Every device connected to a network is at risk of cyberattacks. That means all devices, everything from laptops and desktops to mobile devices and servers, also known as endpoints, are vulnerable. And cyber threats are growing as remote work options and BYOD policies proliferate. This has led to a rising need for effective endpoint protection solutions, fueling significant market growth.
In fact, a recent report from Fortune Business Insights projects that the endpoint security market will reach USD 30.29 billion by 2032.
The market is full of options, each promising robust defenses. However, selecting the right solution requires careful consideration. To streamline your decision-making process, we have compiled a list of the top seven endpoint protection solutions.
We will also discuss what endpoint protection is, and why it’s essential, and highlight each solution’s standout features, strengths, and strategic advantages.
What Is Endpoint Protection?
Endpoint protection is a cybersecurity approach focused on securing endpoints or entry points of end-user devices against malicious activities.
These endpoints include desktops, laptops, servers, tablets, and mobile devices that connect to an organization’s network.
Since each endpoint represents a potential access point for attackers, endpoint protection secures these devices against unauthorized access, data breaches, malware, and security risks.
Endpoint protection works by deploying a local security agent on each device, which communicates with a centralized management console.
This setup enables continuous monitoring, threat detection, and automated responses across all connected devices. Modern endpoint protection solutions come equipped with a range of tools to provide a comprehensive defense, including:
- Antivirus and anti-malware: This is the first line of defense, focused on spotting and blocking known viruses and malware before they can cause harm. This is the traditional “find-and-block” approach. It catches the basic threats that are still around.
- Endpoint detection and response (EDR): If something unusual starts happening, like an unfamiliar program trying to access sensitive files, EDR works. It’s built to handle advanced threats that slip past simple defenses.
- Behavioral analysis: It picks up on strange behaviors and patterns that could signal new types of attacks, giving a heads-up even when the threat doesn’t match any known profiles.
- Firewalls and intrusion prevention: Firewalls decide what’s allowed in and what stays out. Paired with intrusion prevention, it prevents unauthorized access attempts.
- Data encryption: Encryption scrambles sensitive data, making it unreadable to anyone who doesn’t have the right authorization. It’s a last layer of protection, ensuring that data that does get accessed can’t be misused.
- Patch management: Finally, patch management is essentially the “maintenance crew” for software. New vulnerabilities pop up all the time, and patch management ensures that software gets updated regularly, closing security gaps as they’re discovered.
The Need for Endpoint Protection Solutions
Endpoints across various locations and networks represent a significant entry point for malicious activities. Endpoint protection aims to safeguard not just devices but the integrity, reputation, and bottom line of the entire organization. Listed below are the key reasons driving its need.
1. A rise in Cyber Threats
The cyber threat landscape has become significantly more complex and aggressive. Based on the 2024 Sophos Threat Report, 90% of cyber attacks relied on techniques like credential theft.
Today, endpoint protection has moved from simple antivirus software to robust solutions capable of detecting and mitigating complex threats like ransomware, fileless malware, and zero-day attacks.
2. Rise of Remote Work and Distributed Devices
With so many employees working from home, there’s no longer a single “office” network to protect. Laptops, tablets, and phones are connecting from coffee shops, home offices, and even public Wi-Fi, which increases the risk of exposure. Endpoint protection extends that secure office bubble to wherever work happens.
3. Compliance with Data Protection Regulations
Data protection laws such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), and Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI-DSS) require stringent security measures for sensitive information.
Endpoint protection solutions help organizations comply with these regulations by enforcing encryption, access control, and logging on all endpoint devices.
4. Mitigating Financial and Reputational Risks
Data breaches can have severe financial consequences, with average costs of $4.88 million, according to IBM’s Data Breach Report.
A robust endpoint protection strategy helps prevent breaches by detecting and blocking unauthorized access early. It reduces the likelihood of a full-scale attack and protects the organization’s financial and reputational standing.
5. Managing a Diverse Range of Devices and Environments
Today’s companies rely on a mix of devices and operating systems, from Windows to Linux, and often incorporate cloud services or IoT devices as well. The best endpoint protection solutions are designed to work across these different platforms, ensuring that security isn’t compromised just because devices vary.
6. Addressing Insider Threats and Human Error
Not all threats are external. Insider actions, whether accidental or malicious, can compromise security. Endpoint protection solutions monitor user behaviors and can detect anomalies that suggest potential insider threats.
By tracking unusual activity, such as unauthorized file access or abnormal application usage, endpoint protection tools protect from internal risks.
7. Supporting Zero-Trust Security Models
With a zero-trust model, no device or user is automatically trusted. Instead, every access attempt is verified. Endpoint protection fits perfectly with this approach by constantly monitoring each device’s behavior, helping ensure that every endpoint stays within the security rules, no matter where or how it connects.
Endpoint Protection Solutions Landscape in 2025
To guide you through the crowded landscape of endpoint protection solutions, we have created a list of the top seven solutions. Our selections are carefully chosen based on comprehensive features, proven effectiveness, and user reviews.
From advanced threat detection capabilities to ease of deployment and management, this list provides detailed insights into each solution’s strengths.
#1 SentinelOne Singularity Endpoint Protection
SentinelOne Singularity Endpoint Protection is a cybersecurity solution that autonomously prevents, detects, and responds to cyber threats across endpoints, cloud workloads, containers, and IoT devices.
Using artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML), the platform gives you real-time visibility and protection of organizations’ data.
SentinelOne’s Storyline technology is a standout feature. It automatically connects the dots across different activities on your network, allowing teams to see exactly how an attack unfolded from beginning to end. It adapts to the patterns of endpoint behavior and notices unusual actions that could signal something malicious.
This level of proactive defense allows security teams to stop worrying about constant alerts or manual threat responses. SentinelOne combines all these capabilities through a unified agent that doesn’t burden device performance.
Platform at a glance
- Autonomous operations: SentinelOne detects, assesses, and responds to threats on its own, which means the system can act immediately.
- Unified agent: Everything is done through a single, lightweight agent that consolidates security functions. It makes management straightforward and reduces the load on devices.
- Cross-platform support: Whether on Windows, macOS, Linux, or cloud-based systems, SentinelOne provides consistent, high-level protection.
- Scalability: The platform adapts as your organization grows, securing more endpoints without additional infrastructure.
Features:
- Next-generation antivirus (NGAV): Traditional antivirus relies on known signatures, but SentinelOne’s AI-driven approach detects even those unknown threats.
- Autonomous threat detection and response: SentinelOne uses AI-driven models that analyze behavior patterns to identify potential threats without needing a team to oversee every step.
- Storyline Technology: This feature pulls together events across different endpoints to show the complete picture of an attack. It helps security teams to understand complex threats without going through endless logs.
- Behavioral AI: Instead of just looking for known threats, SentinelOne monitors patterns and behaviors that may signal malicious intent. It catches potential threats before they cause damage.
- Ranger: This feature proactively identifies unmanaged devices that pop up on the network, closing gaps before they can be exploited. With Ranger, SentinelOne can instantly spot new devices as they appear, adding them to the protection network.
- Device and firewall control: SentinelOne detects threats and manages policies on devices so that only authorized devices access the network.
- Cloud-native architecture: The platform leverages the cloud, which means quicker deployment, less maintenance, and a seamless experience as you scale.
Core Problems that SentinelOne Eliminates
- Complex threats and slow response times: SentinelOne’s autonomous detection and response address threats faster than traditional security tools, which often require manual intervention.
- Alert overload: Many security solutions bombard teams with alerts, creating noise that makes real threats harder to spot. SentinelOne’s AI helps filter out false positives and prioritize genuine risks.
- Managing a range of devices: Organizations often face the challenge of securing diverse environments, from cloud resources to IoT devices. SentinelOne provides a unified solution that brings consistent protection across all types of endpoints.
- Labor-intensive forensics and response: SentinelOne’s EDR and forensic capabilities automatically identify the root cause of incidents and respond immediately. It helps free up resources and accelerate compliance and recovery efforts.
Testimonials
Joe Miller, Security Team Lead at a global cosmetics company, shared insights into their cybersecurity journey:
“SentinelOne transformed our security approach. Previously, our old antivirus couldn’t keep up, and we dealt with multiple infections each week.
With SentinelOne, we’ve drastically reduced infections, gained real-time visibility, and saved significant time on forensics. Its behavioral analysis and responsive support allow our team to focus on proactive security instead of constant incident response.”
Check out the full testimonial here.
Look at Sentinel Singularity ratings and review counts on peer-review platforms such as Gartner Peer Insights and PeerSpot.
#2 CrowdStrike Falcon
CrowdStrike Falcon uses a cloud-native architecture, meaning it does not rely on on-premise setups or require significant software installations on individual devices. Instead, Falcon operates through an agent that connects to the cloud for real-time protection.
One of its main features is the use of threat intelligence, which allows Falcon to continuously update its defense strategies based on global threat data. It also provides 24/7 managed threat hunting, where experts monitor and respond to potential security risks.
Falcon leverages threat intelligence to refine its defense mechanisms using global threat data. The platform includes 24/7 monitoring by a team that identifies and responds to security risks.
Features:
- Endpoint detection and response (EDR): Falcon’s EDR watches over each device to track anomalies. Upon detecting something suspicious, you’ll get an alert, and the Falcon begins a deep analysis that provides insights to teams.
- Managed threat hunting: Falcon includes a 24/7 team of threat hunters who use their expertise to look for advanced threats across your network. It is an important layer of security for organizations that want the reassurance of technology and human expertise.
- Threat intelligence integration: Falcon taps into a vast pool of global threat intelligence data, meaning it learns from the latest attack techniques worldwide.
- Device control: This feature allows organizations to control which USBs and external devices can connect to their network. It minimizes potential risks from unauthorized data transfers and keeps endpoints safe.
- Cloud-native architecture: With its entirely cloud-based setup, Falcon is easy to deploy and scale, requiring minimal IT resources. This is advantageous for large, multi-location organizations.
Check out verified experiences on review platforms to see how Crowdstrike measures up in delivery for real users.
#3 Microsoft Defender for Endpoint
Microsoft Defender for Endpoint helps organizations prevent, detect, investigate, and respond to advanced threats across all endpoints. It utilizes advanced threat intelligence and machine learning to detect and block malware/ransomware attacks.
The platform is built using a combination of built-in Windows security features and cloud-powered analytics to provide robust protection and visibility into the security posture of an organization’s devices.
Defender for Endpoint integrates with existing Microsoft services, simplifying setup for organizations already using the ecosystem.
Features:
- Endpoint detection and response: The platform monitors every device activity in real time to detect anything unusual. If a potential threat is spotted, it tries to understand its nature, giving security teams clear insights to act swiftly.
- Attack surface reduction: This feature helps reduce areas vulnerable to attacks, like unauthorized apps or risky scripts. With policies in place to limit what each device can run, it sets up boundaries around endpoints.
- Automated investigation and remediation: Defender for Endpoint can handle a lot of the investigative work independently. It uses AI to check out alerts and even takes steps to resolve issues automatically.
- Threat and vulnerability management: Rather than waiting for an attack, this feature gives security teams insights into weak points across devices, such as misconfigurations, unpatched software, etc.
- Integration with Microsoft ecosystem: For organizations already in the Microsoft environment, Defender for Endpoint is an easy fit. It integrates with tools like Defender for Cloud to create a unified security approach across endpoints, cloud services, and applications.
Consult reviews from actual users on Gartner Peer Insights to form your own opinion about Microsoft Defender’s value and capabilities.
#4 Bitdefender GravityZone
Bitdefender GravityZone helps secure a range of environments, including physical workstations, virtual servers, or cloud applications.
This platform is a fully integrated solution that combines multiple layers of defense, all manageable from a single console. This means you get visibility and control over every device and server in your network without operating different systems.
GravityZone applies machine learning (ML) and behavioral analysis (BA) to identify and mitigate potential threats.
Features:
- Endpoint detection and response: With EDR, GravityZone continuously monitors each endpoint, keeping an eye out for unusual activities. It analyzes deeply to provide your team with immediate insights and take action quickly if something malicious is detected.
- Ransomware mitigation: Ransomware attacks are a huge concern, and GravityZone includes a built-in way to deal with them. If ransomware is detected, GravityZone can automatically recover encrypted files using tamper-proof backups.
- Patch management: GravityZone automates the patching process for operating systems and applications, helping to close security gaps caused by outdated software.
- Content and device control: This feature allows organizations to manage which devices can connect to the network and restrict user access to specific content, helping to prevent unauthorized data transfers.
Evaluate Bitdefender by exploring detailed feedback from users on PeerSpot.
#5 Sophos Intercept X
Sophos Intercept X combines deep learning-based threat detection with tools for endpoint security. Sophos is known for its anti-ransomware focus. It uses a smart approach to immediately detect and roll back any malicious encryption.
The platform offers a user-friendly interface that supports both quick deployment and detailed security management.
Sophos Central, the unified console, is straightforward enough for quick deployment and adjustments yet good enough for in-depth security management.
This centralization of control means even small IT teams can manage complex security tasks efficiently. For organizations with other Sophos products in place, Intercept X syncs across tools to create a network-wide response to threats.
Features:
- Anti-ransomware (CryptoGuard): Intercept X doesn’t just detect ransomware but actively reverses the damage as soon as it starts. CryptoGuard is built to identify encryption activity the moment it happens. That means it catches ransomware in real time and restores affected files automatically.
- Deep learning threat detection: Sophos Intercept X taps into AI-powered learning to catch unusual activity before it turns into a full-blown threat. This learning-based detection focuses on behaviors rather than signatures to recognize threats regardless of their profile.
- Exploit prevention: Intercept X protects against techniques attackers use to control systems. Blocking exploit techniques like code injection prevent attackers from taking advantage of system weaknesses.
- Synchronized security: For organizations with multiple Sophos tools, Intercept X offers “synchronized security,” which means that every part of the network shares real-time threat intelligence. If one endpoint identifies a threat, others are immediately alerted and prepared to respond.
- Sophos central console: The centralized management console is designed to keep everything manageable. IT teams get complete visibility and control over every endpoint from one platform, reducing the hassle of switching between multiple tools or dashboards to manage security policies.
Browse reviews to uncover user perspectives on Sophos and its functionality.
#6 Trend Micro Apex One
Trend Micro Apex One is designed for organizations that need constant, reliable protection across their systems. It brings together a range of security capabilities, such as antivirus, behavior monitoring, and vulnerability protection, relieving IT teams from managing separate tools for each function.
Apex One monitors endpoint activities, identifying known threats and behaviors that may indicate emerging risks. The platform emphasizes proactive protection through continuous behavior analysis and automated alerts
Features:
- Antivirus and threat containment: Apex One actively monitors devices for any suspicious activity, containing potential infections immediately and keeping them from spreading. This feature ensures threats are isolated quickly to minimize their impact.
- Application control: Apex One allows IT to create strict lists of approved software. This keeps unknown or risky programs from launching, which can be particularly useful in industries where regulatory compliance is critical.
- Behavioral analysis: The platform’s behavioral monitoring is always looking for signs of trouble, even when those signs don’t match known threats. If an unusual action is detected, like unexpected file changes, Apex One responds swiftly.
- Automated cleanup: If malware does get through, Apex One uses automated cleanup services beyond deleting infected files. It restores systems to their normal state, ensuring the device can continue functioning without downtime or extra manual intervention.
- Data protection: This feature prevents malware and safeguards against accidental data leaks. Apex One tracks sensitive data movement, such as when files are sent via email or transferred to a USB so that organizations maintain control over valuable information.
- Virtual patching: Rather than waiting for official software patches, Apex One offers virtual patching for known vulnerabilities. This feature allows IT to protect systems even if they can’t be patched right away, closing security gaps before they can be exploited.
Take a look into Gartner Peer Insights to evaluate what others think about Trend Micro’s usability and capabilities.
#7 Trellix Endpoint Security
Trellix Endpoint Security is suited to organizations that need reliable, enterprise-grade protection that focuses on prevention and rapid response. The platform offers a multi-layered approach that goes beyond standard antivirus.
By combining machine learning for predictive threat detection and adaptive tools for active containment, Trellix provides companies with high-security resilience. Its seamless integration with existing security ecosystems and centralized management capabilities make it a great choice for enterprise endpoint security.
Features:
- Centralized security management: The ePolicy Orchestrator (ePO) provides a unified console for deployment, policy configuration, event monitoring, and compliance assurance.
- Attack surface management: Trellix hardens endpoints through device and application control, allow/deny lists, and host firewall capabilities to reduce potential attack vectors.
- Advanced threat prevention: The platform combines machine learning, exploit prevention, and algorithms to detect and block threats at every point.
- Network-attached storage (NAS) security: Trellix continuously monitors NAS devices, such as NetApp filers and ICAP storage appliances, to prevent unauthorized changes and data theft.
See if TrellixEndpoint Security is suitable for endpoint protection by checking out its ratings and reviews on PeerSpot.
How to Choose the Right Endpoint Protection Solution?
Choosing the right endpoint protection solution is about balancing your organization’s needs with features that offer strong, adaptable, and easy-to-manage security. Here’s what to focus on when finding the right solution to keep your network safe:
- Assess your needs: Start by identifying what your organization requires. Consider your organization’s size, industry-specific threats, and compliance needs that must be met.
- Evaluate security features: Make sure the solution covers all bases, including antivirus, anti-malware, endpoint detection and response (EDR), and anti-ransomware tools.
- Consider ease of use: Choose a solution that is straightforward to deploy and simple to use. A user-friendly interface makes managing security easier for your team.
- Check performance impact: Look for a solution that is light on system resources so it does not affect device performance or user experience.
- Scalability: Your security solution must be able to grow with your organization, adapting as you add more users, devices, or locations.
- Integration: Make sure the solution works well with your existing systems and software, as compatibility will streamline operations and help avoid unnecessary disruptions.
- Vendor reputation and support: Go with a trusted company with a proven track record and responsive customer support, as you will want reliable assistance if issues arise.
- Cost: Take a close look at the total cost of ownership. Consider not only licenses and maintenance but also potential savings from breaches the solution might prevent.
Conclusion
Protecting each endpoint means protecting the entire network, ensuring that every device and connection is secure, responsive, and adaptable to new challenges. When evaluating endpoint protection solutions, it is helpful to think beyond just individual features. You should focus on how the solution will integrate with your existing systems, support your team, and scale alongside your organization.
A solution that’s manageable and intuitive for your team can lead to better security outcomes and greater efficiency. It is essential to think beyond basic antivirus and consider a solution that actively learns and adapts. SentinelOne reflects this modern approach to security. With its autonomous capabilities, SentinelOne anticipates threats and neutralizes them in real-time.
Get a free demo to discover the difference endpoint protection can make for your team.
FAQs
1. What is endpoint protection, and why is it important?
Endpoint protection refers to the security measures designed to protect individual devices, or “endpoints,” such as laptops, desktops, servers, and mobile devices within a network. As each endpoint is a potential entry point for cyber threats, it must be protected to prevent unauthorized access, malware infections, and data breaches.
2. What is the cost of an endpoint protection solution?
Endpoint protection costs vary depending on factors like organization size, security requirements, and specific features. Basic solutions may range from a few dollars per device monthly, while comprehensive platforms offering advanced threat detection, incident response, and compliance features may incur higher costs.
3. What is the difference between endpoint protection and EDR?
While traditional endpoint protection provides baseline defenses, Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) goes further by continuously monitoring endpoint activity for abnormal behaviors.
Unlike standard antivirus, EDR solutions actively investigate suspicious events to offer deeper threat analysis and faster incident response. Endpoint protection blocks known threats, whereas EDR is a proactive approach that detects, investigates, and mitigates attacks.
4. What are the different types of endpoint protection?
Endpoint Protection includes several layers: Antivirus for blocking known malware, EDR for real-time monitoring and response, and behavioral analysis for detecting unusual activities. It also includes Data Loss Prevention (DLP) to secure sensitive data, firewalls to manage network access, and patch management to keep systems updated.
5. What are the key challenges in implementing and maintaining an endpoint protection solution?
Key challenges in deploying endpoint protection include ensuring compatibility across various devices and operating systems. Additionally, staying current with the latest threat intelligence and updates requires continuous monitoring.
Another common challenge is user awareness, as even the most advanced solutions benefit from informed users who understand and follow security best practices.
6. What types of threats does EPS protect against?
Endpoint Protection Solutions (EPS) provide defense against a range of threats, from common malware and viruses to more advanced risks like ransomware and phishing. EPS also helps prevent unauthorized access to ensure that only approved users connect to the network.
7. Can EPS protect against ransomware attacks?
Modern endpoint protection solutions often include anti-ransomware technology. Through tools like behavioral analysis, they can detect ransomware in its early stages, preventing data encryption. Many solutions also offer rollback capabilities to restore files to their original state if an attack occurs, reducing data loss and disruption.
8. Does endpoint protection support mobile devices?
Most endpoint protection solutions today support mobile devices, covering iOS and Android systems. Mobile endpoint protection provides essential defenses, such as malware detection, data protection, and access control.