Securing endpoints has become a top priority in an era of rapidly evolving cyber threats. From company-issued laptops to servers in remote data centers, any unprotected device can serve as a gateway for sophisticated attacks. Traditional antivirus and basic firewalls often lack the depth to identify complex intrusions. This gap has prompted many organizations to use Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) software.
EDR goes beyond signature-based detection, analyzing endpoint behavior and correlating suspicious patterns across a network. This proactive approach can spot unusual activities—like privilege escalations or unauthorized data access—long before an attacker causes severe damage. EDR provides the context for swift, informed responses by capturing and analyzing relevant security data. In the following sections, we’ll explore what EDR software is and why it is essential in safeguarding modern, distributed work environments.
What is EDR Software?
Endpoint Detection and Response software is a security solution designed to continuously monitor, record, and analyze activity on an organization’s devices and networks. Rather than sticking solely to traditional malware signatures, EDR solutions take a broader approach. They study behaviors baseline standard usage patterns and spot deviations or anomalies that could indicate an attack. This in-depth visibility can help uncover unauthorized file modifications, unusual process executions, and attempts at privilege escalation—all tactics commonly leveraged by cybercriminals to move laterally across a network.
A core benefit of EDR software is its ability to centralize data from various sources, such as endpoints, server logs, and integrated SIEM systems. By aggregating this information, EDR platforms allow security analysts to take a more comprehensive view of each incident. Many modern EDR tools have automated response features, like isolating a compromised system or terminating a malicious process in real-time. That speed can make all the difference in containing threats before they propagate.
Moreover, EDR software solutions often provide post-incident forensics; security teams use built-in analytics to reconstruct attack timelines, gather evidence, and learn from each incident. This knowledge informs better policies and preventive measures for the future. EDR software acts as a central defensive layer for organizations that are growing and adopting more digital technologies, helping reduce the risk of damaging breaches and maintain operational continuity.
The Need for EDR Software
Cyberattacks have become much more sophisticated, often targeting endpoints as a primary entry point into corporate networks. A single vulnerable laptop or an unpatched workstation is all an attacker needs to launch a coordinated campaign. EDR software addresses this risk by offering continuous monitoring and deeper intelligence at the device level. It identifies suspicious patterns, alerts security teams, and triggers automated responses that quickly contain the threat.
Beyond essential antivirus solutions that rely on known signatures and virus definitions, EDR software analyzes system behaviors, detects anomalies, and correlates data across an organization’s infrastructure. This is especially critical for countering zero-day exploits, malware variants, or tactics that can bypass more traditional defenses. Real-time scanning and intelligent automation of EDR not only improve detection accuracy but also reduce the number of manual tasks for busy security teams.
In addition, regulatory requirements and industry standards have increasingly called for solid security practices, such as complete endpoint monitoring. Failing to satisfy these regulations means organizations may incur fines, lose reputation, or experience operational disruptions. EDR software helps organizations achieve compliance through detailed logs, tamper-proof evidence, and post-incident reports— essential outputs during audits or investigations.
Last but not least, the fact that modern workforces are distributed—a concept whereby employees operate from diverse locations—emphasizes the need for streamlined endpoint protection. Whether data rests in the cloud, on company servers, or employees’ devices, EDR software provides a single pane of glass into security events. EDR delivers visibility across the endpoint ecosystem; thus, the organization can move with agility as new threats emerge and the endpoint needs change.
6 EDR Software in 2025
EDR software can help organizations bolster their defenses and enhance security posture. Here is a list of EDR software in 2025 to look out for.
Let’s explore their core functions, features, and capabilities based on the latest reviews and insights in the industry.
SentinelOne Singularity Endpoint
SentinelOne delivers an AI-powered EDR solution that merges endpoint, cloud, and network security into a single, user-friendly platform. It offers automated threat detection, quick response, and continuous visibility to minimize manual workloads. By analyzing both known and emerging threats, SentinelOne helps secure distributed assets wherever they are. Book a live demo now.
Platform at a Glance
SentinelOne Singularity™ Endpoint is built to unify security data and workflows across servers, laptops, and mobile devices, creating a single source of truth. The platform relies on static and behavioral detection techniques to catch malware, ransomware, and stealthy persistent threats. Whether your assets are on-premises, virtualized environments, or in the cloud, Singularity adapts to provide consistent coverage and simplified oversight.
A standout feature is the Storyline™ capability, which automatically assembles logs and alerts into a straightforward attack narrative. This allows security teams to pinpoint how an incident started, moved laterally, and escalated. Remotely controlling endpoints also becomes simpler through RemoteOps, which lets analysts push or pull data at scale, aiding in large-scale investigations or patching activities.
Singularity Ranger identifies and protects any newly discovered or unmanaged device in real-time. This reduces the risk of shadow IT and maintains compliance across various governance frameworks. With automated remediation and rollback features, SentinelOne significantly cuts the window attackers can exploit, reducing the time and complexity of securing your endpoint fleet.
Features:
- ActiveEDR Framework that captures every process and flags suspicious actions
- Storyline™ for assembling a chronological, visual map of each threat’s progression
- RemoteOps enables large-scale investigations, patching, and data retrieval
- Ranger™ to spot and manage unmanaged endpoints the moment they appear
- Autonomous EPP+EDR blending static and behavioral detections for known and zero-day threats
- One-Click Remediation & Rollback feature to swiftly contain and reverse malicious changes
- Extensive API Library with over 350 functions for custom automation and integrations
- Multi-cloud Compliance aligning with GDPR, NIST, ISO 27001, SOC 2, and other frameworks
Core Problems that SentinelOne Solves
- Shadow IT by detecting and managing untracked endpoints that could introduce vulnerabilities.
- Zero-day exploits through a blend of AI-driven static and behavioral analysis.s
- Ransomware attacks with one-click rollback, ensuring minimal data loss and downtime
- Hidden threats by correlating security events into a single storyline for better visibility
- Endpoint misconfigurations through seamless remote management and configuration audits
- Manual analyst workloads with automated detection and response mechanisms
- Extended incident response times thanks to quick isolation and near-instant containment features
- Regulatory compliance challenges by offering real-time monitoring, logging, and reporting
Testimonial
“When we introduced SentinelOne’s EDR platform, we immediately noticed a drop in false positives and increased operational efficiency. Our security team used to juggle multiple tools for endpoint visibility, but now we see every threat narrative unfold in one dashboard. During a recent phishing incident, SentinelOne automatically quarantined the compromised devices and rolled back unauthorized changes in seconds.
We used RemoteOps to gather forensic data across hundreds of laptops without sending anyone on-site, saving days of manual effort. Thanks to Ranger™, we also discovered unregistered virtual machines and applied policies on the fly. In just a few months, our mean time to respond has shrunk dramatically, and we’ve gained greater confidence in our overall security posture.” -security engineer, G2.
For additional insights, look at Singularity™ Cloud Security’s ratings and reviews on Gartner Peer Insights and PeerSpot.
Cortex from Palo Alto Networks
Cortex from Palo Alto Networks can unify data across on-premises and cloud environments, letting you spot potential threats in real-time. It offers EDR software that analyzes endpoint and network activity using AI, helping to reduce the time spent identifying and mitigating risks. Cortex pairs threat intelligence with automated workflows, which can streamline security incident handling and simplify investigations.
Features:
- Cortex Xpanse for monitoring internet-facing assets and identifying exposed endpoints
- Cortex XDR collects and analyzes data from endpoints, networks, and clouds in one platform.
- Managed threat hunting that combines human expertise with automated detection tools
- XSOAR integration for automating incident response processes and playbooks
See how strong Cortex XDR is as an endpoint security solution by evaluating its Gartner Peer Insights and PeerSpot ratings and reviews.
Microsoft Defender for Endpoint
Microsoft Defender for Endpoint can help secure your organization’s devices by continuously tracking suspicious activities. Its EDR software includes risk-based vulnerability management to highlight critical security weaknesses. Defender for Endpoint integrates with the Microsoft ecosystem—such as Sentinel and Intune—so teams can centralize their threat monitoring. Automated responses further reduce alert fatigue and streamline the remediation process.
Features:
- Automated investigation for rapid handling of suspected threats
- Risk-based vulnerability management to spot and prioritize key security gaps
- Cloud-native design to simplify deployment and ongoing maintenance
- Multi-device support for Windows, macOS, and more
- Real-time dashboards and reports to gauge security performance
Check out Gartner Peer Insights and G2 reviews to see what users have to say about Microsoft Defender for Endpoint
CrowdStrike Endpoint Security
CrowdStrike Endpoint Security combines threat intelligence, incident response, and endpoint protection under one console. It can pinpoint malicious behavior across networks or cloud services, mapping how intrusions originate and spread. By providing automated containment tools, CrowdStrike helps prevent lateral movement. Its cloud-based approach also reduces overhead for security teams looking to manage and respond to emerging incidents quickly.
Features:
- Incident response and forensic analysis to expedite breach investigations
- NGAV (machine learning and behavior-based detection) to uncover evolving threats
- Centralized cloud console for continuous oversight of endpoint activities
- Automated containment to swiftly isolate compromised systems
- Threat intelligence integration for keeping up with current attack methods and actors
See what CrowdStrike’s position is in the endpoint security segment by going through its latest Gartner Peer Insights and G2 reviews and ratings.
TrendMicro Trend Vision One – Endpoint Security
Trend Vision One™ can defend endpoints and cover all stages of attacks. It can consolidate servers, endpoints, and workloads and uncover attack paths. With its threat visibility and management features, you can improve your security posture.
Features:
- It provides multiple layers of security and can patch vulnerabilities.
- It can predict if files are malicious and prevent them from being executed.
- Trend Vision One™ can help organizations avoid threats by incorporating proactive vulnerability protection.
- It has a web reputation service with exploit prevention and application controls.
- The EDR software provides broad platform support for operating systems, including Linux.
Explore TrendMicro Trend Vision One’s effectiveness as an endpoint security platform by reading its reviews and ratings on Gartner Peer Insights and TrustRadius.
Sophos Intercept X Endpoint
Sophos can stop advanced attacks before they can reach your systems. It offers EDR tools that help organizations investigate, hunt for, and respond to suspicious activities. Sophos can locate indicators of attacks and review your endpoint configurations. It can prioritize agent size over the strength of EDR protection.
Features:
- Sophos can reduce attack surfaces and make security monitoring less resource-intensive.
- It can block applications and assign application controls.
- Sophos can restrict the transfer of files that contain sensitive data.
- It can lock down servers and prevent unauthorized changes that are attempted to be made to other files.
You can check out Sophos Intercept X endpoint’s recent reviews and ratings on G2 and Gartner to learn how effective it is regarding all endpoint security matters.
How to Choose the Ideal EDR Software for Your Enterprise?
Choosing the right EDR software begins with understanding your organization’s unique needs. First, analyze the scope of your network, the compliance requirements you need to meet, and the resources you have available. This includes whether the EDR solution provides full logging, forensics, and the ability to reconstruct attack timelines. These capabilities help analysts pinpoint an incident’s origin, shorten investigation periods, and prevent repeat breaches.
Look for detection methods that go beyond traditional signature-based scanning. A machine learning or behaviorally driven EDR platform will be much better equipped to identify unknown or emerging threats. Consider the vendor’s record: A team of experts and a mature set of support channels can make all the difference should a critical issue arise. Reading reviews and case studies will give you an idea of how timely and reliable the vendor’s updates are and how well they integrate threat intelligence.
Integration and ease of deployment are both part of this. If you already rely on solutions like SIEM or SOAR, ensure the EDR software fits well into your workflow, including minimal reconfiguration of the existing setup in your environment. Automation features, such as isolating infected endpoints, rolling back malicious changes, or blocking suspect processes, can save valuable time and prevent the threat from spreading. Check how the solution will impact endpoint performance, especially if you manage many devices.
Lastly, evaluate compliance and total cost of ownership. Industries that adhere to strict data protection mandates demand strong auditing and reporting capabilities. Determine if the EDR software fulfills logging requirements and maintains a clear audit trail. Count the license fees and hidden training or professional services costs, offset against any savings from more efficient automation. Balancing all these elements will help you select an EDR platform that fits well within your enterprise’s infrastructure, addresses the latest security concerns, and remains adaptable in the face of emerging threats.
Conclusion
EDR software has emerged as a critical layer in modern cybersecurity, providing more than signature-based defenses. EDR solutions help organizations reduce the time and effort required to combat sophisticated attacks by examining endpoint behaviors, detecting anomalies, and coordinating swift responses. Its real-time threat intelligence and automated remediation features support ongoing compliance efforts and secure distributed environments.
And as attackers continue to refine their tactics, effective EDR solutions mean that security teams—big or small—are prepared. More than just protection for devices, EDR is a means to build a culture of proactive defense where everybody—technical staff and business leaders alike—remains vigilant in this ever-changing landscape of threats.
FAQs
1. What types of threats can EDR software detect?
EDR software can identify threats, including zero-day exploits, ransomware, insider attacks, and fileless malware. By continuously monitoring system activity, it flags unusual behaviors—like unauthorized privilege escalation or hidden processes—and correlates them across the network. This capability enables security teams to uncover complex, multi-stage threats before fully infiltrating critical systems.
2. Can EDR replace traditional antivirus solutions?
While EDR goes beyond the capabilities of essential antivirus tools, it typically complements them rather than serving as a direct replacement. Antivirus software blocks known threats with signature-based detection, whereas EDR uses behavior analysis to catch emerging or evasive attacks. Many organizations employ both solutions for a layered defense strategy.
3. How quickly can EDR respond to ongoing attacks?
Many EDR platforms offer automated containment features that trigger when a threat is detected. These features can isolate compromised endpoints, terminate malicious processes, or roll back unauthorized changes in seconds or minutes. By minimizing manual intervention, EDR tools reduce incident response times and help prevent threats from spreading within the network.
4. Is EDR suitable for small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs)?
Yes. Modern EDR platforms are becoming more affordable and easier to deploy, making them accessible to SMBs with limited security budgets. They often include user-friendly dashboards and streamlined workflows, reducing the need for specialized expertise. This helps smaller organizations quickly set up effective endpoint monitoring and automated responses, improving their overall security posture.