The Best Endpoint Protection Software & Services for Protecting your Networks & Infrastructure!

Endpoints can be found across the entire network, from the LAN to the WAN. Some are connected remotely, while others are frequently on the move.

Hackers find these endpoints as high-value targets as they are the first line of defense and are usually unpatched and vulnerable.

According to an investigation done by Verzion, 30% of all security breaches involve some malware running on endpoints.

In this article, we'll highlight the sixteen best endpoint protection software and services; we'll give a brief description, features, price, and download links.

Here is our list of the top Endpoint Protection software:

1. Guardz – EDITOR'S CHOICE This cloud-based SaaS package provides a comprehensive security environment that protects endpoints, Web traffic, and emails, as well as networks with additional services that include Dark Web scanning and cloud data protection. Get a 14-day free trial.
2. ThreatLocker – GET DEMO This cloud-based system prevents unauthorized software from executing, which means that malware and hacker utilities are unable to run and so malicious activity can’t be implemented. Access the free demo.
3. ManageEngine Endpoint Central – FREE TRIAL A Unified endpoint management system that includes vulnerability scanning and patch management. This system manages endpoints running Windows, macOS, and Linux plus mobile devices. Installs on Windows Server and Linux. Start a 30-day free trial.
4. NinjaOne Endpoint Security – FREE TRIAL This package is part of a- cloud-based remote monitoring and management (RMM) package designed for use by managed service providers. Access the 14-day free trial.
5. N-able N-sight – FREE TRIAL A system for managing remote sites that includes endpoint detection and response. This is a cloud-based service.
6. ESET Protect – FREE TRIAL This hybrid package provides four plan levels of endpoint protection with on-device elements and a central cloud controller. 30-day free trial.
7. Sophos Endpoint Protection This system installs on Windows and Windows Server and can also protect devices that run Linux and macOS over a network.
8. Bitdefender GravityZone Elite A coordinated protection system for all endpoints on a network that is a virtual appliance that runs on Linux Ubuntu.
9. Symantec Endpoint Protection This system covers desktops, laptops, mobile devices, and servers. The administrator’s console is a cloud-based system.
10. Trend Micro Apex One A site-wide service that coordinates endpoint protection for devices connected to the network. The console is a cloud-based system.
11. CrowdStrike Falcon A suite of cybersecurity tools that can coordinate endpoint protection software that is installed on each device. the central console is a cloud-based system.
12. Webroot Business Endpoint Protection A cloud-based service that covers all of the endpoints on a network through an onsite agent.
13. CylancePROTECT An AI-driven endpoint detection system that is available for Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS.

Why is Endpoint Protection so Important?

An endpoint is a node or device connected to the corporate network, which is often exposed to other networks, such as the Internet.

This node can be located on-premise or remotely, and it is usually communicating back and forth with the corporate network.

Some common examples of these types of endpoints include:

1. Laptops,
2. Desktops,
3. Smartphones,
4. Tablets,
5. IoT-sensors,
6. Cloud-based systems,
7. Virtual machines,
8. and many other devices, etc!

All of these different types of endpoints, with one interface connecting to the corporate network and another interface to the Internet, pose a real threat to security.

Endpoints open all sorts of new entries into the network.

Manually protecting these endpoints and their entry point to the corporate network is almost impossible and extremely a laborious!

But there are solutions that can assist you in monitoring these endpoints seamlessly.

Endpoint Protection Software uses specific techniques and technologies to provide threat detection and response to all of these systems.

What to Look for in a Solution

An Endpoint Protection solution uses the server/client communication model.

The “server” consists of a centrally managed software usually deployed in the cloud or on-premises (if your like us).

And this server communicates with every endpoint connected to the central network through an agent software.

The endpoint protection software provides security and management across all devices that have access to the private network.

It protects against external and internal threats by enforcing policies or by pushing security mechanisms across multiple and different devices.

Key Features:

• Automated detection and Response
• Threat Intelligence
• Advanced Malware Detection
• Device and App Control
• Limit Protocols or Close Ports
• Web Protection
• Automatic Scans
• Advanced Reporting and Alerting
• Full Visibility of Activities and Events

The endpoint protection software also keeps endpoints with updated software, such as Patching, Anti-virus, Firewall, VPN, and HIPS (Host Intrusion Prevention Systems).

And in some cases, the server can also work as a proxy or gateway for all authentication login attempts.

It is essential to notice that most modern endpoint protection software does not use the traditional signature-based protection mechanism.

These tools provide alternative detection techniques empowered with Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), and behavior analysis to detect a wide arrange of known and unknown threats.

The Best Endpoint Protection Software & Services

1. Guardz – FREE TRIAL

Guardz is a security package that protects endpoints, cloud drives, and email systems. The endpoint protection service scans for malware and intruders. The platform is hosted in the cloud and its dashboard can be accessed through any standard Web browser. The package is intended for use by managed service providers to look after the systems of their clients.

Key Features:

• A cloud-based platform
• Identifies and kills malware
• Spots advanced persistent threats
• Scans emails
• Employee awareness training

Guardz scans for both automated and manual attacks on endpoints. The most common entry point for these threats is through emails with malware being hidden in attachments and hackers gaining account credentials through phishing.

The platform scans the email systems in Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace, which means Exchange Server/Outlook and Gmail. If email account details have already been stolen, they will probably be for sale on hacker forums. Guardz includes a Dark Web scanner, which will raise an alert if those email details are encountered. The platform is designed to be administered by managed service providers rather than being used by companies to protect their own endpoints.

Threat remediation is implemented automatically upon the detection of an attack. The tool also logs its discoveries and actions for analysis. The Guardz platform includes a library of employee awareness training courses, which reduces the security risks to a company even further Automated attacks involve a variety of malware and Guardz spots them all. These include spyware, ransomware, Trojans, adware, keyloggers, viruses, and fileless malware.

There are three plans for Guardz:

• Starter for 1 – 99 users at $9 per user per month
• Pro for 100 + users at $5 per user per month
• Ultimate, which is a managed security service and doesn’t have a published price

The charge rate for Guardz is per user and there is no minimum team size. You can examine the Guardz platform with a 14-day free trial.

2. ThreatLocker – GET DEMO

ThreatLocker implements a threat prevention approach to software management that automatically blocks malware and unapproved packages. The tool doesn’t stop malware from getting on your endpoints but instead, it stops it from running, so they are just useless files and don’t represent a threat. You don’t need to detect malware or take mitigating action – you just need to delete the dead files.

Key Features:

• Implements application whitelisting
• Blocks peripheral devices
• Works for hybrid systems

The full ThreatLocker package provides blocks on USB devices and those memory sticks can only be used if they are specifically permitted by the administrator and only for use by a specified user.

The platform also limits the resources that each software package can access.

The ThreatLocker system can protect cloud accounts as well as on-site endpoints.

ThreatLocker provides a combination of systems that block unauthorized software, fence resources, and extend access rights management to include application activity as well as user permissions per resource. All software is blocked from executing by default. Packages that are registered in an allow list will run but you can then further fine-tune activity by allowing only certain software to access specific resources. That access list also includes user accounts, so specific actions can only be performed by a named user account with a specific application, acting on a specific resource. As it is a cloud-based system, there is no download for ThreatLocker. Your first point of contact should be to request a demo.

ThreatLocker Get FREE Demo

3. ManageEngine Endpoint Central – FREE TRIAL

ManageEngine Endpoint Central – formerly Desktop Central – gives you a complete overview of your network and helps you keep everything patched including 3rd party software and operating systems.

This tools helps you not only automate patch management for Windows systems, but for Linux and Apple Mac systems as well!

Endpoint Central helps your develop a more robust Endpoint security protocol by helping you regularly assess vulnerabilities within your perimeter, monitor browsers and control devices and software applications on your network!

Key Features:

• Automatic security patching
• Secure log-in.
• Mobile security management.
• Geo-fencing.
• Security certificate management.

ManageEngine Endpoint Central is a web-based unified endpoint management software for desktops, laptops, servers, and mobiles.

The solution provides tools such as automated patch management, software deployment, remote control, IT asset management, and more.

Among its many features, ManageEngine Endpoint Central provides fantastic endpoint protection.

First, it secures the endpoints with the latest software by automating patch deployments.

And it can also let you enforce policies for mobiles, such as imposing device passcodes, remote locking, restricting the camera, geo-location tracking, and more.

The software also includes predefined security configurations like USB settings, firewall settings, security policies, and more.

Give this tool a look, you'd be surprised at the versatility it has and we're happy to recommend it to our readers.

You can find out more about pricing when you register for a 30-day free trial.

ManageEngine Endpoint Central Download a 30-day FREE Trial

5. N-able N-sight – FREE TRIAL

N-able N-sight RMM is a comprehensive set of tools integrated into a single web-based dashboard that helps enterprises to secure, maintain, and optimize IT resources.

Among these tools, there are excellent endpoint protection services such as Endpoint Detection & Response (EDR), Remote Monitoring, Patch Management, and more.

Key Features:

• Offline protection with AI.
• Automatic policy-based endpoint protection.
• Eight AI engines for analyzing behavior.
• Attack forensics and threat summaries.
• Insightful data reports and powerful alerting.

The N-able EDR is a brand new tool, born from a partnership with SentinelOne, an autonomous endpoint protection company.

The EDR is an effective endpoint protection tool that can help prevent cyberattacks, detect threats, and respond automatically.

It performs continuous file and data points analysis using behavioral AI/ML engines without the need for signatures.

The automatic processes will determine how to respond to threats and adjust over time.

N-able N-sight is an enterprise Managed Service Provider (MSP) solution, offered by N-able MSP. To find more information about prices and licensing, request a quote. Start with a 30-day free trial.

N-able N-sight Start 30-day FREE Trial!

6. ESET Protect – FREE TRIAL

ESET Protect is available in four plans that offer levels of cybersecurity services that begin with a baseline of on-device anti-malware protection. Those four plans are called Entry, Advanced, Complete, and Elite.

Key Features:

• Hybrid solution
• Cloud protection option
• Central controller
• Patch management
• Email protection
• Automated responses

The on-device units provide the immediate threat detection service and it is available for Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android – this system protects mobile devices as well as computers.

Endpoint units upload activity data to the central console. At a minimum, this displays live reports on system attacks and responses.

Higher plans get more features in the cloud-based server. This includes protection for email systems, including both on-site and cloud based. The tool will also protect cloud storage systems, such as OneDrive.

Progress to the highest plans to get vulnerability scanning and patch management. The highest plan also provides centralized threat hunting and response, which is a service that is a paid extra for the two middle plans.

The lower three plans cover a minimum of five devices and the top plan needs at least 26. The price for the minimum order quantity of each plan with one year of support is:

• Entry –  $211.00
• Advanced –  $220.00
• Complete – $338.50
• Elite – Contact Sales

Start with a 30-day free trial.

ESET Protect Start 30-day Free Trial!

7. Sophos Endpoint Protection

Sophos Endpoint Protection is a set of endpoint security tools that combine anti-malware, web and app control, URL blocking, firewall, HIPS, ransomware protection, and analysis and forensics.

Key Features:

• Automatic threat discovery and removal
• Effective quarantine process
• Block web and application exploits
• Block risky URLs and apps
• Behavior analytics
• Track suspicious traffic

The software provides a simplified and central management web-console that helps keep track of all endpoints.

The Intercept X Endpoint, a tool from the Sophos Endpoint Protection, is one of the most popular for malware detection and removal.

It uses machine learning technology to identify threats by analyzing its behavior and not by its signature.

There are two deployment methods, the Sophos Central is the unified console that runs on the cloud and the Sophos Enterprise Console, which must be installed on-premises.

The software works with the agent that communicates with the server, but it can also be deployed as a standalone for offline computers.

The product can be purchased through different Endpoint Protection and Intercept X Endpoint software editions. For more information on their prices, get a quote. Sign up for a Sophos Central free 30-days trial, including Intercept X Advanced and more.

8. Bitdefender GravityZone Elite

Bitdefender GravityZone Elite is an advanced endpoint security solution that prevents, detects, remediates, and displays threats that could harm your network.

Key Features:

• Predict and detect attacks with ML
• Hyper-detection during the attack pre-execution
• Sandbox analyzer for pre-execution detection
• Behavior anomaly detection with Process Inspector

It is an excellent endpoint solution that can detect attacks right from the pre-execution phase.

It doesn’t rely on conventional signatures to detect attacks; instead, it uses advanced Machine Learning (ML) and behavioral analysis to find sophisticated and unknown threats.

Bitdefender GravityZone Elite provides excellent control and protection for endpoints.

It can manage systems patching, encrypt disks, protect from web threats, push firewall policies, and control specific apps and devices.

The price varies according to the number of monitored devices; for one device, the price starts at $78; for ten, the price is $260. Download a fully-functional Bitdefender GravityZone Elite free trial for a limited time.

9. Symantec Endpoint Protection

Symantec Endpoint Protection is an advanced security solution designed to protect endpoints such as laptops, mobiles, and servers within a network.

Key Features:

• Centralized cloud-based management system
• Application and device control
• Malware and exploit protection
• Network firewall and Intrusion prevention systems
• Behavioral forensics and attack analytics

It keeps all clients protected from sophisticated attacks, malware, trojans, viruses, and even adware.

The software can run on-premises, on hybrid environments, or through its cloud-based service.

Symantec Endpoint Protection uses a holistic security approach to safeguard your IT environment for the entire attack chain, from pre-attack, attack, breach, and the post-breach phases.

It uses AI to help make optimal decisions and protect your endpoint at the device, application, or network level.

Sign up for a Symantec account and get access to Symantec Endpoint Security free trial.

10. Trend Micro Apex One

Trend Micro Apex One is an advanced automated security solution for endpoints. It performs automatic detection and response for a wide variety of threats.

Key Features:

• Centralized visibility and control.
• Vulnerability protection.
• Application and device control.
• Open API set.

The software runs on-premises or through its SaaS-based solution. And the clients only need a single agent.

Apex One provides full protection against sophisticated and new malicious scripts, malware, ransomware, crypto-mining, and more.

The software can detect and respond to almost any threat with the help of Trend Micro Endpoint Sensor and the Managed Detection and Response (MDR), which are available as add-ons.

Sign up for a SaaS-based free Trend Micro Apex One 30-days trial.

11. CrowdStrike Falcon

Falcon by CrowdStrike is a platform compromised by a unified set of cloud-native security technologies that prevent and remediate a wide range of cyber-attacks and malware.

Key Features:

• Prevent zero-day attacks.
• Offline protection.
• Auto-discovery of assets and apps.
• Threat hunting and forensics.

The solution unifies a next-generation antivirus, EDR, threat intelligence, and managed threat hunting into a single cloud-managed console.

Falcon provides full visibility into all endpoints and uses proprietary technology and services to protect them from breaches.

It also uses a single lightweight agent on each endpoint powered by AI/ML and behavioral analytics instead of the traditional signature-based defense.

Falcon comes in four different editions, Pro ($8.99/endpoint/month), Enterprise ($15.99/endpoint/month), Premium ($18.99/endpoint/month), and Complete (request a quote). Sign up for a free trial of CrowdStrike Falcon Prevent Next-Gen Antivirus. Note that this is not the Falcon Complete, but the Next-Gen AV can give you a good idea of how the software works.

12. Webroot Business Endpoint Protection

Webroot Business Endpoint Protection is a cloud-based endpoint security solution that leverages Machine Learning (ML) to prevent, detect, and respond to threats.

Key Features:

• Contextual threat intelligence.
• RMM, PSA & BI integrations.
• Infrared dynamic risk prevention.
• Intelligent firewall.
• User identity and privacy.

The software can predict and stop multi-vector attacks in real-time.

Webroot uses a server-client communication model.

The server, which is SaaS-based, runs a single integrated management console that gives full visibility and control over every single endpoint with the installed agent.

The software can automatically protect endpoints against malware, ransomware, phishing, and more, without the need for signatures.

All the protection occurs in real-time and from the cloud. The software also offers protection for offline devices.

Webroot Business Endpoint Protection offers a one-year protection for five seats for $150. Sign up for a free unlimited trial of Webroot Business Endpoint Protection for 30 days.

13. CylancePROTECT

CylancePROTECT is an advanced AI-driven endpoint security solution. It leverages AI and ML to predict, prevent, detect, and protect from all sorts of threats.

Key Features:

• Apps and scripts control.
• Device policy enforcement.
• Root-cause analysis.
• Automatic threat detection and response.

The software can analyze and categorize multiple characteristics of each file at the atomic level and distinguish from good or bad.

The software does not use signatures. Instead is combines AI mechanisms to block unknown malware from infecting endpoints.

It also uses additional security controls to protect from advanced attacks like malicious scripts, ransomware, fileless, memory, and weaponized documents.

CylancePROTECT can even reduce the risk of attacks exploiting a zero-day using the same AI model.

No free trial available, but you can request a demo

14. ESET Endpoint Protection Standard

The ESET Endpoint Protection Standard is a security management and anti-malware software used for endpoint and file server security.

Key Features:

• Firewall and web control.
• Automated security management.
• Real-time visibility for online or offline endpoints.
• Full disk encryption add-on.

The software runs on-premises but also uses advanced cloud-based scanning and device control applications.

ESET Endpoint Protection Standard comes with a powerful anti-phishing engine that protects users from entering sensitive information such as passwords, users, banking information, or more, to fake websites, masquerading as valid ones.

Request to download a 30-days free trial of ESET Endpoint Protection Standard.

15. FortiClient

FortiClient is an endpoint security solution developed by Fortinet.

Key Features:

• Pattern-based anti-malware.
• Behavior-based exploit protection.
• Web-filter and application firewall.

It provides full visibility and proactive security to computers and mobiles through a variety of security controls such as antivirus, firewall, web filtering, app and device control, and more.

When FortiClient detects a vulnerability, it deploys the necessary patching or immediately quarantines the risk.

The software also uses policy-based automation to control outbreaks and contain threats.

It integrates all of its agents with the Fortinet Security Fabric to provide endpoint telemetry and automatic threat response.

To test the waters, Fortinet offers a fully-featured free version of the Enterprise Management Server (EMS), which is the central console of FortiClient. The free version lets you manage up to ten clients.

16. Palo Alto Networks Traps

Palo Alto Networks Traps is an advanced AI/ML-driven endpoint protection and response software.

Key Features:

• Behavior-based protection.
• It uses the WildFire Inspection and Analysis.
• Send and receive threat intelligence from Wildfire.
• Blocks exploits, file-less, ransomware, and malware.
• Full exploitation protection.

It provides security from sophisticated exploits, ransomware, zero-day threats, and unknown malware attacks to laptops, desktops, and servers.

The software prevents endpoints from getting infected or attacked by malware using multiple methods.

It starts by gathering intelligence from WildFire Threat Analysis service. When Network Traps knows what’s out there, it can autonomously reprogram itself.

It can also analyze hundreds of files at an atomic level and scan without using any signatures.

No free trial available, but you can request a Network Traps free demo.

17. Malwarebytes Endpoint Protection

Malwarebytes Endpoint Security is an advanced cloud-managed security solution that provides threat prevention, detection, and remediation for endpoints.

Key Features:

• Cloud-based management platform.
• Uses Linking Engine technology to remove infections.
• Web and app behavior protection.
• Identify anomalies with machine learning.

It uses multiple detection techniques to protect endpoints from the entire attack chain from threats like malware, ransomware, and zero-day attacks.

According to Malwarebytes, their antivirus solution is used and installed over 500,000 clients daily, and it helps detect and remediate over three million infections daily.

That massive number gives Malwarebytes Endpoint Security enough data to collect and analyze threat intelligence.

The Malwarebytes Endpoint Security uses a single agent to communicate with the server. The solution includes asset management, web protection, exploit and ransomware remediation, and more.

The price for cloud-based Malwarebytes Endpoint Protection starts at $699.90 per year for ten devices. Request a free download of Malwarebytes Endpoint Protection trial.

18. VMware Carbon Black Defense

Carbon Black (CB) Defense is a cloud-native endpoint security platform, recently purchased (Oct 2019) by VMware.

Key Features:

• Next-gen antivirus and EDR.
• Virtual Data Center security.
• Real-time endpoint query and remediation.
• Advanced threat hunting and incident response.
• Monitoring and Alerts.

The software is a cloud-based console that provides full visibility and management for all the endpoints on a network.

And from the endpoint side, CB uses a single lightweight agent that gives complete protection against known and unknown threats.

The endpoint CB clients collect raw data and use the cloud-based streaming AI analytics to detect, identify, and model potential threats.

The CB Predictive Security Cloud platform is the one that provides endpoint protection against the most sophisticated and powerful threats.

No free trial available, but you can request a demo.

19. VIPRE Endpoint Security Cloud

The VIPRE Endpoint Security Cloud is an advanced ML-powered threat intelligence solution that provides robust malware protection for SMBs.

Key Features:

• Sophisticated ransomware prevention.
• Anti-phishing and anti-spam.
• Network packet inspection
• Browser and app exploit protection.

VIPRE can safeguard endpoints against several threats, such as ransomware, zero-day attacks, phishing, malicious scripts, exploit kits, and mobile threats.

Instead of the traditional signature-based antivirus, the software provides real-time behavior analysis.

With this analysis, VIPRE can detect hard-to-catch zero-day attacks and prevent harm from unknown threats.

The VIPRE Endpoint Security Cloud subscription starts at $150 per year for five seats. Sign up for a fully-featured 30-day free trial of VIPRE Endpoint Security Cloud.

Final Words & Conclusion

Endpoint protection software is not an ordinary everyday antivirus. It goes well beyond the signature-based threat detection that traditional anti-malware provide. The best endpoint protection out there uses a mix of AI and ML models to analyze behaviors from every endpoint.

These tools can collect raw data from each client or agent and send information to the cloud for advanced threat analysis. The server acts quickly by detecting the anomaly and by sending a remediation solution. Some of these software and services, also have extensive databases with threat intelligence that help them as a base to find more and unknown threats.

All of the above tools apply sophisticated behavior analytics to detect and respond to all sorts of threats. Some of the tools like ManageEngine Desktop Central or FortiClient offer 100% freeware, so you can test the waters for an unlimited time.

Others like N-able N-sight and Sophos Central offer the fully-featured enterprise-solution trial for free, so you can go all into protecting your endpoints.

Endpoint Protection Software & Services FAQs