Microsoft Defender for Endpoint vs Norton Security Premium [EOL] comparison

Microsoft and Broadcom are both solutions in the Anti-Malware Tools category. Additionally, 95% of Microsoft users are willing to recommend the solution, compared to 100% of Broadcom users who would recommend it.

Microsoft Defender for Endp...

Read 212 Microsoft Defender for Endpoint reviews

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11,713 Comparison Views

95% willing to recommend

Norton Security Premium [EOL]

Read 13 Norton Security Premium [EOL] reviews

100% willing to recommend

Microsoft Defender for Endp...

Norton Security Premium [EOL]

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Executive Summary

We performed a comparison between Microsoft Defender for Endpoint and Norton Security Premium [EOL] based on real PeerSpot user reviews.

Find out what your peers are saying about Microsoft, SentinelOne, Check Point Software Technologies and others in Anti-Malware Tools.

To learn more, read our detailed Anti-Malware Tools Report (Updated: July 2026).

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Anti-Malware Tools

July 2026

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Helped 909,099 peers since 2012

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

Microsoft Defender for Endp...

Average Rating

8.2

Reviews Sentiment

7.0

Number of Reviews

212

Ranking in other categories

Endpoint Protection Platform (EPP) (1st), Advanced Threat Protection (ATP) (5th), Anti-Malware Tools (1st), Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) (3rd), Microsoft Security Suite (3rd)

Norton Security Premium [EOL]

Average Rating

8.8

Reviews Sentiment

7.4

Number of Reviews

Ranking in other categories

No ranking in other categories

Featured Reviews

Robert Arbuckle

Security Analyst III at a healthcare company with 10,001+ employees

Automatically isolates threats and integrates with logging to reduce response time

Overall, I would evaluate the Microsoft support level that I receive at probably about a seven, but that depends on the day. It has been spotty. We have had issues where the urgency level of the Microsoft support is not as high as ours, especially during a data breach or potential data breach situation. We have had issues with some of the offshore support being lackluster. One specific thing that comes to mind is we were on a support call with our CISO on the call, and the Microsoft agent, who did not actually work for Microsoft, is one of the vendors that Microsoft uses for support, said, "Just to set expectations, my lunch break is in an hour and I am going to go away then." For us, it was already ten o'clock at night and we had been working on this for a couple of hours, trying to get a security engineer on with us. For him to tell us that he was going to go away and have lunch, it was, "Okay, but go find somebody else if you need to." It was just the lackluster approach, and it seemed like he did not really care. We seem to get a lot of this when we get non-Microsoft support. I can identify areas for improvement with Microsoft Defender for Endpoint, as it is kind of a convoluted mess to try to take care of false positives. Especially when they have been identified as false positives but they keep going off over and over again. It is great for my pocketbook because it generates a lot of on-call action, but I would really prefer more sleep at two o'clock in the morning than dealing with false positives. I would say that the unified portal for managing Microsoft Defender for Endpoint is suitable for both teams as they are all in there. It would be great if they would stop moving things around and renaming things, which makes sense. The new XDR portal is pretty nice. Being able to have it central again inside of the regular Security Center without having to open up two windows is helpful. Overall, I think it is pretty good. There is always going to be something that could be improved, such as alerting and the ability to modify alerts would be a little bit helpful to have. Being able to add more data into the alerts and turn off alerts that are not as useful would be beneficial. It is hard to say what the quantitative impact the security exposure management feature has had on our company's security, because a lot of it is kind of subjective. I think we are sitting at around a fifty percent score still, and a lot of it is just kind of unusual circumstances that we cannot really implement without breaking the organization.

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Raghava Chitluri

Project Manager at Amdocs

User-friendly solution with good blocking

I mainly use Security Premium as an antivirus. Security Premium's best features are blocking, notifications, and the user interface. Security Premium's cost could be lower. I've been using Security Premium for a year. Security Premium is stable - I haven't faced any issues or bugs while using…

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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

"The solution's latest features for threat analysis are updated to provide us with future protection against the latest threats worldwide."

"Microsoft Defender for Endpoint is different from other security tools because we can configure it to use multiple types of scanning or archiving."

"The most valuable feature is its ability to effectively detect threats. It has the EDR feature, endpoint detection and response, and that is very good."

"Defender is a part of Windows; you just need to enable it. There is no need to install anything."

"This solution absolutely eliminated the need to look at multiple dashboards because we have one XDR."

"Defender has very little impact on the end-user and the agent works quite well with a minimal impact on the client and server."

"The solution provides good security features, and the key valuable feature for me is that you can view it in the central console."

"It is a very advanced system based on AI. It has a very large database of places or sites on the internet where you should not go. It is continuously online."

More Microsoft Defender for Endpoint pros

"I'm convinced that Symantec and Norton are the leaders, they know what they are doing, they cover all functionalities of spam, virus, and malware protection, etc."

"In general, technical support has been helpful."

"It does not take many resources during scanning."

"The ransomware protection that they have now is worth considering."

"The licensing fee for this solution is not expensive."

"The most valuable feature is the quick installation."

"We like how it can check for issues, including files and web browsers, as it is a full-stack solution for antivirus for personal use and it is pretty effective."

"The antivirus aspect of the solution is very good, and the support we receive from Norton is excellent."

More Norton Security Premium [EOL] pros

Cons

"Updates are not coming out of preview quickly enough and it is holding back on the development of the product."

"We have had reports where users experience slowness on their PCs when files are being scanned regarding the stability and reliability of Microsoft Defender for Endpoint."

"On Mac, it's quite unstable and unusable; however, it's very stable for Windows."

"They can improve it on the online protection front since people nowadays are moving online and working from home."

"The central console needs improvement. Both McAfee and Symantec antivirus have dashboards. These integrate with a server and work on my antivirus or some other product. However, with Microsoft Defender, you use Microsoft Group Policy Object. Defender does not provide a central console. Therefore, if you implement Defender, then maybe use another tool for the central view."

"The log searches for Microsoft Defender for Endpoint are pretty difficult to navigate. It needs a better UI or more intuitive search and filter mechanisms to make it easy to get through and filter through all the data logs."

"Some executive reporting is inefficient, and we're looking into ways to improve it."

"This solution needs to move beyond relying on virus definitions alone and protect the system using behavioral analysis of the processes that are running."

More Microsoft Defender for Endpoint cons

"It would be helpful for me if this solution works on our cloud backup data."

"They say Norton Security Premium is an all-in-one solution, but we don't know exactly what's in it, e.g. they didn't make an effort to explain the difference between a virus scan and a ransomware scan."

"The solution can improve the security modules."

"I do not find it to be scalable."

"The product could always be more secure."

"The only problem with Norton Antivirus is that it consumes a lot of resources like CPU and memory in the background. Whenever it's scanning, my laptop becomes very slow, and the worst part is you cannot do anything about it. As this product is secured by my local IT team, you cannot even kill that process, and that's what I've felt about many other antivirus solutions. I'm using McAfee for personal use, and I have the same problem."

"The only problem with Norton Antivirus is that it consumes a lot of resources like CPU and memory in the background."

"Having a dashboard that shows the different functions of Norton Security Premium can convince end users that the software is more than just an antivirus solution. This product offers several features, but end users think that it's just one out of the box solution, because the different functions are not explained in detail."

More Norton Security Premium [EOL] cons

Pricing and Cost Advice

"Defender doesn't cost that much. When you use Microsoft technology, you can start with the free version and see how much the technology helps your organization solve security problems before you use the subscription. They also do this pay-as-you-go model, so you only pay when you use it."

"Licenses depend upon what you are looking for and what kind of security do you want to implement. There are costs in addition to the standard licensing fees. When we used to buy Symantec, we used to spend on 100 licenses. We used to spend approximately $2,700 for those many licenses, and they came in packs. To add one more license, I had to buy a pack with a minimum of 10 licenses. I had to spend on nine extra licenses because I can't get a single license, whereas when we go for Microsoft, we can get as many licenses as we want. If I have 100 users today, and tomorrow, I have 90 users, I can release my 10 licenses next month. With any other software vendor, you buy licenses for one year, and you have to stick with that. If today you have 100 licenses, and tomorrow, you have 50, you have already paid for one year's license. You can't go back and tell them that I don't require these 50 licenses because I have lost my 50 users, but with Microsoft Defender, licensing is on a monthly basis. It gives you both options. You can go yearly and save on it, or you can go monthly. You will, again, save on it. It is very fair everywhere."

"We have seen ROI. Most of the other competing alternatives will cost up to around $30 per user device. We average 400 devices. Therefore, the amount that we save each year is 400 times $30."

"If you don't purchase the advanced threat protection then there is no additional charge."

"The price was a problem for me three years ago, but they improved their E3, E5, and a la carte licensing. In other words, you have to get all of E5. That used to be a problem because you had E3, Defender, and guardrails, but you needed an E5 license to get the management suite and the analytics. It's more flexible now. You can switch from a la carte to the entire suite when it starts to make sense. It's becoming more economically competitive to go that route."

"The solution comes as a part of Windows 10 and it is covered under its license."

"The price for Microsoft Defender for Endpoint is about three euros, which is considered reasonably priced."

"For most people, the price of the license is not something that they have to worry about."

More Microsoft Defender for Endpoint pricing and cost advice

"I don't pay for a license."

"Security Premium costs around US$100 for three years, which is a little expensive."

"We have a yearly license, and each license is around 20 or 30 Jordanian Dinars plus taxes."

"The licensing fee for this solution is not expensive."

"Security Premium is highly-priced."

"Pricing for this software is competitive."

"The solution gives the value for the money."

"If they could come down in price that would be good. It's not exactly the lowest."

More Norton Security Premium [EOL] pricing and cost advice

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Top Industries

By visitors reading reviews

Manufacturing Company

10%

Financial Services Firm

Computer Software Company

Comms Service Provider

No data available

Company Size

By reviewers

Large Enterprise

Midsize Enterprise

Small Business

By reviewers
Company Size	Count
Small Business	82
Midsize Enterprise	45
Large Enterprise	96

By reviewers
Company Size	Count
Small Business	6
Midsize Enterprise	2
Large Enterprise	6

Questions from the Community

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, applies behavioral-based endpoint protection and response, and includes risk-ba...

See all answers

Which offers better endpoint security - Symantec or Microsoft Defender?

We use Symantec because we do not use MS Enterprise products, but in my opinion, Microsoft Defender is a superior solution. Microsoft Defender for Endpoint is a cloud-delivered endpoint security s...

See all answers

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 push your machine hardware to "test", you don't have the usual "scan now" feature ...

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Comparisons

Cortex XDR by Palo Alto Networks vs Microsoft Defender for Endpoint

Compared 7% of the time

OpenText Core Endpoint Protection vs Microsoft Defender for Endpoint

Compared 6% of the time

CrowdStrike Falcon vs Microsoft Defender for Endpoint

Compared 3% of the time

HP Wolf Security vs Microsoft Defender for Endpoint

Compared 3% of the time

Symantec Endpoint Security vs Microsoft Defender for Endpoint

Compared 3% of the time

More Microsoft Defender for Endpoint Competitors

Symantec Endpoint Security vs Norton Security Premium [EOL]

Compared 26% of the time

SentinelOne Singularity Endpoint vs Norton Security Premium [EOL]

Compared 24% of the time

BlackBerry Cylance Cybersecurity vs Norton Security Premium [EOL]

Compared 15% of the time

Fortinet FortiClient vs Norton Security Premium [EOL]

Compared 8% of the time

Check Point Harmony Endpoint vs Norton Security Premium [EOL]

Compared 6% of the time

More Norton Security Premium [EOL] Competitors

Product Reports

Buyer's Guide

Microsoft Defender for Endpoint

July 2026

Download Microsoft Defender for Endpoint product report

Buyer's Guide

Anti-Malware Tools

July 2026

Download Norton Security Premium [EOL] product report

Also Known As

Microsoft Defender ATP, Microsoft Defender Advanced Threat Protection, MS Defender for Endpoint, Microsoft Defender Antivirus

Norton Internet Security

Interactive Demo

Microsoft

Demo not available

Broadcom

Overview

Microsoft Defender for Endpoint provides comprehensive threat protection that integrates well with current systems, offering proactive threat detection and automatic updates while reducing manual efforts.

The platform is designed for seamless integration with Microsoft products, facilitating efficient management and use. It offers proactive ransomware protection and valuable threat intelligence, crucial for timely response and increased visibility across devices. Users highlight its ability to secure endpoints from viruses and malware, integrating with Windows and Office 365 to enhance real-time detection capabilities in diverse environments, including hybrid and on-premises setups. However, enhancements are needed in Linux integration, detection accuracy, and policy implementations.

What are the key features of Microsoft Defender for Endpoint?

Seamless Integration: Works smoothly with existing systems and Microsoft products for easy management.
Proactive Threat Detection: Advanced monitoring to identify and mitigate threats swiftly.
Ransomware Protection: Built-in features to protect against ransomware attacks automatically.
Centralized Management: Unified platform for better device visibility and collaboration.
Threat Intelligence: Provides critical data for rapid threat response.

What benefits should be evaluated in Microsoft Defender for Endpoint?

Cost-Effectiveness: Part of Windows bundles, offering comprehensive security at competitive pricing.
Time Efficiency: Reduces manual oversight with automatic updates and management ease.
Real-Time Detection: Enhanced security through seamless Office 365 and Windows integration.
Device Coverage: Supports hybrid and on-premises environments for varied digital infrastructures.

Microsoft Defender for Endpoint is implemented across industries for securing endpoints, relying on its deep integration with Windows and Office 365 to protect against malware and viruses. Organizations benefit from its real-time detection and comprehensive management capabilities, particularly in hybrid environments where diverse digital infrastructures need safeguarding.

Microsoft

The more connected you are and the more your personal information is out there, the more security you need. Do you watch videos or shop on your tablet? Use your smartphone to pay bills or check your balances? Your personal information is in multiple places. Keep it private across all of them. Norton Security Premium provides one easy solution to protect your computers, smartphones and tablets, even on multiple operating systems: Windows, Mac, Android and iOS — and Windows 10. Plus, only Norton shows you if that Android app you’re about to download will impact your battery life, has potential privacy risks or contains malware, before you even install it from Google Play.

Broadcom

Sample Customers

Petrofrac, Metro CSG, Christus Health

Temple University

Find out what your peers are saying about Microsoft, SentinelOne, Check Point Software Technologies and others in Anti-Malware Tools. Updated: July 2026.

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