22 Best Endpoint Protection Software Of 2024
10 Best Endpoint Protection Software Shortlist
Here's my pick of the 10 best software from the 22 tools reviewed.
The continual challenge of the cybersecurity landscape has always been trying to stay ahead of the curve and detect vulnerabilities before they escalate to potential security incidents–a challenge made even more difficult by the complexity of today’s network infrastructures, with users connecting on a multitude of devices from all over the globe.
That's why I curated the best endpoint protection software known for effectively safeguarding systems against various threats.
What Is Endpoint Security?
Endpoint security provides protection against cyber threats for IT networks that are connected to user’s “endpoints” devices like PCs, tablets, mobile phones, and Internet of Things (IoT) devices. This complex network configuration means a greater attack surface for potential cyber threats, creating a need for modern endpoint protection software to go beyond outdated legacy security architectures.
Endpoint security software combines network and device security to keep out malware, vulnerabilities, and targeted attacks. These tools can actively monitor and analyze incoming files and activities to identify actions with potential malicious intent. They actively defend your system with real-time protection measures like firewall rules, intrusion prevention, and web filtering.
The 10 Best Endpoint Protection Software Reviews
SentinelOne Endpoint Protection is an all-in-one cybersecurity solution that combines endpoint protection, EDR, and automated threat response. It detects and swiftly responds to threats, taking necessary actions like device isolation or security team alerts for incident management.
Why I picked SentinelOne Endpoint Protection: I picked SentinelOne Endpoint Protection because it excels in identifying infected devices used by your clients. You can quickly retrieve crucial files and apply customizable scripts, ensuring faster and more secure service to your customers.
SentinelOne Endpoint Protection Standout Features & Integrations:
Features that stood out to me are customer-centric features, such as the ability to discover and profile all IP-enabled devices on your network and automatically extending protection to all user devices. I liked how this lets cybersecurity teams simplify protection measures without additional agents, hardware, or network modifications.
Integrations are pre-built and include AWS, Splunk, ServiceNow, and IBM Security.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Requires little admin support, saving costs and increasing efficiency
- Enables policy-based endpoint management for individual device control
- You can easily disconnect a device remotely to isolate infections
Cons:
- It would be helpful if SentinelOne had better automation to update client versions.
- The accuracy of deep dive searches varies
ESET Endpoint Security safeguards company devices from cyber attacks using multiple layers of protection, global threat detection, and machine learning. It also benefits from human expertise and provides remediation options when needed.
Why I picked ESET Endpoint Security: I chose ESET Endpoint Security for its comprehensive malware detection and protection. ESET's Network Attack Protection shields your systems from ransomware by blocking network-level exploits that could lead to system infections. Eset has been top rated for accuracy and detection, which gave me confidence in its protection capabilities.
ESET Endpoint Security Standout Features & Integrations:
Features that caught my eye for endpoints are customizable options and automatic threat detection, ensuring secure devices for uninterrupted work. With cloud-powered scanning and minimal data transfer, you get accurate virus detection without compromising confidentiality or performance..
Integrations are built-in and include ConnectWise Automate, Datto, N-able, and NinjaOne.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Performs scans on hardware and external devices upon insertion
- Includes antivirus, firewall, and alerts for OS updates to address vulnerabilities
- Easily schedule tasks like server analysis, software installation, and diagnostics
Cons:
- Complex service deployment requires multiple servers for full functionality
- Some companies faced firewall issues due to geographical filter blocks in the US
Apex One is an endpoint security solution that proactively protects against vulnerabilities by virtually patching them. It scans for vulnerabilities based on criteria such as severity and Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures (CVE) listing, providing comprehensive protection for platforms and devices.
Why I picked Apex One: I chose Apex One because it utilizes deep scanning to detect malware, viruses, and other threats on all endpoints. It also collects data from millions of application events to identify and track potential risks, ensuring your product and systems are kept up-to-date with the latest cyber threats.
Apex One Standout Features & Integrations:
Features I found beneficial for endpoint protection and scanning include advanced threat techniques like machine learning, as well as noise-canceling methods such as census and safelisting. This combination minimizes false positives and enhances overall security.
Integrations consist of native plug-ins that enhance security visibility and functionality. Some of the popular plug-ins are IBM QRadar, Fortinet, and Splunk.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Behavior monitoring module terminates suspicious processes
- External machines receive direct updates from Apex One servers for protection
- After installing Apex One agents, users can perform full scans and review machine logs
Cons:
- Inability to rename endpoint agent names after they're assigned to a system
- The basic reporting feature is okay but could use improvements
Malwarebytes is an endpoint antivirus software that scans and removes malicious software, such as viruses, adware, and spyware. It operates in batch mode, which minimizes interference when other on-demand antimalware software is running on the computer.
Why I picked Malwarebytes Endpoint Protection: I chose Malwarebytes Endpoint Protection because it offers solid protection and functionality at a price point that works for budget-conscious startups. I found its malware protection was good, with a lightweight agent and straightforward interface
Malwarebytes Endpoint Protection Standout Features & Integrations:
Features I found are simple yet effective for startup endpoints. It provides essential features such as virus protection and file quarantine, making it a reliable and straightforward antivirus product.
Integrations are built around a range of native plug-ins developed in collaboration with industry leaders such as IBM, Microsoft, Splunk, ArcSight, and Kaseya.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- You can choose multiple analysis types: threats, personalized settings, or quick scans
- Updates database rapidly for superior threat removal/blocking edge
- Speedy scans without system resource burden
Cons:
- Lacks advanced firewall controls
- Useful, but not as feature-rich as top antivirus software like Avast or McAfee
Best for malware and attack prevention for small businesses
Symantec Endpoint Protection is an endpoint security solution designed to protect servers and computers from malware, hackers, and other threats. It applies robust technology, including firewall protection, to ensure the safety and integrity of your systems.
Why I picked Symantec Endpoint Protection: I picked Symantec Endpoint Protection because of its comprehensive features and security measures. The price point, features, and ease of use make it a great starting point for small business owners looking to protect their tech stack. The added firewall feature provides an extra layer of protection.
Symantec Endpoint Protection Standout Features & Integrations:
Features that I found helpful in this software are firewall protection, antivirus solutions, and integration with EDR Consoles. These features team up to keep businesses secure by blocking unauthorized access, defending against harmful software, and providing advanced detection and response capabilities.
Integrations that Symantec uses are primarily native and include Unified Endpoint Management (UEM), REST APIs, and Unified Endpoint Management (UEM).
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Utilizes advanced threat detection mechanisms
- Offers AI guidance for creating and deploying policies
- Provides robust protection against cybersecurity threats
Cons:
- Resource-intensive and may cause slowdowns on older systems
- Merger with Broadcom may cause support challenges for existing customers.
Avast Small Business Solutions is an endpoint security and antivirus software specifically tailored for small businesses. It offers next-gen endpoint protection tools (exploit mitigation, behavioral analysis, and ML) alongside antivirus, patch management, VPN, and USB protection features.
Why I picked Avast Small Business Solutions: I picked Avast Small Business Solutions because it is affordable and easy to use. It provides small businesses with automatic protection against cyber threats by monitoring and eliminating them centrally at each endpoint.
Avast Small Business Solutions Standout Features & Integrations:
Features I appreciated most are those tailored for small businesses, such as offering simplified endpoint protection through a single-screen interface.They enable cybersecurity teams to monitor potential viruses and detect suspicious files on devices both in the office and remotely.
Integrations are native and can be added by ClientID and Client Secret parameters via Avast Business Hub. Integrations include ConnectWise, ConnectWise Automate, and Ivanti.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Transferable devices between policies through the cloud portal to test and maintain security levels
- Set parameters in a policy and apply them to endpoints with a single click
- Lockout prevents unauthorized deactivation and requires authorized passwords
Cons:
- Includes voice notification for antivirus updates, easily disabled in menu options
- Occasionally initiates unexpected startup scans while your system is running
Heimdal Threat Protection Endpoint is a cybersecurity suite that offers integrated protection for your business. It combines threat prevention, patching, antivirus, DNS traffic filtering, vulnerability management, access governance, and incident response for integrated protection of your business.
Why I picked Heimdal Threat Protection Endpoint: I picked Heimdal Threat Protection Endpoint for its integrated security solution, which combines multiple applications like antivirus, firewall, intrusion detection, and more. With machine learning capabilities, Heimdal detects and defends against various polymorphic malware threats.
Heimdal Threat Protection Endpoint Standout Features & Integrations:
Features that I thought stood out are the unified suite of features, including endpoint activity tracking through data analytics. It allows cybersecurity teams to respond quickly to incidents and provides actionable guidance through threat intelligence capabilities.
Integrations are provided via native integrations and include Adobe Acrobat Reader, Logitech, Skype, NGINX, and FileZilla.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Unified dashboard UI
- You can easily add additional modules by simply clicking a button
- Automatically updates software to prevent vulnerabilities from outdated applications
Cons:
- May generate some Java errors on Mac systems
- Occasionally blocks safe sites, necessitating unblocking via support emails
Best for defending SaaS Cloud endpoints
CrowdStrike Falcon is a cloud-based endpoint solution that uses a single, lightweight agent to prevent and detect cyber attacks, including malware and malware-free threats. It also uses a threat graph to analyze and understand real-time data, processing billions of events each day on a single console.
Why I picked CrowdStrike Falcon Endpoint Protection Enterprise: I chose CrowdStrike Falcon for Cloud-based SaaS companies because it rapidly predicts, detects, and responds to threats in Cloud environments. It employs automated remediation, USB device protection, firewall management, and comprehensive endpoint visibility.
CrowdStrike Falcon Endpoint Protection Enterprise Standout Features & Integrations:
Features that I found helpful for SaaS companies include actionable data generation, detecting attack changes, and visualizing threat patterns through a patented Threat Graph. This ensures effective protection of sensitive customer data. I also liked that the modular toolset allows you to add more features without having to redesign your security approach.
Integrations in CrowdStrike are native and include Airlock, Tines, ArcSight, Sixgill, and SecurityAdvisor.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- The searches in the discovery module are highly valuable for reporting
- Effectively blocks attacks and prevents unwanted installations
- Automated incident detection, action, and closure using fusion workflow
Cons:
- Dashboard can display an excessive amount of information
- Cost and features may be overkill for smaller businesses
Cynet 360 is a complete endpoint security platform that uses AI and automation to protect your devices and analyze user behavior. It secures many different parts of your tech stack like computers, servers, and online services, ensuring comprehensive security for your environment.
Why I picked Cynet 360: I picked Cynet 360 for its all-in-one solution, combining endpoint management, antivirus protection, and threat intelligence all within a single application. It's perfect for small and medium-sized businesses seeking a comprehensive security platform.
Cynet 360 Standout Features & Integrations:
Features that I found interesting on Cynet 360's platform include automating error identification and resolution in SaaS and Cloud applications, simplifying problem-solving. It also streamlines threat investigation and remediation, enhancing security operations.
Integrations on the platform require configuration but are primarily native. They include AWS S3, Active Directory, Datto, Datto Autodesk, and N-able.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- The dashboard offers a concise threat overview for easy security assessment
- Lightweight agent saves time with auto-remediation for immediate actions
- Customizable USB blocking, threat hunting, and multiple antivirus tools
Cons:
- Custom configurations can be complex
- UI improvements needed for better user-friendliness
Best for protecting business data for small-to-medium-sized companies
Bitdefender GravityZone is a cloud-based cybersecurity application for workplace devices. It defends against viruses, malware, and other threats.
Why I picked Bitdefender GravityZone: I picked Bitdefender GravityZone for its strong security and user-friendly management. I felt it was a great choice of cybersecurity tool for small-to-medium-sized businesses due to its ease of use, allowing businesses to focus on core activities without the need for dedicated specialists.
Bitdefender GravityZone Standout Features & Integrations:
Features I believe that stood out include a single, user-friendly platform that supports various devices such as desktops, laptops, and physical devices. It employs machine learning and behavioral analysis for advanced threat detection, and can be used through cloud or on-prem management consoles.
Integrations rely on API keys from Bitdefender GravityZone to operate and include pre-built plug-ins such as Amazon AWS, Microsoft Active Directory, and ConnectWise Automate to give control over agent and agentless devices.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Granular control of security settings
- Ability to assign policies for automated deployments with customized settings
- Runs efficiently on low-end computers
Cons:
- Network printers are blocked by default, causing initial difficulties and frustrations.
- Locating quarantined emails can sometimes be challenging
The 10 Best Endpoint Protection Software Summary
| Tools | Price | |
|---|---|---|
| SentinelOne Endpoint Protection | From $4/agent/month | Website |
| ESET Endpoint Protection | From $211/5 devices/year | Website |
| Trend Micro | From $2.00/user/month billed annually | Website |
| Malwarebytes Endpoint Protection | From $33.74/device/year | Website |
| Symantec Endpoint Protection | From $16.90/endpoint/year | Website |
| Avast Small Business Solutions | From $31.37/device/year | Website |
| Heimdal Threat Protection Endpoint | From $34.98/3 devices/year | Website |
| CrowdStrike Falcon Endpoint Protection Enterprise | From $299.95/5 devices/year | Website |
| Cynet 360 | Pricing upon request | Website |
| Bitdefender GravityZone | From $77.69/3 devices/year | Website |
Compare Software Specs Side by Side
Use our comparison chart to review and evaluate software specs side-by-side.
Compare SoftwareOther Endpoint Protection Options For Securing Endpoints
Selection Criteria For Endpoint Protection Software
Wondering how I picked the best endpoint protection software? As a cybersecurity specialist, I've worked with companies using a variety of endpoint protection tools, and this practical experience helped me assess tools thoroughly and fairly. Here's what I looked for:
Core Functionality
First, I evaluated each tool's fundamental abilities to protect against cyber threats. Here's the key functionality that I required all tools to have:
- Protection against malicious emails, web downloads, and exploits
- Application and device control to manage and restrict specific devices, controlling their ability to upload or download data, access hardware, or modify registry settings
- Data loss prevention so your data doesn't fall into the wrong hands
Key Features
To facilitate the core functionality of endpoint protection tools, here are the key features that I required all tools to have:
- Rapid detection: Early threat detection is crucial as delays allow for greater spread and damage to your systems.
- Flexible deployment options: Whether it's on-premises or in the cloud, endpoint security tools should adapt to your organization's needs.
- Third-party integrations. To boost system security, I wanted the selected endpoint security tools to integrate with other security tools in your company's environment.
Exploit and threat protection
I prioritized tools that utilized advanced machine-learning technology to catch evolving threats in real time. While all endpoint protection software could detect, protect and eliminate malware on multiple endpoints, I wanted to choose tools with a proven track record of safeguarding company systems.
Pricing
Endpoint monitoring tools typically involve monthly or annual payments, with costs increasing based on the number of devices. Software for endpoint protection starts around $30 to $50 per device and rises as your company and endpoint count grow.
Integrations
In my selection process, I prioritized endpoint security software that integrates with various platforms, including your existing architecture and firewalls. To make things easier, I have compiled a list of important integrations based on native or built-in plug-ins.
People Also Ask
Here are some answers to frequently asked questions about endpoint protection:
How does endpoint protection software work?
What is an example of endpoint protection?
What is the difference between EPP and EDR?
Summary
In a tech landscape where employees and customers can connect to your network anytime and anywhere, it’s more important than ever to ensure your endpoint connections don’t expose you to cyber risks. Endpoint protection software plays an important role in safeguarding end-user devices from constantly evolving cybersecurity threats, including malware and malicious actors, ensuring their security and protection. With a variety of features and price points, there’s sure to be a tool to meet your needs, and I hope my list has helped you find the right one.
If you want more, subscribe to The CTO Club newsletter and stay ahead with exclusive insights, trends, and expert advice from industry experts.