Executive SummaryUpdated on Oct 19, 2025
Symantec Endpoint Security Complete and Microsoft Defender for Business are competitors in the enterprise security solution category. Microsoft Defender appears to have an advantage given its broad feature set and integration within the Microsoft ecosystem, although Symantec is noted for its strong pricing and support.
Features: Symantec features include a strong firewall, Adaptive Protection, and extensive threat hunting capabilities, all contributing to high-level security without compromising performance. Microsoft Defender offers robust integration with Microsoft's ecosystem, advanced threat detection, and response capabilities, making it versatile for seamless security operations.
Room for Improvement: Symantec could improve its installation process and reduce solution bulkiness, focusing on enhancing its EDR and XDR functionalities. Microsoft Defender needs more proactive threat detection and better support. Its integration with third-party environments and threat hunting features across all plan levels could also be enhanced.
Ease of Deployment and Customer Service: Symantec primarily uses on-premises deployments with varied support experiences, while Microsoft Defender is more flexible with cloud and hybrid options, though it faces criticism regarding customer service response times.
Pricing and ROI: Symantec is often considered pricier with additional feature costs, making ROI challenging. Microsoft Defender, despite its expense, is often bundled with Office 365, providing value by covering an entire security ecosystem within existing Microsoft environments.
