The best EDR systems for endpoint detection and response (2025)

In an increasingly complex and hostile digital environment, small and medium-sized businesses are not immune to suffering cyberattacks. In fact, more than 40% of these attack vectors specifically target SMEs, and many of them do not survive the economic and reputational impact that a security breach entails.

In the face of this scenario, EDR systems, or endpoint detection and response tools, have become a crucial component of cybersecurity strategies. These solutions continuously monitor all devices connected to the company's network, detect abnormal behaviors, and rapidly respond to potential threats.

For SMEs, having an EDR solution tailored to their needs represents not only an investment in protection but also an indispensable tool to ensure business continuity and comply with increasingly stringent regulations on data protection. Choosing well can make the difference between being a victim of an intrusion and preventing it in time.

Why should your company hire an endpoint detection and response tool?

Cyber threats are no longer exclusive to large corporations. Nowadays, any internet-connected company (regardless of its size) can become a victim of an attack.

For SMEs, this represents a particularly high risk, as many lack specialized staff or advanced security protocols. EDR software acts as an intelligent defense, allowing for the detection and prevention of threats before they cause real damage, thereby protecting not only data but also the company's daily operations.

Besides its preventive function, an EDR solution provides deep visibility into everything that happens on corporate network devices. This enables companies not only to react to attacks but also to understand how a threat occurred, reinforce internal policies, and avoid future vulnerabilities. In an environment where response time is key, this type of software offers agility and control in critical situations.

On the other hand, implementing an EDR solution is also a strategic long-term decision. It helps comply with data protection regulations, such as GDPR, improves the company's reputation with clients and business partners, and conveys an image of a company committed to security. Ultimately, having this tool is no longer an option exclusive to large companies: it is a necessity for any SME that wants to operate with confidence in the digital age.

What characteristics do the best EDR systems have?

When selecting an EDR solution, it is crucial to consider that not all tools on the market provide the same level of protection, usability, or adaptability.

A good platform must go beyond simple threat blocking; it must provide a comprehensive view of the company's digital environment, adapt to the specific needs of an SME, and, above all, allow for easy management without the need for a specialized technical team. Choosing well means finding a balance between functionality, cost, ease of use, and scalability.

These are the key features that a quality tool must have to protect your company's endpoints effectively:

• Proactive threat detection: it must be able to identify suspicious behavior in real time, even if the threats are unknown or zero-day type.
• Automatic response capability: it is essential that the tool can act immediately on incidents, such as isolating an infected device or stopping a malicious process without human intervention.
• Continuous monitoring and full visibility: it must offer a centralized view of all connected devices, with detailed information on activities, alerts, and security events.
• Ease of use and intuitive interface: especially important for SMEs that do not have specialized IT teams. A clear and operational console makes a big difference.
• Automatic updates and remote management: to ensure that protection is always up to date, without the need for constant user intervention.
• Integration with other security solutions: a good tool must be able to coexist and integrate with firewalls, traditional antivirus, and other solutions already in use within the company.
• Efficient and accessible technical support: having professional assistance in case of incidents or questions can be key to quickly resolving any risk situation.
• Efficient resource consumption: it must protect without slowing down devices, allowing the work team to maintain its usual performance.

Comparative Table of the Best Endpoint Detection and Response Solutions

Microsoft Defender for Endpoint

Integrated solution within the Microsoft ecosystem (Windows, Azure, 365, Intune), combining advanced antivirus, EDR, vulnerability management, and automated response.

Ideal for companies already using Microsoft environments and seeking comprehensive protection with centralized configuration.

This is a perfect endpoint solution for SMEs with a Microsoft-based infrastructure, seeking an all-in-one security solution with minimal operational complexity.

Main Features of Microsoft Defender for Endpoint

• Next-gen and heuristic antivirus protection
• Automatic threat detection and response (EDR)
• Vulnerability management
• Device access control and firewall
• AI‑driven incident investigation (Security Copilot)
• Cross-platform visibility (Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android)

Pros and Cons of Microsoft Defender for Endpoint

Plans and Pricing for Microsoft Defender for Endpoint

Microsoft offers two plans that provide access to endpoint protection. They are as follows:

• Plan P1: included in Microsoft 365 E3
• Plan P2: approx. €5.60/user/month (monthly) with annual subscription

CrowdStrike Falcon

Native cloud platform with lightweight agent, AI-based detection, automated response, and advanced capabilities such as threat hunting and MDR. Highly effective against sophisticated attacks. According to Softonic, we recommend its use for SMEs with distributed teams, high exposure to advanced threats, or those requiring managed MDR.

Main Features of CrowdStrike Falcon

• Next‑gen antivirus + USB control
• Real-time detection and response
• Centralized firewall (from “Pro” onwards)
• Integrated threat hunting and threat intelligence
• Identity management and centralized visibility

Pros and Cons of CrowdStrike Falcon

Plans and Pricing of CrowdStrike Falcon

These are the prices of the EDR solutions offered by CrowdStrike:

• Falcon Go: ~ 55 €/year per device
• Falcon Pro: ~ 92 €/year per device
• Falcon Enterprise: ~ 170 €/year per device

Bitdefender GravityZone

GravityZone is a leading EDR platform, recognized for its multilayer protection based on machine learning, sandboxing, and exploit prevention.

It offers a single agent and centralized console, combining prevention, detection, and response with forensic analysis and vulnerability management.

BitDefender GravityZone is a perfect solution for medium-sized businesses with internal IT seeking advanced protection, central management, and operating in Windows, Linux, and Mac environments.

Main Features of Bitdefender GravityZone

• Signature-less threat prevention (local and cloud machine learning)
• Sandbox Analyzer for dynamic analysis
• Protection against ransomware and fileless attacks
• Attack forensics and attack chain visualization
• Hardened risk management on endpoints
• Firewall, device control, and native multiplatform application

Pros and Cons of Bitdefender GravityZone

Plans and Pricing of Bitdefender GravityZone

Bitdefender GravityZone offers plans starting at ~185€ for 10 devices/year, with scalability according to the number of endpoints. To determine the prices of the Bitdefender GravityZone Small Business Security and Business Security packages, please get in touch with the platform's sales service. It is also possible to access a free trial to evaluate its features.

Sophos Endpoint (with Intercept X)

Sophos Endpoint, formerly known simply as Intercept X, combines predictive protection with deep learning, anti-ransomware, and EDR/XDR capabilities, all managed from Sophos Central. It stands out for its simplicity and effectiveness against modern threats.

Its use is perfect for SMEs that want intelligent protection and easy management, ideal for those who already use Sophos or are looking for modular expansion with XDR or a firewall.

Main features of Sophos Endpoint

• Deep learning AI for proactive detection
• Exploit and ransomware prevention (CryptoGuard)
• Root cause analysis
• EDR/XDR with central visibility and remote response
• Integration with firewall, NDR, and Sophos solutions

Pros and cons of Sophos Endpoint

Sophos Endpoint plans and pricing

• From €28/user/year for its Advanced version
• €48/user/year for the version with XDR
• For the Advanced version with MDR, it is necessary to contact the sales service

SentinelOne Singularity

Singularity is an endpoint protection platform (EPP) with EDR/XDR capabilities. It operates autonomously and stands out for its automatic response, real-time ransomware detection, and low device impact, all managed from the cloud.

We recommend its use for medium- to advanced-sized companies seeking maximum autonomy, fast responses without human intervention, and resources for technological investment.

Main features of SentinelOne Singularity

• Real-time threat detection (machine learning and AI)
• Autonomous response (isolation, blocking, remediation)
• XDR integration and threat hunting
• Complete attack visualization with timeline
• Lightweight agent with low CPU/RAM usage

Pros and cons of SentinelOne Singularity

Plans and pricing of SentinelOne Singularity

The approximate price of a SentinelOne Singularity license is around ~6€/device/month, depending on the distributor. Advanced plans can reach 12€/device/month.

ESET PROTECT Advanced

ESET PROTECT Advanced is the evolution of the renowned ESET NOD32, incorporating EDR for Windows, Linux, and macOS operating systems. It focuses on being lightweight, efficient, and easy to manage from a unified console.

It is an ideal solution for small and medium-sized businesses with tight budgets, seeking effective, lightweight, and cross-platform EDR without the complexities of large suites.

Main Features of ESET PROTECT

• Next-generation antivirus protection
• Malicious behavior detection
• Manual response and centralized remediation
• Cross-platform coverage: Windows, macOS, Linux, and servers
• Firewall and device control modules

Pros and Cons of ESET PROTECT

Plans and Pricing of ESET PROTECT

ESET PROTECT Advanced is priced at €287.38 per license/year. This license provides protection for up to five different devices, as well as the option to access premium 24/7 support (which must be purchased separately).

Which EDR solutions have we ruled out? 2 do not make the cut

Although the EDR solutions market is full of options, not all offer the level of protection, ease of use, or adaptability that SMEs require today.

During the preparation of this article, we also analyzed other popular tools that, despite having some market share, do not meet the standards of the solutions we ultimately recommended.

• Trellix Endpoint Security (ENS), although well known, has fallen somewhat behind in terms of usability, technological updates, and performance against modern threats, especially in cloud environments.
• Kaspersky Endpoint Security Cloud offers a range of features, but its adoption has declined in European corporate environments due to geopolitical concerns and compliance restrictions.

These tools may be useful in certain contexts or very limited budgets, but for an SME that takes its cybersecurity seriously and wants to protect its assets professionally and proactively, the solutions included in this article currently represent the best balance of value, technology, and support.

Can AI Replace EDRs?

Artificial intelligence has revolutionized the field of cybersecurity, particularly in the areas of early threat detection, behavior analysis, and response automation.

Nowadays, practically all leading EDR solutions integrate AI to enhance their ability to identify sophisticated attacks, correlate events, and respond in real time.

However, AI alone cannot replace a comprehensive EDR tool, as it lacks operational context, centralized management capabilities, and the specific functionalities needed to protect a business environment effectively.

An EDR tool combines multiple layers of security: forensic analysis, device control, network visibility, real-time protection, and defined response policies, all managed from a unified console. AI is a component that enhances these capabilities but does not replace them.

In summary, AI is an engine within the EDR, not a standalone solution: without the architecture, context, and human oversight provided by a well-designed tool, effective protection and coordinated threat response cannot be ensured.

Which tool is best according to your type of company?

• Microsoft Defender for Endpoint → Ideal for companies already operating in Microsoft 365 or Azure environments.
• CrowdStrike Falcon → Perfect for tech companies, with remote or highly exposed teams.
• SentinelOne Singularity → The best option for full automation and autonomous response.
• Bitdefender GravityZone → Excellent balance between price, performance, and ease of management.
• Sophos Endpoint with Intercept X → For those looking for an all-in-one solution that integrates with other network tools.
• ESET PROTECT Advanced → Lightweight and solid, ideal for companies with tighter budgets.

How to Choose the Best EDR to Protect Your Business in 2025

Throughout this article, we have analyzed the critical importance of protecting a company's devices against increasingly sophisticated threats. In the current context, where ransomware, advanced phishing, and fileless attacks are common, having an endpoint detection and response (EDR) tool is not a luxury but a necessity. Additionally, we have identified the most robust and suitable solutions for small and medium-sized businesses, evaluating both their effectiveness, ease of management, and cost.

We have also highlighted that artificial intelligence has significantly improved these tools, although it cannot replace them. A good EDR solution combines automated analysis, proactive response capabilities, seamless integration with other platforms, and ease of use. For this reason, only a few tools truly meet the necessary standards to offer real and sustainable protection to SMEs in 2025.

Of course, there is no universal tool that works equally well for all companies. Factors such as the number of employees, the level of digital maturity, the type of data handled, or the presence (or absence) of an internal technical team greatly influence the appropriate choice. What is an essential feature for one company may be unnecessary or redundant for another.

Therefore, before making a decision, it is advisable to analyze your business's specific needs, try free demos, and, if possible, have the guidance of a cybersecurity professional. Choosing the right tool not only protects your devices: it can make the difference between suffering a critical breach or continuing to operate with complete peace of mind.