection with strong risk management tools.

Pricing

Subscription-based starting at ~$28/user/year for Business Security Enterprise, up to $50+ for Elite tiers with EDR; volume discounts available.

9
ESET Endpoint Security logo

ESET Endpoint Security

enterprise

Lightweight, multilayered protection with advanced threat detection for endpoints across multiple operating systems.

Overall Rating8.2/10
Features
8.5/10
Ease of Use
7.9/10
Value
7.8/10
Standout Feature

Ultra-lightweight engine with proven low CPU/memory usage, enabling protection without compromising endpoint productivity

ESET Endpoint Security is a robust endpoint protection platform that defends Windows, macOS, Linux, and virtual environments against malware, ransomware, zero-day threats, and phishing attacks. It employs multi-layered defenses including signature-based detection, behavioral analysis, machine learning, and exploit protection. Centralized management via ESET PROTECT enables policy deployment, remote monitoring, and automated incident response across enterprise networks.

Pros

  • Exceptional malware detection rates with low false positives
  • Minimal impact on system performance due to lightweight scanning engine
  • Broad platform support including servers and mobile devices

Cons

  • Management console lacks some advanced EDR capabilities found in top competitors
  • Initial setup and policy configuration can be complex for novices
  • Pricing scales higher for advanced modules and large deployments

Best For

Mid-sized businesses and IT teams seeking reliable, low-overhead endpoint security with strong threat prevention.

Pricing

Subscription-based, starting at ~$35-45 per endpoint/year; volume discounts available, additional fees for premium features like EDR.

10
Cisco Secure Endpoint logo

Cisco Secure Endpoint

enterprise

Cloud-delivered endpoint protection with advanced malware protection and continuous monitoring for threat defense.

Overall Rating8.7/10
Features
9.2/10
Ease of Use
7.8/10
Value
8.0/10
Standout Feature

Seamless SecureX orchestration for correlated threat response across Cisco security tools

Cisco Secure Endpoint is a cloud-managed endpoint detection and response (EDR) platform that delivers prevention, detection, and response capabilities against advanced threats. It uses machine learning, behavioral analysis, and Cisco Talos intelligence to block malware, exploits, and ransomware in real-time. The solution offers robust visibility, automated response actions, and seamless integration with the broader Cisco SecureX ecosystem for orchestrated security operations.

Pros

  • Advanced behavioral detection and machine learning for zero-day threats
  • Deep integration with Cisco SecureX for unified workflows
  • Powerful incident response and threat hunting tools

Cons

  • Steep learning curve for configuration and management
  • Higher resource usage on endpoints
  • Premium pricing requires custom quotes

Best For

Large enterprises with existing Cisco infrastructure seeking enterprise-grade EDR with ecosystem integration.

Pricing

Subscription-based, typically $50-70 per endpoint per year (custom enterprise quotes required)

Conclusion

The top three endpoint security tools showcase remarkable prowess, with CrowdStrike Falcon taking the top spot for its cloud-native design, AI-driven threat prevention, and automated remediation that adapt seamlessly to modern threats. Microsoft Defender for Endpoint shines with its cross-platform integration across Windows, macOS, Linux, and mobile devices, while Palo Alto Networks Cortex XDR stands out for correlating endpoint, network, and cloud data to enable thorough threat hunting, offering robust alternatives for distinct organizational needs.

CrowdStrike Falcon logo
Our Top Pick
CrowdStrike Falcon

Organizations seeking cutting-edge protection should consider starting with the top-ranked CrowdStrike Falcon, leveraging its advanced capabilities to safeguard endpoints effectively.