Avast Business Antivirus vs Sophos Intercept X

Last Updated:

Our analysts compared Avast Business Antivirus vs Sophos Intercept X based on data from our 400+ point analysis of Endpoint Security Software, user reviews and our own crowdsourced data from our free software selection platform.

Product Basics

Avast Business Antivirus is a cybersecurity platform that provides its users with proactive antivirus inclusions to protect their organizations from ransomware and advanced cyberattacks. It can secure, manage and monitor complex networks using a global threat detection network.

It is designed for IT service providers and small to medium-sized businesses. It safeguards Windows, Windows Servers, Mac and Linux devices against sophisticated cyber threats using a next-generation security approach and cloud-based analytics.
read more...
Sophos Intercept X is an advanced endpoint security solution that excels in protecting organizations from a myriad of cyber threats. This comprehensive product is employed by a diverse user base, ranging from small businesses to large enterprises. It's particularly well-suited for those seeking robust defense against evolving threats, such as ransomware and zero-day attacks. Key features encompass deep learning AI, anti-exploit technology, and root cause analysis, enhancing threat detection and response capabilities. The benefits of Intercept X are evident in its ability to provide proactive and real-time protection, resulting in reduced security incidents and business disruption. However, it's important to note that the product's pricing may be a concern for budget-conscious organizations. User feedback underscores Intercept X's effectiveness in thwarting complex threats, often outperforming similar products. While highly regarded for its top-tier protection, potential limitations include resource consumption on endpoints. In the ever-evolving cybersecurity landscape, Sophos Intercept X remains a formidable player.

Pros
  • Effective threat detection
  • Real-time protection
  • Anti-exploit technology
Cons
  • Potentially high pricing
  • Resource-intensive on endpoints
  • Complex for novice users
read more...
$31.37/Device, Annually
Get a free price quote
Tailored to your specific needs
$30/User, Annually
Get a free price quote
Tailored to your specific needs
Small 
i
Medium 
i
Large 
i
Small 
i
Medium 
i
Large 
i
Windows
Mac
Linux
Android
Chromebook
Windows
Mac
Linux
Android
Chromebook
Cloud
On-Premise
Mobile
Cloud
On-Premise
Mobile

Product Assistance

Documentation
In Person
Live Online
Videos
Webinars
Documentation
In Person
Live Online
Videos
Webinars
Email
Phone
Chat
FAQ
Forum
Knowledge Base
24/7 Live Support
Email
Phone
Chat
FAQ
Forum
Knowledge Base
24/7 Live Support

Product Insights

  • Advanced Threat Detection: Detects unknown threats through advanced technologies that include artificial intelligence, behavior-based machine learning, signature-based detection and cloud threat lab analysis. Examines each endpoint process through a system-centric approach to algorithmically block malicious tools used by attackers. 
  • Lightweight Agent: Reacts instantly to malware through a multi-functional, single lightweight agent without compromising system performance. Allows protection and management of data, devices and users from a single platform. 
  • Block Cyber Threats: Analyzes suspicious information coming and going from devices. Blocks malicious files and websites, unauthorized connections, unusual behavior and other threats through a combination of Web, File, Mail and Behavior Shields. 
  • Zero-Day Attacks: Offers CyberCapture technology to quickly scan suspicious files for in-depth analysis of malware variants detected by its four-shield defense system. 
  • Predict and Identify Threats: Identifies and destroys threats using a continual data stream provided by active users in the network. Leverages a cloud-based machine learning engine for smarter, faster and more robust solutions. 
  • Simplify Patching Process: Keep Windows systems and third-party apps updated with the latest patches through patch management. Offers flexible deployment schedules, automatic scans, customizable patches, patch rollback and comprehensive reporting capabilities. 
read more...
  • Advanced Threat Detection: Intercept X employs cutting-edge technology to proactively identify and neutralize advanced threats, including zero-day attacks and ransomware, before they can cause harm. This provides robust protection against evolving cyber threats.
  • Real-time Threat Intelligence: By harnessing real-time threat intelligence from SophosLabs, Intercept X stays up-to-date with the latest threat trends. This enables it to respond swiftly to emerging threats and provide comprehensive security coverage.
  • Behavioral Analysis: Intercept X utilizes behavioral analysis to detect suspicious activities and anomalies on endpoints. It can identify and stop malicious processes even if they haven't been seen before, enhancing security against novel threats.
  • Ransomware Protection: One of Intercept X's key benefits is its dedicated ransomware protection. It prevents ransomware attacks by monitoring file system activity, detecting encryption attempts, and taking proactive action to stop them, safeguarding critical data.
  • Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR): Intercept X offers powerful EDR capabilities, allowing security teams to investigate incidents, track threat actors' movements, and respond effectively to security breaches. This enhances overall incident response and threat hunting capabilities.
  • Phishing and Exploit Prevention: Intercept X includes robust mechanisms for preventing phishing attacks and exploit attempts. It identifies and blocks phishing websites, malicious email attachments, and malicious code execution attempts, reducing the risk of successful compromises.
  • Centralized Management: Sophos Central provides a unified management console for Intercept X, making it easy to deploy, configure, and monitor security across all endpoints. This centralized approach streamlines security administration and ensures consistency.
  • User-friendly Interface: Intercept X features an intuitive and user-friendly interface that empowers IT teams to manage security efficiently. This reduces the learning curve and allows for effective use of the solution's capabilities.
  • Optimized Performance: While delivering robust security, Intercept X is designed to minimize system resource consumption. It operates efficiently in the background, ensuring that endpoint performance remains smooth and unaffected.
  • Automatic Updates and Patching: Intercept X keeps endpoints protected with automatic updates and patching. It ensures that security measures are always current, reducing vulnerabilities associated with outdated software.
read more...
  • Four-Shield Protection: Delivers protection through its four-shield defense, including Behavior, Web, File and Email Shields, which work together automatically to detect and block malicious threats. Scans open or downloaded files, web URLs and certificates, incoming and outgoing emails, and detects suspicious behavior in installed programs for complete safety against malware. Its threat labs team conducts thorough analysis using threat data to strengthen the threat database. 
  • Core Scanner: Offers on-demand scanning for viruses, malware, spyware and suspicious attachments or add-ons. Provides more control and management over scans through a command line scan tool that integrates with email servers. Schedule and specify types of scans, change settings and indicate inclusions using its cron utility. 
  • Secure Remote Access: Offers a remote access shield feature to prevent remote desktop protocol exploits and brute-force attacks. Allows users to select who can remotely access computers and block unwanted connections. 
  • Sandbox: Run applications, visit websites and download files in a virtual environment isolated from the computer using its sandbox feature. 
  • Server Protection: Stops potential attacks from spreading in the network through email scanning and filtering at the Exchange Server level. Offers SharePoint server protection to prevent any data compromise by checking files uploaded onto data storage. 
  • Security Browser Extension: Scans websites for authenticity and reputation, puts devices in super-safe mode and blocks malicious ads to provide additional privacy. 
  • Automatic Updates: Keeps antivirus protection updated by retrieving, checking, downloading and installing the latest virus definitions. Provides extra protection for Linux systems through automatic streaming updates, which establishes a network connection to the Avast cloud to retrieve updates in real time and automate virus definition and program updates. 
  • Malware and Vulnerability Scanning: Scan for malware, unsafe settings, outdated applications and suspicious add-ons using SmartScan. Offers WiFi Inspector to scan networks for vulnerabilities, check device, network and router settings and discover threats. 
read more...
  • Advanced Threat Detection: Intercept X employs state-of-the-art technology to detect and prevent advanced threats, including zero-day malware and ransomware, offering robust protection against evolving cyber threats.
  • Real-time Threat Intelligence: Harnessing real-time threat intelligence from SophosLabs, Intercept X stays updated with the latest threat trends, enabling swift responses to emerging threats and comprehensive security coverage.
  • Behavioral Analysis: Intercept X uses behavioral analysis to identify suspicious activities and anomalies on endpoints, even if they haven't been seen before, enhancing security against novel threats.
  • Ransomware Protection: This feature monitors file system activity, detects encryption attempts, and takes proactive action to stop ransomware attacks, safeguarding critical data.
  • Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR): Intercept X offers powerful EDR capabilities, allowing security teams to investigate incidents, track threat actors' movements, and respond effectively to security breaches, enhancing overall incident response and threat hunting capabilities.
  • Phishing and Exploit Prevention: Intercept X includes robust mechanisms for preventing phishing attacks and exploit attempts, identifying and blocking phishing websites, malicious email attachments, and malicious code execution attempts, reducing the risk of successful compromises.
  • Centralized Management: Sophos Central provides a unified management console for Intercept X, simplifying deployment, configuration, and security monitoring across all endpoints, ensuring consistent security policies.
  • User-friendly Interface: Intercept X features an intuitive and user-friendly interface that enables IT teams to efficiently manage security, reducing the learning curve and facilitating effective use of the solution's capabilities.
  • Optimized Performance: While delivering robust security, Intercept X minimizes system resource consumption, operating efficiently in the background to ensure that endpoint performance remains smooth and unaffected.
  • Automatic Updates and Patching: Intercept X keeps endpoints protected with automatic updates and patching, ensuring that security measures are always up to date, reducing vulnerabilities associated with outdated software.
read more...

Product Ranking

#21

among all
Endpoint Security Software

#64

among all
Endpoint Security Software

Find out who the leaders are

Analyst Rating Summary

we're gathering data
96
we're gathering data
94
we're gathering data
100
we're gathering data
90
Show More Show More

Analyst Ratings for Functional Requirements Customize This Data Customize This Data

Avast Business Antivirus
Sophos Intercept X
+ Add Product + Add Product
Attack Prevention Attack Surface Reduction Endpoint Detection And Response (EDR) Exploit Prevention Managed Detection And Response (MDR) Services Mobile Capabilities Platform Capabilities Vulnerability Management 94 100 90 100 100 95 100 87 0 25 50 75 100
we're gathering data
N/A
we're gathering data
N/A
we're gathering data
N/A
85%
15%
0%
we're gathering data
N/A
we're gathering data
N/A
we're gathering data
N/A
100%
0%
0%
we're gathering data
N/A
we're gathering data
N/A
we're gathering data
N/A
86%
7%
7%
we're gathering data
N/A
we're gathering data
N/A
we're gathering data
N/A
100%
0%
0%
we're gathering data
N/A
we're gathering data
N/A
we're gathering data
N/A
100%
0%
0%
we're gathering data
N/A
we're gathering data
N/A
we're gathering data
N/A
87%
0%
13%
we're gathering data
N/A
we're gathering data
N/A
we're gathering data
N/A
100%
0%
0%
we're gathering data
N/A
we're gathering data
N/A
we're gathering data
N/A
67%
33%
0%

Analyst Ratings for Technical Requirements Customize This Data Customize This Data

we're gathering data
N/A
we're gathering data
N/A
we're gathering data
N/A
100%
0%
0%
we're gathering data
N/A
we're gathering data
N/A
we're gathering data
N/A
100%
0%
0%

User Sentiment Summary

Excellent User Sentiment 800 reviews
Excellent User Sentiment 164 reviews
90%
of users recommend this product

Avast Business Antivirus has a 'excellent' User Satisfaction Rating of 90% when considering 800 user reviews from 3 recognized software review sites.

90%
of users recommend this product

Sophos Intercept X has a 'excellent' User Satisfaction Rating of 90% when considering 164 user reviews from 1 recognized software review sites.

4.6 (52)
n/a
4.5 (737)
n/a
4.1 (11)
4.5 (164)

Awards

Avast Business Antivirus stands above the rest by achieving an ‘Excellent’ rating as a User Favorite.

User Favorite Award

SelectHub research analysts have evaluated Sophos Intercept X and concluded it earns best-in-class honors for Exploit Prevention, Managed Detection and Response (MDR) Services and Integrations and Extensibility. Sophos Intercept X stands above the rest by achieving an ‘Excellent’ rating as a User Favorite.

User Favorite Award
Exploit Prevention Award
Managed Detection and Response (MDR) Services Award
Integrations and Extensibility Award

Synopsis of User Ratings and Reviews

Lightweight: It is lightweight and consumes fewer system resources.
Non-Intrusive: Scans run actively in the background with no disturbance to the user.
Firewall Protection: Its firewall protection feature keeps mail and online documents safe.
Ease of Use: It is easy to install and has an intuitive interface.
Show more
Effective Threat Detection: Users appreciate Intercept X's ability to detect and stop a wide range of threats, including ransomware and zero-day attacks, providing robust security.
User-Friendly Interface: The intuitive and user-friendly interface makes it easy for administrators to configure and manage security policies without extensive training.
Centralized Management: Sophos Central offers a unified management console, simplifying the deployment and monitoring of security across all endpoints.
Ransomware Protection: Intercept X's dedicated ransomware protection is highly valued, as it safeguards critical data by proactively blocking ransomware attacks.
Quick Response to Emerging Threats: Users commend the real-time threat intelligence from SophosLabs, which enables rapid responses to emerging threats, enhancing overall security.
Show more
Scanning: A complete scan can slow down system performance.
Database: Its virus database doesn’t get constantly updated.
Malware: It can sometimes fail to detect malware.
False Alerts: It can give false alerts for legitimate files.
Show more
Compatibility Challenges: Some users have reported compatibility issues with certain software or legacy systems, which can require additional effort to address.
Resource Consumption: A few users have noted that Intercept X can consume system resources, potentially impacting the performance of older hardware.
False Positives: Like any security solution, Intercept X may occasionally trigger false positive alerts, leading to potential disruptions and the need for manual verification.
Learning Curve: For some organizations, implementing and configuring Intercept X effectively may require a learning curve for administrators who are new to the product.
Cost: A few users have mentioned that the comprehensive protection offered by Intercept X comes at a relatively higher cost, which may be a concern for smaller organizations with limited budgets.
Show more

Avast Business Antivirus provides its users with advanced integrated endpoint and network security solutions through a cloud-based management portal. Its layered cybersecurity services help businesses and IT service providers secure, manage and monitor changing business networks.

Show more

User reviews of Sophos Intercept X highlight both strengths and weaknesses of the product. Many users praise its effectiveness in threat detection and real-time protection. They appreciate the deep learning AI and anti-exploit technology, which help in identifying and mitigating complex threats. One user noted, "Intercept X has been a game-changer for our cybersecurity. It stopped ransomware attacks that previously posed a significant threat." However, some users find its pricing to be on the higher side, making it less accessible to budget-conscious organizations. Additionally, the product's complexity can be daunting for novice users, and training may be required to maximize its potential. When compared to similar products, Intercept X often receives positive feedback for its robust threat prevention. Users believe it outperforms some alternatives in terms of proactive defense. One user remarked, "We've used other solutions, but Intercept X's ability to proactively prevent threats sets it apart." Overall, user reviews indicate that Sophos Intercept X is a powerful tool for organizations looking to fortify their cybersecurity posture. Its ability to effectively thwart evolving threats is a significant strength, although the pricing and complexity may not make it the best fit for everyone.

Show more

Screenshots

Top Alternatives in Endpoint Security Software


Bitdefender GravityZone

Blackberry Cyber Suite

Carbon Black Cloud

Cisco Secure Endpoint

Cortex XDR

CrowdStrike Falcon

ESET PROTECT MDR

Kaspersky Endpoint Security For Business

Malwarebytes EDR

Microsoft Defender for Endpoint

Sophos Intercept X

Symantec Endpoint Security Complete

Trellix XDR

Trend Micro Vision One

WE DISTILL IT INTO REAL REQUIREMENTS, COMPARISON REPORTS, PRICE GUIDES and more...

Compare products
Comparison Report
Just drag this link to the bookmark bar.
?
Table settings