My Top 7 EDR Software Picks After Hours of Research

If there’s one thing I’ve learned from researching cybersecurity tools, it’s this: every vendor claims their tool is the best. And when it comes to endpoint detection and response (EDR) software, it’s no different. They all promise AI-driven threat detection, automated response, and seamless integration. But the reality doesn’t always match the hype, does it?

I’ve seen EDR software that flood security teams with alerts but fail to catch real threats (seriously looking at the one that flagged itself as malware and the one that let an actual Trojan slip through). Some lack proper Linux or macOS support, forcing teams to deal with reduced functionality. And let’s not forget the ones that slow endpoints to a crawl, frustrating employees so much that they disable protection altogether.

That’s exactly why I put this list together of top EDR software. Choosing the right EDR software isn’t just about comparing feature lists. It’s about finding a solution that actually works in the environments security teams deal with every day.

Whether you’re a small business IT lead managing security on your own, a growing company looking for an EDR that scales, or a security pro trying to replace your current EDR that’s causing more problems than it solves, this guide will help you cut through the noise and find a solution that actually delivers.

Whether you’re looking for an EDR to protect 5 devices or 500, across Linux, macOS, or Windows, even in a BYOD environment where security and privacy need to coexist, I’ve got you covered.

7 best EDR software systems I recommend  

From all my research and conversations with IT and security teams, I’ve seen that EDR software is really about two things: visibility and action. It continuously monitors endpoints like laptops, servers, workstations, and even mobile devices for suspicious activity, collects and analyzes data, and helps security teams detect and stop threats before they escalate.

I’ve seen some people confuse antivirus with EDR, and I get why. Traditional AV is mostly built to catch known malware by comparing files against a database of identified threats. If it recognizes a malicious file, it blocks it. But modern attacks don’t always come neatly packaged as malware files, and that’s where EDR software steps in. 

It doesn’t just look for known bad files; it watches for suspicious behavior, such as a legitimate process suddenly launching PowerShell scripts, an attacker moving laterally across your network, or unusual access patterns that could signal a breach.

A good EDR software is not just about detection. It’s about understanding what’s happening on your endpoints and responding before an incident spirals out of control. It's about complete endpoint security. 

What makes the best EDR software: My criteria

A tool can have all the AI buzzwords in the world, but if it misses threats, overwhelms security teams, or slows everything down, it’s not worth it. Here are the key factors I focused on while evaluating the best EDR software.

• Detection accuracy: If an EDR can’t accurately detect threats, it’s not worth considering. I’ve seen tools that flag harmless IT scripts while missing stealthy attacks that actually matter. The best EDRs use behavioral analysis, heuristics, machine learning (ML), and real-time threat intelligence to identify both known and unknown threats without drowning security teams in noise. They must be capable of identifying fileless malware, memory injections, rootkits, and living-off-the-land (LOTL) attacks where adversaries abuse legitimate system tools like PowerShell, WMI, or PsExec.
• Response capabilities: An effective EDR should be able to act on any detected threats. I looked for tools that could isolate compromised endpoints, kill malicious processes in real-time, quarantine suspicious files before they execute, and roll back system changes to undo the damage from ransomware attacks. At the same time, I wanted something that gave security teams manual response controls to investigate incidents before taking action. 
• Forensic and threat investigation features: Alerts without context don’t help anyone. I prioritized EDRs that provide forensic data, process timelines, attack visualizations, and event correlation so security teams can understand what happened, how it happened, and what to do next. I looked for essential features like real-time endpoint telemetry, threat hunting capabilities to proactively search for suspicious behaviors before an alert is triggered, file integrity monitoring (FIM) to detect unauthorized modifications, memory analysis to identify fileless malware attacks and automated playbooks to correlate security events and reduce investigation time. 
• OS and platform support: For me, the best solutions provide full functionality across all major operating systems, meaning live response, threat hunting, and automated remediation should work on Windows, Linux, and macOS without major limitations. Full support for cloud environments like AWS, Azure, and GCP, as well as visibility into remote and mobile endpoints, ensures that businesses can protect their entire infrastructure without gaps.
• Integration: An EDR that doesn’t work well with other security tools only makes things harder. I looked for solutions that integrate with SIEM, SOAR, XDR, IAM, and threat intelligence platforms to provide better visibility and automated response. Open APIs and custom automation capabilities allow for flexible security workflows. The ability to send endpoint telemetry to centralized logging and monitoring systems ensures that security teams have a complete picture of their environment.
• Performance impact: Some tools cause high CPU usage, slow boot times, and system lag, which leads employees to disable them—defeating the purpose entirely. So I looked for EDR software that balances lightweight agents with strong security features so protection doesn’t come at the cost of usability.
• Scalability and cloud management: I know for a fact that EDR isn’t fully hands-off, even with automation. It needs at least one dedicated person to manage alerts and investigations. But not every business has a full security team, which is why cloud-native management is needed. I looked for solutions with centralized control for easy deployment, real-time monitoring, and automated policy enforcement. Also, multi-tenant support is a must for MSPs and enterprises managing multiple locations.
• Cost and licensing: Pricing models for EDR vary widely, and hidden costs can be a real problem. Some vendors charge per endpoint, others by data usage, and some bundle EDR with a broader security platform. I focused on solutions with flexible licensing options that work for businesses of different sizes. While I know the best EDR isn’t always the cheapest, it should justify its cost with strong detection, response, and usability.

After evaluating more than 15 EDR solutions, I narrowed it down to the best ones. But here’s something important—no EDR is perfect. They all have their strengths and weaknesses. But these tools offer the best balance of security, performance, and usability.

The list below contains genuine user reviews from the EDR software category. To be included in this category, a solution must:

• Alert administrators when devices have been compromised.
• Search data and systems for the presence of malware.
• Possess analytics and anomaly detection features.
• Possess malware removal features.

*This data was pulled from G2 in 2025. Some reviews may have been edited for clarity.  

1. Sophos Intercept X: Next-Gen Endpoint

Sophos Intercept X is one of those EDR solutions that checks a lot of the right boxes for me. It has strong threat detection, a solid centralized management console, and some impressive AI-driven capabilities. 

From what I’ve seen, Sophos takes a layered and proactive approach to threat detection, combining signature-based scanning with heuristic analysis to catch both known and emerging threats.  

One feature that really stands out to me is CryptoGuard, its ransomware-specific behavioral detection tool. Rather than just blocking known ransomware strains or patterns, it actively monitors for suspicious encryption activity and shuts it down before files can be locked. I find the rollback capabilities, which can undo malicious encryption, particularly extremely useful against ransomware threats like LockBit and Ryuk.

I also like its root cause analysis feature. Understanding how an attack happened is just as important as stopping it. Sophos presents this in a visual threat graph, mapping out every process involved in an attack attempt. This isn’t just for forensic teams, even IT admins without deep security expertise can follow the attack chain and understand where vulnerabilities exist. 

Another area where Sophos shines for me is centralized management through Sophos Central.  As you can see below, the cloud-based console allows teams to deploy, monitor, and manage endpoints from a single dashboard. So this makes it easy to investigate and respond to threats, configure web filtering policies, and adjust scanning schedules.

While Sophos does have many integrations, what I find particularly valuable is how well it integrates with other Sophos products, like firewalls, creating a more unified security ecosystem. Instead of juggling multiple disjointed solutions, everything works together, feeding data back into a single dashboard. I think this significantly reduces complexity while improving visibility.

But, there are some issues to consider. One common complaint I’ve come across is resource usage. While Sophos is packed with security features, it can be heavy on system performance and can cause some slowdowns, particularly on older endpoints, from what I’ve seen. 

Another pain point to consider is configuration complexity, especially during the initial setup. While the cloud-based management through Sophos Central is generally user-friendly, getting all the security policies, especially the exclusions, and advanced features fine-tuned to an organization’s specific needs can take some effort.

That said, I'd definitely recommend Sophos if you are looking for a solid, easy-to-manage EDR with strong ransomware protection.

What I dislike about Sophos Intercept X: Next-Gen Endpoint:

• From what I've seen, setting up detection rules, exclusions, and policies takes more effort. Fine-tuning things to avoid false positives or performance issues can be a bit of a headache.
• While it’s not a dealbreaker, I’ve seen reports of it being resource-heavy on lower-end machines, which can slow things down—something to keep in mind for organizations with older hardware.

What G2 users dislike about Sophos Intercept X: Next-Gen Endpoint: 

"Intercept X does have a relatively large memory footprint on the Endpoint devices and can eat up a few CPU cycles, which is noticeable when running on older hardware."

- Sophos Intercept X: Next-Gen Endpoint Review, Matthew P.

2. Microsoft Defender for Endpoint

From what I’ve seen, Microsoft Defender for Endpoint has evolved into a serious contender in the EDR space, especially for businesses already in the Microsoft ecosystem.

One of the things I really like about Defender is how effortlessly it fits into the Microsoft security ecosystem. It works hand-in-hand with Microsoft 365 Defender, Azure AD, and Intune, making deployment and management a lot smoother for businesses already using these tools.

Instead of having to bolt on a third-party EDR, Defender just clicks into place, integrating directly into existing workflows. And even if you do want integrations, Defender plays well with other tools, giving you the flexibility to expand your security stack, albeit with some effort to get the integrations right. 

I’ve come across multiple security teams who appreciate the visibility it provides across devices, applications, and networks. I highly value its threat and vulnerability management dashboard helps identify risks across endpoints, flagging outdated software, misconfigurations, and potential exposures.

Threat detection is definitely one of its strong points. I think Defender is far superior to many other products in the EDR space, given it has one of the world’s largest threat intelligence infrastructures, getting signals from billions of devices, emails, and cloud workloads to detect emerging threats faster than many standalone EDRs. It uses behavioral analysis, AI-driven threat intelligence, and automated response actions to stop malware, ransomware, and advanced persistent threats. It also does well against phishing and credential-based attacks. 

Now, there are some limitations. From what I've seen, navigating the interface can be clunky, especially for those who aren’t used to Microsoft’s security tools. Finding key investigation details may require more clicks compared to other EDR solutions, which have streamlined investigation workflows

Another thing I observed is that while Microsoft Defender for Endpoint has made good progress in supporting other operating systems like macOS, iOS, and Linux in the last few years, configuring these devices can still be a hassle. I've heard some users say that it’s not on the same level as what Microsoft offers for Windows. 

Also, note that while Defender for Endpoint P1 includes core security features like next-gen anti-malware, attack surface reduction, and basic device controls, it lacks endpoint detection and response (EDR), threat intelligence, and automated investigation and remediation. I'd suggest to go for Microsoft Defender for Business (included in M365 Business Premium) if you're a small or medium-sized business as it offers many P2-level features without the added cost.

For enterprises using M365 E3 license, you can add Defender for Endpoint P2 as an add-on to unlock full EDR, automated response, and advanced threat intelligence, without needing a full E5 upgrade.

If you're already in the Microsoft ecosystem or use a large Windows fleet, I'd recommend Microsoft Defender any day. It just makes sense. 

What I dislike about Microsoft Defender for Endpoint:

• Microsoft has made progress with macOS, iOS, and Linux support, but configuring and managing them isn’t as smooth as it is for Windows, based on my research.
• From what I heard from users, the interface can be clunky at times. Finding key investigation details sometimes takes more clicks than necessary, and if you’re not already familiar with Microsoft’s security tools, the learning curve can be steep. 

What G2 users dislike about Microsoft Defender for Endpoint:

"The deployment process is very complex when configuring security for IOS device."

- Microsoft Defender for Endpoint Review, Sachitha G.

3. ThreatDown

If you’re wondering about what this new player, ThreatDown, is doing on this list, you’re not alone. I had the same question when I saw it on the G2 grid and then realized it’s actually not new at all. It was formerly known as Malwarebytes for Business and rebranded to ThreatDown at the end of 2023. 

From what I’ve seen, ThreatDown offers a solid mix of endpoint protection and EDR capabilities without overcomplicating things, and I love that it allows licenses for a smaller number of endpoints, too. 

One of its biggest strengths is its ease of use. The highlight for me was its dashboard. The management interface provides a clear, centralized view of threats, making it easy to monitor devices without digging through complex settings. 

I specifically found their security advisor dashboard great for getting a quick overview of the endpoint security status. The security score, which breaks down key security factors like deployment status, detection scans, policy adherence, and patch management, gives teams a clear understanding of what needs improvement. I also find it valuable that it provides suggestions right away to implement. 

Another nice touch is patch management visibility on the dashboard, which highlights outdated systems and software that need attention and helps with automatic patches too.

Now, I did find some disadvantages. While ThreatDown works well across different platforms, I've seen some reported discrepancies between its functionality on Windows and MacOS. This can make managing security in mixed environments a little trickier. But I don't think this is a deal breaker. 

Another thing I found was that some features like DNS filtering, mobile security, and EDR for servers are provided as add-ons. While this might work for businesses that want more flexibility in pricing, I feel these should be part of the base package. Also, from what I've gathered, some features like application whitelisting and DNS filtering can be improved for better usability.  

 Nonetheless, I'd say ThreatDown is a solid option, especially for small to mid-sized businesses looking for effective EDR without high-volume licensing commitments. 

What I dislike about ThreatDown:

• From what I've gathered, there are some inconsistencies in features for MacOS and Linux users. This can make managing security in mixed-OS environments a bit frustrating.
• Some features, like DNS filtering and application whitelisting, are there, but they could use some improvement, in my view. DNS filtering feels a bit limited, especially in segmented networks, and whitelisting options aren’t as flexible as one would like. 

What G2 users dislike about ThreatDown: 

 "I did have a lot of trouble in setting up the DNS add-on feature, and ultimately ended upgetting this from a competitor and having it removed when I changed my subscription to include mobile protection.

I'm also not sure if it was fully worth it to upgrade to the managed EDR solution in order to get the mobile protection, but without the managed solution, there appears to have been no path to provide me with mobile protection. At least, the monthly reports are nice, but since I do not operate in an environment with 24/7 risk of ransomware or the like, it often looks a bit overkill." 

- ThreatDown Review, Alex A. 

4. Huntress Managed EDR

I have seen a lot of security teams and system administrators community praise Huntress Managed EDR, and it's easy to see why. Unlike many EDRs that flood teams with alerts, Huntress focuses on what actually matters.

What really sets Huntress apart, according to me and many other users, is its balance of automation and human expertise. They have a 24/7 Security Operations Center (SOC) that actively investigates, escalates, and takes action when something serious is happening and monitors. Knowing that there's a dedicated team monitoring threats around the clock really does provide immense peace of mind.

From what I’ve gathered, they are on top of things most of the time. And when an issue arises, Huntress is quick to take steps to remediate the situation, be it isolating the system or escalating the threat, or providing clear remediation steps.

Another huge win for me is its ease of use. Unlike some EDR platforms that require extensive configuration, Huntress is simple to deploy and manage. That’s a big plus, in my view, especially for smaller IT teams or MSPs that need a reliable, hands-off security solution.

And if you are taking a layered defense approach, Huntress can easily fit into an existing security stack as it plays well alongside other tools like Defender, SentinelOne, and CrowdStrike. 

Like any solution, it has its imperfections. One weakness that I have come across is that it produces occasional false positives which may lead to unplanned investigations, wasting the time and effort of the security team. 

And another drawback I've observed is that even though, Huntress is a superior product, the cost can be a deciding factor for small businesses and MSPs operating on a tighter budget. 

Both are minor trade-offs compared to what Huntress delivers, but they’re still worth considering. That being said, if you want fully managed, round-the-clock threat detection and monitoring, Huntress is definitely worth considering, especially if you are an MSP managing multiple clients.

What I dislike about Huntress Managed EDR:

• While Huntress is great at catching real threats, I've realized it’s not immune to false positives, which can sometimes lead to unnecessary investigations. This is not a dealbreaker, but it’s something to keep in mind.
• I agree Huntress delivers solid value, but pricing can be a hurdle for small businesses and MSPs operating on tighter budgets.

What G2 users like about Huntress Managed EDR: 

"Huntress Managed EDR has the occasional false positives, and I don’t like that they tend to occur when running a software update or making changes. The speed in the support team resolving these issues is great, but it regresses our workflow with some unnecessary disruption. It also would benefit from more granular alert setting customization options, which we would like to be able to set notifications to a specific threat level more effectively."

- Huntress Managed EDR Review, Sharma S. 

5. Acronis Cyber Protect Cloud

Now, if you are an MSP, I am pretty sure you know about Acronis for their backup software. It’s been a go-to name in that space for years. However, I discovered their Acronis Cyber Protect Cloud offers EDR along with backup, making it a full-fledged security platform. 

For me, this all-in-one all-in-one approach is what makes it stand out. Instead of managing separate tools for backup, antivirus, and endpoint security, Acronis rolls it all together, making life easier for MSPs handling multiple clients.

I liked the unified console, which brings together all data related to security, management, and backup all in one view.

For me, a big plus from the EDR point-of-view is Acronis’ AI-based threat detection and ransomware protection. It doesn’t just detect threats. It also automatically backs up data before executing remediation, which is a huge advantage if ransomware does get through. That extra layer of protection gives peace of mind, knowing that files and systems can be restored quickly.

However, there are some hiccups. While the unified console provides a great view, the initial configuration can be a bit challenging, based on what I've noted.  This might result in spending some extra time to get everything running smoothly. Also, performance can sometimes be sluggish when doing certain tasks, like backup restoration or security scans. 

Another concern I’ve seen is around pricing. While it’s a feature-rich platform, it might be on the higher end, especially for MSPs managing a large number of clients. If you only need basic EDR or backup, the bundled features might feel like overkill, making the price harder to justify.

Overall, Acronis Cyber Protect Cloud is ideal for MSPs and businesses that need a unified approach to security and backup. It’s easy to manage, automates protection, and provides solid ransomware defense. But if you need more advanced security analytics, it’s worth considering other options like Huntress, or Crowdstrike.

What I dislike about Acronis Cyber Protect Cloud:

• Getting everything configured isn’t as straightforward as I’d like. It takes some extra time and effort to set up properly. Once it’s running, though, management is smooth.
• From what I've observed, performance can feel sluggish at times during certain tasks like backup and security scans, which can be frustrating in time-sensitive situations

What G2 users dislike about Acronis Cyber Protect Cloud: 

"The pricing and the performance of the dashboard on the website.   It's likely over budget for small companies. and the website is sometimes very slow."

- Acronis Cyber Protect Cloud Review, Anh N.

6. CrowdStrike Falcon Endpoint Protection Platform

From my personal experience, whenever I talk to security teams or look at how organizations approach modern endpoint protection, CrowdStrike’s name almost always comes up in the conversation. 

There’s a reason for that. CrowdStrike Falcon Endpoint Protection Platform set the benchmark for what a cloud-native EDR should be. It combines powerful threat detection, rapid incident response, and a lightweight footprint that doesn’t bog down endpoints.

It is beautifully simple to deploy the Falcon Sensor and is highly scalable, and has an entire ecosystem that is second to none. I really like how it runs smoothly in the background without consuming a ridiculous amount of system resources. 

The detection capabilities are solid, and I especially appreciate its proactive threat-hunting features, which allow security teams to get ahead of potential breaches rather than just reacting to incidents after they happen.

One of the best things about Falcon, in my opinion, is its automation. It takes a lot of the manual work out of incident response by automatically quarantining and remediating threats. That alone saves us countless hours of investigation time and reduces the attack surface significantly.

But just because it’s the industry standard doesn’t mean it’s perfect. Based on my observations, the dashboard, while functional, could be a lot more intuitive. It’s not exactly user-friendly at first, and the learning curve can be frustrating, especially for teams new to Falcon. Exploring all the in-built features definitely takes time Once you get used to it, though, it becomes second nature.

Second, it is pricey when compared to other EDR tools. It definitely delivers on what it promises, but the price can make it a tough sell for smaller teams or organizations. 

Also, I wouldn't do justice to this review if I didn't mention the widespread outage caused by a Crowdstrike update issue in 2024 that temporarily disrupted many Windows systems. But what stood out was CrowdStrike’s rapid response and transparency in addressing the issue. They owned it, rolled out a fix quickly, and took steps to prevent future incidents. That level of accountability is exactly what you want in a security partner.

Would I recommend it? Absolutely. For organizations that need top-tier threat detection and response without the headache of managing on-premise infrastructure, Falcon is one of the best choices out there.

What I dislike about CrowdStrike Falcon Endpoint Protection Platform:

• It’s not that the UI is bad, but I don't think it’s not the most intuitive either. Until you get the hang of it, finding the right data or setting up custom reports can feel a bit clunky.
• There’s no denying that CrowdStrike is a premium solution with a price tag to match. While I think it’s worth it for the level of security it provides, budget-conscious teams might have a hard time justifying the cost

What G2 users dislike about CrowdStrike Falcon Endpoint Protection Platform: 

"CrowdStrike Falcon Endpoint Protection GUI may look easy on the eye, but there is a lot going on under its "hood" that I would say isn't user-friendly. You need to get the hang of using CrowdStrike Falcon Endpoint Protection to know how to navigate through it and set things well in their place."

- CrowdStrike Falcon Endpoint Protection Platform Review, Itumeleng T. 

7. ESET Protect

ESET is a familiar name in the industry, primarily known for its strong antivirus and cybersecurity solutions. And I think ESET PROTECT lives up to the name as a reliable endpoint security solution with strong threat detection and centralized management.

The real-time protection is solid from what I found. It easily detects and blocks malware, ransomware, and unauthorized access attempts effectively, with behavioral detection, exploit prevention, ransomware mitigation, ML for detection and cloud-based sandbox analysis, providing multiple layers of defense.

Like most other EDRs, I saw that ESET also has a single console for managing all features, making administration simple. From this single location, you can monitor any vulnerabilities or incidents within your business infrastructure. Another notable feature I noted was the automated reports, which reduce workflow, eliminating the need for manual vulnerability searches. This saves time and costs. 

Additionally, I like that it provides multi-platform support, meaning it works across Windows, macOS, Linux, and even mobile devices though Linux support could use a bit more improvement.  

That said, getting everything set up isn’t exactly a walk in the park. I found that the initial configuration can be challenging, especially when deploying for a large number of machines. There’s a learning curve when navigating settings and logs. Also, it requires a lot of tuning to only show accurate data.

Also, another common complaint I saw is the cost. It can be expensive, particularly for smaller businesses. I have seen several users mention that while the platform offers strong security features, the cost does not always align with expectations, especially when compared to alternative solutions.

Nevertheless, if you’re a mid-sized to large organization with an experienced IT team, ESET PROTECT is worth considering.

What I dislike about ESET Protect:

• Based on my research, while it’s not the most expensive security solution out there, it’s not exactly cheap either. If you’re a smaller business on a tight budget, you might find it hard to justify the cost, especially when competitors offer similar features at a comparable price. 
• I found that the initial setup and fine-tuning to fit the organization’s needs definitely takes time. So, expect a learning curve before everything runs smoothly.

What G2 users dislike about ESET Protect: 

"It is quite hard to automate security settings over my entire security stack and also having to reinstall it separately on every new machine is also quite irritating and consumes too much time and manual effort."

- ESET Protect Review, Lisa R. 

Frequently asked questions (FAQ) on EDR software 

1. What is EDR software?

EDR (Endpoint Detection and Response) software is a cybersecurity solution designed to monitor, detect, and respond to threats on endpoints, such as computers, servers, and mobile devices. It provides real-time threat detection, forensic analysis, and automated incident response.

2. How does EDR software work?

EDR software continuously collects and analyzes endpoint activity data to identify suspicious behavior. It uses behavioral analytics, machine learning, and threat intelligence to detect anomalies, flags potential security threats, and respond to incidents either automatically or with security team intervention.

3. What is the difference between EDR and NDR software?

While EDR (Endpoint Detection and Response) focuses on protecting individual endpoints from cyber threats, NDR (Network Detection and Response) monitors network traffic for threats and anomalies. Both solutions are crucial for a strong cybersecurity posture, often working together to provide comprehensive protection.

4. What are the best EDR software solutions?

The best EDR software depends on your organization's needs. Some top-rated solutions include CrowdStrike Falcon, SentinelOne, Microsoft Defender for Endpoint, Huntress Managed EDR, and Sophos Intercept X. 

5. Is there free EDR software available?

Yes, some cybersecurity vendors offer free EDR solutions or trials with limited features. Microsoft Defender, for example, provides basic endpoint protection for Windows users. However, enterprise-level EDR solutions usually require a paid subscription to access advanced features like automated threat response and forensic analysis.

6. What should I look for in an EDR solution?

When choosing an EDR tool, consider:

• Threat detection capabilities (behavioral analytics, AI-driven insights)
• Automated response features (isolation, remediation)
• Integration with existing security tools (SIEM, firewalls, NDR)
• Ease of deployment and management (cloud-based or on-premises options)
• Scalability and cost-effectiveness

The end is just the beginning

If there’s one thing I’ve learned from researching these EDR solutions, it’s that picking the right one is less about flashy features and more about how well it fits your actual needs. Every vendor talks about "next-gen," "AI-powered," and "seamless protection," but what really makes a difference is how these tools perform in real-world environments.

I'd say even the best EDRs have trade-offs. Some prioritize detection speed over reducing false positives, others bundle in backup and patching, and a few take a fully managed approach to ease the burden on security teams. And while pricing always plays a role, the real cost isn’t just in the license. It’s in how much effort it takes to manage, tune, and respond to alerts.

If you ask me, your team’s workflow should dictate your choice. If you need hands-on control and deep forensics, something like Defender for Endpoint or SentinelOne makes sense. But if your team can’t afford to be bogged down in constant alert triage, a managed solution like Huntress might be the better fit.

At the end of the day, the best EDR is the one that keeps your team efficient while keeping threats out. Because a tool that doesn’t work the way you need it to—no matter how powerful—won’t actually protect anything.

Still on the hunt? Explore our categories of cloud security tools to find the best fit for your security needs.