Microsoft Defender for Business vs ESET Endpoint Security

Microsoft Defender for Business9.1Visit ESET Endpoint Security8.9Visit

Higher score Microsoft Defender for Business #3 in Endpoint Protection Platforms 9.1/10 30-day trial Free trial✓ 0 of 5 features Visit site

vs

ESET Endpoint Security #5 in Endpoint Protection Platforms 8.9/10 30-day trial Free trial✓ 5 of 5 features Visit ESET

• Microsoft Defender for Business fits best

  Small businesses wanting strong value

• ESET Endpoint Security fits best

  Mixed-OS teams needing strong endpoint fundamentals

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Side by side

Feature	Microsoft Defender for Business 9.1/10 Visit ↗	ESET Endpoint Security 8.9/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score	9.1	8.9
Ranking	#3 in Endpoint Protection Platforms	#5 in Endpoint Protection Platforms
Best for	Small businesses wanting strong value	Mixed-OS teams needing strong endpoint fundamentals
Pricing model	Paid	Paid
Starting price	$3/user/mo	30-day trial
Free plan	—	—
Free trial	30 days	30 days
Free trial length	30 days · card required	30 days · no card needed
Deployment	Cloud, Mobile	Cloud, Self-hosted, Desktop, Mobile
Platforms	Web, Windows, macOS, iOS, Android	Web, Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android
Support	Docs	Email, Live chat, Phone, Docs
Built for	Small business, Mid-market	Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise
Features Microsoft Defender for Business 0/5 · ESET Endpoint Security 5/5
Behavioral protection	Not checked yet	✓ (best)
Exploit blocking	Not checked yet	✓ (best)
Central management console	Not checked yet	✓ (best)
Device control	Not checked yet	✓ (best)
Server protection	Not checked yet	✓ (best)
Specs
Supported operating systems	Not checked yet	Not checked yet
Our review
Pros	Covers Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android devices Combines EDR, ransomware disruption, and automated remediation Integrates with Intune, SIEM, RMM, and PSA tools	Behavior-based ransomware protection with automated file restoration Fileless-attack mitigation, exploit blocking, and memory scanning Cloud or on-premises management with device and server security
Cons	Annual billing applies to the $3 per user monthly price The plan supports up to 300 users and five devices per user Server protection is an optional add-on	No free plan is available The feature set may exceed the needs of narrowly focused teams Paid plans require selecting a business security tier
Our verdict	Microsoft Defender for Business is an endpoint security solution for small and medium-sized organizations with up to 300 users. It protects Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android devices through next-generation antivirus, vulnerability… Read the review →	ESET Endpoint Security is a paid endpoint protection platform for organizations managing business desktops, laptops, smartphones, and servers. It supports Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS, making it a practical fit for mixed-OS… Read the review →

Strengths and trade-offs

• Microsoft Defender for Business — where it wins

  • Covers Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android devices
  • Combines EDR, ransomware disruption, and automated remediation
  • Integrates with Intune, SIEM, RMM, and PSA tools

  Where it doesn't

  • Annual billing applies to the $3 per user monthly price
  • The plan supports up to 300 users and five devices per user
  • Server protection is an optional add-on

• ESET Endpoint Security — where it wins

  • Behavior-based ransomware protection with automated file restoration
  • Fileless-attack mitigation, exploit blocking, and memory scanning
  • Cloud or on-premises management with device and server security

  Where it doesn't

  • No free plan is available
  • The feature set may exceed the needs of narrowly focused teams
  • Paid plans require selecting a business security tier

• Microsoft Defender for Business9.1/10 · 30-day trial

  Broad device coverage, EDR, and Microsoft integrations at $3 per user monthly.

  Visit siteFull verdict →
• ESET Endpoint Security8.9/10 · 30-day trial

  A broad endpoint security suite for mixed-OS teams that need centralized control.

  Visit ESETFull verdict →