Microsoft Defender for Endpoint vs CrowdStrike Falcon

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Our analysts compared Microsoft Defender for Endpoint vs CrowdStrike Falcon based on data from our 400+ point analysis of Endpoint Security Software, user reviews and our own crowdsourced data from our free software selection platform.

Product Basics

Microsoft Defender for Endpoint is an advanced security solution designed to protect businesses against sophisticated cyber threats. Ideal for enterprises of all sizes, it offers robust features such as endpoint protection, detection and response, and automated investigation and remediation. Users commend its seamless integration with other Microsoft 365 services. According to one user, "Defender for Endpoint's unified security platform simplifies our cybersecurity strategy." While praised for its efficacy, some users note a learning curve during implementation. Pricing varies based on organizational needs. Users generally perceive it favorably, with one stating, "Microsoft Defender for Endpoint stands out in its ability to provide comprehensive security without compromising user experience, setting it apart from competitors."

Pros
  • Integrated with Microsoft 365 services.
  • Advanced endpoint protection.
  • Automated investigation and remediation.
  • Effective against sophisticated cyber threats.
  • Seamless user experience.
Cons
  • Initial implementation may have a learning curve.
  • Varied pricing based on organizational needs.
  • Requires careful configuration for optimal performance.
  • May not suit smaller businesses with simpler needs.
  • Dependency on Microsoft ecosystem for full functionality.
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CrowdStrike Falcon is a cloud-based endpoint security platform designed to protect devices like laptops, desktops, and servers from cyber threats. It's a good fit for organizations of all sizes, especially those looking for a comprehensive and easy-to-manage solution. Users appreciate its effectiveness in stopping breaches, its lightweight agent, and its user-friendly interface.

Key features include next-generation antivirus, endpoint detection and response (EDR), threat intelligence, and vulnerability management. CrowdStrike Falcon's pricing is subscription-based and varies depending on the chosen modules and number of endpoints. Compared to other endpoint security solutions, CrowdStrike Falcon is often praised for its strong threat detection capabilities and cloud-native architecture, but some users note that its advanced features may require additional training.

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$5/User, Monthly
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$5/Endpoint, Monthly
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Tailored to your specific needs
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Windows
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Android
Chromebook
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Mac
Linux
Android
Chromebook
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On-Premise
Mobile
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On-Premise
Mobile

Product Assistance

Documentation
In Person
Live Online
Videos
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Documentation
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Videos
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Email
Phone
Chat
FAQ
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Knowledge Base
24/7 Live Support
Email
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Forum
Knowledge Base
24/7 Live Support

Product Insights

  • Advanced Threat Protection: Defender for Endpoint provides robust protection against a wide range of advanced threats, including malware, ransomware, and phishing attacks. It employs cutting-edge threat intelligence and machine learning to proactively identify and block malicious activities, keeping your organization's endpoints secure.
  • Real-Time Threat Detection: With its real-time monitoring and detection capabilities, the platform continuously scans for suspicious behavior and indicators of compromise. It swiftly identifies and responds to potential threats, reducing the dwell time of attackers within your network.
  • Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR): Defender for Endpoint offers EDR functionality, enabling security teams to investigate and respond to incidents effectively. It provides detailed insights into endpoint activities, helping organizations understand the scope and impact of security incidents.
  • Automated Incident Response: The platform streamlines incident response with automation. It can isolate compromised devices, remediate threats, and even roll back changes made by attackers, minimizing the impact of security breaches.
  • Threat Intelligence Integration: Microsoft integrates global threat intelligence into Defender for Endpoint, enhancing its ability to identify and mitigate emerging threats. This intelligence is continuously updated to keep defenses current against evolving attack techniques.
  • Cloud-Powered Security: Leveraging the cloud, Defender for Endpoint can scale effortlessly to protect organizations of all sizes. It benefits from the vast computing power of Microsoft's cloud infrastructure, ensuring optimal performance and protection.
  • Centralized Security Management: The platform offers a unified management console, allowing organizations to oversee and configure security policies across all endpoints from a single interface. This simplifies administration and ensures consistent security posture.
  • Integration with Microsoft 365: For organizations using Microsoft 365, Defender for Endpoint seamlessly integrates with other Microsoft security services, creating a cohesive security ecosystem. This integration enhances visibility and control over security threats.
  • User and Device Risk Assessment: Defender for Endpoint assesses the risk associated with both users and devices. It evaluates user behavior and device health, enabling organizations to enforce access policies based on risk levels.
  • Threat Analytics and Insights: The platform provides detailed analytics and insights into security threats and trends. This data helps organizations make informed decisions to strengthen their security posture and adapt to evolving threats.
  • Reduced Security Complexity: By consolidating security functions into a single solution, Defender for Endpoint simplifies security management. It reduces the need for multiple security tools and streamlines operations, ultimately lowering the total cost of ownership.
  • Compliance and Reporting: The platform assists organizations in meeting regulatory compliance requirements by offering reporting and auditing capabilities. It helps organizations maintain transparency and demonstrate adherence to security standards.
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  • Save Money: Cyberattacks can cost agencies millions of dollars. By deploying endpoint security software, users can save money and time. 
  • Manage Devices: With device management and policies, users can take greater control over their deployed devices, and they manage everything from updates to installations. 
  • Replace Ineffective Antivirus: The product is a full-service antivirus and endpoint security solution, all rolled into one. 
  • Flexible pricing: Flexible pricing tiers give users flexibility in what features they want for their business. 
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  • Antivirus and antimalware protection
  • Endpoint detection and response (EDR)
  • Automatic investigation and remediation
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  • Defend Against All Threat Types: This software comes ready to defend against all threat types, from malware to viruses to trojans, worms and intrusions. 
  • Machine Learning: Falcon combines machine learning modules with its malware detection and removal tools to automatically defend against threats. 
  • Ransomware Protection: It defends against ransomware by blocking unauthorized executables and encryption attempts. 
  • Cloud-Based: Protection is delivered in the cloud, reducing the need for complicated software installs or dividing IT’s resources. 
  • Modular System: Though the product comes with a standard set of features, it can also be customized by purchasing additional modules like Falcon Spotlight or Falcon for Mobile. 
  • Instant Response: Indicator of attack behaviors are detected by the system, allowing users to instantly take action against threats before they can become breaches. In addition to powerful, user-operated management, AI modules can be trained to handle threats. 
  • No Performance Hit: Because it deploys in the cloud, Falcon has almost no performance impact on endpoint devices.
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Product Ranking

#52

among all
Endpoint Security Software

#20

among all
Endpoint Security Software

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Analyst Rating Summary

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93
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96
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Attack Surface Reduction
Compliance
Vulnerability Management
Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR)
Exploit Prevention
Integrations and Extensibility
Vulnerability Management
Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR)
Attack Prevention
Managed Detection and Response (MDR) Services

Analyst Ratings for Functional Requirements Customize This Data Customize This Data

Microsoft Defender for Endpoint
CrowdStrike Falcon
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Attack Prevention Attack Surface Reduction Endpoint Detection And Response (EDR) Exploit Prevention Managed Detection And Response (MDR) Services Mobile Capabilities Platform Capabilities Vulnerability Management 93 100 98 97 92 38 59 100 93 60 96 77 92 53 89 100 0 25 50 75 100
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Analyst Ratings for Technical Requirements Customize This Data Customize This Data

100%
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User Sentiment Summary

Great User Sentiment 64 reviews
Excellent User Sentiment 248 reviews
88%
of users recommend this product

Microsoft Defender for Endpoint has a 'great' User Satisfaction Rating of 88% when considering 64 user reviews from 1 recognized software review sites.

97%
of users recommend this product

CrowdStrike Falcon has a 'excellent' User Satisfaction Rating of 97% when considering 248 user reviews from 5 recognized software review sites.

n/a
4.3 (1)
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4.6 (6)
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4.9 (7)
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4.9 (223)
4.4 (64)
4.5 (11)

Awards

SelectHub research analysts have evaluated Microsoft Defender for Endpoint and concluded it earns best-in-class honors for Vulnerability Management.

Vulnerability Management Award

SelectHub research analysts have evaluated CrowdStrike Falcon and concluded it earns best-in-class honors for Vulnerability Management and Integrations and Extensibility. CrowdStrike Falcon stands above the rest by achieving an ‘Excellent’ rating as a User Favorite.

User Favorite Award
Vulnerability Management Award
Integrations and Extensibility Award

Synopsis of User Ratings and Reviews

Effective Threat Detection: Users praise Defender for Endpoint's ability to detect and mitigate a wide range of threats effectively, including malware, ransomware, and phishing attacks.
Seamless Microsoft Integration: The product seamlessly integrates with the Microsoft ecosystem, making it convenient for organizations already using Microsoft services.
Real-Time Monitoring: Real-time monitoring and threat detection provide immediate visibility into security incidents, allowing for swift responses.
Automated Incident Response: Users value the platform's automated incident response capabilities, which reduce the manual effort required for handling security incidents.
Centralized Management: Organizations can easily manage security policies across all endpoints from a centralized console, simplifying administration and ensuring a consistent security posture.
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Regular Updates: It keeps endpoint devices safe through regular updates.
System Resources: It is lightweight and has low system resource utilization.
Accuracy: It shows accurate results and detects few false positives.
Customer Support: It provides fast and reliable customer support over email and phone.
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Resource Intensive: Users have reported that Microsoft Defender for Endpoint can be resource-intensive, impacting the performance of older or less powerful devices.
Complex Configuration: Some users find the initial setup and configuration complex, especially those without extensive cybersecurity expertise. This can lead to misconfigurations that affect security effectiveness.
False Positives: Like many security solutions, Defender for Endpoint can generate false positives, flagging legitimate activities as suspicious, potentially causing disruptions and requiring additional investigation.
Cloud Dependency: Users in areas with unreliable or limited internet connectivity may face limitations due to the platform's cloud dependency, impacting security when offline.
Cost for Small Businesses: Pricing concerns have been raised, particularly by small businesses, who may find it less budget-friendly, potentially straining their cybersecurity budgets.
Learning Curve: Users transitioning from other security solutions may encounter a learning curve when adapting to the platform's features and functionalities, affecting operational efficiency.
Compatibility Challenges: Some users have reported compatibility issues with specialized or legacy software, necessitating additional configuration or exceptions, which can add complexity to deployments.
Endpoint Management: Effective endpoint security relies on proper configuration and maintenance of devices. Neglected or misconfigured endpoints can be more vulnerable to threats, requiring vigilant management.
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Web Interface: Some web interface items aren’t very intuitive.
Scan: It lacks the ability to perform a system-level scan.
Block Applications: It can block legitimate applications.
Reporting: It does not have comprehensive reporting capabilities.
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Users consistently praise Microsoft Defender for Endpoint for its robust security features, with one user commending its "advanced endpoint protection" and another highlighting its "seamless integration with Microsoft 365 services." Many appreciate the automated investigation and remediation capabilities, emphasizing its effectiveness against sophisticated cyber threats. While the product's efficacy is widely acknowledged, some users mention a learning curve during the initial implementation. One user notes, "The implementation process had its challenges, but the benefits far outweighed the initial hurdles." Pricing variability based on organizational needs is a common concern, with users suggesting careful consideration to align the solution with budgetary constraints. Comparatively, users believe Microsoft Defender for Endpoint stands out from competitors, offering comprehensive security without compromising user experience. One user succinctly states, "It's a top-tier solution in its ability to provide holistic security." However, a few users caution that optimal performance may require careful configuration, and dependence on the Microsoft ecosystem for full functionality may not be suitable for all organizations. Despite these considerations, the prevailing sentiment is positive, with users appreciating the product's efficacy in safeguarding against evolving cyber threats.

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CrowdStrike Falcon has garnered significant praise for its cloud-native architecture, which eliminates the need for on-premises servers and simplifies deployment and management. Users appreciate the platform's lightweight agent, which minimizes performance impact on endpoints. The single, unified agent provides comprehensive protection across various attack vectors, including malware, ransomware, and fileless attacks. Falcon's threat intelligence capabilities are highly regarded, providing real-time insights into emerging threats and enabling proactive defense measures. The platform's user interface is intuitive and easy to navigate, allowing security teams to quickly identify and respond to threats. Compared to traditional antivirus solutions, CrowdStrike Falcon offers superior protection against modern threats and reduces the burden on IT staff. While CrowdStrike Falcon offers numerous advantages, some users have noted that its pricing can be higher than some competitors. Additionally, the platform's reliance on cloud connectivity may raise concerns for organizations with strict data residency requirements or limited internet access. Some users have also mentioned that the initial setup and configuration process can be complex, requiring expertise in cybersecurity. Despite these drawbacks, CrowdStrike Falcon remains a popular choice for organizations seeking advanced endpoint protection. Its strengths in threat intelligence, cloud-native architecture, and ease of use make it well-suited for businesses of all sizes, particularly those with limited IT resources or a need for robust protection against sophisticated cyberattacks.

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