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1. CrowdStrike Falcon
CrowdStrike Falcon Industry Leader
CrowdStrike Falcon Go starts at $59.99/device/year for basic next-gen antivirus. Falcon Pro at $99.99/device/year adds threat intelligence and firewall management.
- Pricing: Go $59.99/device/year; Pro $99.99/device/year; Enterprise custom
- Pros: Best threat detection rates, lightest endpoint agent, strongest threat intelligence
- Cons: Expensive for SMBs, enterprise features require sales call
- Best for: Mid-market to enterprise companies that prioritize detection over cost
2. SentinelOne Singularity
SentinelOne Singularity Best AI Detection
SentinelOne uses autonomous AI for endpoint protection. Singularity Core starts at $69.99/endpoint/year with automated remediation and rollback.
- Pricing: Core $69.99/endpoint/year; Control $79.99/endpoint/year; Complete custom
- Pros: Autonomous AI remediation, automatic ransomware rollback, single agent architecture
- Cons: Smaller marketplace than CrowdStrike, enterprise features require sales
- Best for: Organizations wanting AI-driven autonomous response
3. Sophos Intercept X
Sophos Intercept X Best for SMBs
Sophos offers endpoint protection starting at approximately $28/user/year. Intercept X with EDR runs about $48/user/year with central management console included.
- Pricing: Endpoint ~$28/user/year; Intercept X ~$48/user/year; MDR from $79/user/year
- Pros: Affordable for SMBs, easy central management, strong ransomware protection
- Cons: Less AI-focused than competitors, reporting is basic
- Best for: SMBs with 50-500 endpoints and limited IT security staff
4. Bitdefender GravityZone
Bitdefender GravityZone Best Budget Option
Bitdefender GravityZone Business Security starts at approximately $20/endpoint/year - one of the lowest per-endpoint prices for business-grade protection.
- Pricing: Business Security ~$20/endpoint/year; Advanced ~$36/endpoint/year; Ultra ~$48/endpoint/year
- Pros: Lowest per-endpoint cost, strong malware detection rates, lightweight agent
- Cons: Management console is less intuitive, fewer integrations
- Best for: Budget-conscious businesses that need solid protection at the lowest cost
5. Microsoft Defender for Business
Microsoft Defender for Business Best for Microsoft Shops
Microsoft Defender for Business costs $3/user/month and is included in Microsoft 365 Business Premium ($22/user/month).
- Pricing: Standalone $3/user/mo; Included in M365 Business Premium $22/user/mo
- Pros: Cheapest for M365 users, no additional agent needed, integrated with Intune
- Cons: Less effective against advanced threats, limited non-Windows support
- Best for: Microsoft 365 shops that want basic endpoint protection without extra cost
Need help choosing? Use our free Software Comparison Calculator to find the best fit for your budget and team size.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much should a small business spend on cybersecurity?
Most experts recommend 5-10% of IT budget on security. For 50 endpoints, budget $1,000-$5,000/year for endpoint protection.
Is Microsoft Defender enough for business use?
Adequate for low-risk environments. Companies handling sensitive data should invest in dedicated EDR like CrowdStrike or SentinelOne.
What is the difference between antivirus and EDR?
Antivirus blocks known malware signatures. EDR monitors behavior patterns, detects unknown threats, and provides investigation and response tools.
Do cybersecurity platforms offer free trials?
CrowdStrike offers a 15-day trial. Sophos and Bitdefender provide 30-day trials. Microsoft Defender is free for M365 Business Premium subscribers.
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