The ripple effects of a single software update error in July 2024 paralyzed major healthcare institutions, banks, and airlines worldwide. A defective CrowdStrike Falcon update triggered this global outage that affected thousands of users.
CrowdStrike safeguards over 30,000 organizations globally, but this whole ordeal explains why security teams need backup options. Companies switching to competitors like SentinelOne and Bitdefender have reported substantial cost benefits - 16% and 4.5% savings on average.
We tested several CrowdStrike alternatives to help you make an informed choice. This is just a part of it. Palo Alto stands out with perfect MITRE ATT&CK scores, while Bitdefender offers budget-conscious plans from $199.49/year.
Your organization's endpoint security deserves multiple layers of protection. These alternatives could be your next security solution.
SentinelOne distinguishes itself from CrowdStrike with its Singularity platform. The platform unifies endpoint, cloud, and identity protection through one autonomous system.
SentinelOne Key Features
The Singularity platform uses powerful static and behavioral AI that makes machine-speed decisions against threats. The platform's ActiveEDR technology gives immediate visibility and automated response capabilities for all endpoints.
SentinelOne's Storyline technology connects security events to create a clear attack narrative. This speeds up threat detection and cuts down manual analysis time.
The platform has Binary Vault for secure cloud-based file analysis and Cloud Funnel that streams telemetry data in real time.
SentinelOne Pricing Plans
SentinelOne's tiered pricing structures fit different organizational needs:
Singularity Core: USD 6.00 per agent monthly
Singularity Control: USD 8.00 per agent monthly
Singularity Complete: USD 12.00 per agent monthly
The Complete package has advanced features like XDR capabilities, identity protection, and 24/7 threat hunting services.
SentinelOne Target Market
Organizations looking for advanced threat protection with minimal human intervention will find this platform valuable. Its elastic cloud compute components scale to support up to 500,000+ agents per cluster.
The Singularity platform works best for enterprises that need detailed security in operating systems of all types, including Windows, macOS, and Linux.
SentinelOne's multi-tenant architecture and role-based access control make it a great fit for organizations with complex management hierarchies.
Microsoft Defender for Endpoint competes with CrowdStrike as an enterprise endpoint security platform. It combines behavioral sensors, cloud analytics, and threat intelligence.
Microsoft Defender Features
Windows 10 has endpoint behavioral sensors that collect and process system signals. These signals flow into Microsoft's cloud security analytics system to detect threats immediately.
The system uses cloud-based security analytics to turn behavioral signals into applicable information through device learning. Microsoft's extensive Windows ecosystem data makes this possible. This combination allows quick threat detection and automated responses.
The platform protects against attacks by ensuring proper configuration settings and using exploit mitigation techniques. It takes a proactive approach to prevent network vulnerabilities instead of just reacting to threats.
Microsoft Defender Pricing
Microsoft Defender for Endpoint comes with two pricing options:
Plan 1: USD 3.00 per user monthly
Plan 2: USD 5.20 per user monthly
We focused on next-generation protection and attack surface reduction in Plan 1.
Plan 2 adds advanced features like endpoint detection, automated investigation, and threat hunting capabilities.
Microsoft Defender Integration Benefits
The platform works naturally with Microsoft solutions like Azure Defender, Microsoft Sentinel, and Microsoft Defender for Office. This integration creates unified pre- and post-breach enterprise defense capabilities.
Microsoft Defender for Cloud sets up the Defender for Endpoint sensor on supported machines automatically. This automation makes deployment easier and cuts down on administrative work.
A unified dashboard brings together security operations for endpoints, devices, and applications. Security teams can monitor and respond to threats from one interface.
Microsoft Defender's threat intelligence network analyzes over 78 trillion signals daily.
These come from major clouds and more than 10,000 security experts across 72 countries. This massive data collection helps detect threats faster and respond more accurately.
Cortex XDR Capabilities
The platform combines network, endpoint, and cloud data through a complete security ecosystem. Its AI-powered local analysis checks thousands of file attributes and blocks malware.
Cortex XDR's behavioral analytics engine monitors more than 1,000 behavior attributes. This smart system spots suspicious activities and threats quickly.
WildFire malware prevention service integration boosts the platform's threat detection abilities. The platform's device control features also keep USB devices secure and protect endpoints from data loss.
Cortex XDR Cost Structure
Platform pricing changes based on size and needs:
Core Package: USD 55.00 per endpoint monthly
Advanced Package: USD 90.00 per endpoint monthly
Organizations see major cost benefits through:
44% lower costs through integrated tool consolidation
98% reduction in security alerts
8x faster investigations through root cause analysis
Cortex XDR Performance Metrics
Cortex XDR spotted 97% of attack substeps with technique-level analytics detections in MITRE ATT&CK Round 4 Evaluations. This result puts it ahead of many endpoint security market competitors.
The platform's analytics engine cuts investigation times by 88% through smart alert grouping and automated workflows. Security teams can focus on critical threats as a result.
The solution scores 98-100% consistently in performance tests. These numbers show how well it works in real-life security scenarios.
Trend Micro Vision One stands out as a cloud-native cybersecurity platform that processes over 250 million global sensors to provide complete threat intelligence.
Vision One Core Features
This platform excels at proactive cyber risk management with its AI-powered capabilities. The system analyzes deep activity data from email, endpoints, servers, and cloud workloads.
Vision One's security framework includes:
Advanced XDR capabilities for threat detection
Immediate risk assessment tools
Automated response workflows
Cross-layer protection mechanisms
The platform's AI Companion helps analysts search and understand complex threat activities. This feature optimizes investigation processes and speeds up threat response times.
Vision One Pricing Options
A unique credit-based pricing model powers the platform, with different endpoints needing various credit allocations. This approach means organizations pay only for what they use.
Organizations can test Vision One's capabilities with a 30-day free trial. Users get access to the platform's complete feature set and integration options during this period.
Vision One Use Cases
Companies using Vision One report major improvements in their threat detection capabilities. Users have seen fewer successful attacks after deployment.
The platform excels at tracking and monitoring security incidents. Companies report better visibility of their IT infrastructure and risk management capabilities.
Vision One's workload security features work well in hybrid environments and support operating systems and server configurations of all types. Users can deploy the platform easily and detect threats almost instantly.
A unified dashboard lets organizations manage proactive cyber risk assessment and threat detection from one console. The platform's large third-party integration ecosystem makes it adaptable to different security environments.
Bitdefender GravityZone earned the AV-TEST Award 2023 for Best Protection and Best Performance in the business users category. The platform gives enterprise-grade protection to organizations of all sizes through its complete unified security approach.
GravityZone Security Features
The platform uses 30+ machine learning-driven security technologies that work in multiple layers. Its Advanced Anti-Exploit technology stops zero-day attacks through proactive detection mechanisms.
The system creates tamper-proof backups with its Ransomware Mitigation feature whenever it detects suspicious encryption processes. Network Attack Defense protects against brute force attacks, port scans, and password stealers.
GravityZone's Sandbox Analyzer tests suspicious files in a secure virtual environment. This automated analysis helps identify potential threats before they can run on the network.
GravityZone Pricing Plans
The platform comes with three distinct packages:
Business Security: USD 77.69 for 3 devices
Business Security Premium: USD 286.99 for 5 devices
Business Security Enterprise: Custom pricing based on requirements
Business Security Premium has advanced features like mobile device security, cloud-based sandbox analysis, and fileless attack defense.
GravityZone Implementation Process
A single integrated management console makes deployment simple. Organizations can track, manage, and automate cybersecurity events without dedicated servers or extra IT staff.
Setting up the system doesn't need advanced IT security knowledge. The system updates threat detection algorithms automatically without user intervention or disruptions.
GravityZone works with operating systems of all types, including Windows, Linux, and macOS. Bitdefender Endpoint Security Tools, the security agent, provides complete protection on all supported platforms.
The platform's Content Control module scans web traffic and blocks malicious websites, files, and phishing attempts. Its Device Control feature reduces data leakage risks by managing external device connections.
Sophos Intercept X stands out in the endpoint security market with its deep learning AI technology. The system analyzes thousands of file attributes to detect both known and unknown malware.
Intercept X Key Features
The platform's CryptoGuard technology monitors malicious encryption processes and recovers files automatically. Users can instantly restore affected files to their pre-attack state.
Sophos Intercept X has 60+ proprietary exploit mitigations that make Windows security stronger. The system's Adaptive Attack Protection dynamically improves defenses when it detects hands-on-keyboard attacks.
Threat intelligence flows smoothly between endpoints and firewalls through synchronized security. The behavioral analysis engine stops threats before they become serious.
Intercept X Pricing Structure
Sophos provides three pricing tiers:
Intercept X Advanced: USD 28.00 per user annually
Intercept X Advanced with XDR: USD 48.00 per user annually
Sophos Managed Threat Response: USD 79.00 per user annually
The Advanced package has threat protection and exposure reduction features. The XDR package adds extended detection and response capabilities to provide better security coverage.
Intercept X Target Audience
Organizations get complete endpoint protection without infrastructure costs with this solution. The cloud-based management console deploys quickly and becomes operational in minutes instead of hours.
Businesses that need unified security management find Sophos Intercept X highly effective. Users can manage their security status and recover lost passwords on their own through the platform's self-service portal.
The solution protects 100 million users across 150 countries and 550,000 businesses, showing it works well for organizations of all sizes. Managed service providers can handle multiple customer installations through a single interface thanks to its multi-tenant architecture.
Broadcom's Symantec business has a 40-year legacy that surpasses many CrowdStrike competitors in raw security capabilities. This shows in its top three score in recent MITRE testing.
Symantec Security Features
The platform's Adaptive Protection technology cuts down attack surfaces by turning off unused processes and features. Its Global Intelligence Network analyzes threat data from over 175 million devices across 175 countries.
The system uses 30+ machine learning technologies backed by one of the world's largest civilian threat databases. We used behavioral analysis tools to detect and stop zero-day attacks that target memory-based vulnerabilities.
Symantec Pricing Options
Symantec Endpoint Security Complete comes with competitive pricing:
Enterprise Package: USD 16.00 per endpoint annually (for 25,000 endpoints)
Custom solutions available for deployments of all sizes
The platform brings substantial cost advantages through:
Less system downtime
Better productivity
A stronger security posture
Symantec Enterprise Benefits
The solution's single-agent architecture makes deployment and management simple across cloud, hybrid, and on-premises environments. Its AI-guided policy management strengthens security without adding headcount.
The platform's central control console provides flexible administration and auto-discovery features. The system protects thoroughly while using minimal resources through its single-agent stack.
The solution connects with network security infrastructure through open APIs. This continuous connection allows automated orchestration with existing IT systems.
Symantec's threat hunting and automated response tools work well in enterprise environments. The platform's patch management and intrusion detection modules make it a complete endpoint security solution.
VMware Carbon Black's intelligent system hardening and behavioral prevention capabilities analyze more than 1 trillion security events daily through its cloud-native platform.
Carbon Black Capabilities
The platform's EDR console shows detailed triage information and tracks timestamps, arguments, privileges, and process IDs. We used its "Go Live" feature to let security analysts access hosts remotely through the Carbon Black agent.
Behavioral AI mechanisms in the system analyze unfiltered data to identify patterns and predict threats. The platform's streaming prevention technology stops threats before they execute.
The proprietary Predictive Cloud Security system quickly identifies threats by running secondary scans of global event data. This approach helps detect emerging hacker campaigns and evolving attack methods.
Carbon Black Pricing
VMware Carbon Black offers three distinct software bundles:
Endpoint Standard: Next-gen antivirus and behavioral EDR with optional alert monitoring
Endpoint Advanced: Risk-prioritized vulnerability assessment and device remediation
Endpoint Enterprise: Advanced threat hunting and incident response capabilities
The platform's annual cost starts at USD 28,000 on average, with maximum pricing reaching USD 130,000 based on specific organizational needs.
Carbon Black Integration Options
The Binary Toolkit makes integration between Enterprise EDR and binary analysis engines easier. The platform's CBC Python SDK provides an interface to manage endpoints and manipulate data.
The Data Forwarder sends alert, event, and watchlist hit data to AWS S3 buckets. Support for over 120 out-of-box integrations ensures uninterrupted connectivity with existing security infrastructure.
QRadar App lets you ingest alerts and run automated quarantine actions. The ServiceNow integration creates automatic incident tracking and helps manage devices.
The platform uses multi-tenant architecture to support customized role-based access for specific administrative groups. DUO Security and Google Authenticator improve the system's two-factor authentication.
Cybereason's SDR Platform launched in March 2024 represents a major transformation among CrowdStrike competitors. The platform unites endpoint protection, detection, and response into a single security portal.
Cybereason Core Features
The platform's MalOp Detection Engine looks at 9.8PB of threat intelligence weekly to show complete attack patterns. The AI-powered system processes raw endpoint data instantly to identify threats quickly.
Automated remediation features cut down repair time from days to minutes. A single analyst can handle up to 200,000 enterprise endpoints efficiently.
The Operation-Centric approach combines related attack activities into complete MalOps displays. The platform's behavioral analysis watches subtle signs to catch attacks never seen before.
Cybereason Pricing Plans
The platform comes with three enterprise packages:
Enterprise Prevention: Basic protection package
Enterprise Advanced: Complete threat detection and response
Enterprise Complete: Advanced SOC tools to find hidden attackers
Prices start at USD 50.00 per endpoint. Organizations can get volume discounts for bigger deployments.
Cybereason Market Focus
Organizations looking to increase efficiency through automated triage and investigation will find this platform valuable. A lightweight agent makes deployment smooth on operating systems of all types.
The platform's SDR architecture eliminates security data silos. This reduces the long investigation times that often slow down SIEM-based operations. Security teams can detect both signature-based and sophisticated APT attacks with proactive hunting features.
Security teams see complete attack timelines, root causes, and affected endpoints in a visual incident response console. This helps them make quick decisions without spending time gathering information.
Kaspersky Endpoint Security analyzes threat data from 2.5 billion trusted programs in its Dynamic Whitelisting database. This makes it a strong alternative among CrowdStrike competitors.
Kaspersky Key Features
The platform's Host-based Intrusion Prevention System blocks manual hacker attacks by monitoring log files and event data. Its Adaptive Anomaly Control learns user behavior patterns and spots account hijacks effectively.
Exploit Prevention keeps watch over common entry points with special attention to Adobe Acrobat files, Flash scripts, and Microsoft Office utilities. The Security Persistence feature protects against any tampering attempts.
Data on mobile devices stays safe with 256-bit AES encryption through Full Disk Encryption. Users can also opt for File Level Encryption that automatically encrypts files based on their type and location.
Kaspersky Pricing Structure
The platform comes in three pricing tiers:
Essential Suite: USD 29.99 monthly
Advanced Suite: USD 39.99 monthly
Premium Suite: USD 44.99 monthly
Next Generation protection combined with role-based management costs USD 77.00 per node yearly in the Advanced package.
Kaspersky Implementation Process
System administrators can manage multiple endpoints from the Security Center console. The unified dashboard lets them track each instance's performance right after deployment.
Cloud and on-premises deployments work smoothly thanks to the platform's multi-tenant architecture. The automated patch management system keeps protection current without manual updates.
Setting up the platform needs minimal IT knowledge since it updates threat detection algorithms automatically. The system integrates seamlessly with external platforms of all types.
The solution analyzes threat data from 175 million endpoints in 175 countries. Businesses of all sizes benefit from immediate threat detection and response through AI-powered technologies.
Check Point's Harmony Endpoint provides 360-degree endpoint protection through a unified security solution that analyzes data from more than 60 AI engines.
Harmony Endpoint Features
The platform automatically restores encrypted files from snapshots when ransomware strikes, which keeps businesses running smoothly. The threat prevention system protects email, web browsing, and file systems.
A single-agent architecture combines EPP, EDR, and XDR capabilities. Users get complete support for Windows, Mac, Linux, and mobile devices during deployment.
Check Point's ThreatCloud AI processes data from hundreds of millions of sensors worldwide. This big network helps stop zero-day attacks and prevents advanced threats on all endpoints.
Harmony Endpoint Pricing
The platform comes in several packages that match different security needs:
Data Protection: Simple data security features
Basic: Core endpoint protection
Advanced: Better security capabilities
Complete: Full security suite
Users can add XPR, Vulnerability Management, and Threat Hunting Data Retention as extras. Companies can try the platform for 30 days before making a decision.
Harmony Endpoint Use Cases
IMC Companies stopped all ransomware attacks after they started using Harmony Endpoint. TopRx achieved better security with minimal upkeep requirements.
The Mississippi Secretary of State's office reported no advanced malware or ransomware incidents for almost a year after deployment. These results show how well the platform works in real-life situations.
The solution works best for companies that need automated threat detection, with 90% of attack detection and investigation happening automatically. Many users praise the platform's defense against sophisticated phishing attacks without slowing down work.
GenAI security features let organizations track and manage generative AI tool usage. This helps companies stay compliant while making the most of new technologies.
Conclusion
Different organizations need different security solutions. Our analysis shows several resilient alternatives to CrowdStrike, and each competitor offers distinct benefits.
SentinelOne excels with its autonomous protection system. Microsoft Defender's strength lies in its uninterrupted ecosystem integration. Palo Alto's perfect MITRE scores showcase its excellent threat detection abilities.
Companies watching their budget might prefer Bitdefender's economical plans that start at $199.49 per year. Large enterprises can take advantage of Symantec's detailed feature set at $16 per endpoint annually.
Your organization should assess its specific needs against each solution's strengths. The decision depends on integration capabilities, pricing structure, and target market focus.
The best endpoint security solution lines up with your organization's size, budget, and security goals. We suggest you try multiple options through free trials to make your final choice.
FAQs
Q1. Who are CrowdStrike's main competitors in the endpoint security market? The top competitors to CrowdStrike include SentinelOne, Microsoft Defender for Endpoint, and Palo Alto Cortex XDR. These solutions offer advanced threat detection, AI-powered analytics, and comprehensive endpoint protection capabilities.
Q2. What are some cost-effective alternatives to CrowdStrike? Bitdefender GravityZone and Sophos Intercept X are notable cost-effective alternatives. Bitdefender offers plans starting at $199.49 per year, while Sophos provides competitive pricing tiers with advanced features for different organizational needs.
Q3. How do CrowdStrike alternatives compare in terms of threat detection capabilities? Many alternatives offer robust threat detection capabilities. For instance, Palo Alto Cortex XDR achieved 100% detection in MITRE ATT&CK evaluations, while Symantec Endpoint Security employs 30+ machine learning technologies for advanced threat detection.
Q4. Which CrowdStrike alternative is best suited for large enterprises? Symantec Endpoint Security is well-suited for large enterprises, offering comprehensive protection at $16 per endpoint annually for deployments of 25,000 endpoints. It provides adaptive protection, a global intelligence network, and integration capabilities ideal for complex enterprise environments.
Q5. Are there CrowdStrike alternatives that offer both cloud and on-premises deployment options? Yes, several alternatives offer flexible deployment options. For example, Kaspersky Endpoint Security supports both cloud and on-premises deployments with its multi-tenant architecture, catering to organizations with diverse infrastructure requirements.