Microsoft Defender for Endpoint vs McAfee EndPoint Security

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Our analysts compared Microsoft Defender for Endpoint vs McAfee EndPoint Security 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.

McAfee EndPoint Security Software Tool

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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McAfee Endpoint Protection is a digital security and malware defense software that covers most users’ security needs in a single package, from web threats to applications.

It offers a number of standard features to equip enterprises with the tools they need to manage their business. Features like integration, machine learning, automation and more help businesses stay on top of their enterprise. It is affordable and scalable to companies of any size.
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$5/User, Monthly
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Tailored to your specific needs
$39.99 One-Time
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Tailored to your specific needs
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Product Assistance

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24/7 Live Support
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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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  • Gain Peace of Mind: Users get persistent protection from a top security vendor. It uses advanced features like machine learning and application containment to stay at the forefront of the endpoint security landscape. 
  • Stay Proactive Against Threats: It is designed for infection prevention, but also control if a system is infected. Using threat forensics, it tracks where infections are and how long the system has been exposed. 
  • Consolidated Defense: Users benefit from system and web protection and infection recovery, all in one platform. They do not need to learn additional software to round out their defense from all potential attack vectors.  
  • Flexible Management: It is easy to manage users and endpoint deployment. The software can be hosted on-premise or in the cloud. 
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  • Antivirus and antimalware protection
  • Endpoint detection and response (EDR)
  • Automatic investigation and remediation
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  • Core Threat Protection: The product comes equipped with a core threat protection suite that contains standard anti-virus, exploit protection, firewall and web control features. 
  • Machine Learning: Machine learning, and eventual evolution into AI and deep learning, allow the software to dissect threats and vulnerabilities at deeper levels than humans can, at faster speeds than a human could ever achieve. It identifies, resolves and learns lessons from exposures before a human might even become aware of the problem. 
  • Application Containment: It utilizes an application reputation grading system to determine how closely a new process should be monitored and contained to protect the system. Applications deemed above the threshold can be permitted to run without containment.  
  • Actionable Threat Forensics: Users can quickly and easily see where an infection is, why it’s occurring and how long the exposure has been present, in order to inform containment protocols. 
  • Web Control: Web control ensures safe browsing across a user’s enterprise. Potentially hostile or dangerous websites are tested and blacklisted if needed and network traffic is monitored to ensure hostile agents aren’t operating within the network. Blocking and detecting settings can be configured by an administrator. 
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Product Ranking

#52

among all
Endpoint Security Software

#5

among all
Endpoint Security Software

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Analyst Rating Summary

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Analyst Ratings for Functional Requirements Customize This Data Customize This Data

Microsoft Defender for Endpoint
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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 0 25 50 75 100
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User Sentiment Summary

Great User Sentiment 64 reviews
Great User Sentiment 2316 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.

84%
of users recommend this product

McAfee EndPoint Security has a 'great' User Satisfaction Rating of 84% when considering 2316 user reviews from 4 recognized software review sites.

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4.3 (157)
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4.0 (1379)
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4.5 (748)
4.4 (64)
4.0 (32)

Awards

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

Vulnerability Management Award

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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 Interface: A user-friendly interface makes it very easy to manage and understand, as noted by 70% of reviewers who mention ease of use.
Regular Updates: Around 90% of reviewers who refer to updates state that it keeps all endpoint devices safe through regular updates.
Customer Support: Offers fast and reliable customer support over email and phone, as observed by 80% of reviewers who specify customer service.
Application Updates: All the users who specify application updates report that constant application updates enhance attack protection.
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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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Slows the System: Over 90% of reviewers who mention resource utilization note that it is resource-intensive and can slow systems down.
Time-Consuming: Virus and error scanning can take a long time to complete, as stated by over 80% of reviewers who observe scanning.
Frequent Alerts: Around 70% of reviewers who mention alerts specify that frequent alerts and notifications can interrupt users.
False Positives: It can report false positives and does not detect low-impact viruses, as noted by more than 70% of the users who refer to false positives.
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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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McAfee Endpoint Protection is a versatile tool that provides advanced security solutions for businesses of all sizes. It can provide its users with digital security in a single package. Many reviewers have noted that it takes a long time to complete scans, which slows down the systems. It can also distract users with frequent notifications and false-positive detection. Nonetheless, it does provide a user-friendly interface with regular updates to keep endpoint devices safe. If you are looking for well-rounded endpoint protection at an affordable price, this might be an appropriate product.

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