Our pick : Microsoft Defender for Endpoint (88/100) · Cheapest : Microsoft Defender for Endpoint · Best value : Microsoft Defender for Endpoint
This comparison evaluates 11 business antivirus solutions based on 13 criteria, including price per device per year, protection score, malware detection rate, ransomware protection, included firewall, and web filtering. Microsoft Defender for Endpoint ranks first with a score of 88 out of 100, excelling in its included firewall and price per device per year, both scoring 100 out of 100. Kaspersky Endpoint Security for Business is a close second with 86 out of 100, surpassing Microsoft Defender for Endpoint in the protection score. Microsoft Defender for Endpoint is also identified as the most affordable option. The facts in this summary are computed from the table below; only the wording is generated.
| Criterion | Microsoft Defender for Endpoint | Kaspersky Endpoint Security for Business | Sophos Intercept X Advanced with XDR | Trend Micro Apex One | Bitdefender GravityZone | ESET PROTECT Enterprise |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price per device / year (USD) | 40.0 | 42.0 | 55.0 | 48.0 | 45.0 | 50.0 |
| Protection Score (points) | 96.0 | 97.0 | 98.5 | 97.5 | 98.0 | 97.0 |
| Malware Detection Rate (%) | 98.5 | 99.0 | 99.6 | 99.2 | 99.5 | 99.0 |
| Ransomware Protection | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Included Firewall | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Web Filtering | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Threat Intelligence Feed | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Centralized Management | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cloud-Based Management | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Performance Impact | Moderate | Moderate | Moderate | Moderate | Low | Low |
| Support Availability | 24/7 | 24/7 | 24/7 | 24/7 | 24/7 | 24/7 |
| Ease of Use | Moderate | Moderate | Easy | Moderate | Moderate | Moderate |
| Device Compatibility | Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS | Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS | Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS | Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS | Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS | Windows, macOS, Linux, Android |
In 2026, Microsoft Defender for Endpoint ranks as the top business antivirus software with a score of 88/100, followed closely by Kaspersky Endpoint Security for Business.
We compare business antivirus solutions based on key criteria including price per device per year, protection score, malware detection rate, ransomware protection, included firewall, and web filtering.
No, our ranking is not sponsored; we maintain strict neutrality, and every data point used in our comparison is sourced.
When choosing business antivirus, prioritize strong malware and ransomware protection, a reliable firewall, effective web filtering, and a good overall protection score, all within your budget.
Ranking: options are sorted on measured, sourced criteria. No position is ever sold, and no advertiser pays to appear here.
Scope: this comparison is not exhaustive. It presents the options our sources document, not every offer on the market.
Earnings: some outbound links may be affiliate links that earn us a commission. This never affects the ranking, the scores or the data.
Data: every value is linked to its source and refreshed automatically; the collection date is shown.