Executive SummaryUpdated on Jan 12, 2025
Symantec Endpoint Security and Microsoft Defender for Endpoint are key competitors in the endpoint security market. Microsoft Defender for Endpoint holds an advantage due to its strong cloud integration, real-time threat detection, and cost-effectiveness, especially for organizations using Microsoft's ecosystem.
Features: Symantec Endpoint Security provides an array of protective features including anti-virus, anti-spyware, firewall, intrusion prevention, and centralized management. Its stable operation across Windows and Linux is notable. Microsoft Defender for Endpoint excels in cloud integration, automation of routine tasks, and offers comprehensive threat intelligence that benefits from deep integration with other Microsoft products.
Room for Improvement: Symantec Endpoint Security needs enhancements to reduce high resource consumption and improve zero-day threat detection. Its interface can be more user-friendly, and support for remote users needs optimization. Microsoft Defender for Endpoint could improve in ease of use and automation while expanding integration capabilities with non-Windows systems. It would benefit from offering better customization and quicker threat detection alerts.
Ease of Deployment and Customer Service: Symantec Endpoint Security deployment can be complex when on-premises, whereas Microsoft Defender for Endpoint's cloud-based options are more seamless, particularly for Microsoft-centric systems. Symantec's customer support has seen some decline post-Broadcom acquisition, while Microsoft's support documentation, although comprehensive, can be overwhelming.
Pricing and ROI: Symantec Endpoint Security is relatively expensive but offers a solid ROI with its protective efficacy. Microsoft Defender for Endpoint is cost-effective, often included in Microsoft 365 bundles, reducing the need for additional security investments. Microsoft's flexible pricing strategy offers significant cost savings.
