Quick Overview
- 1#1: CrowdStrike Falcon - Cloud-native endpoint protection platform delivering AI-powered antivirus, EDR, and threat hunting for enterprises.
- 2#2: Microsoft Defender for Endpoint - Integrated endpoint detection and response solution with advanced antivirus, behavioral analysis, and automated response for Microsoft ecosystems.
- 3#3: SentinelOne Singularity - AI-driven autonomous endpoint protection platform combining antivirus, EDR, and rollback capabilities for enterprise security.
- 4#4: Palo Alto Networks Cortex XDR - Extended detection and response platform unifying antivirus, network, and cloud security with behavioral analytics for enterprises.
- 5#5: Trend Micro Vision One - XDR platform providing enterprise-grade antivirus, threat detection, and correlated risk analysis across endpoints and cloud.
- 6#6: Sophos Intercept X - Next-generation endpoint protection with deep learning antivirus, exploit prevention, and managed detection for businesses.
- 7#7: Cisco Secure Endpoint - Cloud-delivered endpoint security offering advanced malware protection, EDR, and deception capabilities for enterprise networks.
- 8#8: Bitdefender GravityZone - Enterprise antivirus platform with machine learning detection, risk analytics, and centralized management for large-scale deployments.
- 9#9: Broadcom Symantec Endpoint Security - Comprehensive endpoint protection suite featuring antivirus, EDR, and device control for enterprise threat prevention.
- 10#10: McAfee Endpoint Security - AI-powered endpoint defense solution with antivirus, web protection, and adaptive threat detection for enterprise environments.
Tools were ranked based on advanced threat detection capabilities, ease of integration across enterprise environments, comprehensive feature sets, and overall value, ensuring alignment with the dynamic security needs of modern organizations.
Comparison Table
This comparison table explores key enterprise antivirus solutions, including CrowdStrike Falcon, Microsoft Defender for Endpoint, and SentinelOne Singularity, to help organizations assess tools against their security needs. By examining metrics like threat detection accuracy, response speed, and cross-platform integration, readers will gain insight into how each platform performs in critical areas. With additional tools such as Palo Alto Networks Cortex XDR and Trend Micro Vision One, the guide equips decision-makers to select a solution aligned with their unique requirements.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | CrowdStrike Falcon Cloud-native endpoint protection platform delivering AI-powered antivirus, EDR, and threat hunting for enterprises. | enterprise | 9.7/10 | 9.9/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.8/10 |
| 2 | Microsoft Defender for Endpoint Integrated endpoint detection and response solution with advanced antivirus, behavioral analysis, and automated response for Microsoft ecosystems. | enterprise | 9.1/10 | 9.4/10 | 8.7/10 | 8.9/10 |
| 3 | SentinelOne Singularity AI-driven autonomous endpoint protection platform combining antivirus, EDR, and rollback capabilities for enterprise security. | enterprise | 9.3/10 | 9.7/10 | 8.6/10 | 8.7/10 |
| 4 | Palo Alto Networks Cortex XDR Extended detection and response platform unifying antivirus, network, and cloud security with behavioral analytics for enterprises. | enterprise | 9.0/10 | 9.5/10 | 8.0/10 | 8.5/10 |
| 5 | Trend Micro Vision One XDR platform providing enterprise-grade antivirus, threat detection, and correlated risk analysis across endpoints and cloud. | enterprise | 8.6/10 | 9.1/10 | 7.9/10 | 8.2/10 |
| 6 | Sophos Intercept X Next-generation endpoint protection with deep learning antivirus, exploit prevention, and managed detection for businesses. | enterprise | 8.6/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.8/10 | 8.3/10 |
| 7 | Cisco Secure Endpoint Cloud-delivered endpoint security offering advanced malware protection, EDR, and deception capabilities for enterprise networks. | enterprise | 8.6/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.8/10 | 8.1/10 |
| 8 | Bitdefender GravityZone Enterprise antivirus platform with machine learning detection, risk analytics, and centralized management for large-scale deployments. | enterprise | 8.6/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.0/10 | 8.3/10 |
| 9 | Broadcom Symantec Endpoint Security Comprehensive endpoint protection suite featuring antivirus, EDR, and device control for enterprise threat prevention. | enterprise | 8.5/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.8/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 10 | McAfee Endpoint Security AI-powered endpoint defense solution with antivirus, web protection, and adaptive threat detection for enterprise environments. | enterprise | 7.8/10 | 8.5/10 | 7.0/10 | 7.5/10 |
Cloud-native endpoint protection platform delivering AI-powered antivirus, EDR, and threat hunting for enterprises.
Integrated endpoint detection and response solution with advanced antivirus, behavioral analysis, and automated response for Microsoft ecosystems.
AI-driven autonomous endpoint protection platform combining antivirus, EDR, and rollback capabilities for enterprise security.
Extended detection and response platform unifying antivirus, network, and cloud security with behavioral analytics for enterprises.
XDR platform providing enterprise-grade antivirus, threat detection, and correlated risk analysis across endpoints and cloud.
Next-generation endpoint protection with deep learning antivirus, exploit prevention, and managed detection for businesses.
Cloud-delivered endpoint security offering advanced malware protection, EDR, and deception capabilities for enterprise networks.
Enterprise antivirus platform with machine learning detection, risk analytics, and centralized management for large-scale deployments.
Comprehensive endpoint protection suite featuring antivirus, EDR, and device control for enterprise threat prevention.
AI-powered endpoint defense solution with antivirus, web protection, and adaptive threat detection for enterprise environments.
CrowdStrike Falcon
enterpriseCloud-native endpoint protection platform delivering AI-powered antivirus, EDR, and threat hunting for enterprises.
AI-powered behavioral prevention engine that stops attacks pre-execution without signatures
CrowdStrike Falcon is a cloud-native endpoint detection and response (EDR) platform that delivers next-generation antivirus, threat prevention, detection, and response capabilities for enterprise environments. Leveraging AI-driven behavioral analysis and machine learning, it identifies and blocks sophisticated malware, ransomware, and zero-day attacks in real-time across endpoints, cloud workloads, and identities. The unified Falcon platform consolidates multiple security modules into a single lightweight agent, enabling scalable deployment and centralized management for large organizations.
Pros
- Exceptional threat detection rates, consistently topping MITRE ATT&CK evaluations
- Cloud-native architecture with a single, low-overhead agent for rapid deployment at scale
- Integrated EDR, MDR (via Falcon OverWatch), and automated response capabilities
Cons
- Premium pricing can be prohibitive for smaller enterprises
- Complex feature set requires skilled security teams for full utilization
- Past global outages (e.g., 2024 incident) raised reliability concerns
Best For
Large enterprises and organizations with mature security operations centers needing top-tier, AI-powered endpoint protection against advanced persistent threats.
Pricing
Subscription-based model starting at ~$60/endpoint/year for core AV/EDR bundles, scaling to $100+ with advanced modules; custom enterprise pricing.
Microsoft Defender for Endpoint
enterpriseIntegrated endpoint detection and response solution with advanced antivirus, behavioral analysis, and automated response for Microsoft ecosystems.
AI-driven automated investigation and remediation that reduces alert fatigue and speeds response times
Microsoft Defender for Endpoint is a cloud-native endpoint protection platform offering next-generation antivirus, endpoint detection and response (EDR), attack surface reduction, and automated investigation capabilities. It protects endpoints across Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS using AI-driven behavioral analysis and Microsoft's vast threat intelligence network. Ideal for enterprises, it integrates deeply with Microsoft 365 Defender for unified security operations and centralized management via the Microsoft Defender portal.
Pros
- Seamless integration with Microsoft 365 and Azure for unified threat management
- Advanced EDR with AI-powered automated response and investigation
- Cross-platform support and real-time cloud-delivered protection from massive telemetry
Cons
- Optimal performance requires Microsoft ecosystem; less flexible in heterogeneous environments
- Complex licensing and pricing structure
- Potential performance overhead on resource-constrained endpoints
Best For
Enterprises deeply invested in the Microsoft stack seeking scalable, integrated endpoint security with strong EDR capabilities.
Pricing
Subscription-based at $5.20/user/month (Plan 1: core AV/EDR) or $8/user/month (Plan 2: full features); bundled in Microsoft 365 E5 for ~$57/user/month with volume discounts.
SentinelOne Singularity
enterpriseAI-driven autonomous endpoint protection platform combining antivirus, EDR, and rollback capabilities for enterprise security.
Autonomous AI-powered remediation with Storyline for interactive threat hunting and one-click rollback
SentinelOne Singularity is an AI-powered endpoint protection platform (EPP) and extended detection and response (XDR) solution that delivers next-generation antivirus capabilities for enterprises. It leverages behavioral AI to detect, analyze, and autonomously remediate sophisticated threats in real-time, without relying on signatures. The platform provides unified visibility across endpoints, cloud workloads, identities, and mobile devices, enabling rapid incident response through its intuitive Storyline interface.
Pros
- Exceptional threat detection with low false positives via behavioral AI
- Autonomous remediation and one-click rollback capabilities
- Comprehensive XDR integration for endpoints, cloud, and identities
Cons
- Premium pricing requires custom quotes and can be costly
- Steep learning curve for advanced features and management
- Higher resource consumption on endpoints compared to lighter AV solutions
Best For
Large enterprises seeking autonomous, AI-driven endpoint security with deep forensic visibility and multi-vector threat protection.
Pricing
Custom enterprise pricing; typically starts at $50-80 per endpoint/year for core EPP, scaling to $100+ for full XDR features (billed annually, minimum commitments apply).
Palo Alto Networks Cortex XDR
enterpriseExtended detection and response platform unifying antivirus, network, and cloud security with behavioral analytics for enterprises.
Cortex XDR Analytics for AI-driven correlation of telemetry across domains enabling proactive threat hunting
Palo Alto Networks Cortex XDR is an advanced extended detection and response (XDR) platform designed for enterprise endpoint protection, extending beyond traditional antivirus with AI-driven behavioral analysis, threat prevention, and response capabilities. It integrates data from endpoints, networks, and cloud environments into a single platform via the Cortex Data Lake for unified visibility and automated incident response. As a leader in enterprise security, it excels at stopping sophisticated threats like ransomware and zero-days through machine learning and WildFire malware analysis.
Pros
- AI-powered behavioral threat protection prevents unknown attacks
- Unified XDR visibility across endpoints, network, and cloud
- Integrated incident response with automation and orchestration
Cons
- High cost requires significant investment
- Steep learning curve for setup and management
- Resource-intensive agent may impact endpoint performance
Best For
Large enterprises with complex, multi-vector threat landscapes needing integrated security operations.
Pricing
Quote-based subscription; typically $70-$150 per endpoint per year depending on modules and scale.
Trend Micro Vision One
enterpriseXDR platform providing enterprise-grade antivirus, threat detection, and correlated risk analysis across endpoints and cloud.
AI-driven Workbench for cross-correlated threat investigations and one-click response orchestration
Trend Micro Vision One is a cloud-native XDR platform that extends beyond traditional antivirus to provide enterprise-grade endpoint protection, threat detection, and response across endpoints, networks, email, cloud workloads, and third-party tools. It uses AI/ML-driven analytics, behavioral monitoring, and global threat intelligence to correlate threats and automate investigations via its intuitive Workbench. Ideal for enterprises needing unified security operations, it integrates antivirus capabilities with EDR, NDR, and MDR services for comprehensive defense.
Pros
- Unified XDR visibility across multiple attack vectors
- AI-powered threat detection and automated response
- Robust integrations with existing security stack
Cons
- Steep learning curve for full platform mastery
- Higher pricing for advanced features
- Potential performance overhead on endpoints
Best For
Mid-to-large enterprises requiring integrated XDR beyond basic antivirus for complex threat landscapes.
Pricing
Custom quote-based pricing, typically $40-80 per endpoint/year depending on modules and scale.
Sophos Intercept X
enterpriseNext-generation endpoint protection with deep learning antivirus, exploit prevention, and managed detection for businesses.
CryptoGuard ransomware technology that detects and rolls back encryption without needing decryption keys
Sophos Intercept X is a next-generation endpoint protection platform tailored for enterprises, delivering advanced threat prevention through deep learning AI, exploit blocking, and ransomware rollback capabilities. It integrates seamlessly with Sophos XDR for extended detection and response across endpoints, networks, and cloud environments. The solution emphasizes proactive defense, managed detection and response (MDR) services, and centralized management via Sophos Central.
Pros
- Exceptional exploit prevention and ransomware protection with near-perfect test scores
- AI-powered deep learning for zero-day threat detection
- Integrated MDR for 24/7 expert threat hunting and response
Cons
- Steep learning curve for the management console
- Higher pricing suitable mainly for mid-to-large enterprises
- Occasional performance impact on resource-intensive endpoints
Best For
Mid-to-large enterprises requiring comprehensive endpoint security with managed response services.
Pricing
Quote-based enterprise pricing, typically $50-80 per endpoint per year depending on features, volume, and MDR add-ons.
Cisco Secure Endpoint
enterpriseCloud-delivered endpoint security offering advanced malware protection, EDR, and deception capabilities for enterprise networks.
Retrospective Security that continuously re-evaluates files with new threat intelligence for ongoing protection
Cisco Secure Endpoint is an advanced endpoint protection platform (EPP) that goes beyond traditional antivirus by incorporating machine learning, behavioral analysis, and endpoint detection and response (EDR) capabilities to defend against sophisticated threats. It leverages Cisco Talos threat intelligence for real-time protection and retrospective security, allowing it to update verdicts on previously scanned files. Designed for enterprise environments, it provides centralized management, automated response actions, and seamless integration with Cisco SecureX for unified security operations.
Pros
- Powered by Cisco Talos for world-class threat intelligence and low false positives
- Strong EDR with advanced threat hunting and automated response
- Deep integration with Cisco SecureX and other ecosystem tools
Cons
- Steep learning curve for the management console
- Premium pricing less ideal for small businesses
- Potential performance overhead on resource-constrained endpoints
Best For
Large enterprises with Cisco infrastructure seeking comprehensive EDR and integrated threat management.
Pricing
Subscription-based per endpoint/year; typically $45-70 per device annually, quote-based for enterprises with volume discounts.
Bitdefender GravityZone
enterpriseEnterprise antivirus platform with machine learning detection, risk analytics, and centralized management for large-scale deployments.
GravityZone Risk Analytics for proactive vulnerability and misconfiguration scoring
Bitdefender GravityZone is a cloud-managed enterprise endpoint security platform offering advanced antivirus, EDR, patch management, and risk analytics for protecting endpoints, servers, and virtual environments. It leverages machine learning, behavioral analysis, and a single lightweight agent for comprehensive threat prevention with minimal performance impact. The unified console enables centralized policy management and visibility across hybrid IT infrastructures.
Pros
- Exceptional malware detection rates with near-perfect scores in independent tests
- Low system overhead and efficient single-agent architecture
- Robust risk analytics and automated patch management
Cons
- Console interface has a learning curve for new administrators
- Pricing can be higher than some competitors for full feature sets
- EDR capabilities trail slightly behind dedicated leaders like CrowdStrike
Best For
Mid-sized to large enterprises needing scalable, high-detection endpoint protection with integrated risk management.
Pricing
Quote-based enterprise pricing, typically $25-60 per endpoint/year depending on features, volume, and contract length.
Broadcom Symantec Endpoint Security
enterpriseComprehensive endpoint protection suite featuring antivirus, EDR, and device control for enterprise threat prevention.
Unlimited ransomware rollback to restore endpoints to pre-attack state without data loss
Broadcom Symantec Endpoint Security is a robust enterprise-grade endpoint protection platform that provides advanced antivirus, endpoint detection and response (EDR), behavioral analysis, and threat hunting capabilities. It uses AI-driven machine learning for real-time malware detection, prevention, and automated response, while supporting large-scale deployments with centralized cloud-based management. The solution includes features like device control, application isolation, and rollback technology to minimize breach impacts.
Pros
- Exceptional threat detection with high AV-TEST scores
- Scalable management console for thousands of endpoints
- Advanced EDR and automated response features
Cons
- Complex setup and steep learning curve for admins
- Potential performance overhead on resource-limited devices
- High cost for smaller enterprises
Best For
Large enterprises with complex IT infrastructures needing comprehensive, scalable endpoint protection.
Pricing
Custom enterprise licensing, typically $70-150 per endpoint/year based on features, volume, and contract length.
McAfee Endpoint Security
enterpriseAI-powered endpoint defense solution with antivirus, web protection, and adaptive threat detection for enterprise environments.
Adaptive Threat Protection that dynamically adjusts defenses based on real-time global threat intelligence
McAfee Endpoint Security is a robust enterprise antivirus solution designed to protect endpoints across large organizations from malware, ransomware, zero-day threats, and advanced persistent threats using AI-driven detection, behavioral analysis, and machine learning. It features centralized management via ePolicy Orchestrator (ePO) for policy deployment, threat monitoring, and automated response at scale. The platform also includes firewall controls, web protection, and integration with broader McAfee security ecosystems for comprehensive defense.
Pros
- Strong multi-layered threat prevention with real-time intelligence
- Scalable management for thousands of endpoints via ePO
- Seamless integration with SIEM and other enterprise tools
Cons
- Complex ePO interface requires steep learning curve
- Higher system resource consumption on endpoints
- Custom pricing can be opaque and expensive for smaller enterprises
Best For
Large enterprises with dedicated IT security teams needing scalable, policy-driven endpoint protection.
Pricing
Custom enterprise licensing, typically $40-90 per endpoint/year based on volume, features, and contract length.
Conclusion
The top three enterprise antivirus solutions showcase exceptional performance, with CrowdStrike Falcon leading as the top choice for its cloud-native AI and advanced threat hunting capabilities. Microsoft Defender for Endpoint shines with seamless integration into Microsoft ecosystems, while SentinelOne Singularity impresses with its autonomous, rollback-enabled protection—each a strong alternative for distinct business needs.
Secure your enterprise effectively by starting with CrowdStrike Falcon, leveraging its cutting-edge capabilities to defend against evolving threats in modern environments.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison
