Home > Endpoint Security Software > Microsoft Defender for Business > Microsoft Defender for Business vs Symantec Endpoint Security Complete

Microsoft Defender for Business vs Symantec Endpoint Security Complete

Last Updated: November 18th, 2024

Our analysts compared Microsoft Defender for Business vs Symantec Endpoint Security Complete 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.

Overview Pricing Benefits & Features Analyst Ratings Comparison Charts User Ratings Analyst Summary Screenshots

Get Free Demo Demo Request Pricing Pricing

Product Basics

Microsoft Defender for Business is a comprehensive security solution designed to protect small to medium-sized businesses from cyber threats. It offers advanced threat protection, endpoint detection and response, and automated investigation and remediation capabilities. This software is particularly suited for industries such as healthcare, finance, and retail, where data security is paramount. Its unique benefits include simplified deployment, centralized management, and integration with other Microsoft services, providing a seamless security experience.

Key features include real-time threat detection, vulnerability management, and detailed reporting. Users appreciate its intuitive interface and robust protection mechanisms, which are often highlighted in user reviews. Compared to similar products, Microsoft Defender for Business stands out for its ease of use and comprehensive coverage. Pricing details can vary, so it's recommended to contact SelectHub for a tailored quote based on specific needs. This ensures businesses get the most accurate and relevant pricing information for their requirements.

Symantec Endpoint Security Complete is a comprehensive cybersecurity solution designed to protect organizations from a wide range of threats. It offers advanced threat protection through a combination of signature-based and behavioral analysis to detect and block malware, ransomware, and phishing attacks effectively. Key features include endpoint detection and response (EDR) for rapid threat detection and response, a robust firewall and intrusion prevention system, and seamless integration of endpoint and email security. The solution also provides cloud-based management for centralized administration, automation features to streamline security workflows, and compliance support for regulatory adherence. With 24/7 threat monitoring and responsive support, Symantec Endpoint Security Complete empowers organizations to safeguard their digital assets and maintain a proactive security posture.

$3/User, Monthly

Free Trial is available →

Get a free price quote

Tailored to your specific needs

$25/user, annual

Free Trial is available →

Get a free price quote

Tailored to your specific needs

Small

Medium

Large

Small

Medium

Large

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

Phone

Chat

FAQ

Forum

Knowledge Base

24/7 Live Support

Phone

Chat

FAQ

Forum

Knowledge Base

24/7 Live Support

Product Insights

Enhanced Threat Detection: Microsoft Defender for Business leverages advanced AI and machine learning to identify and mitigate threats in real-time, reducing the risk of data breaches.
Automated Response: The software automates the response to detected threats, ensuring swift action to contain and neutralize potential security incidents without manual intervention.
Comprehensive Protection: It provides end-to-end security across devices, applications, and data, ensuring a holistic defense strategy for your business environment.
Cost Efficiency: By integrating multiple security functions into a single platform, Microsoft Defender for Business reduces the need for multiple security solutions, lowering overall costs.
Scalability: The solution is designed to grow with your business, easily scaling to accommodate increasing numbers of devices and users without compromising performance.
Regulatory Compliance: Helps businesses meet regulatory requirements by providing detailed reporting and audit trails, simplifying compliance with standards like GDPR and HIPAA.
Reduced Downtime: By quickly identifying and addressing threats, the software minimizes downtime and ensures business continuity, keeping operations running smoothly.
User-Friendly Interface: The intuitive dashboard and easy-to-navigate interface make it simple for IT teams to manage security tasks and monitor the overall security posture.
Integration with Microsoft 365: Seamlessly integrates with Microsoft 365, providing a unified security solution that enhances the protection of your existing Microsoft ecosystem.
Proactive Threat Hunting: Enables proactive threat hunting capabilities, allowing security teams to identify and address potential vulnerabilities before they can be exploited.
Customizable Policies: Offers customizable security policies tailored to the specific needs of your business, ensuring optimal protection without unnecessary restrictions.
Expert Support: Access to Microsoft's extensive support network and resources ensures that your business can quickly resolve any security issues that arise.
Employee Training: Includes tools and resources to educate employees about security best practices, reducing the likelihood of human error leading to security incidents.
Real-Time Alerts: Provides real-time alerts and notifications, enabling immediate action to address potential threats and minimize impact.
Data Encryption: Ensures that sensitive business data is encrypted both in transit and at rest, protecting it from unauthorized access and breaches.

Comprehensive Threat Protection: Symantec Endpoint Security Complete offers a multi-layered defense system that safeguards your organization against a wide range of cyber threats. It includes advanced antivirus, anti-malware, firewall, and intrusion prevention capabilities, ensuring robust protection.
Advanced Threat Intelligence: Leveraging Symantec's extensive threat intelligence network, this solution provides real-time updates on emerging threats. It constantly monitors the threat landscape and adapts to new challenges, enhancing your security posture.
Cloud-Based Management: Enjoy the flexibility and scalability of cloud-based management. Symantec's cloud console allows you to centrally manage security policies and endpoints across your organization, simplifying administration and reducing overhead.
Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR): With EDR capabilities, Symantec Endpoint Security Complete goes beyond traditional antivirus. It provides deep visibility into endpoint activities, enabling swift threat detection, investigation, and response to minimize potential damage.
Integrated Endpoint and Email Security: Streamline your security operations by integrating endpoint and email protection. Symantec ensures consistent security policies and threat detection across email and endpoints, reducing the attack surface.
Zero Trust Network Access: Embrace a Zero Trust security model with Symantec's network access control. You can enforce strict access policies based on identity, device health, and context, enhancing security without compromising productivity.
User-Centric Security: Prioritize user-centric security with Symantec's user behavior analytics. It helps identify and mitigate threats based on user activity and behavior, ensuring a proactive approach to security.
Automated Security Workflows: Boost operational efficiency with automation. Symantec Endpoint Security Complete allows you to automate repetitive security tasks, enabling your team to focus on strategic initiatives and incident response.
Compliance and Reporting: Stay compliant with industry regulations effortlessly. The solution offers robust reporting capabilities, simplifying the process of demonstrating compliance to auditors and stakeholders.
24/7 Threat Monitoring and Support: Symantec provides around-the-clock threat monitoring and support, ensuring that your organization has access to expert assistance whenever needed, even in the face of evolving threats.

Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR): Provides advanced threat detection and response capabilities to identify and mitigate sophisticated attacks on endpoints.
Threat and Vulnerability Management: Continuously scans for vulnerabilities and provides actionable insights to prioritize and remediate risks.
Automated Investigation and Remediation: Uses AI and machine learning to automatically investigate alerts and remediate threats, reducing the burden on IT teams.
Next-Generation Antivirus: Offers real-time protection against malware, ransomware, and other malicious software using advanced heuristics and behavior analysis.
Attack Surface Reduction: Implements policies to minimize the attack surface by controlling the applications and scripts that can run on devices.
Integration with Microsoft 365: Seamlessly integrates with Microsoft 365 services, providing a unified security experience across email, documents, and collaboration tools.
Centralized Management Console: Provides a single pane of glass for managing security policies, monitoring threats, and viewing security reports.
Customizable Security Policies: Allows businesses to tailor security settings to meet their specific needs and compliance requirements.
Cloud-Based Threat Intelligence: Leverages Microsoft's vast threat intelligence network to stay ahead of emerging threats and provide up-to-date protection.
Device Control: Manages and restricts the use of external devices such as USB drives to prevent data leakage and malware introduction.
Incident Reporting and Analytics: Offers detailed incident reports and analytics to help businesses understand and respond to security events effectively.
Role-Based Access Control (RBAC): Ensures that only authorized personnel have access to security settings and data, enhancing overall security posture.
Scalability: Designed to scale with your business, providing robust security for small to medium-sized enterprises without compromising performance.
Compliance Management: Helps businesses meet regulatory requirements by providing tools and reports for compliance management.
24/7 Threat Monitoring: Offers continuous monitoring and alerting to ensure that threats are detected and addressed promptly, regardless of the time of day.

Advanced Threat Protection: Symantec Endpoint Security Complete offers robust advanced threat protection mechanisms. It includes signature-based and behavioral analysis to detect and block known and unknown threats effectively.
Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR): EDR capabilities empower security teams with deep visibility into endpoint activities. It allows for threat detection, investigation, and response to minimize potential security incidents.
Firewall and Intrusion Prevention: This solution features a powerful firewall and intrusion prevention system that safeguards your network against unauthorized access and malicious activities.
Cloud-Based Management: Enjoy the convenience of cloud-based management, allowing you to centrally administer security policies and monitor endpoints across your organization from anywhere.
Integrated Endpoint and Email Security: Symantec ensures consistent security policies and threat detection across both endpoints and email. Integration streamlines security operations and reduces the attack surface.
Zero Trust Network Access: Implement a Zero Trust model with precise control over network access. It enforces strict access policies based on identity, device health, and context to enhance security.
User Behavior Analytics: Symantec's user behavior analytics help identify and mitigate threats based on user activity and behavior. It provides insights for a proactive approach to security.
Automated Security Workflows: Boost operational efficiency with automation. Symantec Endpoint Security Complete allows you to automate repetitive security tasks, reducing manual workload and response times.
Compliance and Reporting: Stay compliant effortlessly with comprehensive reporting capabilities. Generate reports to demonstrate compliance with industry regulations and facilitate audits.
24/7 Threat Monitoring and Support: Symantec provides continuous threat monitoring and expert support round the clock, ensuring your organization receives timely assistance in managing evolving threats.

Product Ranking

#68

among all
Endpoint Security Software

#96

among all
Endpoint Security Software

Find out who the leaders are

Analyst Rating Summary

we're gathering data

100

we're gathering data

Show More Show More

Analyst Ratings for Functional Requirements Customize This Data Customize This Data

Microsoft Defender for Business

Symantec Endpoint Security Complete

+ Add Product + Add Product

we're gathering data

N/A

we're gathering data

N/A

we're gathering data

N/A

95%

we're gathering data

N/A

we're gathering data

N/A

we're gathering data

N/A

100%

we're gathering data

N/A

we're gathering data

N/A

we're gathering data

N/A

64%

29%

we're gathering data

N/A

we're gathering data

N/A

we're gathering data

N/A

100%

we're gathering data

N/A

we're gathering data

N/A

we're gathering data

N/A

33%

67%

we're gathering data

N/A

we're gathering data

N/A

we're gathering data

N/A

93%

we're gathering data

N/A

we're gathering data

N/A

we're gathering data

N/A

100%

we're gathering data

N/A

we're gathering data

N/A

we're gathering data

N/A

33%

67%

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%

we're gathering data

N/A

we're gathering data

N/A

we're gathering data

N/A

100%

User Sentiment Summary

60%

of users recommend this product

Microsoft Defender for Business has a 'fair' User Satisfaction Rating of 60% when considering 1 user reviews from 1 recognized software review sites.

87%

of users recommend this product

Symantec Endpoint Security Complete has a 'great' User Satisfaction Rating of 87% when considering 2627 user reviews from 3 recognized software review sites.

n/a

4.3 (877)

3.0 (1)

n/a

4.4 (1612)

n/a

3.8 (138)

Awards

Synopsis of User Ratings and Reviews

Strong Protection: Safeguards your business from various threats like ransomware and malware, ensuring your data and operations remain secure.

Streamlined Management: Offers a single dashboard to monitor and manage security across all devices, simplifying administration for your IT team.

Proactive Defense: Identifies and addresses vulnerabilities before they can be exploited, minimizing the risk of successful attacks.

Automated Response: Takes immediate action against threats, even outside of business hours, ensuring continuous protection without manual intervention.

Effective Threat Protection: Users praise the product for its robust threat protection, which includes real-time threat intelligence and proactive defense mechanisms against malware and cyberattacks.

User-Friendly Interface: The intuitive and user-friendly interface simplifies the management of security policies, making it accessible for both IT professionals and less technical staff.

Centralized Management: The centralized cloud-based management console allows for easy oversight of all endpoints, streamlining administration and ensuring consistent security policies across the organization.

Quick Threat Detection: Symantec Endpoint Security Complete receives accolades for its rapid threat detection and response capabilities, helping organizations minimize the impact of potential security incidents.

Seamless Integration: Users appreciate the seamless integration of endpoint and email security, simplifying their security ecosystem and enhancing protection against evolving threats.

Automation Features: The product's automation features, such as automated threat remediation, save time and reduce the manual workload for IT teams, increasing overall efficiency.

Compliance Support: Symantec Endpoint Security Complete offers robust compliance and reporting capabilities, aiding organizations in meeting regulatory requirements and demonstrating their commitment to security standards.

Responsive Support: Users find comfort in Symantec's 24/7 threat monitoring and support, knowing that expert assistance is readily available in the face of evolving threats.

Regular Updates: Frequent updates and threat intelligence feeds keep the product current with the ever-changing threat landscape, ensuring ongoing protection against emerging threats.

Customization Options: Organizations appreciate the product's flexibility, allowing them to tailor security policies and configurations to their specific needs and preferences.

Complex Setup: Some users have reported that the initial configuration of Microsoft Defender for Business can be more complicated compared to other security solutions, potentially requiring additional time and resources.

Resource Intensive: Some users find that Symantec Endpoint Security Complete can be resource-intensive, potentially slowing down older or less powerful devices.

Complex Configuration: Setting up and configuring the solution may be complex for some users, requiring a certain level of expertise or training.

Compatibility Issues: Compatibility problems with specific third-party software or legacy systems have been reported, necessitating careful consideration and testing during integration.

Cost: While effective, the product's pricing may be prohibitive for smaller organizations with limited budgets.

Initial Deployment Complexity: Some users have experienced challenges during the initial deployment and setup, which may require external support.

False Positives: Like many security solutions, Symantec Endpoint Security Complete may occasionally generate false positives, requiring manual investigation.

Management Overhead: Administrators may need to dedicate time to manage and fine-tune security policies, which can result in ongoing management overhead.

Limited Mobile Support: Some users have noted limited support for mobile devices, which could be a limitation for organizations with a mobile workforce.

User Impact: Aggressive security settings may occasionally impact user experience or productivity, necessitating careful policy adjustments.

Network Dependency: Effective operation of the solution relies on network connectivity, making it vulnerable to network outages or disruptions.

Is Microsoft Defender for Business truly a defender of businesses, or does it leave them vulnerable? User reviews from the last year reveal a mixed bag. On one hand, Defender for Business is praised for its robust security features, particularly its effectiveness in combating ransomware and malware. Users highlight its integration with other Microsoft products as a key strength, allowing for a centralized security management experience. For instance, its seamless compatibility with Microsoft 365 streamlines security workflows and reduces the need for third-party solutions. This integration is particularly valuable for businesses heavily reliant on the Microsoft ecosystem, offering a unified and cost-effective approach to security.However, the initial setup process is a common pain point, often described as complex and time-consuming. This complexity might pose a challenge for businesses lacking dedicated IT expertise. Additionally, while Defender for Business excels on Windows platforms, its performance on other operating systems like macOS or Linux is reportedly less impressive. This limitation could be a dealbreaker for businesses with diverse device ecosystems. Overall, Microsoft Defender for Business is best suited for small to medium-sized businesses heavily invested in the Microsoft ecosystem, prioritizing strong security features and seamless integration over cross-platform compatibility. Its robust protection against modern threats, combined with its user-friendly interface once set up, makes it a valuable asset for businesses seeking a comprehensive yet cost-effective security solution.

User reviews for Symantec Endpoint Security Complete reflect a mix of strengths and weaknesses. Users consistently praise its robust threat protection capabilities, including effective malware and phishing attack detection. The user-friendly interface and centralized cloud-based management are commonly appreciated, making it accessible and convenient for administrators. The solution's quick threat detection and response, along with seamless integration between endpoint and email security, receive positive feedback for enhancing overall security. On the downside, some users find the product to be resource-intensive, potentially affecting system performance on older devices. Complex initial configuration and potential compatibility issues with third-party software are reported challenges. Cost is cited as a drawback for smaller organizations with limited budgets. While the automation features are well-received, the product may occasionally generate false positives, requiring manual intervention. Users generally view Symantec Endpoint Security Complete favorably when compared to similar products, particularly due to its comprehensive threat protection and integration capabilities. However, some mention limitations in mobile device support and the need for careful policy adjustment to avoid impacting user experience. The product's commitment to compliance support and 24/7 threat monitoring and support also contribute positively to user satisfaction.

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

Compare other software products using the SelectHub platform

FAQ

How can I do a in-depth comparison of Microsoft Defender for Business and Symantec Endpoint Security Complete? Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur. Excepteur sint occaecat cupidatat non proident, sunt in culpa qui officia deserunt mollit anim id est laborum.

What are the top-rated propducts for Endpoint Security Software? Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur. Excepteur sint occaecat cupidatat non proident, sunt in culpa qui officia deserunt mollit anim id est laborum.

Which Endpoint Security Software is rated the highest by users? Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur. Excepteur sint occaecat cupidatat non proident, sunt in culpa qui officia deserunt mollit anim id est laborum.

Is there a requirement template for Endpoint Security Software? Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur. Excepteur sint occaecat cupidatat non proident, sunt in culpa qui officia deserunt mollit anim id est laborum.

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

SelectHub Products Reporting and Analytics

Build Your Requirements

SelectHub Products Cost and Pricing Guide

Get Your Free Comparison Report

Table settings

Expand all details

Expand all scores

Collapsed view

Priority order