Quick Overview
- 1#1: Bitdefender GravityZone Business Security - Provides comprehensive endpoint protection, advanced threat detection, and easy cloud management for small businesses.
- 2#2: Microsoft Defender for Business - Offers integrated antivirus, endpoint detection, and automated threat response tailored for small businesses using Microsoft ecosystems.
- 3#3: Norton Small Business - Delivers multi-device protection with antivirus, firewall, and identity theft monitoring optimized for small teams.
- 4#4: Avast Business Antivirus Pro Plus - Combines antivirus, ransomware protection, and patch management in a scalable solution for small business endpoints.
- 5#5: Malwarebytes Endpoint Protection - Focuses on real-time malware removal, endpoint detection, and response with lightweight deployment for small businesses.
- 6#6: Sophos Intercept X for Server - Uses AI-driven threat prevention, exploit protection, and managed detection for small business servers and endpoints.
- 7#7: Trend Micro Worry-Free Business Security - Provides cloud-based antivirus, web protection, and email security without needing IT expertise for small businesses.
- 8#8: ESET PROTECT Entry - Offers multilayered endpoint security, ransomware defense, and centralized management for small business environments.
- 9#9: Kaspersky Endpoint Security for Small Office - Delivers advanced antivirus, firewall, and vulnerability management suitable for small offices with minimal resources.
- 10#10: Webroot Business Endpoint Protection - Provides lightweight, cloud-native security with fast scanning and real-time threat intelligence for small businesses.
We ranked these tools by evaluating core features (threat detection, scalability), performance reliability, ease of use, and value, prioritizing solutions that deliver practical, high-impact protection for small business environments.
Comparison Table
Small businesses require reliable security software to protect operations, making choosing the right tool a priority; this comparison table explores top options like Bitdefender GravityZone Business Security, Microsoft Defender for Business, Norton Small Business, and more. Readers will gain insights into key features, strengths, and practical considerations to select the most suitable solution for their specific needs.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bitdefender GravityZone Business Security Provides comprehensive endpoint protection, advanced threat detection, and easy cloud management for small businesses. | enterprise | 9.6/10 | 9.8/10 | 9.3/10 | 9.4/10 |
| 2 | Microsoft Defender for Business Offers integrated antivirus, endpoint detection, and automated threat response tailored for small businesses using Microsoft ecosystems. | enterprise | 9.1/10 | 9.4/10 | 8.7/10 | 9.0/10 |
| 3 | Norton Small Business Delivers multi-device protection with antivirus, firewall, and identity theft monitoring optimized for small teams. | enterprise | 8.6/10 | 9.1/10 | 8.7/10 | 7.9/10 |
| 4 | Avast Business Antivirus Pro Plus Combines antivirus, ransomware protection, and patch management in a scalable solution for small business endpoints. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 9.1/10 | 8.6/10 | 8.2/10 |
| 5 | Malwarebytes Endpoint Protection Focuses on real-time malware removal, endpoint detection, and response with lightweight deployment for small businesses. | enterprise | 8.4/10 | 8.2/10 | 9.1/10 | 8.3/10 |
| 6 | Sophos Intercept X for Server Uses AI-driven threat prevention, exploit protection, and managed detection for small business servers and endpoints. | enterprise | 8.6/10 | 9.1/10 | 8.4/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 7 | Trend Micro Worry-Free Business Security Provides cloud-based antivirus, web protection, and email security without needing IT expertise for small businesses. | enterprise | 8.1/10 | 8.3/10 | 8.8/10 | 7.5/10 |
| 8 | ESET PROTECT Entry Offers multilayered endpoint security, ransomware defense, and centralized management for small business environments. | enterprise | 8.3/10 | 8.0/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.1/10 |
| 9 | Kaspersky Endpoint Security for Small Office Delivers advanced antivirus, firewall, and vulnerability management suitable for small offices with minimal resources. | enterprise | 8.3/10 | 8.8/10 | 8.0/10 | 7.9/10 |
| 10 | Webroot Business Endpoint Protection Provides lightweight, cloud-native security with fast scanning and real-time threat intelligence for small businesses. | enterprise | 7.2/10 | 6.8/10 | 8.5/10 | 7.5/10 |
Provides comprehensive endpoint protection, advanced threat detection, and easy cloud management for small businesses.
Offers integrated antivirus, endpoint detection, and automated threat response tailored for small businesses using Microsoft ecosystems.
Delivers multi-device protection with antivirus, firewall, and identity theft monitoring optimized for small teams.
Combines antivirus, ransomware protection, and patch management in a scalable solution for small business endpoints.
Focuses on real-time malware removal, endpoint detection, and response with lightweight deployment for small businesses.
Uses AI-driven threat prevention, exploit protection, and managed detection for small business servers and endpoints.
Provides cloud-based antivirus, web protection, and email security without needing IT expertise for small businesses.
Offers multilayered endpoint security, ransomware defense, and centralized management for small business environments.
Delivers advanced antivirus, firewall, and vulnerability management suitable for small offices with minimal resources.
Provides lightweight, cloud-native security with fast scanning and real-time threat intelligence for small businesses.
Bitdefender GravityZone Business Security
enterpriseProvides comprehensive endpoint protection, advanced threat detection, and easy cloud management for small businesses.
Risk Management analytics using machine learning to score and prioritize device vulnerabilities and risky behaviors proactively
Bitdefender GravityZone Business Security is a cloud-managed endpoint protection platform tailored for small to medium-sized businesses, delivering multilayered defense against malware, ransomware, phishing, and advanced threats. It includes antivirus, behavioral analysis, web and device control, firewall, patch management, and risk analytics via a unified console supporting Windows, macOS, Linux, and virtual machines. With hypervisor introspection and machine learning-driven detection, it ensures low system impact while providing scalable security without on-premises hardware.
Pros
- Top-tier malware detection rates with 100% scores in independent tests like AV-TEST
- Intuitive cloud-based GravityZone Control Center for centralized management and quick deployment
- Low performance overhead and comprehensive coverage including ransomware remediation and vulnerability scanning
Cons
- Higher pricing tiers required for full XDR and EDR features
- Limited customization options in entry-level plans
- Customer support primarily email/ticket-based, with phone available only in premium plans
Best For
Small businesses seeking enterprise-grade, scalable security with minimal IT overhead and robust multi-platform protection.
Pricing
Starts at ~$15-25 per endpoint/year for Business Security Premium (1-year term), with flexible subscriptions scaling by features and volume discounts for 10+ devices.
Microsoft Defender for Business
enterpriseOffers integrated antivirus, endpoint detection, and automated threat response tailored for small businesses using Microsoft ecosystems.
Unified integration with Microsoft 365 Defender portal for cross-domain threat visibility and response
Microsoft Defender for Business is a cloud-native endpoint security solution tailored for small and medium-sized businesses, offering next-generation antivirus, endpoint detection and response (EDR), automated investigation, and vulnerability management. It integrates seamlessly with the Microsoft 365 Defender portal for centralized management and visibility across endpoints. Designed for up to 300 users, it leverages Microsoft's vast threat intelligence for proactive protection against malware, ransomware, and advanced attacks.
Pros
- Seamless integration with Microsoft 365 ecosystem for unified security management
- AI-driven automated investigation and response reduces IT workload
- Strong threat intelligence from Microsoft's global scale
Cons
- Full value requires existing Microsoft infrastructure
- Limited customization options compared to enterprise alternatives
- Setup may involve a learning curve for non-Microsoft admins
Best For
Small businesses already using Microsoft 365 who want enterprise-grade endpoint protection with minimal overhead.
Pricing
Starts at $3 per user/month (annual billing); bundles available with Microsoft 365 Business Premium.
Norton Small Business
enterpriseDelivers multi-device protection with antivirus, firewall, and identity theft monitoring optimized for small teams.
AI-driven Genius scanner for proactive, behavior-based threat detection
Norton Small Business is a comprehensive cybersecurity suite designed for small businesses with up to 20 devices, offering antivirus, anti-malware, firewall, and web protection. It includes additional tools like a VPN, password manager, and 50GB cloud backup per device for enhanced data security and privacy. The platform features an easy-to-use online dashboard for centralized management and 24/7 support, making it suitable for teams without dedicated IT staff.
Pros
- Industry-leading malware detection and removal rates
- All-in-one protection including VPN, password manager, and cloud backup
- 24/7 real-agent support and simple centralized management dashboard
Cons
- Higher pricing that scales quickly with more devices
- Can impact performance on lower-end hardware
- Lacks advanced enterprise features like email gateway security or endpoint detection/response
Best For
Small businesses with 5-20 devices needing robust, set-it-and-forget-it security without IT expertise.
Pricing
Starts at $99.99/year for up to 5 devices; up to $349.99/year for 20 devices (annual billing).
Avast Business Antivirus Pro Plus
enterpriseCombines antivirus, ransomware protection, and patch management in a scalable solution for small business endpoints.
Automated Patch Management that proactively scans and applies software updates to patch vulnerabilities before exploits occur.
Avast Business Antivirus Pro Plus is a comprehensive endpoint security solution designed for small businesses, providing multi-layered protection against viruses, malware, ransomware, and advanced threats across Windows, macOS, and Linux devices. It includes a cloud-based management console for remote deployment, monitoring, and policy enforcement. Additional features like firewall, email protection, Wi-Fi security, and automated patch management help secure business networks without requiring extensive IT resources.
Pros
- Robust multi-layered protection including ransomware shield and advanced threat detection
- Intuitive cloud-based management console for easy deployment and oversight
- Automated patch management to reduce vulnerabilities from outdated software
Cons
- Per-device pricing can become expensive as the business scales
- Limited native support for mobile devices compared to competitors
- Occasional reports of performance impact on lower-end hardware
Best For
Small businesses with 5-50 endpoints needing scalable endpoint security and centralized management without a dedicated IT team.
Pricing
Starts at $36.66 per device per year (1-year commitment, volume discounts for 10+ devices).
Malwarebytes Endpoint Protection
enterpriseFocuses on real-time malware removal, endpoint detection, and response with lightweight deployment for small businesses.
Anomaly detection with automated rollback for ransomware attacks
Malwarebytes Endpoint Protection is a cloud-managed endpoint security solution designed to protect small business devices from malware, ransomware, and exploits. It offers real-time scanning, behavioral threat detection, and automated remediation through an intuitive Nebula cloud console for easy deployment across Windows, macOS, and other endpoints. Ideal for resource-constrained IT teams, it focuses on lightweight protection without overwhelming system resources.
Pros
- Exceptional malware detection and one-click remediation
- Lightweight with minimal impact on endpoint performance
- Simple cloud-based management console for small IT teams
Cons
- Lacks built-in firewall or advanced network protection
- Limited endpoint detection and response (EDR) capabilities compared to enterprise rivals
- Web filtering and patch management require add-ons
Best For
Small businesses seeking straightforward, effective anti-malware protection without complex configurations.
Pricing
Starts at $109 per endpoint per year (billed annually) for up to 5 endpoints, with volume discounts; free trial available.
Sophos Intercept X for Server
enterpriseUses AI-driven threat prevention, exploit protection, and managed detection for small business servers and endpoints.
CryptoGuard ransomware rollback that automatically restores encrypted files to pre-attack states
Sophos Intercept X for Server is a robust endpoint detection and response (EDR) solution tailored for protecting Windows and Linux servers in small business environments. It leverages deep learning AI, exploit prevention, and CryptoGuard ransomware protection with automatic file rollback to combat advanced threats. The platform integrates with Sophos Central for centralized cloud management and optional 24/7 Managed Threat Response (MTR) services.
Pros
- Superior ransomware protection with automatic rollback
- Low performance impact on resource-constrained servers
- Integrated EDR and managed response options
Cons
- Pricing can be higher for small deployments
- Advanced configuration requires some expertise
- Primarily server-focused, needing separate licensing for endpoints
Best For
Small businesses with critical on-premises or cloud servers requiring enterprise-grade threat prevention without compromising performance.
Pricing
Subscription-based at approximately $60-120 per server per year (depending on bundle and term); quote required for exact pricing.
Trend Micro Worry-Free Business Security
enterpriseProvides cloud-based antivirus, web protection, and email security without needing IT expertise for small businesses.
Virtual Patching, which blocks exploits on endpoints without requiring immediate software updates
Trend Micro Worry-Free Business Security is a cloud-managed endpoint protection solution tailored for small businesses, offering antivirus, ransomware protection, email security, and web filtering. It features a centralized web console for easy deployment and monitoring across devices without needing on-premises servers. Automated updates and patch management simplify maintenance for IT-light teams, while AI-powered detection targets advanced threats.
Pros
- Intuitive cloud-based console for quick setup and remote management
- Comprehensive protection including virtual patching and ransomware rollback
- Strong performance against phishing and malware in independent tests
Cons
- Higher pricing compared to some competitors for basic plans
- Occasional system performance impact on older hardware
- Limited advanced customization options for power users
Best For
Small businesses with 5-100 employees needing straightforward, hands-off security management without a full IT department.
Pricing
Starts at $38 per device/year for Standard edition (1-25 devices), up to $62 for Advanced with more features; volume discounts available.
ESET PROTECT Entry
enterpriseOffers multilayered endpoint security, ransomware defense, and centralized management for small business environments.
LiveGrid cloud-powered threat intelligence for real-time detection updates without slowing endpoints
ESET PROTECT Entry is a cloud-managed endpoint security platform designed for small businesses with up to 25 devices across Windows, macOS, Linux, and Android. It delivers ESET's renowned multilayered protection, including antivirus, anti-ransomware, exploit blocker, and firewall capabilities through a simple web-based console. The solution emphasizes low system impact and easy deployment, enabling centralized monitoring and policy management without on-premises hardware.
Pros
- Exceptionally lightweight with minimal performance impact
- Proven high malware detection rates from independent labs
- Intuitive cloud console for quick setup and management
Cons
- Limited to 25 endpoints, requiring upgrade for growth
- Lacks advanced modules like email security or DLP found in higher tiers
- Basic reporting compared to enterprise competitors
Best For
Small businesses or teams with 5-25 devices needing reliable, low-maintenance endpoint protection without IT expertise.
Pricing
From $2.70 per endpoint/month (billed annually) for up to 25 devices; minimum 5 seats.
Kaspersky Endpoint Security for Small Office
enterpriseDelivers advanced antivirus, firewall, and vulnerability management suitable for small offices with minimal resources.
Kaspersky Security Network (KSN) for real-time, crowdsourced threat intelligence from millions of users
Kaspersky Endpoint Security for Small Office is a tailored security solution for small businesses, protecting up to 50 endpoints across Windows, macOS, and mobile devices from malware, ransomware, phishing, and exploits. It features antivirus, firewall, web filtering, application control, and vulnerability assessments, all managed via an intuitive cloud console. This enables easy deployment and monitoring without requiring dedicated IT resources.
Pros
- Top-tier malware detection rates from independent tests
- Cloud-based centralized management simplifies admin for small teams
- Multi-platform support including mobile devices
Cons
- Geopolitical privacy concerns may deter some users
- Higher resource usage on low-end hardware
- Limited advanced automation compared to enterprise suites
Best For
Small businesses with 5-50 devices and limited IT staff seeking reliable endpoint protection.
Pricing
Starts at approximately $29 per endpoint per year (1-year subscription), with volume discounts for bundles up to 50 devices.
Webroot Business Endpoint Protection
enterpriseProvides lightweight, cloud-native security with fast scanning and real-time threat intelligence for small businesses.
Ultra-small agent (under 1MB) that scans in seconds without taxing resources
Webroot Business Endpoint Protection is a cloud-managed antivirus solution tailored for small businesses, focusing on endpoint security against malware, ransomware, and phishing. It leverages machine learning and behavioral analysis for real-time threat detection, avoiding heavy signature databases for a lightweight footprint. The centralized console enables easy deployment, monitoring, and policy management across devices.
Pros
- Extremely lightweight with minimal impact on system performance
- Fast scans and quick deployment via cloud console
- Strong against zero-day threats using behavioral analysis
Cons
- Inconsistent detection rates in independent lab tests
- Lacks advanced features like full firewall or VPN
- Limited reporting and customization options
Best For
Small businesses seeking lightweight, low-maintenance endpoint protection without slowing down employee devices.
Pricing
Starts at around $30 per endpoint per year, with volume discounts for larger deployments.
Conclusion
The top small business security tools offer diverse strengths, with Bitdefender GravityZone Business Security leading as the standout choice, combining comprehensive endpoint protection, advanced threat detection, and easy cloud management. Microsoft Defender for Business excels for those in the Microsoft ecosystem, offering integrated antivirus and automated response, while Norton Small Business provides robust multi-device protection and identity theft monitoring, ideal for small teams. Each tool addresses unique needs, but Bitdefender’s balanced capabilities make it the top pick for most small businesses.
Take proactive steps to secure your business by trying Bitdefender GravityZone Business Security—its tailored features are worth exploring. If your needs differ, Microsoft Defender for Business or Norton Small Business remain strong alternatives to safeguard your operations.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison
