Best Endpoint Protection for Business: Top 8 Platforms Analyzed

Endpoint protection has always been a core part of cybersecurity, but the way companies use it has changed. It’s no longer just about stopping malware. It now needs to reflect how teams actually work — across time zones, on multiple operating systems, with mixed employment types and a growing number of SaaS tools.

The risks are growing too. According to IBM, the average cost of a data breach reached $4.45 million in 2023, the highest on record, with 82% involving data stored in the cloud.

Insider threats and endpoint gaps are a major part of that. Research from Verizon’s 2024 DBIR found that 68% of breaches involved a non-malicious human element, like misconfiguration or unrevoked access.

Most endpoint protection platforms are built to detect threats. They rarely handle the operational side: provisioning devices, enforcing policies, managing offboarding. That leaves growing teams exposed, especially when IT support is limited or decentralized.

This article compares eight endpoint security platforms. Some focus strictly on software. Others, like Deel IT, combine threat protection with global provisioning, access enforcement, and policy control. If you’re looking for something that secures your endpoints and simplifies how they’re managed, this guide will help you choose.

Best endpoint security solutions: side-by-side comparison

Before you dive into the details, here’s a quick snapshot of how the eight platforms compare. This isn’t a full technical spec list, just a high-level view of what each one is built to do and where it fits best. Use this table to quickly identify which solutions align with your priorities, operational setup, and internal IT capacity.

1. Deel IT

Best for: Companies that need more than just software and want endpoint protection fully managed across the entire device lifecycle

Deel IT is not a traditional endpoint protection platform. It’s an endpoint management and security operations layer designed for globally distributed teams. It helps companies procure, deploy, secure, and recover devices in over 130 countries, all while integrating with leading tools like CrowdStrike, JumpCloud, Kandji, Okta, and more.

Where most platforms focus on detection alone, Deel IT connects endpoint protection with real-world execution. It helps IT and ops teams apply security policies at scale, automate setup and access, and ensure that no device or user is left unmanaged.

What you get with Deel IT:

• Device procurement and delivery worldwide
• Automated MDM enrollment and pre-configuration
• Integration with endpoint protection platforms like CrowdStrike
• App access provisioning based on role or department
• Secure device recovery and certified data wiping at offboarding
• Optional 24/7 IT support and endpoint environment management

By linking identity and provisioning workflows directly to employment status, Deel IT helps prevent gaps like delayed offboarding or overprovisioned access. Whether you're managing laptops across three continents or onboarding contractors in multiple time zones, policies stay aligned automatically.

This isn’t antivirus software. It’s infrastructure to deploy, manage, and achieve security that’s easily scalable.

Key features:

• Global device procurement and provisioning
• Endpoint protection management via integrations with CrowdStrike and others
• Apple and Windows MDM support
• HR-linked access and offboarding policies
• Certified device wiping and recovery logistics
• Optional 24/7 global IT support
• Built-in integrations with identity providers like JumpCloud and Okta
• Available as a fully managed service

Considerations:

• Deel HR or EOR platform required, not available as a standalone tool
• Not a replacement for standalone antivirus or EDR platforms, works best alongside them

2. CrowdStrike Falcon

Best for: Teams with in-house ITSec expertise needing deep threat analytics

CrowdStrike Falcon is a cloud-native EDR platform trusted by thousands of enterprises for its speed, scale, and visibility. It combines AI-powered behavioral analysis, real-time detection, and global threat intelligence from over 180 countries.

Its lightweight agent runs on Windows, macOS, and Linux, and is known for low performance impact. Falcon is a strong fit for security-conscious teams that need forensic depth and customizability, but it assumes a capable IT team to set up and maintain policies, integrations, and incident response workflows.

Key features:

• AI-powered EDR and next-gen antivirus
• Real-time cyber threat detection and behavioral analytics
• Global telemetry and threat hunting
• SOC integrations and incident response workflows
• Cloud-native console, no on-prem required
• Used by 15 of the top 20 U.S. banks and 40+ governments

Considerations:

• Requires ITSec resourcing for configuration and maintenance
• Premium pricing compared to SMB-focused platforms
• No built-in support for device provisioning or offboarding

3. SentinelOne Singularity

Best for: Security-first organizations looking for autonomous detection and response with minimal manual input

SentinelOne is an advanced endpoint protection platform that combines AI-powered prevention, detection, and automated remediation. Its biggest differentiator is its automated response capabilities: once a threat is detected, the platform can isolate, roll back, and repair systems without human intervention.

It supports Windows, macOS, and Linux environments, and is often favored by fast-moving security teams that want to minimize reliance on manual analysis or third-party services.

Key features:

• AI-based threat detection and remediation
• Automated rollback for ransomware and malware
• Behavioral and static analysis
• Cloud-based management console
• EDR and XDR functionality
• API access for custom integrations

Considerations:

• Requires internal expertise to get the most out of its advanced features
• Less user-friendly for small teams without dedicated ITSec resources
• May be overkill for companies seeking basic antivirus

4. Microsoft Defender for Endpoint

Best for: Organizations already in the Microsoft 365 ecosystem looking for integrated protection

Microsoft Defender for Endpoint offers a comprehensive suite of security capabilities, including antivirus, firewall, EDR, threat analytics, and vulnerability management. It’s deeply embedded into the Microsoft ecosystem, making it a natural fit for companies already using Azure AD, Intune, and other Microsoft products.

It supports Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS, and offers solid real-time protection combined with strong threat intelligence through Microsoft’s security graph.

Key features:

• Real-time threat detection and antivirus
• EDR, threat analytics, and vulnerability management
• Seamless integration with Microsoft 365 and Azure
• Supports XDR when used with other Microsoft tools
• Centralized management via Intune or Endpoint Manager

Considerations:

• Best suited for Microsoft-heavy environments
• Some features require Microsoft E5 licensing
• Less flexible for companies using non-Microsoft stacks

5. Bitdefender GravityZone Business Security

Best for: SMBs and mid-market companies needing strong protection with minimal management overhead

Bitdefender GravityZone is known for combining strong antivirus and anti-malware protection with ease of use. It offers centralized control over Windows, macOS, and Linux devices, and includes web filtering, firewall, and risk analytics.

Its cloud-based dashboard is straightforward and easy to manage, even for small IT teams, and its machine learning engine consistently scores highly in independent lab tests for detection rates.

Key features:

• Antivirus, anti-malware, and ransomware protection
• Machine learning–based threat detection
• Risk management and network cyber attack defense
• Patch management and app control (in higher tiers)
• Cloud and on-prem options available

Considerations:

• Basic plan lacks some EDR functionality
• UI can feel dated compared to newer platforms
• May not scale as well for complex, global orgs

6. Sophos Intercept X

Best for: Companies that want strong anti-ransomware and rollback features with user-friendly management

Sophos Intercept X combines next-gen antivirus, ransomware rollback, exploit prevention, and deep learning AI to protect endpoints from advanced threats. Its standout feature is CryptoGuard, which can detect and reverse unauthorized encryption.

It also includes web filtering, application control, and behavioral detection, making it a well-rounded choice for businesses that want layered protection without needing to stitch together multiple security tools.

Key features:

• Ransomware rollback and CryptoGuard protection
• Deep learning threat detection
• EDR and XDR options
• Integrated firewall and app control
• Centralized management via Sophos Central

Considerations:

• Requires full Sophos stack to unlock full XDR capabilities
• Some features gated behind higher pricing tiers
• Can require tuning to avoid false positives

7. Trend Micro Apex One

Best for: Organizations seeking advanced protection with a strong track record and global threat intelligence

Trend Micro Apex One is a feature-rich endpoint protection suite that blends traditional antivirus with behavior monitoring, exploit detection, and advanced EDR features. It’s backed by one of the largest commercial threat intelligence networks in the world.

It supports hybrid environments and offers both cloud-based and on-premises deployment. Apex One also includes strong vulnerability shielding and application control.

Key features:

• Behavior monitoring and exploit detection
• Machine learning and sandboxing
• Vulnerability protection and patch management
• Application control and device lockdown
• Centralized dashboard with rich reporting

Considerations:

• Complex configuration compared to lightweight tools
• On-prem option still widely used, may not suit cloud-native teams
• UI could use modernization

8. ESET Protect Advanced

Best for: Mid-sized organizations seeking reliable protection across operating systems with low system impact

ESET Protect Advanced is known for its lightweight agent, strong malware detection, and reliable performance across platforms. It supports Windows, macOS, Linux, and mobile devices, and includes encryption, file security, and email filtering.

ESET’s management console is cloud-based and relatively easy to set up, making it a good fit for companies that want to secure a range of endpoints without introducing too much operational complexity.

Key features:

• Antivirus and anti-malware
• Ransomware shield and proactive threat defense
• Disk encryption and device control
• Email security for Microsoft 365
• Cloud-based or on-prem management

Considerations:

• Lacks deep EDR or XDR capabilities
• UI and UX less modern than newer vendors
• Better suited for prevention than investigation or response

How to choose the right endpoint protection software

Choosing an endpoint protection solution isn’t just about finding the most advanced emerging threat detection. It’s about selecting a platform that fits the operational structure, scale, and resource constraints of your team. Here are four key criteria to guide your decision:

What level of internal IT and security support do you have?

Some platforms, like CrowdStrike and SentinelOne, are designed for companies with dedicated IT security teams. These tools offer granular control, deep analytics, and custom rule configuration, but they assume you have staff to manage alerts, review security incidents, and respond to threats manually.

If your company doesn’t have a full-time ITSec team or if your IT function is already stretched thin, a self-managed EDR solution might not be practical. In these cases, it makes more sense to look for a platform that includes endpoint protection as part of a broader operational layer. Deel IT, for example, handles not only security but also provisioning, access policies, MDM setup, and ongoing support, reducing the need for internal resources to manage those tasks manually.

See also: Top 10 MDM Solutions for Improving Device Security and Workforce Efficiency

Are you only looking for protection, or do you need operational control too?

Many endpoint protection platforms are strong at what they do, but narrow in scope. They focus on detecting threats, blocking malware, and analyzing attacker behavior. What they don’t do is ship laptops, install and configure agents, enforce access policies across departments, or retrieve hardware from offboarded employees.

If your business is scaling across regions or contract types, especially with a mix of full-time staff, contractors, and EORs, you likely need more than just software. Deel IT acts as an operational layer, integrating device logistics, MDM, and security software into one managed environment. That level of automation and visibility is difficult to achieve by piecing together tools independently.

What types of devices and team structures do you support?

Different platforms vary in the breadth of their operating system and device support. Some focus primarily on Windows environments, while others support macOS, Linux, Android, or iOS. It’s important to choose a platform that reflects the actual diversity of your workforce.

If your teams are globally distributed, your endpoint protection needs to function across time zones, internet conditions, and compliance environments. It also needs to accommodate different working arrangements, such as bring-your-own-device (BYOD), corporate-owned devices, and shared hardware. Deel IT supports all major operating systems and provides hardware directly in over 130 countries, reducing lead times and ensuring consistent provisioning standards.

How well does the platform integrate with your existing systems and workflows?

Security often breaks down at integration points. Tools that don’t connect to your HR systems, identity providers, or device management tools can lead to delays in access control, outdated policies, and manual workarounds that increase risk.

The most effective endpoint protection platforms integrate tightly with the rest of your stack. Look for cybersecurity solutions that offer automated provisioning, access syncing, and real-time visibility into device status and user activity. Deel IT connects endpoint security directly to employment events, such as onboarding, role changes, and offboarding so policies are always current. It integrates with systems like JumpCloud and Okta, providing full visibility into identity, access, and device health from a single place.

See also: 11 Best Identity and Access Management Tools for Distributed Teams [2025]

What to look for when choosing endpoint security software for small businesses

Small businesses face real risks from phishing, ransomware, and unauthorized access, but often without the budget or IT team to manage complex tools. The right endpoint protection platform should cover the essentials without adding overhead.

Look for solutions that offer:

• Real-time threat detection across devices and apps
• Phishing protection to block malicious links and emails
• Lightweight performance that won’t slow down day-to-day work
• Simple deployment and IT policy setup for smaller teams

Basic tools like Malwarebytes for Business can help with core protection. But if you also need provisioning, access control, and secure offboarding, consider a platform like Deel IT that covers the full lifecycle.

For more detailed guidance, check out our full guide on IT security for small businesses, including practical steps to reduce risk and scale securely.

Control your assets, secure your endpoints, and support your teams with Deel IT

No two businesses have the same security needs. But every growing team needs to know their devices are protected, access is controlled, and no one slips through the cracks after offboarding. Most endpoint protection platforms focus on threat detection. Deel IT goes further by connecting security to execution.

With Deel IT, you can:

• Ship and provision laptops in 130+ countries
• Enforce MDM policies for macOS and Windows out of the box
• Integrate with tools like CrowdStrike, JumpCloud, Okta, and Kandji
• Link access controls directly to HR and employment status
• Automate secure offboarding with certified device recovery
• Get hands-on help from Deel’s global IT support team, 24/7

Deel IT brings endpoint protection, device lifecycle management, and access control into one platform, so your team stays productive and secure, no matter where they work.

Book a demo to see how Deel IT can reduce risk and simplify global IT operations.