CrowdStrike Falcon leads the market with advanced threat prevention and is best for enterprises prioritising real-time detection. Microsoft Defender for Endpoint suits organisations already invested in the Microsoft ecosystem. Kaspersky offers strong malware detection and is ideal for cost-conscious businesses needing comprehensive protection.
RANKENTRYSCORETRENDFROM
1CrowdStrike FalconUses cloud-native architecture to prevent breaches in real-time without performance degradation95.0NEWCustom 2Microsoft Defender for EndpointSeamlessly integrated with Windows OS and Microsoft 365 for reduced friction92.7NEWGBP 2.50 per user per month (via Microsoft 365 E5) 4Trend Micro Maximum SecurityCombines multiple detection engines including machine learning, heuristics, and sandboxing88.0NEWGBP 30 per year (consumer); Custom (enterprise) 5Norton LifelockIntegrates identity theft monitoring and credit reporting services with traditional endpoint security85.7NEWGBP 40 per year (consumer) 6Bitdefender Endpoint SecurityRenowned for minimal performance impact whilst maintaining detection rates in the 99th percentile83.3NEWGBP 25 per device per year 7Sophos Endpoint ProtectionUniquely integrates endpoint security with network firewall and wireless protection81.0NEWGBP 35 per device per year 8F-Secure Endpoint ProtectionBuilt by a Finnish cybersecurity company with particularly strong reputation in regulated sectors78.7NEWGBP 30 per device per year 9Malwarebytes Endpoint ProtectionSpecialises exclusively in malware and ransomware detection rather than full endpoint security76.3NEWGBP 40 per device per year 10AVG Internet SecurityOwned by Avast and leverages shared threat intelligence for improved detection74.0NEWGBP 20 per year (consumer) The ranking, in detail
01
Cloud-native endpoint protection with real-time threat intelligence
CrowdStrike Falcon is a leading cloud-native endpoint detection and response (EDR) platform offering real-time behavioural threat prevention, threat intelligence integration, and incident response capabilities for enterprises worldwide.
From CustomBest for Enterprise organisations requiring advanced threat detection and incident response
95.0
02
Integrated endpoint protection for Microsoft 365 environments
Microsoft Defender for Endpoint provides comprehensive endpoint protection integrated directly with Windows and Microsoft 365, offering threat detection, vulnerability management, and automated investigation and response.
From GBP 2.50 per user per month (via Microsoft 365 E5)Best for Organisations already using Microsoft 365 and Windows environments
92.7
03
Cloud-based endpoint protection with strong malware detection
Kaspersky Endpoint Security Cloud delivers multi-layered protection against malware, ransomware, and zero-day threats through advanced heuristics and machine learning, with flexible cloud-based deployment.
From GBP 20 per device per yearBest for Mid-market organisations seeking cost-effective comprehensive endpoint protection
90.3
04
Multi-layered endpoint protection with AI-powered threat detection
Trend Micro Maximum Security combines traditional antivirus with AI-powered detection, ransomware prevention, and behavioural analysis to protect endpoints across Windows, Mac, and mobile devices.
From GBP 30 per year (consumer); Custom (enterprise)Best for Small to mid-size businesses requiring cross-platform endpoint protection
88.0
05
Consumer and small business endpoint security with identity protection
Norton Lifelock (formerly Symantec) provides comprehensive endpoint security combining antivirus, ransomware protection, and identity theft monitoring for consumer and small business users.
From GBP 40 per year (consumer)Best for Small businesses and individual users prioritising ease of use and identity protection
85.7
06
Lightweight endpoint protection with advanced threat prevention
Bitdefender Endpoint Security offers lightweight yet powerful endpoint protection with machine learning-powered detection, ransomware remediation, and cloud-based management suitable for organisations of all sizes.
From GBP 25 per device per yearBest for Organisations prioritising minimal performance overhead with strong protection
83.3
07
Integrated endpoint and firewall protection with managed detection and response
Sophos Endpoint Protection provides endpoint security integrated with network protection, offering both managed and unmanaged deployment options with optional 24/7 managed detection and response services.
From GBP 35 per device per yearBest for Mid-market organisations wanting integrated endpoint and network security
81.0
08
Finnish-designed endpoint security with proactive threat hunting
F-Secure Endpoint Protection combines traditional antivirus with machine learning and behavioural detection, offering both endpoint protection and optional managed detection and response capabilities.
From GBP 30 per device per yearBest for Organisations in regulated industries requiring strong data protection and compliance features
78.7
09
Specialised endpoint protection focused on malware and ransomware
Malwarebytes Endpoint Protection specialises in malware and ransomware detection using proprietary algorithms and machine learning, often used as a secondary layer of defence alongside primary antivirus.
From GBP 40 per device per yearBest for Organisations seeking specialised malware and ransomware protection as a secondary defence layer
76.3
10
Affordable endpoint protection with optimisation utilities
AVG Internet Security provides comprehensive endpoint protection with antivirus, ransomware protection, and system optimisation tools, targeting budget-conscious users and small businesses.
From GBP 20 per year (consumer)Best for Small businesses and individuals on strict budgets requiring basic endpoint protection
74.0
Frequently asked questions
What is endpoint security software and why do I need it?
Endpoint security software protects computers, laptops, and mobile devices against malware, ransomware, and cyber threats. It is essential because endpoints are common attack vectors; security breaches through unprotected endpoints can compromise entire networks, leading to data theft, operational disruption, and regulatory penalties.
What is the difference between antivirus and EDR (Endpoint Detection and Response)?
Antivirus software prevents known threats through signatures and heuristics. EDR platforms go further, providing real-time behaviour monitoring, threat investigation, and automated response capabilities, making them suitable for organisations facing sophisticated threats. EDR is typically enterprise-focused and more expensive.
Can I use consumer antivirus software for business purposes?
Technically yes, but it is not recommended. Consumer antivirus lacks business-critical features like centralised management, threat intelligence sharing, compliance reporting, and incident response capabilities. Business-grade solutions provide better protection, scalability, and support for organisational needs.