Quick Overview
- 1#1: CrowdStrike Falcon - AI-native endpoint detection and response platform that prevents breaches across endpoints, cloud, and identity.
- 2#2: Microsoft Defender for Endpoint - Cloud-based endpoint security solution offering advanced threat protection, detection, and automated response.
- 3#3: SentinelOne Singularity - Autonomous AI-powered platform for endpoint protection, detection, and automated rollback of threats.
- 4#4: Bitdefender GravityZone - Unified endpoint security platform with machine learning-driven prevention, detection, and response capabilities.
- 5#5: Sophos Intercept X - Next-generation endpoint protection using deep learning and behavioral analysis to stop sophisticated attacks.
- 6#6: ESET PROTECT - Endpoint detection and response platform with multilayered antivirus, anti-ransomware, and threat intelligence.
- 7#7: Trend Micro Apex One - Cloud-enabled endpoint protection platform delivering correlated detection, protection, and response.
- 8#8: Kaspersky Endpoint Security - Comprehensive endpoint protection with antivirus, EDR, and adaptive threat response features.
- 9#9: McAfee Endpoint Security - AI-driven endpoint defense suite providing threat prevention, detection, and orchestrated response.
- 10#10: Cisco Secure Endpoint - Endpoint protection and EDR solution with advanced malware protection and continuous monitoring.
Tools were chosen based on advanced threat prevention capabilities, detection accuracy, automation of response workflows, ease of use, and overall value, prioritizing those that deliver robust protection without compromising user experience or accessibility
Comparison Table
This comparison table examines top endpoint antivirus solutions, including CrowdStrike Falcon, Microsoft Defender for Endpoint, SentinelOne Singularity, Bitdefender GravityZone, and Sophos Intercept X, to guide readers in evaluating features, performance, and fit for specific needs. It highlights critical metrics like threat detection efficiency, system resource usage, and additional security functionalities, offering a clear overview to inform smart purchasing decisions.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | CrowdStrike Falcon AI-native endpoint detection and response platform that prevents breaches across endpoints, cloud, and identity. | enterprise | 9.8/10 | 9.9/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.7/10 |
| 2 | Microsoft Defender for Endpoint Cloud-based endpoint security solution offering advanced threat protection, detection, and automated response. | enterprise | 9.3/10 | 9.7/10 | 8.8/10 | 9.0/10 |
| 3 | SentinelOne Singularity Autonomous AI-powered platform for endpoint protection, detection, and automated rollback of threats. | enterprise | 9.2/10 | 9.6/10 | 8.7/10 | 8.5/10 |
| 4 | Bitdefender GravityZone Unified endpoint security platform with machine learning-driven prevention, detection, and response capabilities. | enterprise | 8.8/10 | 9.4/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.2/10 |
| 5 | Sophos Intercept X Next-generation endpoint protection using deep learning and behavioral analysis to stop sophisticated attacks. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 9.3/10 | 8.4/10 | 8.1/10 |
| 6 | ESET PROTECT Endpoint detection and response platform with multilayered antivirus, anti-ransomware, and threat intelligence. | enterprise | 8.4/10 | 8.9/10 | 7.8/10 | 8.2/10 |
| 7 | Trend Micro Apex One Cloud-enabled endpoint protection platform delivering correlated detection, protection, and response. | enterprise | 8.1/10 | 8.7/10 | 7.6/10 | 7.9/10 |
| 8 | Kaspersky Endpoint Security Comprehensive endpoint protection with antivirus, EDR, and adaptive threat response features. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.0/10 | 8.4/10 |
| 9 | McAfee Endpoint Security AI-driven endpoint defense suite providing threat prevention, detection, and orchestrated response. | enterprise | 8.1/10 | 8.5/10 | 7.5/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 10 | Cisco Secure Endpoint Endpoint protection and EDR solution with advanced malware protection and continuous monitoring. | enterprise | 8.5/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.8/10 | 7.9/10 |
AI-native endpoint detection and response platform that prevents breaches across endpoints, cloud, and identity.
Cloud-based endpoint security solution offering advanced threat protection, detection, and automated response.
Autonomous AI-powered platform for endpoint protection, detection, and automated rollback of threats.
Unified endpoint security platform with machine learning-driven prevention, detection, and response capabilities.
Next-generation endpoint protection using deep learning and behavioral analysis to stop sophisticated attacks.
Endpoint detection and response platform with multilayered antivirus, anti-ransomware, and threat intelligence.
Cloud-enabled endpoint protection platform delivering correlated detection, protection, and response.
Comprehensive endpoint protection with antivirus, EDR, and adaptive threat response features.
AI-driven endpoint defense suite providing threat prevention, detection, and orchestrated response.
Endpoint protection and EDR solution with advanced malware protection and continuous monitoring.
CrowdStrike Falcon
enterpriseAI-native endpoint detection and response platform that prevents breaches across endpoints, cloud, and identity.
Falcon OverWatch: 24/7 expert-led managed threat hunting that humanely analyzes alerts for rapid response.
CrowdStrike Falcon is a cloud-native endpoint detection and response (EDR) platform that delivers next-generation antivirus protection, leveraging AI-driven behavioral analysis and machine learning to detect and block sophisticated threats. It provides real-time visibility, automated response, and managed threat hunting through its lightweight single-agent architecture. Falcon excels in preventing zero-day attacks and ransomware, with proven efficacy in independent tests like MITRE ATT&CK evaluations.
Pros
- Unmatched threat detection with near-perfect scores in MITRE evaluations
- Lightweight agent with minimal performance impact
- Integrated managed detection and response (MDR) via Falcon OverWatch
Cons
- Premium pricing not ideal for small businesses
- Full capabilities require cloud connectivity
- Complex setup for non-enterprise users
Best For
Large enterprises and organizations requiring enterprise-grade EDR with proactive threat hunting.
Pricing
Subscription-based starting at around $60-150 per endpoint/year depending on modules (e.g., Falcon Prevent, Insight); custom enterprise pricing.
Microsoft Defender for Endpoint
enterpriseCloud-based endpoint security solution offering advanced threat protection, detection, and automated response.
AI-powered automated investigation and remediation in the unified Microsoft 365 Defender portal
Microsoft Defender for Endpoint is an enterprise-grade endpoint protection platform that delivers next-generation antivirus, endpoint detection and response (EDR), and advanced threat hunting capabilities. It protects devices across Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS using cloud-delivered protection, behavioral analysis, and Microsoft's global threat intelligence. Integrated with Microsoft 365 and Azure, it enables automated incident response and attack surface management for comprehensive security.
Pros
- Deep integration with Microsoft ecosystem for seamless deployment and management
- Advanced EDR with AI-driven automated investigation and response
- Cross-platform support and real-time threat intelligence from vast Microsoft telemetry
Cons
- Higher pricing and complexity for small businesses or non-Microsoft environments
- Steep learning curve for customizing advanced features
- Limited standalone value without Microsoft 365 licensing
Best For
Enterprises with Microsoft-centric IT infrastructures seeking robust, scalable endpoint security.
Pricing
Plan 1: ~$5.20/user/month (AV + basic EDR); Plan 2: ~$7.20/user/month (full EDR + threat hunting); often bundled in Microsoft 365 E5 (~$57/user/month).
SentinelOne Singularity
enterpriseAutonomous AI-powered platform for endpoint protection, detection, and automated rollback of threats.
Autonomous AI rollback for ransomware attacks
SentinelOne Singularity is an AI-powered endpoint detection and response (EDR) platform that provides advanced antivirus protection through behavioral analysis, machine learning, and real-time threat prevention. It autonomously detects, blocks, and remediates sophisticated attacks like ransomware and zero-days without human intervention. The solution offers deep visibility via its Storyline feature, enabling quick incident investigation and one-click rollback to pre-attack states.
Pros
- AI-driven autonomous response reduces manual intervention
- Ransomware rollback restores systems effortlessly
- Comprehensive visibility with Storyline for threat hunting
Cons
- High cost for small businesses
- Steeper learning curve for advanced features
- Deployment requires planning for optimal performance
Best For
Mid-to-large enterprises needing autonomous, next-gen endpoint protection beyond traditional AV.
Pricing
Custom enterprise subscription, typically $70-$120 per endpoint/year based on features and scale.
Bitdefender GravityZone
enterpriseUnified endpoint security platform with machine learning-driven prevention, detection, and response capabilities.
GravityZone Risk Analytics for continuous, AI-driven endpoint risk scoring and prioritization
Bitdefender GravityZone is a cloud-managed endpoint security platform providing comprehensive protection for businesses against malware, ransomware, and advanced threats through multi-layered defenses including machine learning, behavioral analysis, and EDR capabilities. It features centralized management via an intuitive console, risk analytics, patch management, and cross-platform support for Windows, macOS, Linux, and mobile devices. Designed for scalability, it suits SMBs to large enterprises with automated response and compliance reporting tools.
Pros
- Exceptional malware and ransomware detection rates, consistently topping independent tests like AV-Comparatives
- Integrated EDR, risk analytics, and patch management in a single platform
- Scalable cloud console with low overhead and strong multi-OS support
Cons
- Pricing can be steep for small businesses without volume discounts
- Advanced features may require a learning curve for non-expert admins
- Occasional reports of minor performance impact on resource-constrained endpoints
Best For
Mid-sized to large enterprises needing robust, scalable endpoint protection with advanced threat hunting and analytics.
Pricing
Subscription-based starting at ~$28/endpoint/year for Security for Endpoints, up to $50+ for full Business Security Enterprise tiers with volume discounts.
Sophos Intercept X
enterpriseNext-generation endpoint protection using deep learning and behavioral analysis to stop sophisticated attacks.
Deep Learning technology that blocks never-before-seen malware using neural networks without signatures or updates
Sophos Intercept X is an advanced endpoint protection platform that goes beyond traditional antivirus by leveraging AI-driven deep learning, exploit prevention, and behavioral analysis to combat zero-day malware, ransomware, and sophisticated attacks. It includes features like CryptoGuard for rolling back ransomware encryption, extensive application control, and integrated Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) for threat hunting. Managed through the intuitive Sophos Central cloud console, it scales well for businesses needing robust, multi-layered defense without heavy reliance on signatures.
Pros
- AI-powered deep learning detects unknown threats effectively
- Strong ransomware protection with CryptoGuard rollback
- Integrated EDR and seamless Sophos ecosystem integration
Cons
- Higher CPU and memory usage on endpoints
- Complex setup for advanced EDR features
- Premium pricing less ideal for very small businesses
Best For
Mid-sized businesses and enterprises requiring layered, next-gen endpoint security with excellent ransomware and exploit defenses.
Pricing
Subscription-based starting at ~$28 per endpoint/year for Intercept X Advanced; scales to $55+ for EDR/XDR bundles with volume discounts.
ESET PROTECT
enterpriseEndpoint detection and response platform with multilayered antivirus, anti-ransomware, and threat intelligence.
LiveGrid cloud sandbox – instantly analyzes suspicious files using global threat intelligence from millions of users
ESET PROTECT is a cloud-managed or on-premises platform for deploying and managing ESET's endpoint security solutions, including antivirus, anti-malware, and advanced threat protection across Windows, macOS, Linux, and mobile devices. It provides centralized visibility, automated response, and policy enforcement to secure enterprise endpoints. The solution integrates ESET's LiveGrid threat intelligence for real-time detection of emerging threats.
Pros
- Superior malware detection with high AV-Test and AV-Comparatives scores
- Low system resource usage for minimal performance impact
- Scalable management console with multi-platform support
Cons
- Complex interface for beginners with a steeper learning curve
- Additional modules needed for full EDR capabilities
- Pricing lacks transparency and can be higher for smaller businesses
Best For
Mid-sized enterprises needing robust, lightweight endpoint protection with centralized management.
Pricing
Subscription-based; starts at ~$28/endpoint/year for basic protection, up to $60+ for advanced bundles (quote-based for enterprises).
Trend Micro Apex One
enterpriseCloud-enabled endpoint protection platform delivering correlated detection, protection, and response.
Virtual Patching, which shields endpoints from zero-day exploits without software updates
Trend Micro Apex One is a robust endpoint security platform designed for enterprises, combining traditional antivirus with next-generation features like machine learning-based detection, behavioral analysis, and endpoint detection and response (EDR). It provides centralized management through Apex Central, supporting on-premises, cloud, or hybrid deployments, along with vulnerability protection, firewall, and device control. The solution excels in protecting against advanced threats including ransomware and zero-days via predictive analytics and virtual patching.
Pros
- Superior malware and ransomware detection rates from independent tests
- Unified agent architecture simplifies deployment across diverse endpoints
- Strong integration with Trend Micro's XDR ecosystem for broader visibility
Cons
- Complex initial setup and configuration for non-expert admins
- Higher resource usage on endpoints compared to lighter competitors
- Pricing lacks transparency and requires sales quotes
Best For
Mid-to-large enterprises requiring scalable, feature-rich endpoint protection with advanced threat hunting.
Pricing
Enterprise licensing starts at approximately $45-65 per endpoint per year, with discounts for volume; custom quotes required.
Kaspersky Endpoint Security
enterpriseComprehensive endpoint protection with antivirus, EDR, and adaptive threat response features.
System Watcher behavioral monitoring that proactively blocks unknown threats based on activity analysis
Kaspersky Endpoint Security is a robust enterprise-grade antivirus solution designed to protect Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS endpoints from malware, ransomware, exploits, and advanced persistent threats. It provides real-time scanning, behavioral analysis, firewall management, application control, and endpoint detection and response (EDR) capabilities. Centralized management through Kaspersky Security Center enables policy deployment, monitoring, and reporting across large networks.
Pros
- Exceptional malware detection rates with near-perfect scores in independent lab tests
- Low system performance impact even during full scans
- Broad platform support and advanced features like EDR and patch management
Cons
- Geopolitical concerns due to Russian origins raise privacy and compliance issues for some organizations
- Complex management console that requires training for optimal use
- Pricing can be higher compared to some competitors for smaller deployments
Best For
Mid-to-large enterprises seeking comprehensive, multi-platform endpoint protection with strong detection capabilities.
Pricing
Subscription-based starting at around $25-50 per endpoint/year (volume discounts apply; custom quotes for enterprises).
McAfee Endpoint Security
enterpriseAI-driven endpoint defense suite providing threat prevention, detection, and orchestrated response.
Adaptive Threat Protection with machine learning-driven behavioral analysis for proactive threat neutralization
McAfee Endpoint Security is a robust enterprise-grade endpoint protection platform that provides comprehensive antivirus, anti-malware, firewall, and exploit prevention capabilities to defend against evolving cyber threats. It features real-time scanning, behavioral analysis, ransomware rollback, and web protection, all centralized through the ePolicy Orchestrator (ePO) console or cloud-based management. Designed for scalability across Windows, macOS, Linux, and mobile endpoints, it suits organizations needing managed security at scale.
Pros
- Strong independent lab test scores for malware detection
- Centralized management console for large-scale deployments
- Integrated exploit prevention and ransomware protection
Cons
- Can cause noticeable system performance slowdowns
- Complex setup and management for smaller teams
- Higher pricing compared to some competitors
Best For
Medium to large enterprises seeking scalable, centrally managed endpoint security with advanced threat prevention.
Pricing
Quote-based enterprise licensing, typically $50-90 per endpoint per year depending on features and volume discounts.
Cisco Secure Endpoint
enterpriseEndpoint protection and EDR solution with advanced malware protection and continuous monitoring.
File Trajectory for mapping and analyzing file movements across endpoints and the network
Cisco Secure Endpoint is an enterprise-grade endpoint protection platform that combines next-generation antivirus with endpoint detection and response (EDR) capabilities. It leverages machine learning, behavioral analysis, and Cisco Talos threat intelligence to detect and block malware, ransomware, and advanced threats in real-time. The solution offers deep visibility through features like file trajectory and integrates with Cisco SecureX for streamlined security operations.
Pros
- Powered by Cisco Talos for superior threat intelligence and detection accuracy
- Advanced EDR features including behavioral analysis and exploit prevention
- Seamless integration with Cisco ecosystem for unified management
Cons
- Complex deployment and management for non-enterprise users
- High pricing suitable mainly for large organizations
- Overkill for basic antivirus needs in small businesses
Best For
Large enterprises with complex environments needing advanced threat hunting and Cisco integrations.
Pricing
Quote-based subscription; typically $35-60 per endpoint/year depending on features and volume.
Conclusion
Navigating the landscape of endpoint antivirus software reveals a cohort of top-tier solutions, each excelling in different aspects of protection. Leading the pack is CrowdStrike Falcon, a standout for its AI-native approach that safeguarding endpoints, cloud, and identity. Close behind are Microsoft Defender for Endpoint, a strong choice for cloud-connected environments, and SentinelOne Singularity, lauded for its autonomous AI-driven threat response, offering reliable alternatives for varied needs.
Take the first step toward fortified security by trying CrowdStrike Falcon today; for those with specific cloud or AI-focused needs, Microsoft Defender for Endpoint and SentinelOne Singularity stand ready to deliver powerful protection.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison