🛡️ SMB Antivirus & EDR

AV vs EDR: What Is the Difference?

Traditional antivirus (AV) works by matching files against a database of known malware signatures. If the malware is new or customized, AV misses it. EDR (Endpoint Detection and Response) goes further: it monitors for suspicious behavior — a process suddenly encrypting hundreds of files, a PowerShell script downloading from an unknown server, an application trying to read your password database. For small businesses, the sweet spot is what analysts call "SMB EDR" — EDR capabilities at non-enterprise pricing.

Detailed Reviews

1. Microsoft Defender for Business — Best for M365 Shops

If your team already uses Microsoft 365 Business Premium ($22/user/month), Defender for Business is included at no extra cost. It brings enterprise-grade EDR with automated investigation, threat hunting, and vulnerability management — all managed through the same Microsoft 365 admin console you already use. For non-M365 shops, it is available standalone at $3/user/month. The main downside: it is Windows-only for the full EDR features (Mac and mobile get lighter coverage).

2. Bitdefender GravityZone — Best Value Feature Set

Bitdefender consistently ranks at or near the top in independent AV lab tests (AV-Test, AV-Comparatives, SE Labs). GravityZone Business Security includes EDR, ransomware protection, web filtering, and device control at $3.50/device/month — the most features per dollar of any option. The web console is powerful but has a learning curve. If your business handles sensitive data and you want maximum protection for minimum cost, Bitdefender is the pick.

3. Sophos Intercept X — Best Anti-Ransomware

Sophos built its reputation on ransomware protection, and Intercept X includes CryptoGuard — technology that detects and blocks ransomware encryption in real time, rolling back any files that were encrypted before detection kicked in. Sophos also offers MTR (Managed Threat Response) as an add-on — meaning Sophos analysts actively monitor your endpoints and respond to threats. This is essentially outsourcing your SOC. Pricing is higher (~$5/device/month + MTR add-on), but for businesses that cannot afford a security analyst, it is a good option.

4. CrowdStrike Falcon Go — Best Detection Engine

CrowdStrike is the gold standard in enterprise EDR — they are the company called in to investigate Fortune 500 breaches. Falcon Go ($4.99/device/month) brings CrowdStrike's AI-powered detection engine to small businesses in a simplified package. You get the same threat intelligence that protects the world's largest companies, minus the enterprise complexity. The 10-device minimum means you need 10+ endpoints to qualify. If you meet that threshold and want the best detection money can buy, CrowdStrike is the answer.

5. Malwarebytes Business — Best Lightweight Option

Malwarebytes is known for being lightweight and unobtrusive — it will not slow down older computers. The Business plan covers Windows, Mac, Android, and ChromeOS. However, its EDR capabilities are more limited than the other options here — it is closer to "advanced AV" than full EDR. Best for businesses that want basic protection without complexity, or as a second layer alongside Windows Defender.

Our Recommendation