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Microsoft Defender for Endpoint vs Avast Business Antivirus

Last Updated: November 18th, 2024

Our analysts compared Microsoft Defender for Endpoint vs Avast Business Antivirus 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.

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Product Basics

Microsoft Defender for Endpoint is an advanced security solution designed to protect businesses against sophisticated cyber threats. Ideal for enterprises of all sizes, it offers robust features such as endpoint protection, detection and response, and automated investigation and remediation. Users commend its seamless integration with other Microsoft 365 services. According to one user, "Defender for Endpoint's unified security platform simplifies our cybersecurity strategy." While praised for its efficacy, some users note a learning curve during implementation. Pricing varies based on organizational needs. Users generally perceive it favorably, with one stating, "Microsoft Defender for Endpoint stands out in its ability to provide comprehensive security without compromising user experience, setting it apart from competitors."

Pros

Integrated with Microsoft 365 services.
Advanced endpoint protection.
Automated investigation and remediation.
Effective against sophisticated cyber threats.
Seamless user experience.

Cons

Initial implementation may have a learning curve.
Varied pricing based on organizational needs.
Requires careful configuration for optimal performance.
May not suit smaller businesses with simpler needs.
Dependency on Microsoft ecosystem for full functionality.

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.

$5/User, Monthly

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Tailored to your specific needs

$31.37/Device, Annually

Free Trial is available →

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Tailored to your specific needs

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Android

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Cloud

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Mobile

Cloud

On-Premise

Mobile

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Documentation

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Videos

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Knowledge Base

24/7 Live Support

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Product Insights

Advanced Threat Protection: Defender for Endpoint provides robust protection against a wide range of advanced threats, including malware, ransomware, and phishing attacks. It employs cutting-edge threat intelligence and machine learning to proactively identify and block malicious activities, keeping your organization's endpoints secure.
Real-Time Threat Detection: With its real-time monitoring and detection capabilities, the platform continuously scans for suspicious behavior and indicators of compromise. It swiftly identifies and responds to potential threats, reducing the dwell time of attackers within your network.
Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR): Defender for Endpoint offers EDR functionality, enabling security teams to investigate and respond to incidents effectively. It provides detailed insights into endpoint activities, helping organizations understand the scope and impact of security incidents.
Automated Incident Response: The platform streamlines incident response with automation. It can isolate compromised devices, remediate threats, and even roll back changes made by attackers, minimizing the impact of security breaches.
Threat Intelligence Integration: Microsoft integrates global threat intelligence into Defender for Endpoint, enhancing its ability to identify and mitigate emerging threats. This intelligence is continuously updated to keep defenses current against evolving attack techniques.
Cloud-Powered Security: Leveraging the cloud, Defender for Endpoint can scale effortlessly to protect organizations of all sizes. It benefits from the vast computing power of Microsoft's cloud infrastructure, ensuring optimal performance and protection.
Centralized Security Management: The platform offers a unified management console, allowing organizations to oversee and configure security policies across all endpoints from a single interface. This simplifies administration and ensures consistent security posture.
Integration with Microsoft 365: For organizations using Microsoft 365, Defender for Endpoint seamlessly integrates with other Microsoft security services, creating a cohesive security ecosystem. This integration enhances visibility and control over security threats.
User and Device Risk Assessment: Defender for Endpoint assesses the risk associated with both users and devices. It evaluates user behavior and device health, enabling organizations to enforce access policies based on risk levels.
Threat Analytics and Insights: The platform provides detailed analytics and insights into security threats and trends. This data helps organizations make informed decisions to strengthen their security posture and adapt to evolving threats.
Reduced Security Complexity: By consolidating security functions into a single solution, Defender for Endpoint simplifies security management. It reduces the need for multiple security tools and streamlines operations, ultimately lowering the total cost of ownership.
Compliance and Reporting: The platform assists organizations in meeting regulatory compliance requirements by offering reporting and auditing capabilities. It helps organizations maintain transparency and demonstrate adherence to security standards.

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.

Antivirus and antimalware protection
Endpoint detection and response (EDR)
Automatic investigation and remediation

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.

Product Ranking

#52

among all
Endpoint Security Software

#21

among all
Endpoint Security Software

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Analyst Rating Summary

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User Sentiment Summary

88%

of users recommend this product

Microsoft Defender for Endpoint has a 'great' User Satisfaction Rating of 88% when considering 64 user reviews from 1 recognized software review sites.

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.

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4.6 (52)

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4.5 (737)

4.4 (64)

4.1 (11)

Awards

Synopsis of User Ratings and Reviews

Effective Threat Detection: Users praise Defender for Endpoint's ability to detect and mitigate a wide range of threats effectively, including malware, ransomware, and phishing attacks.

Seamless Microsoft Integration: The product seamlessly integrates with the Microsoft ecosystem, making it convenient for organizations already using Microsoft services.

Real-Time Monitoring: Real-time monitoring and threat detection provide immediate visibility into security incidents, allowing for swift responses.

Automated Incident Response: Users value the platform's automated incident response capabilities, which reduce the manual effort required for handling security incidents.

Centralized Management: Organizations can easily manage security policies across all endpoints from a centralized console, simplifying administration and ensuring a consistent security posture.

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.

Resource Intensive: Users have reported that Microsoft Defender for Endpoint can be resource-intensive, impacting the performance of older or less powerful devices.

Complex Configuration: Some users find the initial setup and configuration complex, especially those without extensive cybersecurity expertise. This can lead to misconfigurations that affect security effectiveness.

False Positives: Like many security solutions, Defender for Endpoint can generate false positives, flagging legitimate activities as suspicious, potentially causing disruptions and requiring additional investigation.

Cloud Dependency: Users in areas with unreliable or limited internet connectivity may face limitations due to the platform's cloud dependency, impacting security when offline.

Cost for Small Businesses: Pricing concerns have been raised, particularly by small businesses, who may find it less budget-friendly, potentially straining their cybersecurity budgets.

Learning Curve: Users transitioning from other security solutions may encounter a learning curve when adapting to the platform's features and functionalities, affecting operational efficiency.

Compatibility Challenges: Some users have reported compatibility issues with specialized or legacy software, necessitating additional configuration or exceptions, which can add complexity to deployments.

Endpoint Management: Effective endpoint security relies on proper configuration and maintenance of devices. Neglected or misconfigured endpoints can be more vulnerable to threats, requiring vigilant management.

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.

Users consistently praise Microsoft Defender for Endpoint for its robust security features, with one user commending its "advanced endpoint protection" and another highlighting its "seamless integration with Microsoft 365 services." Many appreciate the automated investigation and remediation capabilities, emphasizing its effectiveness against sophisticated cyber threats. While the product's efficacy is widely acknowledged, some users mention a learning curve during the initial implementation. One user notes, "The implementation process had its challenges, but the benefits far outweighed the initial hurdles." Pricing variability based on organizational needs is a common concern, with users suggesting careful consideration to align the solution with budgetary constraints. Comparatively, users believe Microsoft Defender for Endpoint stands out from competitors, offering comprehensive security without compromising user experience. One user succinctly states, "It's a top-tier solution in its ability to provide holistic security." However, a few users caution that optimal performance may require careful configuration, and dependence on the Microsoft ecosystem for full functionality may not be suitable for all organizations. Despite these considerations, the prevailing sentiment is positive, with users appreciating the product's efficacy in safeguarding against evolving cyber threats.

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.

Screenshots

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FAQ

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