# Microsoft Defender alternatives and competitors (2026)

The closest Microsoft Defender alternatives are [Broadcom Symantec Enterprise Cloud](https://cybersectools.com/tools/broadcom-symantec-enterprise-cloud), [Comodo Advanced Endpoint Protection](https://cybersectools.com/tools/comodo-advanced-endpoint-protection) and [SpyShelter](https://cybersectools.com/tools/spyshelter-spyshelter). Picking a Microsoft Defender alternative comes down to fit: Endpoint Protection Platform coverage, your environment, your integrations and your budget. So each option below shows what it covers, how it deploys, its pricing model and the company behind it.

Closest 48 alternatives shown. Closest matches: Broadcom Symantec Enterprise Cloud, Comodo Advanced Endpoint Protection, SpyShelter.

## The product

[Microsoft Defender](https://cybersectools.com/tools/microsoft-defender) by Microsoft

Security app for individuals/families protecting devices from online threats

Category: [Endpoint Security](https://cybersectools.com/categories/endpoint-security) · Pricing model: Commercial

## Microsoft Defender alternatives and competitors

Microsoft Defender is a commercial [Endpoint Protection Platform](https://cybersectools.com/categories/epp) solution made by Microsoft. The closest matches by shared tags and NIST CSF 2.0 coverage are [Broadcom Symantec Enterprise Cloud](https://cybersectools.com/tools/broadcom-symantec-enterprise-cloud), [Comodo Advanced Endpoint Protection](https://cybersectools.com/tools/comodo-advanced-endpoint-protection), [SpyShelter](https://cybersectools.com/tools/spyshelter-spyshelter), [Fortinet FortiClient](https://cybersectools.com/tools/fortinet-forticlient), and [AhnLab EPP](https://cybersectools.com/tools/ahnlab-ahnlab-epp). All 48 alternatives on this page are ranked the same way.

## The closest Microsoft Defender alternatives

These 8 solutions overlap most with Microsoft Defender. Each one says what the product does and, when the overlap is big enough, which capabilities it shares.

### 1. [Broadcom Symantec Enterprise Cloud](https://cybersectools.com/tools/broadcom-symantec-enterprise-cloud)

Enterprise cloud security platform for endpoint, network, email & data protection

[Endpoint Protection Platform](https://cybersectools.com/categories/epp) · Commercial

Key features: 10 listed. See them on the [Broadcom Symantec Enterprise Cloud page](https://cybersectools.com/tools/broadcom-symantec-enterprise-cloud#features).

[Broadcom Symantec Enterprise Cloud alternatives](https://cybersectools.com/alternatives/broadcom-symantec-enterprise-cloud) · [Microsoft Defender vs Broadcom Symantec Enterprise Cloud](https://cybersectools.com/compare/broadcom-symantec-enterprise-cloud-vs-microsoft-defender)

### 2. [Comodo Advanced Endpoint Protection](https://cybersectools.com/tools/comodo-advanced-endpoint-protection)

Endpoint protection platform using zero trust architecture and containment

[Endpoint Protection Platform](https://cybersectools.com/categories/epp) · Commercial

Key features: 10 listed. See them on the [Comodo Advanced Endpoint Protection page](https://cybersectools.com/tools/comodo-advanced-endpoint-protection#features).

[Comodo Advanced Endpoint Protection alternatives](https://cybersectools.com/alternatives/comodo-advanced-endpoint-protection) · [Microsoft Defender vs Comodo Advanced Endpoint Protection](https://cybersectools.com/compare/comodo-advanced-endpoint-protection-vs-microsoft-defender)

### 3. [SpyShelter](https://cybersectools.com/tools/spyshelter-spyshelter)

Anti-spyware tool that monitors app activities and prevents malware execution

[Endpoint Protection Platform](https://cybersectools.com/categories/epp) · Commercial

Key features: 10 listed. See them on the [SpyShelter page](https://cybersectools.com/tools/spyshelter-spyshelter#features).

[SpyShelter alternatives](https://cybersectools.com/alternatives/spyshelter-spyshelter) · [Microsoft Defender vs SpyShelter](https://cybersectools.com/compare/microsoft-defender-vs-spyshelter-spyshelter)

### 4. [Fortinet FortiClient](https://cybersectools.com/tools/fortinet-forticlient)

Unified endpoint agent providing ZTNA, VPN, EPP, and fabric integration

[Endpoint Protection Platform](https://cybersectools.com/categories/epp) · Commercial

Key features: 10 listed. See them on the [Fortinet FortiClient page](https://cybersectools.com/tools/fortinet-forticlient#features).

[Fortinet FortiClient alternatives](https://cybersectools.com/alternatives/fortinet-forticlient) · [Microsoft Defender vs Fortinet FortiClient](https://cybersectools.com/compare/fortinet-forticlient-vs-microsoft-defender)

### 5. [AhnLab EPP](https://cybersectools.com/tools/ahnlab-ahnlab-epp)

Unified endpoint security platform integrating anti-malware, EDR, and mgmt tools

[Endpoint Protection Platform](https://cybersectools.com/categories/epp) · Commercial

Key features: 10 listed. See them on the [AhnLab EPP page](https://cybersectools.com/tools/ahnlab-ahnlab-epp#features).

[AhnLab EPP alternatives](https://cybersectools.com/alternatives/ahnlab-ahnlab-epp) · [Microsoft Defender vs AhnLab EPP](https://cybersectools.com/compare/ahnlab-ahnlab-epp-vs-microsoft-defender)

### 6. [ESET PROTECT](https://cybersectools.com/tools/eset-business-security)

Cloud-managed endpoint protection, detection and response for businesses

[Endpoint Protection Platform](https://cybersectools.com/categories/epp) · Commercial

Key features: 10 listed. See them on the [ESET PROTECT page](https://cybersectools.com/tools/eset-business-security#features).

[ESET PROTECT alternatives](https://cybersectools.com/alternatives/eset-business-security) · [Microsoft Defender vs ESET PROTECT](https://cybersectools.com/compare/eset-business-security-vs-microsoft-defender)

### 7. [NinjaOne Autonomous Patch Management](https://cybersectools.com/tools/ninjaone-autonomous-patch-management)

Automated patch management for Windows, macOS, Linux, and applications

[Endpoint Protection Platform](https://cybersectools.com/categories/epp) · Commercial

Key features: 10 listed. See them on the [NinjaOne Autonomous Patch Management page](https://cybersectools.com/tools/ninjaone-autonomous-patch-management#features).

[NinjaOne Autonomous Patch Management alternatives](https://cybersectools.com/alternatives/ninjaone-autonomous-patch-management) · [Microsoft Defender vs NinjaOne Autonomous Patch Management](https://cybersectools.com/compare/microsoft-defender-vs-ninjaone-autonomous-patch-management)

### 8. [OPSWAT MetaDefender Endpoint](https://cybersectools.com/tools/opswat-metadefender-endpoint)

Protects endpoints from peripheral and removable media threats with multiscanning

[Endpoint Protection Platform](https://cybersectools.com/categories/epp) · Commercial

Key features: 10 listed. See them on the [OPSWAT MetaDefender Endpoint page](https://cybersectools.com/tools/opswat-metadefender-endpoint#features).

[OPSWAT MetaDefender Endpoint alternatives](https://cybersectools.com/alternatives/opswat-metadefender-endpoint) · [Microsoft Defender vs OPSWAT MetaDefender Endpoint](https://cybersectools.com/compare/microsoft-defender-vs-opswat-metadefender-endpoint)

## The closest 48 products like Microsoft Defender

The 8 above, plus:

- [Bitdefender GravityZone Small Business Security](https://cybersectools.com/tools/bitdefender-gravityzone-small-business-security): Endpoint security solution for small businesses with ransomware protection (Commercial)
- [Bitdefender GravityZone Business Security](https://cybersectools.com/tools/bitdefender-gravityzone-business-security): Endpoint protection platform for workstations, servers, and mobile devices (Commercial)
- [Bitdefender GravityZone Cloud MSP Security](https://cybersectools.com/tools/bitdefender-gravityzone-cloud-msp-security): Cloud-based endpoint security platform for MSPs with EDR, MDR, and XDR (Commercial)
- [Bitdefender GravityZone Security for Workstations](https://cybersectools.com/tools/bitdefender-gravityzone-security-for-workstations): Endpoint protection for workstations with layered defense against malware (Commercial)
- [Bitdefender GravityZone Security for Storage](https://cybersectools.com/tools/bitdefender-gravityzone-security-for-storage): Protects NAS and file-sharing systems from malware using ML and threat intel. (Commercial)
- [AhnLab Endpoint PLUS](https://cybersectools.com/tools/ahnlab-endpoint-plus): Comprehensive endpoint security platform with EPP, EDR, and sandbox capabilities (Commercial)
- [Deep Instinct DSX for Endpoints](https://cybersectools.com/tools/deep-instinct-dsx-for-endpoints): Deep learning-based endpoint protection preventing zero-day threats (Commercial)
- [Deep Instinct DSX](https://cybersectools.com/tools/deep-instinct-dsx): Deep learning-based malware prevention platform for endpoint protection (Commercial)
- [Xcitium ZeroDwell](https://cybersectools.com/tools/xcitium-zerodwell): Real-time virtualization tech that contains unknown executables in containers (Commercial)
- [Avira Prime](https://cybersectools.com/tools/avira-prime): All-in-one security suite with antivirus, VPN, password mgmt & device optimization (Commercial)
- [Avira Antivirus Pro](https://cybersectools.com/tools/avira-antivirus-pro): Antivirus software for Windows and Mac with malware and ransomware protection (Commercial)
- [Emsisoft Endpoint Protection](https://cybersectools.com/tools/emsisoft-endpoint-protection): Endpoint protection platform for MSPs with layered security and EDR (Commercial)
- [Absolute Resilience](https://cybersectools.com/tools/absolute-resilience): Endpoint resilience platform with self-healing apps and device recovery (Commercial)
- [Absolute Resilience for Security](https://cybersectools.com/tools/absolute-resilience-for-security): Endpoint patch mgmt & recovery platform with automated patching & rehydration (Commercial)
- [Seqrite Endpoint Protection](https://cybersectools.com/tools/seqrite-endpoint-protection): Enterprise endpoint protection platform with ML-driven threat detection (Commercial)
- [Netwrix Endpoint Management](https://cybersectools.com/tools/netwrix-endpoint-management): Endpoint management solution with privilege & device control policy enforcement (Commercial)
- [VIPRE Endpoint Security Cloud](https://cybersectools.com/tools/vipre-endpoint-security-cloud): Cloud-based endpoint security platform with EDR and optional MDR services (Commercial)
- [Avast Ultimate Business Security](https://cybersectools.com/tools/avast-ultimate-business-security): Business endpoint protection with antivirus, malware defense, and mgmt tools (Commercial)
- [GoSecure Titan® Next Generation Antivirus](https://cybersectools.com/tools/gosecure-titanr-next-generation-antivirus): Next-gen AV combining traditional & modern techniques for endpoint protection (Commercial)
- [Resecurity Endpoint Protection Platform](https://cybersectools.com/tools/resecurity-endpoint-protection-platform): EPP consolidating 7 security technologies with AI-driven threat detection (Commercial)
- [Cynet Endpoint Security](https://cybersectools.com/tools/cynet-endpoint-security): Unified endpoint protection platform with EPP, EDR, and ESPM capabilities (Commercial)
- [HarfangLab EPP Antivirus](https://cybersectools.com/tools/harfanglab-epp-antivirus): EPP antivirus with signature-based and behavioral malware detection (Commercial)
- [Ivanti Neurons for App Control](https://cybersectools.com/tools/ivanti-neurons-for-app-control): Application control and privilege management for endpoint security (Commercial)
- [AVG AntiVirus FREE](https://cybersectools.com/tools/avg-antivirus-free): Free antivirus software for virus scanning, detection, and removal (Commercial)
- [Blackpoint CompassOne Application Control](https://cybersectools.com/tools/blackpoint-compassone-application-control): Application control solution blocking unauthorized & risky apps for MSPs (Commercial)
- [Intego Antivirus for Windows](https://cybersectools.com/tools/intego-antivirus-for-windows): Antivirus software for Windows PCs providing malware protection and web security (Commercial)
- [Kaseya 365 Endpoint](https://cybersectools.com/tools/kaseya-kaseya-365-endpoint): Unified endpoint mgmt platform with RMM, EDR, AV, backup & patch mgmt (Commercial)
- [Quick Heal Total Security](https://cybersectools.com/tools/quick-heal-total-security): AI-powered antivirus with fraud detection, dark web monitoring & ransomware protection (Commercial)
- [Quick Heal Internet Security](https://cybersectools.com/tools/quick-heal-internet-security): Internet security software with antivirus, anti-ransomware, and privacy tools (Commercial)
- [Quick Heal Antivirus Pro](https://cybersectools.com/tools/quick-heal-antivirus-pro): Antivirus software with AI-powered threat detection and dark web monitoring (Commercial)
- [OpenText Endpoint Protection](https://cybersectools.com/tools/opentext-endpoint-protection): Endpoint security solution with signature-less threat protection (Commercial)
- [Malwarebytes](https://cybersectools.com/tools/malwarebytes): Malware removal and protection software for consumer devices (Commercial)
- [Promisec Endpoint Manager (PEM)](https://cybersectools.com/tools/promisec-pem-promisec-endpoint-manager): Agentless endpoint mgmt platform for vulnerability detection & patch mgmt (Commercial)
- [Arcabit](https://cybersectools.com/tools/arcabit): Endpoint security suite with AV, EDR, firewall, ransomware protection for Windows/Android. (Commercial)
- [DefenseArk Brightscan](https://cybersectools.com/tools/defenseark-brightscan): AI-powered distributed antivirus platform for Windows home & business users. (Commercial)
- [OpenAVN (Brightscan & Torus)](https://cybersectools.com/tools/openavn-brightscan-and-torus): AI-powered antivirus suite with browser extension for endpoint & web protection. (Commercial)
- [Havoc Shield Endpoint Threat Protection](https://cybersectools.com/tools/havoc-shield-endpoint-threat-protection): Managed Bitdefender GravityZone EPP deployment for small businesses. (Commercial)
- [itWatch GmbH](https://cybersectools.com/tools/itwatch-gmbh): German cybersecurity firm offering endpoint protection & data sanitization tools. (Commercial)
- [PC Matic SuperShield](https://cybersectools.com/tools/pc-matic-supershield): Application allowlisting security tool blocking unauthorized apps on endpoints. (Commercial)
- [PC Matic Pro](https://cybersectools.com/tools/pc-matic-pro): Allowlisting-based endpoint protection for SMBs against malware & ransomware. (Commercial)

## Alternatives to each of these

[Broadcom Symantec Enterprise Cloud alternatives](https://cybersectools.com/alternatives/broadcom-symantec-enterprise-cloud) · [Comodo Advanced Endpoint Protection alternatives](https://cybersectools.com/alternatives/comodo-advanced-endpoint-protection) · [SpyShelter alternatives](https://cybersectools.com/alternatives/spyshelter-spyshelter) · [Fortinet FortiClient alternatives](https://cybersectools.com/alternatives/fortinet-forticlient) · [AhnLab EPP alternatives](https://cybersectools.com/alternatives/ahnlab-ahnlab-epp) · [ESET PROTECT alternatives](https://cybersectools.com/alternatives/eset-business-security) · [NinjaOne Autonomous Patch Management alternatives](https://cybersectools.com/alternatives/ninjaone-autonomous-patch-management) · [OPSWAT MetaDefender Endpoint alternatives](https://cybersectools.com/alternatives/opswat-metadefender-endpoint) · [Bitdefender GravityZone Small Business Security alternatives](https://cybersectools.com/alternatives/bitdefender-gravityzone-small-business-security) · [Bitdefender GravityZone Business Security alternatives](https://cybersectools.com/alternatives/bitdefender-gravityzone-business-security) · [Bitdefender GravityZone Cloud MSP Security alternatives](https://cybersectools.com/alternatives/bitdefender-gravityzone-cloud-msp-security) · [Bitdefender GravityZone Security for Workstations alternatives](https://cybersectools.com/alternatives/bitdefender-gravityzone-security-for-workstations)

## Other Microsoft products

[Azure DDoS Protection and Mitigation Services alternatives](https://cybersectools.com/alternatives/azure-ddos-protection-and-mitigation-services) · [Azure Key Vault alternatives](https://cybersectools.com/alternatives/key-vault) · [Azure Security alternatives](https://cybersectools.com/alternatives/azure-security) · [GitHub Code Security alternatives](https://cybersectools.com/alternatives/github-code-security) · [Microsoft Defender EASM alternatives](https://cybersectools.com/alternatives/microsoft-defender-external-attack-surface-management) · [Microsoft Defender Experts for XDR alternatives](https://cybersectools.com/alternatives/microsoft-defender-experts-for-xdr) · [Microsoft Defender XDR alternatives](https://cybersectools.com/alternatives/microsoft-defender-xdr) · [Microsoft Defender for Cloud alternatives](https://cybersectools.com/alternatives/microsoft-defender-for-cloud)

## Compare Microsoft Defender with

- [Microsoft Defender vs Broadcom Symantec Enterprise Cloud](https://cybersectools.com/compare/broadcom-symantec-enterprise-cloud-vs-microsoft-defender)
- [Microsoft Defender vs Comodo Advanced Endpoint Protection](https://cybersectools.com/compare/comodo-advanced-endpoint-protection-vs-microsoft-defender)
- [Microsoft Defender vs SpyShelter](https://cybersectools.com/compare/microsoft-defender-vs-spyshelter-spyshelter)
- [Microsoft Defender vs Fortinet FortiClient](https://cybersectools.com/compare/fortinet-forticlient-vs-microsoft-defender)
- [Microsoft Defender vs AhnLab EPP](https://cybersectools.com/compare/ahnlab-ahnlab-epp-vs-microsoft-defender)
- [Microsoft Defender vs ESET PROTECT](https://cybersectools.com/compare/eset-business-security-vs-microsoft-defender)
- [Microsoft Defender vs NinjaOne Autonomous Patch Management](https://cybersectools.com/compare/microsoft-defender-vs-ninjaone-autonomous-patch-management)
- [Microsoft Defender vs OPSWAT MetaDefender Endpoint](https://cybersectools.com/compare/microsoft-defender-vs-opswat-metadefender-endpoint)

## Microsoft Defender Alternatives FAQ

### What are the closest alternatives to Microsoft Defender?

The closest matches to Microsoft Defender by shared tags and NIST CSF 2.0 coverage are Broadcom Symantec Enterprise Cloud, Comodo Advanced Endpoint Protection, SpyShelter, Fortinet FortiClient, and AhnLab EPP. All of them are Endpoint Protection Platform products.

### How many alternatives to Microsoft Defender are available?

This page shows 48 alternatives to Microsoft Defender, all in the Endpoint Protection Platform category. Each one is matched on shared tags and NIST CSF 2.0 areas, and the closest matches rank first.

### Is Microsoft Defender free or commercial?

Microsoft Defender is a commercial Endpoint Protection Platform product. It needs a paid license or subscription. Only commercial alternatives are listed here. Free and open source products are under /free.

### What type of solution is Microsoft Defender?

Microsoft Defender is a Endpoint Protection Platform product in the Endpoint Security category. You can compare it with the 48 other Endpoint Protection Platform products on this page.

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Source: https://cybersectools.com/alternatives/microsoft-defender

For AI agents: every CybersecTools shortlist is listed at https://cybersectools.com/shortlists.md, and any product or compare page has a Markdown copy too (add .md to its URL).

More on Microsoft Defender and its alternatives: funding, momentum, hiring and news, plus the full product and company record, are available through the Mandos MCP Server (paid plans), which connects to AI assistants: https://mandos.io/mcp?utm_source=cybersectools.com&utm_medium=alternatives-md