Top 6 Premium Business Antivirus Software Options in 2024

SentinelOne Singularity: The Ultimate Choice

My topmost pick for enterprise antivirus and security solution is SentinelOne Singularity. This all-encompassing suite includes a variety of security tools like cloud-native NGAV, EDR, and XDR, catering to diverse security requirements.

SEE: Guidance on Conducting a Cybersecurity Risk Evaluation in 5 Steps (TechRepublic Premium)

I particularly appreciate its emphasis on delivering a lightweight experience without compromising on threat detection performance. In a recent independent evaluation, Gartner recognized SentinelOne as a Leader in the EPP domain in its Magic Quadrant for Endpoint Protection Platforms report from December 2023.

Moreover, SentinelOne offers an extensive enterprise subscription that encompasses EDR, XDR, advanced EPP features, as well as guided onboarding and deployment services – vital components for nascent enterprises shaping their security infrastructure.

Reasons behind Choosing SentinelOne Singularity

I have selected SentinelOne as the top choice for its robust threat detection capabilities, minimal system resource impact, and competitive pricing. Its performance is on par with CrowdStrike Falcon but at a more economical price point.

Furthermore, I see it as a natural preference for businesses that have grown cautious of CrowdStrike post their involvement in the global IT crisis of July 2024.

Pricing Structure

For the Singularity Enterprise suite, SentinelOne suggests contacting their sales team for detailed pricing information. Below, I’ve outlined a brief overview of the pricing for their other packages, covering 5–100 workstations, respectively.

• Singularity Core Cloud-Native NGAV: $69.99 per endpoint; includes EPP, role-based access control, and multi-tenant management.
• Singularity Control: $79.99 per endpoint; allKey capabilities alongside advanced EPP and EDR.
• Uniqueness Comprehensive: $159.99 per endpoint; all Control capabilities alongside 14-day data storage.
• Uniqueness Business: $209.99 per endpoint; all Comprehensive capabilities alongside 30-day data storage, XDR, supervised threat hunting, and identity threat identification and response.
• Uniqueness Corporate: Contact for pricing; all Business capabilities alongside network and vulnerability supervision, educational services, and guided initiation and implementation.

Best choice for Windows environments: Microsoft Defender for Endpoint

Microsoft Defender for Endpoint, also known as MDE, is my selection for corporations that predominantly utilize Windows machines and Microsoft amenities. MDE deploys AI-driven systems to shield against ransomware, digital threats, and other opponents. It presents a merged endpoint administration console for straightforward handling of machines and an international threat intelligence catalog that keeps a check on day-to-day threats.

I especially appreciate its focus on providing versatile enterprise controls for effortless management of access in intricate org setups. This is essential for encouraging effective workflows within an entity without jeopardizing security.

Reasons for Opting for Microsoft Defender for Endpoint

I opted for Microsoft Defender for Endpoint for its seamless integration with Windows workstations and its incorporation in the value-rich Microsoft 365 E5 enterprise scheme.

For establishments already invested in the Microsoft or Windows environment, MDE is an obvious choice — particularly since you can have it alongside other Microsoft offerings like Outlook, OneDrive, Power BI Pro, and more. This is in addition to having top-notch threat detection capabilities and smooth merging with other Microsoft software.

Pricing Details

Microsoft Defender for Endpoint offers two subscription levels: MDE P1 and P2. P1 provides Microsoft’s advanced anti-malware and endpoint firewall tools. P2 offers all P1 capabilities in addition to the primary EDR security suite. For EDR users, MDE P2 is the recommended option.

Both P1 and P2 are obtainable through one of the Microsoft 365 bundles, detailed below:

• Priced at Microsoft 365 E3: $33.75 per user monthly; involves MDE P1 anti-malware solution, with 365 apps, Windows for Enterprise, and 1TB of cloud storage.
• Priced at Microsoft 365 E5: $54.75 per user monthly; includes all Microsoft 365 E3 attributes along with MDE P2 EDR solution with advanced security and adherence features and Power BI business analytics.

CrowdStrike Falcon Insight XDR: Optimal for top-level security

If security is your utmost concern, my recommendation is CrowdStrike Falcon. CrowdStrike’s XDR is widely acknowledged as one of the premier services in the EDR realm. It provides AI-driven threat detection, a nimble and user-friendly agent, and large-scale automation capabilities for enterprises. In Forrester’s Endpoint Security report for Q4 2023, CrowdStrike was distinguished as a Leader in endpoint security, with its potent prevention mechanisms and minimal impact on endpoint performance highlighted.

Regrettably, CrowdStrike faced a major IT outage recently, where an update for one of its services disrupted more than 8.5 million Windows devices globally.

Thus, it is understandable if some enterprises feel hesitant about opting for CrowdStrike, considering the scale of the incident. For more details, refer to our comprehensive coverage regarding the CrowdStrike outage here.

Reasons for Selecting CrowdStrike Falcon

Despite the recent outage, I believe CrowdStrike Falcon provides substantial value with its top-notch threat detection and resolution capabilities.

Based on user reviews, CrowdStrike is a consistent choice for users seeking a reliable EDR solution. According to a Reddit user in the cybersecurity community, “CrowdStrike consistently excels in detection and prevention. Few false alarms, and easy to fine-tune.”

Naturally, it’s valid to be hesitant about CrowdStrike due to the outage, especially if your business was directly impacted by the widespread disruption. If you are uncertain about choosing CrowdStrike and want to explore other options, check out our article on CrowdStrike alternatives here.

Pricing Details

CrowdStrike offers three enterprise packages, namely Falcon Pro, Falcon Enterprise, and Falcon Elite. Falcon Enterprise and Elite encompass CrowdStrike’s EDR and XDR solutions. Below is a summary of pricing and key features for each option:

• Falcon Pro: $99.99 per device, annually; next-gen antivirus, device control, integrated threat intelligence.
• Falcon Enterprise: $184.99 per device, annually; includes all Falcon Pro features plus EDR and threat hunting.
• Falcon Elite: Contact sales for pricing; offers endpoint and identity protection, Falcon Insight XDR, threat hunting.

ESET: Optimal for home office and business antivirus

If large enterprises often refer to bigger organizations, they can also serve smaller companies or any business in general. When it comes to a home office or business antivirus solution, ESET stands out. Their system offers layered anti-malware protection, server security, and anti-theft features.

According to AV-TEST’s June 2024 examination of ESET, their ESET PROTECT Advanced business antivirus effectively countered 100% of all malware and web threats targeted at it.

I personally value its wide range of antivirus and EDR products, catering to individual consumers, small and home offices, small-to-mid-sized businesses, and corporations.

Reasons for opting for ESET

I went for ESET due to its comprehensive lineup of antivirus products suitable for individual users, small offices, and even large corporations. If you are a business owner seeking a single source for your home office and business, ESET offers compelling value propositions for both.

Pricing details

For users seeking coverage for both their business and personal gadgets, I recommend exploring ESET’s Small Business Security subscription. This package is designed for a non-IT specialist seeking a fixed-and-protect solution for 5–25 endpoints. Below is a summary of pricing for Small Business Security:

• Small Business Security 5 devices, 1 year: $179.99
• Small Business Security 10 devices, 1 year: $204.99
• Small Business Security 20 devices, 1 year: $410.00

Kaspersky: Optimal for non-U.S. users

If you’re an international user in need of a top-notch antivirus, consider keeping an eye on Kaspersky. As a household antivirus, Kaspersky excels in safeguarding against unknown malware threats and online risks. From my perspective, it’s also a remarkable selection as it generously offers a 30-day complimentary trial of its premium antivirus solution. This can be particularly beneficial for entrepreneurs or business proprietors who are not very tech-savvy and want to explore antivirus software without any obligations.

According to the AV-TEST study from May to June 2024 on Kaspersky Plus, it achieved a flawless detection rate and effectively repelled 100% of malware without causing significant strain on system resources.

However, there is a crucial caveat — I can exclusively endorse Kaspersky for non-U.S. users and business operators due to the impending ban starting September 29, 2024. This decision stems from the U.S. Bureau of Industry and Security labeling Kaspersky’s products as potential national security threats due to the company’s ties to Russia.

You can access the full BIS statement on Kaspersky here.

Reasons behind choosing Kaspersky

I opted for Kaspersky because of its generous 30-day free trial of its household antivirus solution and its cost-effective pricing plans overall. While not specifically tailored as a corporate antivirus, I see Kaspersky’s household antivirus as a stepping stone for entrepreneurs looking to delve into the benefits of such software for themselves and their businesses.

Regretfully, the ban on Kaspersky in the U.S. restricts this recommendation to our international readers. With this restriction, Kaspersky may not serve as a viable long-term solution, as other nations could follow suit. Nonetheless, I maintain that Kaspersky presents a solid starting point for non-U.S. users contemplating an antivirus solution.

Pricing Details

As Kaspersky is halting its sales in the U.S., the provided prices are based on Kaspersky’s official website in the United Kingdom.

• Kaspersky Standard Single Device: £14.99; provides real-time antivirus, a two-way firewall, and online payment protection.
• Kaspersky Plus Single Device: £18.99; includes all Standard features as well as a data leak checker and unlimited VPN.
• Kaspersky Premium Single Device: £19.99; offers all Plus features along with identity protection and expert virus scanning and removal.

Bitdefender GravityZone: Optimal for initial endpoint safeguarding

For fundamental endpoint security, my recommendation leans towards Bitdefender GravityZone. The GravityZone platform from Bitdefender integrates AI-driven security mechanisms to swiftly identify irregularities and prevent threats with minimal false alerts. It introduces automated patch management to promptly address vulnerabilities and cross-endpoint correlation to contextualize attacks across multiple endpoints.

In the Gartner Magic Quadrant report for EPP 2023, Bitdefender received accolades for its user-friendly nature and “facility to deploy in cloud or bandwidth-restricted environments.” In my view, these aspects are ideal for enterprises at the initial stages of exploring an EDR solution as an advanced security mechanism under the “enterprise antivirus” category.

Reasons for Selecting Bitdefender GravityZone

I have included Bitdefender GravityZone in this compilation as it stands out as a reliable option for beginner-level enterprises contemplating a move into the EDR realm. I also commend Bitdefender for its extensive operating system support, catering to both contemporary and obsolete operating systems, making it a suitable choice for enterprises with older hardware.

Pricing Details

Bitdefender’s GravityZone offerings, targeted towards medium to large-scaleCompanies, all necessitate potential customers to reach out to their sales unit for a price estimation. Presented below is a summary of its four enterprise-grade offerings along with their respective attributes:

• GravityZone Business Security Premium: Reach out for pricing details; includes automated threat prevention, remediation, attack forensics, and cloud sandboxing.
• GravityZone Business Security Enterprise: Reach out for pricing details; features EDR with cross-endpoint correlation and integrated EPP capabilities.
• GravityZone XDR: Reach out for pricing details; operates with XDR that encompasses organization-wide data correlation and human-readable insights for security incidents.
• MDR PLUS: Reach out for pricing details; variety of MDR functions coupled with dark web detection and response.

I admire the fact that the three GravityZone products above offer accessible trial versions. On another note, Bitdefender’s MDR PLUS presents an interactive demo through its official website.