Microsoft Defender for Endpoint vs Malwarebytes EDR

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Our analysts compared Microsoft Defender for Endpoint vs Malwarebytes EDR 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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Malwarebytes EDR is a cybersecurity platform that provides users with a comprehensive suite of solutions to keep devices safe. It crushes the latest threats and malware using multiple layers of technology like anomaly detection, behavior matching and application hardening.

It is the first layer of defense against viruses and hackers which shields devices, data and privacy. Its default server policies with predefined configurations simplify and improve platform security posture. It delivers various detection and remediation capabilities to home users and businesses of all sizes.
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$5/User, Monthly
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Tailored to your specific needs
$1,500 Annually
Get a free price quote
Tailored to your specific needs
Small
Medium
Large
Small
Medium
Large
Windows
Mac
Linux
Android
Chromebook
Windows
Mac
Linux
Android
Chromebook
Cloud
On-Premise
Mobile
Cloud
On-Premise
Mobile

Product Assistance

Documentation
In Person
Live Online
Videos
Webinars
Documentation
In Person
Live Online
Videos
Webinars
Email
Phone
Chat
FAQ
Forum
Knowledge Base
24/7 Live Support
Email
Phone
Chat
FAQ
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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  • Enhances Privacy: It helps protect online privacy and secure WiFi connection through its next-generation VPN. Malwarebytes has privacy tools that can secure connections with 256-bit encryption. Its new protocols deliver faster speed and prevent lagging. It assigns virtual IP addresses, prohibiting unauthorized tracking. Users can connect confidently to the VPN server, switch up locations and choose servers for any situation. 
  • Increased Protection: Malwarebytes premium removes viruses, malware and other threats with real-time protection. Its advanced protection capabilities replace traditional antivirus solutions and safeguard devices from future infections. It also provides an in-depth analysis of threats required to combat sophisticated malware. 
  • Non-Intrusive: It protects users without hogging the system's resources or spamming with annoying notifications. It’s a non-intrusive suite that runs actively in the background to avoid disturbing the users and affecting their performance. 
  • Simplifies Management: It provides the status of events and device health across the entire network through a single dashboard. Its user interface controls all functionalities that include remediation prioritization via numerous filters like physical location, severity of threat and other criteria. 
  • Small Footprint: Malwarebytes offers a lightweight server solution that provides maximum protection and response capabilities. Its small footprint does not slow down the performance of servers and ensures end-user productivity. It blocks various threats that include zero-day malware, web-based attacks, PUMs, PUPs and more. 
  • Accurate Verdicts: It uses machine learning and artificial intelligence to whitelist codes that pass rigorous inspection. In future scans, this code is omitted to eliminate false positives, provide accurate verdicts and save time. Bad behavior and malicious code are also tested at every stage, namely installation, execution and shutdown. 
  • Continuous Availability of Endpoints: Users can quickly get compromised endpoints back online through operational EDR. Threat investigation, remediation and ransomware rollback can be completed easily in a few clicks. Its threat hunting capabilities help users drill down into suspicious behavior or whitelist approved software. 
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  • Antivirus and antimalware protection
  • Endpoint detection and response (EDR)
  • Automatic investigation and remediation
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  • Malwarebytes Nebula: It offers a cloud-hosted security platform that simplifies endpoint protection and maximizes limited resources to defeat ransomware and other viruses. It combines all Malwarebytes products and provides an intuitive UI to reduce complexities, next-gen threat intelligence and seamless API integration. 
  • Incident Response: Malwarebytes incident response provides flexible deployment choices for different IT environments with persistent and non-persistent agent options. Its automated threat response lets organizations expedite incident response and reduce malware dwell times. It removes infections and related artifacts through proprietary linking engine remediation. 
  • Endpoint Detection and Response: Software security teams can stop, analyze and respond to threats that bypass other defenses. It automates data analysis to detect suspicious activities and help security professionals make faster decisions by guiding through the threat hunting process. Security teams are also provided with precise information necessary to keep endpoints productive. 
  • Endpoint Protection: Malwarebytes endpoint protection provides its users with threat protection and definitive verdicts without bloat. Multiple layers of technology, like machine learning-enhanced and heuristic detection capabilities, are applied throughout the attack chain to mitigate polymorphic threats and attacks. 
  • Browser Guard: Users can get a safer browsing experience through Browser Guard that stops in-browser cryptojackers, blocks web pages containing malware and other unsafe content. It can detect and prevent tech support scams like browser lockers and hijackers. It speeds up web page displays by blocking unwanted content and third-party ads. It also removes clickbait ads that point to questionable content and hinder productivity. 
  • Adware Cleaner: Malwarebytes AdwCleaner removes adware and unwanted programs to provide a smooth and optimal online experience. Unwanted bundled programs and browser toolbars are removed to protect against spyware. 
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Product Ranking

#52

among all
Endpoint Security Software

#1

among all
Endpoint Security Software

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Analyst Rating Summary

84
76
93
79
100
70
98
86
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Attack Surface Reduction
Compliance
Vulnerability Management
Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR)
Exploit Prevention
Integrations and Extensibility
Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR)
Vulnerability Management

Analyst Ratings for Functional Requirements Customize This Data Customize This Data

Microsoft Defender for Endpoint
Malwarebytes EDR
+ Add Product + Add Product
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 79 70 86 62 69 79 78 85 0 25 50 75 100
90%
5%
5%
80%
0%
20%
100%
0%
0%
60%
0%
40%
93%
7%
0%
86%
0%
14%
92%
8%
0%
62%
0%
38%
89%
0%
11%
22%
78%
0%
33%
0%
67%
73%
0%
27%
44%
22%
34%
78%
0%
22%
100%
0%
0%
67%
17%
16%

Analyst Ratings for Technical Requirements Customize This Data Customize This Data

100%
0%
0%
50%
0%
50%
73%
0%
27%
91%
0%
9%

User Sentiment Summary

Great User Sentiment 64 reviews
Excellent User Sentiment 2915 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.

93%
of users recommend this product

Malwarebytes EDR has a 'excellent' User Satisfaction Rating of 93% when considering 2915 user reviews from 6 recognized software review sites.

n/a
4.6 (1)
n/a
4.6 (498)
n/a
4.7 (2128)
n/a
4.5 (129)
n/a
4.7 (153)
4.4 (64)
4.4 (6)

Awards

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

Vulnerability Management Award

Malwarebytes EDR stands above the rest by achieving an ‘Excellent’ rating as a User Favorite.

User Favorite 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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User-Friendly: It is easy to install, deploy and configure, as noted by 100% of reviewers who mention ease of use.
System Resources: It is lightweight and has low system resource utilization, as stated by over 70% of reviewers.
Regular Updates: All users who refer to updates report that its dashboard is regularly updated, keeping endpoints safe.
Navigation: It is easy to navigate through different tools and options in the console, as observed by more than 60% of the users who specify navigation.
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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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Scanning: A full scan takes a long time to complete, as stated by more than 50% of reviewers who specify scanning time.
Pop-ups: Over 70% of reviewers who refer to pop-ups note that it displays constant distracting pop-ups.
Slow Performance: It slows down the performance of devices, as noted by 60% of the users mentioning device speeds.
Reports: It is unable to provide granular reports regarding various activities to users, as specified by around 70% of reviewers who refer to 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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Malwarebytes Endpoint Protection provides real-time protection and remediation tools against advanced malware to its users. Its dashboard is regularly updated, ensuring endpoint safety. It has low system resource utilization, but many users note that it slows down devices’ performance and takes a long time to complete full scans. It offers a free version, but if you want to ensure your safety and endpoint protection, a premium version is recommended for home users and organizations of all sizes.

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Screenshots

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