Top EDR tools for MSPs & IT teams to enhance cybersecurity

Cybersecurity attacks are at an all-time high, according to an ITRC report. They’ve increased in frequency by 72 percent from 2021 to 2023, meaning it’s as important as ever for MSPs and IT teams to prepare for them. One of the best ways to combat cyber attacks is a strong EDR (Endpoint Detection and Response) tool.

EDR tools help fight cybersecurity attacks by:

• Monitoring system activity in real-time
• Identifying and analyzing suspicious behavior
• Alerting the IT team to the looming issues
• Automatically remediating issues

There’s a plethora of options available in this arena. The tool that works best for you will depend on your organization’s specific needs. We’ve reviewed the best options so you can choose an EDR tool that does the above and more. Learn all about them below.

What is an EDR tool?

An EDR tool is software used by MSPs and IT departments to monitor, detect, and respond to security threats on endpoints in real time. EDR tools help mitigate potential breaches by providing automated responses, threat analysis, and detailed reports and logs.

Many EDR tools offer advanced features for expanded functionality. The illustration below visually depicts EDR tools’ various capabilities.

Understanding EDR

Here are more details about each of these EDR tool capabilities.

What to look for in an EDR tool

When evaluating EDR tools, it’s essential to know what features to prioritize to ensure comprehensive endpoint security and effective threat management.

1. Strong feature set

When exploring options, it’s best to prioritize EDR software with a strong feature set that helps secure endpoints and devices. Key features include:

• Real-time monitoring of endpoints to detect unusual behavior and potential threats
• Threshold-based alerting to alert technicians of any looming issues
• Threat response to isolate infected devices and stop threats
• Remediation and recovery to automatically remove malware and recover compromised data
• Data collection to keep a log of activities and to monitor the origin and spread of attacks
• Reporting and analytics to gain insights into vulnerabilities and endpoint health
• Centralized management to monitor endpoints and manage alerts with ease

The best EDR software also offers standout features like AI-powered device troubleshooting, which further assists in securing endpoints and streamlining IT management. Atera is a good example of such a solution. 

2. Platform usability

The best EDR software should be easy to implement across enterprises, and equally easy to leverage. Users should expect to be able to:

• Manage and monitor all endpoints from a centralized location
• Create new customer profiles with ease for quick onboarding
• Customize the settings to meet organizational needs
• Generate automation profiles to reduce manual tasks
• Generate reports to gain insights

Successful implementation of an EDR tool largely depends on how intuitive and easy-to-use the admin dashboard is. The dashboard should give you an overview of the health of your IT infrastructure. It should allow you to seamlessly navigate between different tools and interfaces, as well as effortlessly perform with a good IT monitoring tool.

An example of an intuitive admin dashboard from Atera

If you’re seeking confirmation that a specific EDR software is intuitive and user-friendly, you can look at customer reviews from platforms like G2 and Capterra. 

For instance, Atera’s IT management platform integrates EDR, and over 350+ G2 reviews speak to its ease of deployment. One G2 user says Atera is the most intuitive piece of software he has used in his 20+ years of experience in IT. This feedback speaks volumes about its intuitiveness.

3. Available integrations

Most organizations rely on integrations to extend the capabilities of their EDR tools. Becoming aware of a tool’s available integrations before you buy is essential research. For example, Atera showcases its integrations on its website (shown here):

Atera’s available security integrations

While EDR software offers built-in security features, integrations with third-party security tools further improve the security. For reference, Atera integrates with Bitdefender, Cynet, Emsisoft, ThreatDown, and more to help further secure endpoints.

4. Excellent support

If any problems arise (and they usually do), your chosen EDR software should have a robust support system in place.

Not only should a tool include chat and email technical support, but it should also offer self-help materials. That includes knowledge base articles, videos, and an active IT community that allows you to troubleshoot problems and share the best IT practices.

Atera’s IT community

Looking at customer reviews can help determine if a tool has the right levels of support for your team.

The 10 best EDR tools in 2024 

We have divided the best EDR tools into:

• Best large-scale enterprise EDR tools
• Best EDR tools for MSPs
• Best overall value EDR tools
• Best IT management software with integrated EDR

Each tool description outlines the key features, customer reviews, pricing, and any standout features. This information makes it easy to choose the best EDR solution for your organization.

Best EDR tools for large-scale enterprises

For a quick overview, we have created the following comparison table:

Below is more information about each tool in detail.

1. CrowdStrike Falcon

CrowdStrike Falcon offers plans for small businesses, but it is mostly designed for enterprises that manage thousands of endpoints and require top-tier protection and analytics. It offers powerful threat-hunting capabilities, fast response times, and a low impact on system performance.

According to a G2 user, CrowdStrike Falcon’s most beneficial features are automatic threat detection, good integrations with existing systems, and its ability to run in the background on all the CommScope computers. The tool is also easy to use yet offers advanced features.

G2 rating: 4.7 out of 5.0 stars (270+ reviews)

Capterra rating: 4.7 out of 5.0 stars (30+ reviews)

CrowdStrike Falcon pricing:

• Small businesses: The pricing plans range from $59.99 to $99.99 per device, and the final price depends on the number of devices you manage.
• Enterprises: The pricing plans for enterprises range from $99.99 per device to $184.99 per device. For large organizations, there is also a custom quotation option available.

2. Microsoft Defender for Endpoint

Microsoft Defender for Endpoint is aimed at enterprises that need robust tools for preventing, detecting, investigating, and responding to threats. It comes with threat intelligence, analytics, and automated incident response features. The threat intelligence tool identifies potential threats and helps security teams mitigate them before they affect operations.

Many users appreciate its ability to integrate with existing Microsoft products, such as Office 365, Azure, and Active Directory. This makes it ideal for organizations that already use Microsoft services and require comprehensive endpoint protection.

G2 rating: 4.4 out of 5.0 stars (300+ reviews)

Capterra rating: 4.6 out of 5.0 stars (10+ reviews)

Microsoft Defender for Endpoint pricing:

• Pricing is based on custom quotation and a 30-day free trial is available

3. Palo Alto Networks Cortex XDR

Cortex XDR combines EDR with network and cloud security, providing an expansive security framework across multiple environments. It is designed to handle complex enterprise environments and provides detailed analytics and forensics. Cortex XDR has an automated root cause analysis tool that helps determine the root causes of problems and identify appropriate corrective measures.

A Capterra user mentions that the main benefit of Cortex XDR is that it makes networks more secure. According to the reviewer, their old AV tool allowed some security issues to slip, causing network problems. Cortex XDR resolved these oversights.

G2 rating: 4.7 out of 5.0 stars (40+ reviews)

Capterra rating: 4.3 out of 5.0 stars (10+ reviews)

Palo Alto Networks Cortex XDR pricing:

• To get the pricing, you need to request a demo from Palo Alto Networks website

Best for MSPs and IT departments 

Here is a quick overview of the best EDR software for MSPs:

4. SentinelOne

SentinelOne is mainly known as a robust IT automation tool, which makes it ideal for MSPs that need to manage multiple client environments. Similar to Atera, SentinelOne has a built-in AI to automate threat detection and response. SentinelOne integrates with Pax8, N-able, ConnectWise, and NinjaOne, helping to extend its functionality.

According to G2 users, SentinelOne is an easy-to-use EDR tool with a minimal learning curve. It offers advanced threat-hunting and AI capabilities. Perhaps this is why it’s one of the most expensive EDR solutions. 

G2 rating: 4.7 out of 5.0 stars (170+ reviews)

Capterra rating: 4.8 out of 5.0 stars (80+ reviews)

SentinelOne pricing:

• Singularity Core: $69.99 per month for 5-100 workstations
• Singularity Control: $79.99 for 5-100 workstations
• Singularity Complete: $159.99 for 5-100 workstations
• Singularity Commercial: $209.99 per month for 5-100 workstations
• Singularity Enterprise: Pricing is based on custom quotation

5. Sophos Intercept X

Sophos Intercept X provides a centralized management dashboard that allows MSPs to monitor and respond to threats across multiple client environments. Its AI-powered threat detection effectively reduces MSPs’ manual IT management efforts.

Customer reviews about Sophos Intercept X reveal two stand-out features: threat-hunting and root-cause analysis. A G2 user says that the tool helps them proactively hunt for threats, investigate security incidents, and perform root cause analysis, which helps them figure out the root cause of ransomware attacks.

G2 rating: 4.6 out of 5.0 stars (440+ reviews)

Capterra rating: 4.5 out of 5.0 stars (200+ reviews)

Sophos Intercept X pricing:

• To get the pricing, you need to request a custom quotation from Sophos’ website

6. Bitdefender GravityZone

Bitdefender GravityZone is ideal for MSPs who need to manage multiple endpoints through a single interface. It offers real-time monitoring and alerting, advanced threat detection, and automated response capabilities. Bitdefender combines EDR with strong security features, which makes it a highly secure EDR tool.

Many Bitdefender customers appreciate its fair pricing. A Capterra user mentions that the pricing is reasonable when considering the tool’s provided benefits. Bitdefender integrates with Atera for strong RMM capabilities.

G2 rating: 4.0 out of 5.0 stars (60+ reviews)

Capterra rating: 4.6 out of 5.0 stars (260+ reviews)

Bitdefender GravityZone pricing:

• The GravityZone Business Security Premium enterprise pricing plans start from $570 for a year for 10 devices

Best overall value EDR Tools

For a quick look at the overall best-value EDR tools, take a look at the following comparison:

Here is a more detailed look at each tool:

7. Trend Micro Apex One

Apex One offers good value by combining endpoint protection and EDR capabilities at a relatively low cost. It provides automated threat detection and response, making it a valuable option for businesses on a budget. To gain insights into your IT environment, Apex One offers customizable reports.

A G2 user mentions that the admin dashboard is easy to navigate and comes with a wide range of features for threat detection and response. Apex One can be integrated with SIEM and SOAR tools through an API. 

G2 rating: 4.3 out of 5.0 stars (100+ reviews)

Capterra rating: 4.4 out of 5.0 stars (20+ reviews)

Trend Micro Apex One pricing:

• Based on custom quotation. To get the pricing, visit the Trend Micro website and fill in the form

8. Check Point Harmony Endpoint

Check Point Harmony Endpoint helps IT teams and MSPs protect against all forms of external threats, such as ransomware attacks. It’s highly effective in this regard—a G2 user mentioned an 80% reduction in ransomware attacks while using the tool.

Harmony Endpoint’s key features include threat hunting to identify problems, remote access for remote configuration, patch management to keep systems up-to-date, and security policy enforcement to safeguard sensitive data. Check Point also offers other security tools that can be integrated. However, this comes at an extra cost.

G2 rating: 4.5 out of 5.0 stars (140+ reviews)

Capterra rating: 4.0 out of 5.0 stars (2 reviews)

Check Point Harmony Endpoint pricing:

• To get the pricing, you need to request a demo from Check Point’s website

9. Kaspersky Endpoint Detection and Response

Kaspersky offers an EDR tool with strong detection capabilities at an affordable price. Its solid malware detection performance and easy-to-use interface make it a great choice for businesses seeking value. Kaspersky assists with automated incident management, threat detection, compliance and reporting, and detailed visibility into endpoint activity, making it a good incident management tool for IT teams.

Although its tools are robust, it’s received negative feedback for other aspects. A G2 user mentions that the third-party integrations are limited, the product is complex to use, and its threat detection tool gives false positives.

G2 rating: 4.3 out of 5.0 stars (30+ reviews)

Capterra rating: 4.5 out of 5.0 stars (2 reviews)

Kaspersky Endpoint Detection and Response pricing:

• The pricing is based on a custom quotation. To obtain it, contact Kaspersky’s sales team on their website.

Best IT management software with integrated EDR

10. Atera

Atera is an all-in-one IT management platform that enables IT departments and MSPs to monitor and respond to endpoint issues in real time. It integrates with the best EDR tools—such as Bitdefender, Cynet, and ESET—to further enhance security and improve threat detection and response. 

Atera’s goal is to combine broader IT security with integrated EDR capabilities, giving IT pros a unified platform for managing and securing their endpoints. The key features of this include real-time vulnerability scanning, AI-driven threat detection, automated patch management, remote access, and reporting and analytics. 

Atera has advanced automation built in for tasks such as device troubleshooting and IT ticketing, which helps minimize repetitive and manual work. Addtionally, it offers a transparent pay-per-technician pricing model, which allows IT teams to monitor unlimited endpoints/devices and still pay a fixed monthly fee.

G2 rating: 4.6 out of 5.0 stars (700+ reviews)

What Atera users are saying on G2:

• Atera’s pricing is fair, the product is easy to use, and the 24/7 technical support is excellent, according to a G2 user.

• Another G2 user appreciates Atera’s integrations. There are multiple third-party integrations for the same need, such as endpoint protection and backups.

Capterra rating: 4.6 out of 5.0 stars (380+ reviews)

What Atera users are saying on Capterra:

• A Capterra user shares that Atera has empowered their IT team to bring IT management fully in-house and realize faster response times, leading to cost savings of over six figures.

• “A Capterra user appreciates Atera’s pay-per-technician pricing, which means the price remains fixed whether you manage 5 or 5,000 endpoints. 

Atera pricing:

Atera pricing plans for IT departments: 

• Professional: $149 per month, per technician
• Expert: $189 per month, per technician
• Master: $219 per month, per technician
• Enterprise: Custom quotation; contact sales to get pricing

Atera pricing plans for MSPs:

• Pro: $129 per month, per technician
• Growth: $179 per month, per technician
• Power: $209 per month, per technician
• Superpower (Enterprise): Custom quotation; contact sales to get pricing

Atera’s partners against security threats

Bitdefender

ThreatDown

Cynet

Keeper

Discover more

What to consider when selecting an EDR tool

In the end, the best EDR solution depends on your organizational needs. You need to consider factors like your budget, existing infrastructure, the amount of endpoints managed, etc.

If you’re still not sure which tool fits you the best, consider these things:

• Your budget: Does the EDR tool fit your organization’s budget, and what kind of pricing structure is available?
• The amount of endpoints managed: Is the tool scalable, and does it fit your current endpoint management needs?
• Integration with existing infrastructure: Does the EDR tool integrate with your current IT infrastructure?
• Ease of use: How user-friendly is the tool?
• Future-proofing: Is the EDR solution capable of evolving with your organization’s needs?

As an alternative to standalone EDR tools, Atera is a strong choice among IT teams and MSPs. Atera’s IT management platform offers built-in IT security features—Such as real-time threat detection and response—and integrates with the best EDR tools for further security. 

Atera’s goal is to provide a unified platform for IT security and management so IT teams don’t have to invest in redundant software to meet their IT support needs.
If this piques your interest, take an easy first step and sign up for Atera’s 30-day free trial. You can also contact our sales team for a custom demo.