Microsoft Defender for Endpoint vs WithSecure Elements Endpoint Protection comparison

Microsoft and WithSecure are both solutions in the Endpoint Protection Platform (EPP) category. Microsoft is ranked #1 with an average rating of 8.3, while WithSecure is ranked #40 with an average rating of 8.0. Microsoft holds a 11.1% mindshare in EPP, compared to WithSecure’s 0.6% mindshare. Additionally, 94% of Microsoft users are willing to recommend the solution, compared to 100% of WithSecure users who would recommend it.

Microsoft Defender for Endp...

Read 190 Microsoft Defender for Endpoint reviews

35,843 Views
27,832 Comparison Views

94% willing to recommend

WithSecure Elements Endpoin...

Read 7 WithSecure Elements Endpoint Protection reviews

1,944 Views
1,440 Comparison Views

100% willing to recommend

Microsoft Defender for Endp...

WithSecure Elements Endpoin...

Comparison Buyer's Guide

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Executive SummaryUpdated on Sep 9, 2024

Microsoft Defender for Endpoint and WithSecure Elements Endpoint Protection are robust security solutions. Microsoft Defender for Endpoint appears to have the upper hand due to its advanced security features and integration capabilities.

Features: Microsoft Defender for Endpoint is praised for its integration with Windows systems, advanced threat detection capabilities, and comprehensive reporting. WithSecure Elements Endpoint Protection is commended for its lightweight operation, broad-spectrum malware detection, and intuitive configuration.

Room for Improvement: Microsoft Defender for Endpoint could benefit from more straightforward navigation, lower resource usage, and improved usability. WithSecure Elements Endpoint Protection users suggest enhancements in threat response capabilities, additional customizability in policy management, and deeper integration with other security solutions.

Ease of Deployment and Customer Service: Users find Microsoft Defender for Endpoint relatively simple to deploy, especially in environments using Microsoft services, and it is supported by robust customer support. WithSecure Elements Endpoint Protection offers a straightforward deployment process valued for its ease in diverse settings, though some users feel customer service response times could be improved.

Pricing and ROI: Microsoft Defender for Endpoint is considered cost-effective, especially for businesses leveraging Microsoft products, providing strong ROI through comprehensive features. WithSecure Elements Endpoint Protection, while potentially higher in initial setup cost, delivers excellent ROI through its efficient operation and targeted security features.

To learn more, read our detailed Microsoft Defender for Endpoint vs. WithSecure Elements Endpoint Protection Report (Updated: March 2025).

Buyer's Guide

Microsoft Defender for Endpoint vs. WithSecure Elements Endpoint Protection

March 2025

Download the complete report

Helped 841,164 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...

Ranking in Endpoint Protection Platform (EPP)

1st

Average Rating

8.0

Reviews Sentiment

7.1

Number of Reviews

190

Ranking in other categories

Advanced Threat Protection (ATP) (2nd), Anti-Malware Tools (1st), Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) (2nd), Microsoft Security Suite (6th)

WithSecure Elements Endpoin...

Ranking in Endpoint Protection Platform (EPP)

40th

Average Rating

8.0

Reviews Sentiment

8.5

Number of Reviews

Ranking in other categories

No ranking in other categories

Mindshare comparison

As of March 2025, in the Endpoint Protection Platform (EPP) category, the mindshare of Microsoft Defender for Endpoint is 11.1%, down from 15.2% compared to the previous year. The mindshare of WithSecure Elements Endpoint Protection is 0.6%, down from 0.7% compared to the previous year. It is calculated based on PeerSpot user engagement data.

Endpoint Protection Platform (EPP)

Featured Reviews

AnuragSrivastava

Information Security Engineering Lead at a energy/utilities company with 10,001+ employees

Provides detailed visibility into threats but the ability to add exceptions needs improvement

One major item for improvement is the ability to add exceptions. We can add some exceptions, but not at the level we need to. The second major area for improvement involves enhanced capabilities for different operating systems or platforms. That is, even though we have coverage for different operating systems or platforms such as Linux, we don't get all of the controls and enhanced capabilities that are available with Windows devices. Reporting could also be improved because, at present, we get limited results at times. For example, in an environment with more than 100,000 devices, you may just get 10,000 results when you run a report.

Read full review

Eeva Niemi

office manager at MaxBuild Oy

Useful portal, secure, but compatibility issues could improve

The solution could improve by having more real-time responses. For example, when a license gets removed from a computer it does not update the records of the change. Additionally, when I installed Microsoft Windows Defender I was not able to send licenses through email to our tenants. The integration with other solutions could improve. If we try and implement third-party vendors with the solution we can experience issues, such as Microsoft Office 365. It will limit certain emails from being received or sent. There can be compatibility issues.

Read full review

Quotes from Members

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

Pros

"Defender works in the background monitoring the traffic for viruses."

"The endpoint detection of threats is valuable. The initial detection of things like ransomware and viruses and being able to shut down machines immediately and stop a threat is valuable. We can stop a threat at a source versus allow it to propagate it across the network."

"Coming from an organization where the EDR wasn't strong, it has always been a case of basically searching through the information you already have and looking for something. It was basically trying to find the needle in a haystack. What the Defender platform does is that it reduces the size of the haystack, and it'll say that the needle is over here. Minutes matter, and it certainly zeros you in on the events that are concerning. It also simplifies the effort of trying to get some kind of correlation of behaviors or actions you see in the environment and confirming if something is benign or a threat."

"The solution's main antivirus capabilities are okay. So far, they have kept us safe."

"I like that it's easy to deploy because it already comes with Windows 10. Overall, it has all the features that we need. Easy to deploy, comes with updates, and comes with Windows updates. You don't have to really manage or update the signature."

"I've started to test it from the security point of view. There are plenty of features that are interesting, but at this time, the XDR functionality is most valuable. It is endpoint security on steroids."

"Defender provides useful alerts and groups them. It sends an alert to your portal if it detects any malicious activity, and you can group multiple alerts to form an incident."

"It is stable and easy to use. Everything is okay, and there are no performance issues."

More Microsoft Defender for Endpoint pros

"On the cloud management page, the solution scales up very highly."

"Both incoming and outgoing traffic is protected."

"There is a layer of security to prevent a malicious agent (malware) from interrupting or stopping services, deleting or modifying registry entries or even stopping the antivirus from acting, ensuring that there will be no interruption of protection."

"The notifications and patch management features are valuable."

"The most valuable features of WithSecure Elements Endpoint Protection are the clear useful portal and overall company protection."

"F-Secure is useful for keeping user machines up-to-date by pushing out security and critical updates."

"We use the product for detecting network vulnerabilities and for software update purposes."

Cons

"I would like to see online updates for patches for this solution. I would also like to see online information about what is trending in the market in terms of spams, viruses, or trojans. It takes some time to understand how this solution works. A few things are unclear at the beginning, such as whether it actually restricts the virus or spam at the initial stage, or when there is a security update, how will we come to know and how will it get synchronized. It would be really helpful if there is some kind of knowledge base in the form of video, audio, or document that can explain in a user-friendly way the setup, features, risks, and process to mitigate the risks. Currently, I have installed endpoint security for every individual system. I could not install it like other endpoint solutions where we have a server and a client. It would be really helpful if Microsoft Windows Defender has a server-client based model so that I can save some bandwidth when it downloads or uploads features. It will be helpful if we have a LAN-based or WAN-based controlling system."

"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."

"Features like device inventory continue to lack essential workstation drill-downs showing the entire device information with the least effort."

"It seems there are challenges associated with IP addresses at times."

"Localization is always a challenge, especially with new products you typically want. Solutions are designed to be deployed where the most licenses are being consumed, such as in the United States. They focus on US products, devices, and networks. Specialized deployments for other countries would allow for a smoother experience in transition."

"I would like to have a dashboard that shows an overview of the results for the enterprise."

"The reporting in Microsoft Defender for Endpoint should improve. The solution has limited features."

"Microsoft Defender for Endpoint can improve by making the reporting faster. It takes some time to reflect back to the administration portal of what has been updated. For example, out of 100 Computers, approximately 90 computers received updates, but when you check the administration portal over one or two days, you will only see 75, even though 90 were updated."

More Microsoft Defender for Endpoint cons

"Resource consumption is suboptimal and could be improved."

"The solution could improve by having more real-time responses. For example, when a license gets removed from a computer it does not update the records of the change. Additionally, when I installed Microsoft Windows Defender I was not able to send licenses through email to our tenants. The integration with other solutions could improve."

"I would like the part of Hash Analysis by external sources to be improved."

"There could be a dedicated security partner with essential knowledge."

"But the biggest one for us is patch management because this has been our top priority when looking at alternatives. Every solution needs to have patch management, if that's possible. It would cut costs on our side if that feature were included, so we don't need to pay for two separate pieces of software."

"There is no technical support available in the Middle East."

"The program and cloud service management is in English. It's not a problem for me, however, it might be for users who don't speak English or use it regularly."

Pricing and Cost Advice

"Compared to ESET, the pricing for Microsoft Defender for Endpoint is on the higher side."

"Microsoft has different plans for buying this product. The price depends on the configuration of the full set of products that you buy and on the licensing program in your contract."

"When compared with other vendors, the pricing is very high."

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

"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."

"The pricing is competitive."

"We have the E5 security license, and the solution comes with that."

"This solution is part of Windows and comes included with it."

More Microsoft Defender for Endpoint pricing and cost advice

"We pay a yearly licensing fee of about €20 per computer."

"The cost of the solution depends on the size of the company and where the licenses are being ordered from."

"The product has average pricing."

"If you purchase licenses in bulk the price of the licenses can decrease."

"The price is comparable."

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Top Industries

By visitors reading reviews

Educational Organization

28%

Computer Software Company

11%

Government

Financial Services Firm

Computer Software Company

19%

Comms Service Provider

13%

Government

12%

University

Company Size

By reviewers

Large Enterprise

Midsize Enterprise

Small Business

No data available

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...

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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 ...

See all answers

What do you like most about F-Secure Protection Service for Business?

The notifications and patch management features are valuable.

See all answers

What is your experience regarding pricing and costs for F-Secure Protection Service for Business?

The price is comparable. We do not have a problem with the pricing. I rate the pricing a five or six out of ten. There are no additional costs associated with the solution.

See all answers

What needs improvement with F-Secure Protection Service for Business?

The product does not have technical partners in the Middle East. It only has sales partners. I do not like the sales partners in UAE. They did not support me when I needed help with security. The v...

See all answers

Comparisons

CrowdStrike Falcon vs Microsoft Defender for Endpoint

Compared 8% of the time

Microsoft Intune vs Microsoft Defender for Endpoint

Compared 5% of the time

Symantec Endpoint Security vs Microsoft Defender for Endpoint

Compared 5% of the time

Cortex XDR by Palo Alto Networks vs Microsoft Defender for Endpoint

Compared 4% of the time

F-Secure Total vs Microsoft Defender for Endpoint

Compared 4% of the time

More Microsoft Defender for Endpoint Competitors

ESET Endpoint Protection Platform vs WithSecure Elements Endpoint Protection

Compared 17% of the time

Sophos EPP Suite vs WithSecure Elements Endpoint Protection

Compared 10% of the time

Symantec Endpoint Security vs WithSecure Elements Endpoint Protection

Compared 6% of the time

Bitdefender Total Security vs WithSecure Elements Endpoint Protection

Compared 6% of the time

Kaspersky Endpoint Security for Business vs WithSecure Elements Endpoint Protection

Compared 5% of the time

More WithSecure Elements Endpoint Protection Competitors

Product Reports

Buyer's Guide

Microsoft Defender for Endpoint

February 2025

Download Microsoft Defender for Endpoint product report

Buyer's Guide

WithSecure Elements Endpoint Protection

February 2025

WithSecure Elements Endpoint Protection report

Download WithSecure Elements Endpoint Protection product report

Also Known As

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

F-Secure Elements Endpoint Protection, F-Secure Protection Service for Business

Interactive Demo

Microsoft

Demo not available

WithSecure

Overview

Microsoft Defender for Endpoint is a comprehensive security solution that provides advanced threat protection for organizations. It offers real-time protection against various types of cyber threats, including malware, viruses, ransomware, and phishing attacks.

With its powerful machine-learning capabilities, it can detect and block sophisticated attacks before they can cause any harm. The solution also includes endpoint detection and response (EDR) capabilities, allowing organizations to quickly investigate and respond to security incidents. It provides detailed insights into the attack timeline, enabling security teams to understand the scope and impact of an incident.

Microsoft Defender for Endpoint also offers proactive threat hunting, allowing organizations to proactively search for and identify potential threats within their network. It integrates seamlessly with other Microsoft security solutions, such as Microsoft Defender XDR, to provide a unified and holistic security approach. With its centralized management console, organizations can easily deploy, configure, and monitor the security solution across their entire network.

Microsoft Defender for Endpoint is a robust and scalable security solution that helps organizations protect their endpoints and data from evolving cyber threats.

Microsoft

WithSecure (formerly F-Secure) Elements Endpoint Protection is cloud-native, AI-powered endpoint protection that you can deploy instantly from your browser and manage easily from a single console. It integrates across all your endpoints, keeping your organization fenced in from attacks. WithSecure Elements Endpoint Protection is a module of the Elements cyber security platform. The cloud-based platform provides effective protection against ransomware and advanced attacks. Elements brings together vulnerability management, automated patch management, dynamic threat intelligence and continuous behavioral analytics. Use individual solutions for specific needs or combine them all seamlessly for maximum defense.

WithSecure

Sample Customers

Petrofrac, Metro CSG, Christus Health

Information Not Available

Buyer's Guide

Microsoft Defender for Endpoint vs. WithSecure Elements Endpoint Protection

March 2025

Free Report: Microsoft Defender for Endpoint vs. WithSecure Elements Endpoint Protection

Find out what your peers are saying about Microsoft Defender for Endpoint vs. WithSecure Elements Endpoint Protection and other solutions. Updated: March 2025.

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