If there’s one factor I’ve discovered from researching cybersecurity instruments, it’s this: each vendor claims their device is the perfect. And on the subject of endpoint detection and response (EDR) software program, it’s no completely different. All of them promise AI-driven risk detection, automated response, and seamless integration. However the actuality doesn’t at all times match the hype, does it?
I’ve seen EDR software program that flood safety groups with alerts however fail to catch actual threats (significantly trying on the one which flagged itself as malware and the one that allow an precise Trojan slip via). Some lack correct Linux or macOS help, forcing groups to cope with lowered performance. And let’s not neglect those that gradual endpoints to a crawl, irritating staff a lot that they disable safety altogether.
That’s precisely why I put this record collectively of prime EDR software program. Selecting the best EDR software program isn’t nearly evaluating characteristic lists. It’s about discovering an answer that truly works within the environments safety groups cope with day by day.
Whether or not you’re a small enterprise IT lead managing safety by yourself, a rising firm in search of an EDR that scales, or a safety professional making an attempt to exchange your present EDR that’s inflicting extra issues than it solves, this information will aid you reduce via the noise and discover a resolution that truly delivers.
7 greatest EDR software program for 2025: My prime picks
- Sophos Intercept X: Subsequent-Gen Endpoint for best-in-class ransomware safety
- Microsoft Defender for Endpoint ($3 per person with as much as 5 units per person per 30 days) for Home windows-heavy environments and M365 integration
- ThreatDown for light-weight EDR with small-business-friendly licensing ($5.75 per endpoint per 30 days with minimal 5 endpoints)
- Huntress Managed EDR for hands-off, totally managed risk detection and response
- Acronis Cyber Defend Cloud for built-in backup and endpoint safety ($1 per endpoint per 30 days)
- CrowdStrike Falcon Endpoint Safety Platform for cloud-native EDR with superior risk looking ($4.9 per gadget per 30 days)
- ESET PROTECT for easy-to-manage and environment friendly EDR
*These are the top-rated merchandise within the EDR software program class, in accordance with G2 Grid Experiences. Most of those instruments supply a free trial. I’ve talked about the beginning value of their paid plans for simple comparability wherever obtainable.
Whether or not you’re in search of an EDR to guard 5 units or 500, throughout Linux, macOS, or Home windows, even in a BYOD surroundings the place safety and privateness have to coexist, I’ve acquired you coated.
7 greatest EDR software program techniques I like to recommend
From all my analysis and conversations with IT and safety groups, I’ve seen that EDR software program is absolutely about two issues: visibility and motion. It constantly displays endpoints like laptops, servers, workstations, and even cell units for suspicious exercise, collects and analyzes knowledge, and helps safety groups detect and cease threats earlier than they escalate.
I’ve seen some folks confuse antivirus with EDR, and I get why. Conventional AV is generally constructed to catch recognized malware by evaluating information towards a database of recognized threats. If it acknowledges a malicious file, it blocks it. However trendy assaults don’t at all times come neatly packaged as malware information, and that’s the place EDR software program steps in.
It doesn’t simply search for recognized dangerous information; it watches for suspicious habits, reminiscent of a legit course of all of the sudden launching PowerShell scripts, an attacker transferring laterally throughout your community, or uncommon entry patterns that would sign a breach.
EDR software program is not only about detection. It’s about understanding what’s occurring in your endpoints and responding earlier than an incident spirals uncontrolled. It is about full endpoint safety.
How did I discover and consider the perfect EDR software program?
To make this record as unbiased as attainable, I began with the G2 grid report back to create a shortlist of the top-rated EDR software program options. From there, I spoke with safety professionals and IT groups to grasp which options matter most: detection accuracy, automation, forensic insights, multi-platform help, and integration.
As soon as I understood what safety groups truly wanted, I explored every device. I relied on professional insights, person critiques, and different documentation to judge how properly every EDR performs in risk detection, response pace, and ease of deployment. I additionally used AI-driven evaluation to scan critiques and spot frequent strengths and weaknesses.
Please be aware that in instances the place I couldn’t personally take a look at a device because of restricted entry, I consulted knowledgeable with hands-on expertise and validated their insights utilizing verified G2 critiques. The screenshots featured on this article could also be a mixture of these captured throughout analysis and ones obtained from the seller’s G2 web page.
What makes the perfect EDR software program: My standards
A device can have all of the AI buzzwords on the planet, but when it misses threats, overwhelms safety groups, or slows all the things down, it’s not value it. Listed here are the important thing components I centered on whereas evaluating the perfect EDR software program.
- Detection accuracy: If an EDR can’t precisely detect threats, it’s not value contemplating. I’ve seen instruments that flag innocent IT scripts whereas lacking stealthy assaults that truly matter. One of the best EDRs use behavioral evaluation, heuristics, machine studying (ML), and real-time risk intelligence to determine each recognized and unknown threats with out drowning safety groups in noise. They should be able to figuring out fileless malware, reminiscence injections, rootkits, and living-off-the-land (LOTL) assaults the place adversaries abuse legit system instruments like PowerShell, WMI, or PsExec.
- Response capabilities: An efficient EDR ought to have the ability to act on any detected threats. I seemed for instruments that would isolate compromised endpoints, kill malicious processes in real-time, quarantine suspicious information earlier than they execute, and roll again system modifications to undo the injury from ransomware assaults. On the identical time, I needed one thing that gave safety groups handbook response controls to analyze incidents earlier than taking motion.
- Forensic and risk investigation options: Alerts with out context don’t assist anybody. I prioritized EDRs that present forensic knowledge, course of timelines, assault visualizations, and occasion correlation so safety groups can perceive what occurred, the way it occurred, and what to do subsequent. I seemed for important options like real-time endpoint telemetry, risk looking capabilities to proactively seek for suspicious behaviors earlier than an alert is triggered, file integrity monitoring (FIM) to detect unauthorized modifications, reminiscence evaluation to determine fileless malware assaults and automatic playbooks to correlate safety occasions and cut back investigation time.
- OS and platform help: For me, the perfect options present full performance throughout all main working techniques, that means stay response, risk looking, and automatic remediation ought to work on Home windows, Linux, and macOS with out main limitations. Full help for cloud environments like AWS, Azure, and GCP, in addition to visibility into distant and cell endpoints, ensures that companies can defend their whole infrastructure with out gaps.
- Integration: An EDR that doesn’t work properly with different safety instruments solely makes issues tougher. I seemed for options that combine with SIEM, SOAR, XDR, IAM, and risk intelligence platforms to offer higher visibility and automatic response. Open APIs and customized automation capabilities enable for versatile safety workflows. The power to ship endpoint telemetry to centralized logging and monitoring techniques ensures that safety groups have a whole image of their surroundings.
- Efficiency influence: Some instruments trigger excessive CPU utilization, gradual boot occasions, and system lag, which leads staff to disable them—defeating the aim completely. So I seemed for EDR software program that balances light-weight brokers with sturdy security measures so safety doesn’t come at the price of usability.
- Scalability and cloud administration: I do know for a incontrovertible fact that EDR isn’t totally hands-off, even with automation. It wants at the very least one devoted particular person to handle alerts and investigations. However not each enterprise has a full safety staff, which is why cloud-native administration is required. I seemed for options with centralized management for simple deployment, real-time monitoring, and automatic coverage enforcement. Additionally, multi-tenant help is a should for MSPs and enterprises managing a number of areas.
- Value and licensing: Pricing fashions for EDR range broadly, and hidden prices could be a actual drawback. Some distributors cost per endpoint, others by knowledge utilization, and a few bundle EDR with a broader safety platform. I centered on options with versatile licensing choices that work for companies of various sizes. Whereas I do know the perfect EDR isn’t at all times the most affordable, it ought to justify its value with sturdy detection, response, and value.
After evaluating greater than 15 EDR options, I narrowed it right down to the perfect ones. However right here’s one thing vital—no EDR is ideal. All of them have their strengths and weaknesses. However these instruments supply the perfect steadiness of safety, efficiency, and value.
The record beneath accommodates real person critiques from the EDR software program class. To be included on this class, an answer should:
- Alert directors when units have been compromised.
- Search knowledge and techniques for the presence of malware.
- Possess analytics and anomaly detection options.
- Possess malware elimination options.
*This knowledge was pulled from G2 in 2025. Some critiques might have been edited for readability.
1. Sophos Intercept X: Subsequent-Gen Endpoint
Sophos Intercept X is a kind of EDR options that checks quite a lot of the best bins for me. It has sturdy risk detection, a strong centralized administration console, and a few spectacular AI-driven capabilities.
From what I’ve seen, Sophos takes a layered and proactive method to risk detection, combining signature-based scanning with heuristic evaluation to catch each recognized and rising threats.
One characteristic that basically stands out to me is CryptoGuard, its ransomware-specific behavioral detection device. Moderately than simply blocking recognized ransomware strains or patterns, it actively displays for suspicious encryption exercise and shuts it down earlier than information might be locked. I discover the rollback capabilities, which may undo malicious encryption, notably extraordinarily helpful towards ransomware threats like LockBit and Ryuk.
I additionally like its root trigger evaluation characteristic. Understanding how an assault occurred is simply as vital as stopping it. Sophos presents this in a visible risk graph, mapping out each course of concerned in an assault try. This isn’t only for forensic groups, even IT admins with out deep safety experience can observe the assault chain and perceive the place vulnerabilities exist.
One other space the place Sophos shines for me is centralized administration via Sophos Central. As you’ll be able to see beneath, the cloud-based console permits groups to deploy, monitor, and handle endpoints from a single dashboard. So this makes it simple to analyze and reply to threats, configure net filtering insurance policies, and alter scanning schedules.
Whereas Sophos does have many integrations, what I discover notably helpful is how properly it integrates with different Sophos merchandise, like firewalls, making a extra unified safety ecosystem. As an alternative of juggling a number of disjointed options, all the things works collectively, feeding knowledge again right into a single dashboard. I feel this considerably reduces complexity whereas enhancing visibility.
However, there are some points to contemplate. One frequent grievance I’ve come throughout is useful resource utilization. Whereas Sophos is filled with security measures, it may be heavy on system efficiency and may trigger some slowdowns, notably on older endpoints, from what I’ve seen.
One other ache level to contemplate is configuration complexity, particularly through the preliminary setup. Whereas the cloud-based administration via Sophos Central is usually user-friendly, getting all the safety insurance policies, particularly the exclusions, and superior options fine-tuned to a corporation’s particular wants can take some effort.
That stated, I might undoubtedly advocate Sophos if you’re in search of a strong, easy-to-manage EDR with sturdy ransomware safety.
What I like about Sophos Intercept X: Subsequent-Gen Endpoint:
- CryptoGuard is a standout characteristic, stopping ransomware in real-time earlier than it encrypts information. From what I’ve seen, it’s been a lifesaver towards threats like LockBit and Ryuk.
- Safety dashboards can get overwhelming, however I like that Sophos Central retains all the things organized. Managing endpoints, investigating threats, and adjusting insurance policies all really feel intuitive.
What G2 customers like about Sophos Intercept X: Subsequent-Gen Endpoint:
“First, it integrates properly with the opposite software program we use. We have now had only a few issues with it interfering with folks doing their jobs like we now have with Symantec. The cloud-based administration could be very intuitive. You possibly can actually dig deep into any subject with the XDR portion of this system. The risk looking capabilities are actually spectacular however troublesome to make use of. I’ve discovered that Intercept X stops most issues, like folks following dangerous hyperlinks on web sites, from occurring. Intercept X could be very simple to deploy.”
– Sophos Intercept X: Subsequent-Gen Endpoint Assessment, Tom R.
What I dislike about Sophos Intercept X: Subsequent-Gen Endpoint:
- From what I’ve seen, organising detection guidelines, exclusions, and insurance policies takes extra effort. Fantastic-tuning issues to keep away from false positives or efficiency points could be a little bit of a headache.
- Whereas it’s not a dealbreaker, I’ve seen stories of it being resource-heavy on lower-end machines, which may gradual issues down—one thing to bear in mind for organizations with older {hardware}.
What G2 customers dislike about Sophos Intercept X: Subsequent-Gen Endpoint:
“Intercept X does have a comparatively massive reminiscence footprint on the Endpoint units and may eat up just a few CPU cycles, which is noticeable when working on older {hardware}.“
– Sophos Intercept X: Subsequent-Gen Endpoint Assessment, Matthew P.
2. Microsoft Defender for Endpoint
From what I’ve seen, Microsoft Defender for Endpoint has advanced right into a severe contender within the EDR area, particularly for companies already within the Microsoft ecosystem.
One of many issues I actually like about Defender is how effortlessly it matches into the Microsoft safety ecosystem. It really works hand-in-hand with Microsoft 365 Defender, Azure AD, and Intune, making deployment and administration lots smoother for companies already utilizing these instruments.
As an alternative of getting to bolt on a third-party EDR, Defender simply clicks into place, integrating straight into current workflows. And even should you do need integrations, Defender performs properly with different instruments, supplying you with the flexibleness to broaden your safety stack, albeit with some effort to get the integrations proper.
I’ve come throughout a number of safety groups who admire the visibility it offers throughout units, purposes, and networks. I extremely worth its threat and vulnerability administration dashboard helps determine dangers throughout endpoints, flagging outdated software program, misconfigurations, and potential exposures.
Risk detection is unquestionably considered one of its sturdy factors. I feel Defender is much superior to many different merchandise within the EDR area, given it has one of many world’s largest risk intelligence infrastructures, getting indicators from billions of units, emails, and cloud workloads to detect rising threats quicker than many standalone EDRs. It uses behavioral evaluation, AI-driven risk intelligence, and automatic response actions to cease malware, ransomware, and superior persistent threats. It additionally does properly towards phishing and credential-based assaults.
Now, there are some limitations. From what I’ve seen, navigating the interface might be clunky, particularly for many who aren’t used to Microsoft’s safety instruments. Finding key investigation particulars might require extra clicks in comparison with different EDR options, which have streamlined investigation workflows
One other factor I noticed is that whereas Microsoft Defender for Endpoint has made good progress in supporting different working techniques like macOS, iOS, and Linux in the previous couple of years, configuring these units can nonetheless be a problem. I’ve heard some customers say that it’s not on the identical degree as what Microsoft presents for Home windows.
Additionally, be aware that whereas Defender for Endpoint P1 consists of core security measures like next-gen anti-malware, assault floor discount, and primary gadget controls, it lacks endpoint detection and response (EDR), risk intelligence, and automatic investigation and remediation. I might counsel to go for Microsoft Defender for Enterprise (included in M365 Enterprise Premium) should you’re a small or medium-sized enterprise because it presents many P2-level options with out the added value.
For enterprises utilizing M365 E3 license, you’ll be able to add Defender for Endpoint P2 as an add-on to unlock full EDR, automated response, and superior risk intelligence, without having a full E5 improve.
If you happen to’re already within the Microsoft ecosystem or use a big Home windows fleet, I might advocate Microsoft Defender any day. It simply is smart.
What I like about Microsoft Defender for Endpoint:
- I completely love that should you’re already utilizing Microsoft 365, Azure AD, and Intune, Defender simply clicks into place. There is no have to bolt on additional safety instruments or cope with advanced third-party integrations.
- I extremely worth that Defender picks up on threats quick with visibility throughout billions of endpoints, emails, and cloud workloads.
What G2 customers like about Microsoft Defender for Endpoint:
“It is a resolution completely suitable with the Home windows working system. This makes them simple to configure and handle for folks acquainted with Microsoft instruments. From the gadget aspect, it ensures security and danger that even an unintentional risk might be shortly detected, eliminated, and correctly communicated to the staff chargeable for safety in addition to to the tip person.”
– Microsoft Defender for Endpoint Assessment, Przemek P
What I dislike about Microsoft Defender for Endpoint:
- Microsoft has made progress with macOS, iOS, and Linux help, however configuring and managing them isn’t as clean as it’s for Home windows, primarily based on my analysis.
- From what I heard from customers, the interface might be clunky at occasions. Discovering key investigation particulars typically takes extra clicks than crucial, and should you’re not already acquainted with Microsoft’s safety instruments, the educational curve might be steep.
What G2 customers dislike about Microsoft Defender for Endpoint:
“The deployment course of could be very advanced when configuring safety for IOS gadget.“
– Microsoft Defender for Endpoint Assessment, Sachitha G.
3. ThreatDown
If you happen to’re questioning about what this new participant, ThreatDown, is doing on this record, you’re not alone. I had the identical query after I noticed it on the G2 grid after which realized it’s truly not new in any respect. It was previously generally known as Malwarebytes for Enterprise and rebranded to ThreatDown on the finish of 2023.
From what I’ve seen, ThreatDown presents a strong mixture of endpoint safety and EDR capabilities with out overcomplicating issues, and I really like that it permits licenses for a smaller variety of endpoints, too.
One among its greatest strengths is its ease of use. The spotlight for me was its dashboard. The administration interface offers a transparent, centralized view of threats, making it simple to observe units with out digging via advanced settings.
I particularly discovered their safety advisor dashboard nice for getting a fast overview of the endpoint safety standing. The safety rating, which breaks down key safety components like deployment standing, detection scans, coverage adherence, and patch administration, offers groups a transparent understanding of what wants enchancment. I additionally discover it helpful that it offers strategies immediately to implement.
One other good contact is patch administration visibility on the dashboard, which highlights outdated techniques and software program that want consideration and helps with automated patches too.
Now, I did discover some disadvantages. Whereas ThreatDown works properly throughout completely different platforms, I’ve seen some reported discrepancies between its performance on Home windows and MacOS. This may make managing safety in combined environments just a little trickier. However I do not suppose it is a deal breaker.
One other factor I discovered was that some options like DNS filtering, cell safety, and EDR for servers are offered as add-ons. Whereas this would possibly work for companies that need extra flexibility in pricing, I really feel these ought to be a part of the bottom bundle. Additionally, from what I’ve gathered, some options like software whitelisting and DNS filtering might be improved for higher usability.
Nonetheless, I might say ThreatDown is a strong choice, particularly for small to mid-sized companies in search of efficient EDR with out high-volume licensing commitments.
What I like about ThreatDown:
- The safety advisor dashboard, together with the safety rating, impressed me as one can test total safety standing, observe patch administration, and get actionable suggestions with out digging via countless menus.
- I like that ThreatDown permits companies to begin with as few as 5 licenses, making it a versatile choice for smaller groups or rising companies.
What G2 customers like about ThreatDown:
“It’s easy to make use of and to implement and combine to an API REST, for instance, environment friendly, and so they cost little or no for the endpoint. You could have many helpful add-ons that aid you, for instance, vulnerability and patch administration.
The Buyer help is excellent and simple to contact them. ThreatDown EDR works for you each time that the endpoint is on. I take advantage of it day by day, and the dashboard view is superb and provides an excellent concept of the standing and what to do.”
– ThreatDown Assessment, Enrique B.
What I dislike about ThreatDown:
- From what I’ve gathered, there are some inconsistencies in options for MacOS and Linux customers. This may make managing safety in mixed-OS environments a bit irritating.
- Some options, like DNS filtering and software whitelisting, are there, however they might use some enchancment, for my part. DNS filtering feels a bit restricted, particularly in segmented networks, and whitelisting choices aren’t as versatile as one would love.
What G2 customers dislike about ThreatDown:
“I did have quite a lot of hassle in organising the DNS add-on characteristic, and in the end ended upgetting this from a competitor and having it eliminated after I modified my subscription to incorporate cell safety.
I am additionally undecided if it was totally value it to improve to the managed EDR resolution with a view to get the cell safety, however with out the managed resolution, there seems to have been no path to offer me with cell safety. A minimum of, the month-to-month stories are good, however since I don’t function in an surroundings with 24/7 danger of ransomware or the like, it usually seems to be a bit overkill.”
– ThreatDown Assessment, Alex A.
4. Huntress Managed EDR
I’ve seen quite a lot of safety groups and system directors group reward Huntress Managed EDR, and it is simple to see why. In contrast to many EDRs that flood groups with alerts, Huntress focuses on what truly issues.
What actually units Huntress aside, in accordance with me and plenty of different customers, is its steadiness of automation and human experience. They’ve a 24/7 Safety Operations Middle (SOC) that actively investigates, escalates, and takes motion when one thing severe is occurring and displays. Figuring out that there is a devoted staff monitoring threats across the clock actually does present immense peace of thoughts.
From what I’ve gathered, they’re up to the mark more often than not. And when a problem arises, Huntress is fast to take steps to remediate the state of affairs, be it isolating the system or escalating the risk, or offering clear remediation steps.
One other big win for me is its ease of use. In contrast to some EDR platforms that require intensive configuration, Huntress is straightforward to deploy and handle. That’s an enormous plus, for my part, particularly for smaller IT groups or MSPs that want a dependable, hands-off safety resolution.
And if you’re taking a layered protection method, Huntress can simply match into an current safety stack because it performs properly alongside different instruments like Defender, SentinelOne, and CrowdStrike.
Like all resolution, it has its imperfections. One weak spot that I’ve come throughout is that it produces occasional false positives which can result in unplanned investigations, losing the effort and time of the safety staff.
And one other downside I’ve noticed is that regardless that, Huntress is a superior product, the price could be a deciding issue for small companies and MSPs working on a tighter price range.
Each are minor trade-offs in comparison with what Huntress delivers, however they’re nonetheless value contemplating. That being stated, if you’d like totally managed, round the clock risk detection and monitoring, Huntress is unquestionably value contemplating, particularly if you’re an MSP managing a number of purchasers.
What I like about Huntress Managed EDR:
- I really like the 24/7 monitoring Huntress offers with its SOC staff. They do extra than simply notify by actively investigating, escalating, and even taking steps to comprise threats when crucial. It’s like having an additional set of professional eyes on the community always.
- I admire how simple it’s to deploy and handle Huntress. It would not actually require advanced configurations to get issues going. And their dashboard can be comparatively simple to make use of.
What G2 customers like about Huntress Managed EDR:
“The upside of utilizing Huntress is how a lot peace of thoughts you get. There is a staff, a really clever staff, monitoring issues alongside you. Brokers go on shopper machine simply, deployment is a breeze. If in case you have questions, and through onboarding, somebody is there to clarify what all the things within the portal means. It was actually a pleasure getting issues up and working, and now that it’s, I sleep higher realizing it isn’t simply us taking care of our purchasers’ workstations.“
– Huntress Managed EDR Assessment, Kevin A.
What I dislike about Huntress Managed EDR:
- Whereas Huntress is nice at catching actual threats, I’ve realized it’s not resistant to false positives, which may typically result in pointless investigations. This isn’t a dealbreaker, however it’s one thing to bear in mind.
- I agree Huntress delivers strong worth, however pricing could be a hurdle for small companies and MSPs working on tighter budgets.
What G2 customers like about Huntress Managed EDR:
“Huntress Managed EDR has the occasional false positives, and I don’t like that they have an inclination to happen when working a software program replace or making modifications. The pace within the help staff resolving these points is nice, however it regresses our workflow with some pointless disruption. It additionally would profit from extra granular alert setting customization choices, which we want to have the ability to set notifications to a particular risk degree extra successfully.“
– Huntress Managed EDR Assessment, Sharma S.
5. Acronis Cyber Defend Cloud
Now, if you’re an MSP, I’m fairly certain you understand about Acronis for his or her backup software program. It’s been a go-to title in that area for years. Nonetheless, I found their Acronis Cyber Defend Cloud presents EDR together with backup, making it a full-fledged safety platform.
For me, this all-in-one all-in-one method is what makes it stand out. As an alternative of managing separate instruments for backup, antivirus, and endpoint safety, Acronis rolls all of it collectively, making life simpler for MSPs dealing with a number of purchasers.
I appreciated the unified console, which brings collectively all knowledge associated to safety, administration, and backup multi function view.
For me, an enormous plus from the EDR point-of-view is Acronis’ AI-based risk detection and ransomware safety. It doesn’t simply detect threats. It additionally mechanically backs up knowledge earlier than executing remediation, which is a large benefit if ransomware does get via. That additional layer of safety offers peace of thoughts, realizing that information and techniques might be restored shortly.
Nonetheless, there are some hiccups. Whereas the unified console offers an ideal view, the preliminary configuration could be a bit difficult, primarily based on what I’ve famous. This would possibly lead to spending some additional time to get all the things working easily. Additionally, efficiency can typically be sluggish when doing sure duties, like backup restoration or safety scans.
One other concern I’ve seen is round pricing. Whereas it’s a feature-rich platform, it may be on the upper finish, particularly for MSPs managing a lot of purchasers. If you happen to solely want primary EDR or backup, the bundled options would possibly really feel like overkill, making the worth tougher to justify.
Total, Acronis Cyber Defend Cloud is good for MSPs and companies that want a unified method to safety and backup. It’s simple to handle, automates safety, and offers strong ransomware protection. However should you want extra superior safety analytics, it’s value contemplating different choices like Huntress, or Crowdstrike.
What I like about Acronis Cyber Defend Cloud:
- I actually like that Acronis combines EDR, antivirus, patch administration, and backup into one platform. As an alternative of juggling a number of instruments, one can handle safety and catastrophe restoration from a single console, which is an enormous win for effectivity.
- The AI-driven malware detection is strong, and I really like that it mechanically backs up knowledge earlier than remediating threats. It’s an additional layer of safety that ensures nothing vital will get misplaced within the course of.
What G2 customers like about Acronis Cyber Defend Cloud:
“In my expertise, Acronis Cyber Defend Cloud has been extremely simple to make use of and integrates properly with our current techniques. I really like the anti-ransomware characteristic—it has given us peace of thoughts realizing that our knowledge is protected. The centralized dashboard can be an enormous plus, because it saves us time by letting us handle backups and safety duties from one place.”
– Acronis Cyber Defend Cloud Assessment, Javier R.
What I dislike about Acronis Cyber Defend Cloud:
- Getting all the things configured isn’t as easy as I’d like. It takes some additional effort and time to arrange correctly. As soon as it’s working, although, administration is clean.
- From what I’ve noticed, efficiency can really feel sluggish at occasions throughout sure duties like backup and safety scans, which might be irritating in time-sensitive conditions
What G2 customers dislike about Acronis Cyber Defend Cloud:
“The pricing and the efficiency of the dashboard on the web site. It is possible over price range for small corporations. and the web site is usually very gradual.”
– Acronis Cyber Defend Cloud Assessment, Anh N.
6. CrowdStrike Falcon Endpoint Safety Platform
From my private expertise, at any time when I discuss to safety groups or take a look at how organizations method trendy endpoint safety, CrowdStrike’s title virtually at all times comes up within the dialog.
There’s a motive for that. CrowdStrike Falcon Endpoint Safety Platform set the benchmark for what a cloud-native EDR ought to be. It combines highly effective risk detection, fast incident response, and a light-weight footprint that doesn’t bathroom down endpoints.
It’s superbly easy to deploy the Falcon Sensor and is very scalable, and has a whole ecosystem that’s second to none. I actually like the way it runs easily within the background with out consuming a ridiculous quantity of system assets.
The detection capabilities are strong, and I particularly admire its proactive threat-hunting options, which permit safety groups to get forward of potential breaches reasonably than simply reacting to incidents after they occur.
The most effective issues about Falcon, in my view, is its automation. It takes quite a lot of the handbook work out of incident response by mechanically quarantining and remediating threats. That alone saves us numerous hours of investigation time and reduces the assault floor considerably.
However simply because it’s the business normal doesn’t imply it’s excellent. Based mostly on my observations, the dashboard, whereas practical, might be much more intuitive. It’s not precisely user-friendly at first, and the educational curve might be irritating, particularly for groups new to Falcon. Exploring all of the in-built options undoubtedly takes time When you get used to it, although, it turns into second nature.
Second, it’s expensive when in comparison with different EDR instruments. It undoubtedly delivers on what it guarantees, however the value could make it a tricky promote for smaller groups or organizations.
Additionally, I would not do justice to this evaluation if I did not point out the widespread outage brought on by a Crowdstrike replace subject in 2024 that quickly disrupted many Home windows techniques. However what stood out was CrowdStrike’s fast response and transparency in addressing the difficulty. They owned it, rolled out a repair shortly, and took steps to stop future incidents. That degree of accountability is precisely what you need in a safety associate.
Would I like to recommend it? Completely. For organizations that want top-tier risk detection and response with out the headache of managing on-premise infrastructure, Falcon is likely one of the greatest selections on the market.
What I like about CrowdStrike Falcon Endpoint Safety Platform:
- The most effective issues about Falcon is how light-weight it’s. In contrast to different EDRs, I’ve used that hog system assets, this one runs quietly within the background whereas nonetheless delivering top-notch risk detection. I
- For my part, their threat-hunting capabilities are top-notch. As an alternative of ready for an alert to escalate right into a full-blown incident, Falcon offers the visibility and instruments to analyze and cease threats earlier than they escalate.
What G2 customers like about CrowdStrike Falcon Endpoint Safety Platform:
“Crowdstrike has many causes to love it with many options. You do not want to put in a number of brokers. It requires one agent that handles a number of providers. It’s delpoyed in minutes, and NO reboot is required. And you’ll handle all of your providers on a single console. API integration with many distributors is on the market. 24/7 help service can be obtainable in CrowdStrike. You need to use this each day with none headache.“
– CrowdStrike Falcon Endpoint Safety Platform Assessment, Sahil Okay.
What I dislike about CrowdStrike Falcon Endpoint Safety Platform:
- It’s not that the UI is dangerous, however I do not suppose it’s not essentially the most intuitive both. Till you get the dangle of it, discovering the best knowledge or organising customized stories can really feel a bit clunky.
- There’s no denying that CrowdStrike is a premium resolution with a price ticket to match. Whereas I feel it’s value it for the extent of safety it offers, budget-conscious groups may need a tough time justifying the price
What G2 customers dislike about CrowdStrike Falcon Endpoint Safety Platform:
“CrowdStrike Falcon Endpoint Safety GUI might look simple on the attention, however there’s a lot occurring underneath its “hood” that I might say is not user-friendly. It is advisable get the dangle of utilizing CrowdStrike Falcon Endpoint Safety to know methods to navigate via it and set issues properly of their place.“
– CrowdStrike Falcon Endpoint Safety Platform Assessment, Itumeleng T.
7. ESET Defend
ESET is a well-recognized title within the business, primarily recognized for its sturdy antivirus and cybersecurity options. And I feel ESET PROTECT lives as much as the title as a dependable endpoint safety resolution with sturdy risk detection and centralized administration.
The true-time safety is strong from what I discovered. It simply detects and blocks malware, ransomware, and unauthorized entry makes an attempt successfully, with behavioral detection, exploit prevention, ransomware mitigation, ML for detection and cloud-based sandbox evaluation, offering a number of layers of protection.
Like most different EDRs, I noticed that ESET additionally has a single console for managing all options, making administration easy. From this single location, you’ll be able to monitor any vulnerabilities or incidents inside what you are promoting infrastructure. One other notable characteristic I famous was the automated stories, which cut back workflow, eliminating the necessity for handbook vulnerability searches. This protects time and prices.
Moreover, I like that it offers multi-platform help, that means it really works throughout Home windows, macOS, Linux, and even cell units although Linux help might use a bit extra enchancment.
That stated, getting all the things arrange isn’t precisely a stroll within the park. I discovered that the preliminary configuration might be difficult, particularly when deploying for a lot of machines. Tright here’s a studying curve when navigating settings and logs. Additionally, it requires quite a lot of tuning to solely present correct knowledge.
Additionally, one other frequent grievance I noticed is the price. It may be costly, notably for smaller companies. I’ve seen a number of customers point out that whereas the platform presents sturdy security measures, the price doesn’t at all times align with expectations, particularly when in comparison with various options.
Nonetheless, should you’re a mid-sized to massive group with an skilled IT staff, ESET PROTECT is value contemplating.
What I like about ESET Defend:
- I really feel assured realizing that ESET PROTECT actively detects and blocks threats earlier than they’ll trigger actual injury with behavior-based detection, exploit prevention, ransomware mitigation, ML, and cloud-based sandbox evaluation.
- I discover managing safety throughout a number of endpoints from a single dashboard nice. One can monitor threats, deploy updates, and implement insurance policies multi function place, which saves a ton of time.
What G2 customers like about ESET Defend:
“The options I discover most invaluable are ESET Identification Safety and ESET Anti-Theft, which supply superior capabilities that present automated safety for our IT surroundings. This retains us safe, together with our buyer knowledge, which in flip fosters belief amongst our purchasers and grows our portfolio.
ESET Safety is simple to deploy and use, guaranteeing safe utilization with none issues, making it a dependable resolution. Furthermore, ESET Safety shields us from all types of malware, together with these disguised as electronic mail attachments, enabling us to work effectively.“
– ESET Defend Assessment, Jaceguay C.
What I dislike about ESET Defend:
- Based mostly on my analysis, whereas it’s not the most costly safety resolution on the market, it’s not precisely low cost both. If you happen to’re a smaller enterprise on a decent price range, you would possibly discover it onerous to justify the price, particularly when opponents supply comparable options at a comparable value.
- I discovered that the preliminary setup and fine-tuning to suit the group’s wants undoubtedly takes time. So, count on a studying curve in the beginning runs easily.
What G2 customers dislike about ESET Defend:
“It’s fairly onerous to automate safety settings over my whole safety stack and in addition having to reinstall it individually on each new machine can be fairly irritating and consumes an excessive amount of time and handbook effort.“
– ESET Defend Assessment, Lisa R.
Regularly requested questions (FAQ) on EDR software program
1. What’s EDR software program?
EDR (Endpoint Detection and Response) software program is a cybersecurity resolution designed to observe, detect, and reply to threats on endpoints, reminiscent of computer systems, servers, and cell units. It offers real-time risk detection, forensic evaluation, and automatic incident response.
2. How does EDR software program work?
EDR software program constantly collects and analyzes endpoint exercise knowledge to determine suspicious habits. It makes use of behavioral analytics, machine studying, and risk intelligence to detect anomalies, flags potential safety threats, and reply to incidents both mechanically or with safety staff intervention.
3. What’s the distinction between EDR and NDR software program?
Whereas EDR (Endpoint Detection and Response) focuses on defending particular person endpoints from cyber threats, NDR (Community Detection and Response) displays community visitors for threats and anomalies. Each options are essential for a powerful cybersecurity posture, usually working collectively to offer complete safety.
4. What are the perfect EDR software program options?
One of the best EDR software program relies on your group’s wants. Some top-rated options embody CrowdStrike Falcon, SentinelOne, Microsoft Defender for Endpoint, Huntress Managed EDR, and Sophos Intercept X.
5. Is there free EDR software program obtainable?
Sure, some cybersecurity distributors supply free EDR options or trials with restricted options. Microsoft Defender, for instance, offers primary endpoint safety for Home windows customers. Nonetheless, enterprise-level EDR options often require a paid subscription to entry superior options like automated risk response and forensic evaluation.
6. What ought to I search for in an EDR resolution?
When selecting an EDR device, think about:
- Risk detection capabilities (behavioral analytics, AI-driven insights)
- Automated response options (isolation, remediation)
- Integration with current safety instruments (SIEM, firewalls, NDR)
- Ease of deployment and administration (cloud-based or on-premises choices)
- Scalability and cost-effectiveness
The tip is just the start
If there’s one factor I’ve discovered from researching these EDR options, it’s that choosing the right one is much less about flashy options and extra about how properly it matches your precise wants. Each vendor talks about “next-gen,” “AI-powered,” and “seamless safety,” however what actually makes a distinction is how these instruments carry out in real-world environments.
I might say even the perfect EDRs have trade-offs. Some prioritize detection pace over decreasing false positives, others bundle in backup and patching, and some take a totally managed method to ease the burden on safety groups. And whereas pricing at all times performs a task, the true value isn’t simply within the license. It’s in how a lot effort it takes to handle, tune, and reply to alerts.
If you happen to ask me, your staff’s workflow ought to dictate your selection. If you happen to want hands-on management and deep forensics, one thing like Defender for Endpoint or SentinelOne is smart. But when your staff can’t afford to be slowed down in fixed alert triage, a managed resolution like Huntress may be the higher match.
On the finish of the day, the perfect EDR is the one which retains your staff environment friendly whereas preserving threats out. As a result of a device that doesn’t work the way in which you want it to—irrespective of how highly effective—gained’t truly defend something.
Nonetheless on the hunt? Discover our classes of cloud safety instruments to search out the perfect match on your safety wants.