CrowdStrike Falcon vs Heimdal Endpoint Security comparison

CrowdStrike and Heimdal are both solutions in the Endpoint Protection Platform (EPP) category. CrowdStrike is ranked #1 with an average rating of 8.5, while Heimdal is ranked #40 with an average rating of 9.0. CrowdStrike holds a 6.6% mindshare in EPP, compared to Heimdal’s 0.5% mindshare. Additionally, 97% of CrowdStrike users are willing to recommend the solution, compared to 100% of Heimdal users who would recommend it.

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Executive SummaryUpdated on Jan 11, 2026

CrowdStrike Falcon and Heimdal Endpoint Security compete in the cybersecurity market, each offering unique benefits. Heimdal Endpoint Security has the upper hand due to its advanced threat detection capabilities and proactive security measures.

Features: CrowdStrike Falcon is known for its cloud-native architecture, real-time threat intelligence, and rapid response to attacks. It integrates well with multiple platforms. Heimdal Endpoint Security offers advanced threat prevention, DNS traffic filtering, and proactive threat hunting, focusing on comprehensive system monitoring and intelligent threat communication.

Ease of Deployment and Customer Service: CrowdStrike Falcon employs a cloud-based deployment model that simplifies setup and maintenance with quick response and professional support. Heimdal Endpoint Security, although more complex to deploy, provides comprehensive guidance and support through its implementation process but with slower service response.

Pricing and ROI: CrowdStrike Falcon has a high initial setup cost but offers substantial ROI due to effective threat mitigation and system efficiency. Heimdal Endpoint Security is cost-effective with competitive pricing and delivers good ROI thanks to its advanced protection technologies and reliable performance.

To learn more, read our detailed Endpoint Protection Platform (EPP) Report (Updated: February 2026).

Buyer's Guide

Endpoint Protection Platform (EPP)

February 2026

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Review summaries and opinions

We asked business professionals to review the solutions they use. Here are some excerpts of what they said:

Categories and Ranking

Cortex XDR by Palo Alto Net...

Mindshare comparison

As of March 2026, in the Endpoint Protection Platform (EPP) category, the mindshare of Cortex XDR by Palo Alto Networks is 3.5%, down from 4.0% compared to the previous year. The mindshare of CrowdStrike Falcon is 6.6%, down from 11.3% compared to the previous year. The mindshare of Heimdal Endpoint Security is 0.5%, up from 0.2% compared to the previous year. It is calculated based on PeerSpot user engagement data.

Endpoint Protection Platform (EPP) Mindshare Distribution
Product	Mindshare (%)
CrowdStrike Falcon	6.6%
Cortex XDR by Palo Alto Networks	3.5%
Heimdal Endpoint Security	0.5%
Other	89.4%

Endpoint Protection Platform (EPP)

Featured Reviews

ABHISHEK_SINGH

Senior Process Expert at A.P. Moller - Maersk

Gained full visibility and streamlined threat detection through behavior-based insights and AI integration

Initially, we got to have a lot of false positives when we onboarded, but nowadays it's quite smooth. We have fine-tuned our security policies and allowed different levels of policies to get rid of those false positives. Currently, we are getting a fairly good amount of incidents that are not false positives or benign, but actionable items. The process is streamlined. In the initial days, the operations used to get involved in a lot of benign and other activities, but now the process is streamlined. We are leveraging the auto-detection and remediation plans. The operations teams are now more involved in other business roles as well, not just looking into the logs and fetching out what's happening there. They have fixed a lot of things. Initially, they didn't have IAC code drift detection, cloud posture management, or security posture management, but they have those now. They purchased different vendors and did a merger with that. They have now Prisma Cloud that gets integrated and now they are working with Cortex Cloud. Everything that was negative has now been addressed, and the product altogether looks to be in a very better and mature shape now. Currently, it's more or less detecting the workloads with AI-based best practices. Since most organizations are consuming AI agents and other things, we are looking forward to seeing what other feature enhancements Palo Alto can support in that.

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Waleed Omar

Information Security Specialist at Arab Open University

Provides effective real-time threat detection with potential for cost optimization

Some features such as device control, firewall management, and file analysis are standalone products that we need to purchase separately. If these features came out of the box within the product, it would be much more beneficial for us. Other providers such as SentinelOne include these features in their base product. We attended a CrowdStrike Falcon event where they discussed some shallow AI features, but we cannot see these in our panel yet. We work with different solutions such as Darktrace and SocRadar, where AI features are automatically displayed in our dashboards after release. However, for CrowdStrike Falcon, we cannot see these features.

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DEEPAK KUMAR PACHDEO DUBEY

Senior IT Support Specialist at PXGEO

Delivers efficiency and agility with USB control limitations

One area where we lag is that, since we use everything from Heimdal, including XDR and other features, we also use the privilege manager feature called Elevation. What we lack is granular USB control. We have an issue where we can only switch USB on or off. I want to whitelist specific devices in the network, which I currently cannot do.

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Quotes from Members

We asked business professionals to review the solutions they use. Here are some excerpts of what they said:

Pros

"Cortex XDR is a very capable solution for protecting large networks and a lot of endpoints. It's very useful because the automation is very high, and if you combine it with the features on Palo Alto firewalls, it provides very strong protection."

"Provides behavior-based detection which offers many benefits over signature-based detection."

"After deploying Traps, we saw the performance of the network improve by 65 to 70 percent."

"Cortex is the best tool for endpoint detection, and I have used it to verify hashes or domains to identify malicious activity, trigger playbooks that automate and gather endpoint logs, block malicious processes, and update incident tickets, showcasing end-to-end processes with automation in investigation and reducing the analysis workflow."

"Threat identification and detection are the most valuable features of this solution."

"Stability is one of the features we like the most."

"Cortex Xnor's playbooks predefine the workflow of the automation, such as response processes, alert triggering, and enriching the context, collecting relevant indicators such as hashes, IP addresses, or domains efficiently and can detect and block malicious attacks with firewalls."

"The anti-exploit is impenetrable."

More Cortex XDR by Palo Alto Networks pros

"CrowdStrike's advantage is that the agent is light, so it doesn't require many resources on the machines, it's easy to install, and the results are useful to the organization."

"It helps us to identify the threats according to the behavior of any process that is running on any particular system. It helps immensely to identify any malicious behavior on any endpoints."

"The CrowdStrike Falcon agent is very lightweight. Users never complain about their PCs getting stuck and things like that."

"The anomaly detection is the most valuable feature."

"One of the most valuable features of CrowdStrike Falcon is when there are upgrades there are no additional fees."

"It helps to prevent unauthorized access or identity theft from external sites. If your identity is stolen, you can ban it."

"It's really good because it can detect anything."

"CrowdStrike Falcon has done an excellent job at detecting breaches; it has allowed us to stay in business and kept our systems up while multiple partners and service providers have been taken down by ransomware and other cyberattacks."

More CrowdStrike Falcon pros

"Heimdal is a very agile and lightweight solution."

"As compared to multiple solutions I have used in the past, Heimdal is a very agile and lightweight solution."

Cons

"It'll help if customization was easier."

"There are some third-party solutions that are difficult to integrate with, which is something that can be improved."

"A little bit more automation would be nice."

"Initially, we got to have a lot of false positives when we onboarded, but nowadays it's quite smooth."

"Data privacy is a matter of concern. You have to be careful with data privacy, it can be sensitive and Cortex can have most of your access."

"I feel that it should not be a licensed activity because a feature should allow us to see applications running on end devices."

"Limited remote connection."

"Managing the product should be easier."

More Cortex XDR by Palo Alto Networks cons

"We have had to open a case with the technical support to get some issues and bugs resolved, but they were resolved relatively quickly."

"I've found that CrowdStrike's technical support could benefit from increased technical expertise."

"For CrowdStrike to work, all the machines need to have an internet connection. This makes it challenging to assist customers without an internet connection."

"The biggest issue occurred when every computer worldwide experienced a blue screen."

"Whenever there is a feature release (upgrade) where we push to all the endpoints, it causes something to be blocked without us knowing."

"CrowdStrike Falcon could improve if it became an XDR. When we look only to an end-point, we lose the context of the environment."

"This solution is relatively expensive."

"Too many false positives."

More CrowdStrike Falcon cons

"What we lack is granular USB control."

"What we lack is granular USB control. We have an issue where we can only switch USB on or off."

Pricing and Cost Advice

"Traps pays for itself within the first 16 months of a three-year subscription. This is attributed to OPEX savings, as security teams spent less time trying to identify and isolate malware for analysis as a result of a reduction in malware incidents, false positives, and breach avoidance."

"Very costly product."

"The price of the solution could be reduced. I have customers that have voiced that the solution is good for the value but if I want to sell more of the solution the price reduction would help."

"Its pricing is kind of in line with its competitors and everybody else out there."

"It's way too expensive, but security is expensive. You pay for your licensing, and then you pay for someone to monitor the stuff."

"We pay about $50,000 USD per year for a bundle that includes Cortex XDR."

"Licensing for Palo Alto Networks Cortex XDR can be costly, especially when it comes to a hundred users. A license is required for each user, and the subscription must be renewed on a yearly basis."

"It is cost-effective compared to similar solutions. It fits for the small businesses through to the big businesses."

More Cortex XDR by Palo Alto Networks pricing and cost advice

"There is no license required to use this solution."

"CrowdStrike Falcon is more expensive than other EDR solutions with similar features."

"The other administrator and I can log in to check the exact details of what happened, what was running, and what caused the detection. We know exactly what was happening on the end users PC and we can tell if it's something that we actually need or something that's malicious."

"Crowdstrike Falcon is relatively cheap."

"As I'm part of the technical team, not the budgeting team, I don't have information on CrowdStrike Falcon pricing."

"The price of CrowdStrike Falcon is expensive."

"The pricing could be reduced. If it was more reasonable that would be great."

"The pricing is good and there are no costs in addition to the standard licensing fees."

More CrowdStrike Falcon pricing and cost advice

Information not available

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Top Industries

By visitors reading reviews

Manufacturing Company

Computer Software Company

Financial Services Firm

Comms Service Provider

Computer Software Company

11%

Financial Services Firm

10%

Manufacturing Company

10%

Government

Computer Software Company

14%

Comms Service Provider

10%

Non Profit

Construction Company

Company Size

By reviewers

Large Enterprise

Midsize Enterprise

Small Business

By reviewers
Company Size	Count
Small Business	44
Midsize Enterprise	20
Large Enterprise	47

By reviewers
Company Size	Count
Small Business	50
Midsize Enterprise	33
Large Enterprise	62

No data available

Questions from the Community

Cortex XDR by Palo Alto vs. Sentinel One

Cortex XDR by Palo Alto vs. SentinelOne SentinelOne offers very detailed specifics with regard to risks or attacks. ...

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Comparing CrowdStrike Falcon to Cortex XDR (Palo Alto)

Cortex XDR by Palo Alto vs. CrowdStrike Falcon Both Cortex XDR and Crowd Strike Falcon offer cloud-based solutions th...

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How is Cortex XDR compared with Microsoft Defender?

Microsoft Defender for Endpoint is a cloud-delivered endpoint security solution. The tool reduces the attack surface,...

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How does Crowdstrike Falcon compare with Darktrace?

Both of these products perform similarly and have many outstanding attributes. CrowdStrike Falcon offers an amazing u...

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How does Microsoft Defender for Endpoint compare with Crowdstrike Falcon?

The CrowdStrike solution delivers a lot of information about incidents. It has a very light sensor that will never pu...

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Is Crowdstrike Falcon better than Trend Micro Deep Security?

I like that Crowdstrike allows me to easily correlate data between my firewalls. What’s most useful for my needs is t...

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What is your experience regarding pricing and costs for Heimdal Endpoint Security?

Pricing, compared to what we had before, was quite economical. There was a difference of about twenty percent or some...

See all answers

What needs improvement with Heimdal Endpoint Security?

One area where we lag is that, since we use everything from Heimdal, including XDR and other features, we also use th...

See all answers

What is your primary use case for Heimdal Endpoint Security?

My company colleagues and I use this antivirus solution. I am part of a company where I deploy solutions, and I also ...

See all answers

Comparisons

Microsoft Defender for Endpoint vs Cortex XDR by Palo Alto Networks

Compared 9% of the time

SentinelOne Singularity Complete vs Cortex XDR by Palo Alto Networks

Compared 6% of the time

Cortex XSIAM vs Cortex XDR by Palo Alto Networks

Compared 4% of the time

Symantec Endpoint Security vs Cortex XDR by Palo Alto Networks

Compared 3% of the time

Trellix Endpoint Security Platform vs Cortex XDR by Palo Alto Networks

Compared 3% of the time

More Cortex XDR by Palo Alto Networks Competitors

Microsoft Defender for Endpoint vs CrowdStrike Falcon

Compared 3% of the time

Fortinet FortiEDR vs CrowdStrike Falcon

Compared 3% of the time

Microsoft Defender XDR vs CrowdStrike Falcon

Compared 3% of the time

SentinelOne Singularity Complete vs CrowdStrike Falcon

Compared 2% of the time

Symantec Endpoint Security vs CrowdStrike Falcon

Compared 1% of the time

More CrowdStrike Falcon Competitors

Microsoft Defender for Endpoint vs Heimdal Endpoint Security

Compared 8% of the time

Cisco Umbrella vs Heimdal Endpoint Security

Compared 6% of the time

Coro vs Heimdal Endpoint Security

Compared 5% of the time

Infoblox BloxOne Threat Defense vs Heimdal Endpoint Security

Compared 5% of the time

VirusTotal vs Heimdal Endpoint Security

Compared 5% of the time

More Heimdal Endpoint Security Competitors

Product Reports

Buyer's Guide

Cortex XDR by Palo Alto Networks

March 2026

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Buyer's Guide

CrowdStrike Falcon

March 2026

Download CrowdStrike Falcon product report

Buyer's Guide

Endpoint Protection Platform (EPP)

February 2026

Download Heimdal Endpoint Security product report

Also Known As

Cyvera, Cortex XDR, Palo Alto Networks Traps

CrowdStrike Falcon XDR, CrowdStrike Falcon Threat Intelligence, CrowdStrike Identity Protection, CrowdStrike Falcon Surface, CrowdStrike Falcon Platform

Heimdal Next-Gent Endpoint Antivirus, Thor Vigilance Enterprise, Heimdal Endpoint Detection and Response, Heimdal DNS Security - Endpoint, Heimdal Threat Prevention, Heimdal Ransomware Encryption Protection

Overview

Cortex XDR by Palo Alto Networks provides advanced threat detection with AI-driven endpoint protection and seamless integration, ensuring multi-layered security and automatic threat response.

Cortex XDR is designed to safeguard endpoints against malware and suspicious activities. It offers advanced threat detection and response capabilities using behavioral analysis, AI, and machine learning. It seamlessly integrates with security infrastructures, providing endpoint security, firewall integration, and enhanced visibility in both cloud-based and on-premises environments.

What are the key features of Cortex XDR?

Advanced Threat Detection: Uses AI and machine learning for proactive threat identification.
Multi-layered Security: Combines various security measures for comprehensive protection.
Endpoint Protection: Safeguards against malware and exploits.
Behavioral Analysis: Monitors suspicious activity for early detection.
Automatic Threat Response: Automates responses to neutralize threats.

What benefits should users expect?

Ease of Use: Simplifies security management with intuitive design.
Resource Efficiency: Minimizes impact on system resources.
Integration Capabilities: Works well with existing security setups.
Reduced Analyst Workload: Automates processes to decrease manual intervention.

Organizations in diverse sectors deploy Cortex XDR to protect against malware, leveraging its advanced threat detection capabilities. Its integration with existing security infrastructures appeals to those seeking comprehensive protection in both cloud and on-premises environments, providing enhanced visibility and threat intelligence.

Palo Alto Networks

CrowdStrike Falcon provides cutting-edge endpoint detection with automatic alerts, real-time monitoring, and seamless integration capabilities. Cloud-native architecture and AI-driven processes ensure scalable protection and efficient threat remediation.

CrowdStrike Falcon is recognized for its robust EDR and threat intelligence features that enhance security and streamline operations. Its lightweight agent minimizes system impact while offering real-time monitoring and detailed reporting. This platform uses cloud-native architecture for scalable, consistent protection, significantly reducing administrative demands. AI and machine learning empower precise threat hunting and behavioral analysis, which mitigates false positives and boosts cybersecurity efficiency. Users seek improvements in integration with other systems, reporting functions, and compatibility with specific operating systems. While the solution handles malware mitigation and threat response efficiently, suggestions for on-demand scanning, enhanced visibility, and better dashboard features are noted.

What are the key features of CrowdStrike Falcon?

Automatic Alert System: Provides instant alerts to enhance threat detection.
Robust EDR: Offers advanced endpoint detection capabilities.
Threat Intelligence: Delivers detailed insights for proactive security measures.
Real-time Monitoring: Enables continuous security assessments.
Seamless Integration Options: Streamlines operations with existing infrastructure.
Lightweight Agent: Minimizes system impact, maintaining performance efficiency.
Cloud-native Architecture: Provides scalable, consistent protection against threats.
AI and ML-driven Processes: Offers accurate threat hunting and behavioral analysis.

What benefits or ROI should users expect from CrowdStrike Falcon?

Enhanced Security: Comprehensive protection for endpoints using cutting-edge technologies.
Reduced Administrative Burden: Simplifies management of security incidents.
Efficient Threat Remediation: Minimizes downtime with quick threat response actions.
Improved Threat Visibility: Provides detailed reports and insights.
Scalable Protection: Ensures adaptable security measures across multiple devices.

In technology sectors, CrowdStrike Falcon commonly supports endpoint protection and threat response initiatives, allowing companies to replace traditional antivirus systems with more advanced solutions. In finance, it secures sensitive data across multiple platforms, ensuring compliance. In healthcare, real-time security analysis protects patient data on critical devices like servers and laptops, utilizing AI to enhance cybersecurity defenses.

CrowdStrike

Heimdal Endpoint Security, is a comprehensive suite of security tools designed to safeguard devices from a range of cyber threats. Offering functionalities like Next-Generation Antivirus, Endpoint Detection and Response, Application Control, Firewall, and Mobile Device Management, Heimdal ensures a multi-layered defense against malware, suspicious activities, and unauthorized applications. Its benefits include proactive threat detection, enhanced efficiency through task automation, centralized management for streamlined administration, and dedicated mobile device security features. Targeted primarily at businesses and organizations of all sizes, Heimdal Endpoint Security caters to the diverse cybersecurity needs of modern enterprises, providing robust protection against evolving threats.

Heimdal

Sample Customers

CBI Health Group, University Honda, VakifBank

Information Not Available

Brother, Symbion, CPH West

Buyer's Guide

Endpoint Protection Platform (EPP)

February 2026

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