Executive SummaryUpdated on Apr 6, 2025
Symantec Endpoint Security Enterprise and Microsoft Defender for Business compete in the endpoint protection category. Symantec appears to have an edge with its comprehensive threat protection features, while Microsoft offers strong integration within its ecosystem.
Features: Symantec Endpoint Security Enterprise provides robust threat protection with proactive threat protection, machine learning, and firewall management. It integrates antivirus, intrusion prevention, and application control in one interface. Microsoft Defender for Business excels in threat detection and response, with strong integration into the Microsoft ecosystem, providing a seamless experience with Microsoft 365 and excellent central management capabilities.
Room for Improvement: Symantec Endpoint Security Enterprise could enhance its offerings by integrating Endpoint Detection and Response, resolving firewall control issues, and improving user-friendliness and documentation. Stability on Mac environments and report configurability needs enhancement. Microsoft Defender for Business requires improving false positive rates, integration with non-Microsoft environments, email system integration, and threat protection response times.
Ease of Deployment and Customer Service: Symantec Endpoint Security Enterprise supports on-premises and hybrid cloud deployment models, but customer service quality has declined, especially in Europe post-acquisition. Microsoft Defender for Business offers easy deployment through its integration into the Microsoft ecosystem, with comprehensive public cloud support, though support responsiveness and remote management capabilities can improve.
Pricing and ROI: Symantec Endpoint Security Enterprise is competitively priced for enterprises but may be costly for smaller businesses, particularly when upgrading to EDR features, though it offers strong ROI through solid threat protection. Microsoft Defender for Business is cost-effective when bundled with Microsoft 365 subscriptions, offering significant value by reducing the necessity for multiple security vendors outside this context.
