Quick Overview
- 1#1: Bitdefender GravityZone Business Security - Provides advanced endpoint protection, ransomware remediation, and risk analytics tailored for small businesses.
- 2#2: ESET PROTECT Entry - Delivers lightweight, high-detection antivirus with cloud management for small business endpoints.
- 3#3: Norton 360 for Small Business - Offers all-in-one antivirus, firewall, and identity protection with easy deployment for small teams.
- 4#4: Kaspersky Endpoint Security Cloud - Cloud-based endpoint security with top-rated malware detection and patch management for SMBs.
- 5#5: Avast Business Antivirus Pro Plus - Scalable antivirus with email and web protection, plus remote management for small businesses.
- 6#6: Trend Micro Worry-Free Business Security - Cloud-managed security suite protecting endpoints, email, and web for small to medium businesses.
- 7#7: Sophos Intercept X for Small Business - AI-powered endpoint protection with exploit prevention and ransomware defense for small firms.
- 8#8: Malwarebytes Nebula - Cloud platform for endpoint detection, response, and remediation focused on small business threats.
- 9#9: Microsoft Defender for Business - Integrated antivirus and EDR solution with Microsoft 365 compatibility for small businesses.
- 10#10: Webroot Business Endpoint Protection - Lightweight, real-time threat intelligence-based protection for small business devices.
We ranked these tools based on industry-leading threat detection rates, ease of deployment and management, comprehensive feature sets (including email/web protection and endpoint security), and alignment with small business budgets and operational workflows.
Comparison Table
This comparison table aids small businesses in selecting antivirus solutions, highlighting tools like Bitdefender GravityZone Business Security, ESET PROTECT Entry, Norton 360 for Small Business, Kaspersky Endpoint Security Cloud, and Avast Business Antivirus Pro Plus. Readers will explore features, protection capabilities, usability, and cost factors to identify the optimal choice for their operations.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bitdefender GravityZone Business Security Provides advanced endpoint protection, ransomware remediation, and risk analytics tailored for small businesses. | enterprise | 9.6/10 | 9.8/10 | 9.4/10 | 9.2/10 |
| 2 | ESET PROTECT Entry Delivers lightweight, high-detection antivirus with cloud management for small business endpoints. | enterprise | 9.1/10 | 9.0/10 | 9.4/10 | 8.8/10 |
| 3 | Norton 360 for Small Business Offers all-in-one antivirus, firewall, and identity protection with easy deployment for small teams. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 9.0/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.1/10 |
| 4 | Kaspersky Endpoint Security Cloud Cloud-based endpoint security with top-rated malware detection and patch management for SMBs. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.4/10 | 8.1/10 |
| 5 | Avast Business Antivirus Pro Plus Scalable antivirus with email and web protection, plus remote management for small businesses. | enterprise | 8.6/10 | 9.0/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.4/10 |
| 6 | Trend Micro Worry-Free Business Security Cloud-managed security suite protecting endpoints, email, and web for small to medium businesses. | enterprise | 8.1/10 | 8.4/10 | 8.0/10 | 7.6/10 |
| 7 | Sophos Intercept X for Small Business AI-powered endpoint protection with exploit prevention and ransomware defense for small firms. | enterprise | 8.4/10 | 9.1/10 | 8.6/10 | 7.9/10 |
| 8 | Malwarebytes Nebula Cloud platform for endpoint detection, response, and remediation focused on small business threats. | enterprise | 7.9/10 | 8.1/10 | 8.6/10 | 7.4/10 |
| 9 | Microsoft Defender for Business Integrated antivirus and EDR solution with Microsoft 365 compatibility for small businesses. | enterprise | 8.3/10 | 8.1/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.6/10 |
| 10 | Webroot Business Endpoint Protection Lightweight, real-time threat intelligence-based protection for small business devices. | enterprise | 7.6/10 | 7.2/10 | 8.8/10 | 7.4/10 |
Provides advanced endpoint protection, ransomware remediation, and risk analytics tailored for small businesses.
Delivers lightweight, high-detection antivirus with cloud management for small business endpoints.
Offers all-in-one antivirus, firewall, and identity protection with easy deployment for small teams.
Cloud-based endpoint security with top-rated malware detection and patch management for SMBs.
Scalable antivirus with email and web protection, plus remote management for small businesses.
Cloud-managed security suite protecting endpoints, email, and web for small to medium businesses.
AI-powered endpoint protection with exploit prevention and ransomware defense for small firms.
Cloud platform for endpoint detection, response, and remediation focused on small business threats.
Integrated antivirus and EDR solution with Microsoft 365 compatibility for small businesses.
Lightweight, real-time threat intelligence-based protection for small business devices.
Bitdefender GravityZone Business Security
enterpriseProvides advanced endpoint protection, ransomware remediation, and risk analytics tailored for small businesses.
GravityZone Risk Analytics for proactive endpoint risk assessment and prioritization
Bitdefender GravityZone Business Security is a cloud-managed endpoint protection platform tailored for small businesses, delivering multilayered defense against malware, ransomware, and advanced threats using AI-driven detection and behavioral analysis. It includes essential tools like patch management, firewall control, web protection, and risk analytics, all accessible via an intuitive centralized console. This solution scales effortlessly from a few devices to larger deployments, ensuring robust security without requiring dedicated IT resources.
Pros
- Exceptional malware detection rates with machine learning and hypervisor introspection
- Centralized cloud console simplifies deployment and management for non-experts
- Integrated patch management and ransomware rollback reduce administrative burden
Cons
- Higher pricing compared to basic consumer antivirus solutions
- Resource usage can be noticeable on older hardware
- Advanced features may overwhelm absolute beginners
Best For
Small businesses with 5-100 endpoints seeking enterprise-grade protection without an in-house IT team.
Pricing
Starts at $15-28 per endpoint/year (billed annually), with tiers for added features like Elite protection.
ESET PROTECT Entry
enterpriseDelivers lightweight, high-detection antivirus with cloud management for small business endpoints.
Cloud-native management console with live installer for effortless deployment and policy enforcement
ESET PROTECT Entry is a cloud-based endpoint security platform tailored for small businesses, offering robust antivirus, anti-malware, ransomware protection, and exploit blocking. It features a centralized management console for easy deployment and monitoring across up to 25 Windows, macOS, and mobile devices. The solution emphasizes lightweight performance with ESET's multilayered detection engine, ensuring minimal impact on business operations while providing real-time threat intelligence.
Pros
- Exceptional malware detection rates from independent labs
- Ultra-low system resource usage for seamless performance
- Simple cloud console for quick setup and remote management
Cons
- Limited to 25 devices, requiring upgrade for growth
- Fewer advanced features compared to higher-tier plans
- Support primarily ticket-based without live chat
Best For
Small businesses with 1-25 endpoints seeking lightweight, high-performance antivirus without on-premises infrastructure.
Pricing
Starts at ~$3.50 per device/month (billed annually) for up to 25 devices.
Norton 360 for Small Business
enterpriseOffers all-in-one antivirus, firewall, and identity protection with easy deployment for small teams.
Centralized business dashboard for effortless monitoring and management of all protected devices
Norton 360 for Small Business offers comprehensive antivirus protection tailored for small teams, covering up to 20 devices across Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS with real-time threat detection, firewall, VPN, password manager, and cloud backup. It features a centralized dashboard for easy management without needing IT expertise, protecting against viruses, ransomware, phishing, and web exploits. The solution includes 24/7 support and a virus protection promise, making it suitable for businesses prioritizing straightforward security.
Pros
- Multi-layered protection including AI-driven threat detection and ransomware recovery
- Covers up to 20 devices with a simple centralized management console
- Includes extras like unlimited VPN, 500GB cloud backup, and 24/7 priority support
Cons
- Higher pricing than basic antivirus competitors
- Lacks advanced enterprise features like EDR or patch management
- Can cause minor performance slowdowns on older hardware
Best For
Small businesses with 1-20 employees seeking an all-in-one, user-friendly security suite without dedicated IT staff.
Pricing
Starts at $99.99/year for 5 devices, $149.99 for 10 devices, $249.99 for 20 devices (annual billing).
Kaspersky Endpoint Security Cloud
enterpriseCloud-based endpoint security with top-rated malware detection and patch management for SMBs.
Fully cloud-native management console with no on-premises hardware required, enabling instant scalability and remote oversight.
Kaspersky Endpoint Security Cloud is a cloud-based security platform tailored for small and medium businesses, offering comprehensive endpoint protection against malware, ransomware, and advanced threats. It includes antivirus, firewall, web filtering, application control, vulnerability assessments, and basic EDR capabilities, all managed through an intuitive online console. This solution enables quick deployment across Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS devices without requiring on-premises servers.
Pros
- Top-rated malware detection from independent labs like AV-Test and AV-Comparatives
- Centralized cloud console for easy multi-device management and policy deployment
- Low system performance impact with adaptive scanning technologies
Cons
- Geopolitical concerns due to Russian origins may deter some users
- Advanced features like full EDR require higher-tier plans
- Customization options can overwhelm non-technical users
Best For
Small businesses with limited IT resources needing scalable, high-performance endpoint security managed remotely.
Pricing
Subscription starts at ~$3.20 per endpoint/month (billed annually) for basic plans, up to $6+ for advanced tiers; free cloud management console.
Avast Business Antivirus Pro Plus
enterpriseScalable antivirus with email and web protection, plus remote management for small businesses.
Avast Business Hub: intuitive cloud console for remote deployment, monitoring, and automated patching across Windows, macOS, and servers.
Avast Business Antivirus Pro Plus is a robust endpoint security solution tailored for small businesses, providing real-time protection against malware, ransomware, phishing, and advanced threats through multiple shields including file, web, email, and behavior monitoring. It features a centralized cloud-based management console (Avast Business Hub) for easy deployment, monitoring, and policy enforcement across devices. Additional tools like firewall, Wi-Fi Inspector, software patch management, and remote assistance enhance security without requiring extensive IT expertise.
Pros
- Top-tier malware detection rates from independent labs (99-100%)
- Intuitive cloud-based management hub for multi-device control
- Bundled extras like patch management and firewall at a competitive price
Cons
- Occasional performance impact on lower-end hardware
- Customer support response times can lag for smaller accounts
- Limited built-in endpoint detection and response (EDR) compared to enterprise rivals
Best For
Small businesses with 5-50 endpoints seeking straightforward, scalable antivirus with centralized management and no need for dedicated IT staff.
Pricing
Starts at $36.89 per endpoint/year (1-year term, 1 device); scales down to ~$25/endpoint with multi-year and volume discounts (10+ devices).
Trend Micro Worry-Free Business Security
enterpriseCloud-managed security suite protecting endpoints, email, and web for small to medium businesses.
Ransomware RollBACK technology that restores files to pre-attack state without paying ransom
Trend Micro Worry-Free Business Security is a cloud-based antivirus and endpoint protection platform tailored for small businesses with up to 100 devices. It offers real-time threat detection, ransomware rollback, web and email filtering, and centralized management via an intuitive online console, eliminating the need for on-premises servers. The solution includes device control, application blocking, and compliance tools to help maintain security without requiring extensive IT expertise.
Pros
- Cloud-based management console simplifies deployment and monitoring for non-technical users
- Strong multi-layered protection including AI-driven threat detection and ransomware rollback
- Comprehensive reporting and compliance features for regulatory needs
Cons
- Pricing can be higher compared to competitors for larger small business deployments
- Limited advanced customization options for power users
- Occasional performance impact on lower-end devices during scans
Best For
Small businesses with limited IT resources seeking straightforward, cloud-managed endpoint security.
Pricing
Starts at around $30 per device per year (Standard edition); scales with device count, with Advanced edition adding more features for $40+ per device.
Sophos Intercept X for Small Business
enterpriseAI-powered endpoint protection with exploit prevention and ransomware defense for small firms.
Deep Learning malware detection for proactive blocking of zero-day threats
Sophos Intercept X for Small Business is a robust endpoint protection solution tailored for small and medium-sized enterprises, delivering next-generation antivirus, exploit prevention, and ransomware defense powered by deep learning AI. It includes web protection, device control, patch assessment, and optional 24/7 managed threat response for comprehensive security without requiring in-house expertise. The cloud-based management console simplifies deployment and oversight across endpoints, servers, and mobile devices.
Pros
- Advanced AI-driven threat detection including unknown malware
- Strong ransomware and exploit prevention technologies
- Intuitive cloud console with remote management capabilities
Cons
- Higher pricing compared to basic antivirus options
- Some advanced features like MDR require add-on subscriptions
- Limited reporting customization for very small teams
Best For
Small businesses needing enterprise-level endpoint security with minimal IT overhead.
Pricing
Starts at around $56 per endpoint/year for basic protection; bundles with MDR from $79/user/year (billed annually).
Malwarebytes Nebula
enterpriseCloud platform for endpoint detection, response, and remediation focused on small business threats.
Nebula Console's one-click remediation for instant threat removal across all endpoints
Malwarebytes Nebula is a cloud-based endpoint protection platform tailored for small businesses, offering real-time antivirus, anti-ransomware, and endpoint detection and response (EDR) capabilities. It features a centralized Nebula Console for easy management of devices across Windows, macOS, and mobile endpoints. The solution emphasizes quick deployment, automated threat remediation, and vulnerability management to protect against malware, exploits, and advanced threats without requiring on-premises hardware.
Pros
- Cloud-based console simplifies remote management for small IT teams
- Strong real-time malware detection and one-click remediation
- Effective ransomware rollback and behavioral analysis
Cons
- Limited advanced EDR analytics compared to enterprise competitors
- Per-endpoint pricing can become costly as business scales
- Fewer third-party integrations and reporting options
Best For
Small businesses with limited IT resources needing simple, reliable cloud-managed antivirus and endpoint protection.
Pricing
Subscription tiers start at ~$99/year per endpoint for Core plan, up to $199/year for Advanced with EDR; volume discounts available.
Microsoft Defender for Business
enterpriseIntegrated antivirus and EDR solution with Microsoft 365 compatibility for small businesses.
Unified threat protection and automated response integrated directly into the Microsoft 365 Defender portal.
Microsoft Defender for Business is a cloud-native endpoint protection platform tailored for small businesses with up to 300 employees, offering next-generation antivirus, endpoint detection and response (EDR), and automated investigation capabilities. It leverages AI-driven behavioral analysis and integrates deeply with the Microsoft 365 ecosystem for streamlined security management via the Microsoft 365 Defender portal. The solution supports Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android devices, providing comprehensive protection against malware, ransomware, and advanced threats.
Pros
- Seamless integration with Microsoft 365 and native Windows support for effortless deployment
- Strong malware detection rates validated by independent labs like AV-TEST and MITRE
- Centralized management console simplifies oversight for IT teams with limited resources
Cons
- Fewer advanced customization options compared to specialized competitors like CrowdStrike
- Optimal performance in Microsoft-centric environments; less ideal for diverse ecosystems
- Standalone features require additional Microsoft licensing for full potential
Best For
Small businesses deeply embedded in the Microsoft ecosystem seeking simple, reliable antivirus without high complexity.
Pricing
$3 per user per month standalone, or included in Microsoft 365 Business Premium ($22/user/month).
Webroot Business Endpoint Protection
enterpriseLightweight, real-time threat intelligence-based protection for small business devices.
Ultra-lightweight agent (under 1MB) that offloads scanning to the cloud for near-zero performance impact
Webroot Business Endpoint Protection is a cloud-based antivirus solution tailored for small businesses, offering lightweight endpoint security with real-time threat detection powered by machine learning and behavioral analysis. It provides centralized management through a web console, enabling easy deployment and monitoring across multiple devices with minimal system impact. The software excels in rapid scans and low resource usage, making it suitable for resource-constrained environments.
Pros
- Extremely lightweight with minimal CPU and memory usage
- Fast installation and scanning times
- Strong zero-day threat detection via cloud analysis
Cons
- Limited additional features like firewall or VPN
- Inconsistent performance in some independent lab tests
- Customer support response times can be slow
Best For
Small businesses with limited IT staff needing simple, low-impact endpoint protection for multiple devices.
Pricing
Starts at around $55 per endpoint per year, with tiered plans scaling for more users and advanced management features.
Conclusion
The reviewed antivirus tools offer robust protection for small businesses, with Bitdefender GravityZone Business Security leading as the top choice, providing advanced endpoint and ransomware remediation. ESET PROTECT Entry stands out for its lightweight, cloud-managed design, while Norton 360 for Small Business excels with its all-in-one firewall and identity protection—both excellent alternatives for varying needs. Each option balances security and usability, ensuring effective defense against evolving threats.
Secure your business by exploring Bitdefender GravityZone Business Security; its tailored features make it a standout solution for small teams aiming to stay ahead of modern risks.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison
