The security we need today demands unified protection and real visibility of a fleet of devices distributed across Windows, macOS, and Linux environments, because the reality in SMEs is that mixed environments are increasingly common. With remote teams, cloud servers, and an office with BYOD policies, AI and automation are key in a defense system that ranges from simple antivirus to enterprise-level EDR/XDR — detection and response with context, telemetry, and reaction in seconds are the key pieces of a good defense.
After several interviews with IT managers, our analysis and the analysis and evaluation of independent tests, at Cybersec Manager we have managed to narrow down the huge list of options against business cyber threats with a multiplatform approach to these options: CrowdStrike Falcon, SentinelOne Singularity, Microsoft Defender for Endpoint, Palo Alto Cortex XDR, Sophos Intercept X, Trend Micro Vision One, and Bitdefender GravityZone.
Each one excels in an area, from autonomous response to network integration and extremely granular policy control, without losing sight—even if only as a reference—of cybersecurity solutions for Windows, Mac, and Linux, which are already much better known.
Which option to choose?
Comparative table of the best cross-platform cybersecurity and antivirus solutions
| Product | Key Highlights | Pros and Cons | Price and Fit |
|---|---|---|---|
| CrowdStrike Falcon | Cloud-native EDR/XDR leadership with Threat Graph and OverWatch | Pros: lightweight agent, global intelligence, 24/7 hunting. Cons: higher price, additional modules, advanced configuration curve | From $59.99/device (~51.26 €/device), ideal for critical performance |
| SentinelOne Singularity | Autonomous endpoint response with ransomware rollback | Pros: automatic remediation, storyline, open marketplace. Cons: resource-intensive during analysis, dense interface at start | From $179.99/endpoint (~152.96 €/endpoint), ideal for companies with lean teams |
| Microsoft Defender for Endpoint | Native integration in Windows and XDR with Microsoft 365 | Pros: value if already using M365, TVM, ASR. Cons: less intuitive management on macOS/Linux, requires Azure knowledge | From €35.70/month. Fits perfectly in companies already working with Microsoft |
| Palo Alto Cortex XDR | Endpoint-network-cloud correlation with advanced analytics | Pros: complete visibility, powerful RCA, focus on Linux and cloud. Cons: maximum value only with Palo Alto firewalls, steep learning curve | From $81.00 per endpoint/year (~69.22 €/endpoint/year), ideal for companies working with Palo Alto Cortex |
| Sophos Endpoint with Intercept X | Easy management in Sophos Central and optional 24/7 MTR | Pros: CryptoGuard, clear console, great MTR value. Cons: heavier agent, less oriented to mega-environments | From €60.00 per user/year, excellent for small and mid-market companies |
| Trend Micro Vision One | XDR for hybrids with virtual patching and continuous risk | Pros: server protection, vulnerability shielding, very broad intelligence. Cons: complex interface, feeling of a composite product | From €55.00 per user/year, strong in multi-cloud hybrid environments |
| Bitdefender GravityZone | Leading antimalware engine and extreme policy control | Pros: minimal impact, HyperDetect, granular control. Cons: abundance of options can be overwhelming, growing brand in XDR | From $169.99/5 endpoints/year (~145.26 €/5 endpoints/year), ideal for admins seeking good fine-tuning |
Our evaluation criteria
How did we compile the list in the previous table? We started, of course, from years of experience testing and evaluating a wide variety of business tools. From there, we consulted the official documentation of each CRM, tested their free and paid plans in real-world environments, and gathered feedback from users who utilize them daily.
We have valued the ease of use and onboarding, which is key when we don’t want to waste time configuring the tools. We also analyzed whether the CRM provides real business value, specifically whether it improves efficiency, helps close more sales, and enables us to grow without the need to migrate to another platform.
The price-to-features ratio has been another key factor in this ranking, particularly since we are comparing quite similar alternatives. To validate our conclusions, we interviewed marketing professionals, sales consultants, and automation experts to gather their perspectives and present information supported by a comprehensive vision from all angles.
CrowdStrike Falcon: The Premier Cyber Threat Software
CrowdStrike Falcon is a benchmark when looking for the best antivirus for multiple devices with a focus on EDR/XDR, a cloud-native system, and a minimal footprint. Its Threat Graph and Falcon OverWatch service stand out.
In environments with Mac and Linux, feature parity and agent performance, combined with Windows support, make the choice a viable option. The ecosystem of modules allows us to grow towards identity, cloud, and risk posture with ease and only when needed.
Main Features of CrowdStrike Falcon
Falcon combines prevention, detection, response, and managed hunting in a single agent, doing so with excellent telemetry and a cloud analytics system.
- Unique and lightweight agent with deployment without reboots
- Threat Graph and AI analytics with event correlation
- Falcon OverWatch: expert-level 24/7 threat hunting
- Capability parity on Windows, macOS, and Linux
- Network connection monitoring and control via firewall to block threats and prevent unauthorized access
- Modules for identity, cloud, and risk exposure
- Extensive APIs and integrations to work alongside the current stack
Pros and Cons of CrowdStrike Falcon
Its excellent performance and managed hunting stand out, while the price is one of the factors to consider more carefully.
| Advantages of Crowdstrike Falcon | Disadvantages of Crowdstrike Falcon |
|---|---|
| Extremely lightweight agent | Higher than average price |
| Global intelligence and rapid detection | Advanced features only in modules |
| OverWatch with continuous hunting | Advanced management requires dedication |
| Excellent support for macOS and Linux | Segmented licensing by packages |
| Custom integrations with the ecosystem | Recommended training to make the most of it |
| Rich telemetry for forensics | Change management requires strict governance |
CrowdStrike Falcon Plans and Pricing
CrowdStrike Falcon offers 3 packages designed to meet the cybersecurity needs of businesses of all sizes. They are as follows:
- CrowdStrike Falcon Go: $59.99/device (~€51.26/device). Basic protection powered by artificial intelligence (AI) is especially designed to prevent security breaches and ransomware attacks.
- CrowdStrike Falcon Pro: $99.99/device (~€85.44/device). Comprehensive cybersecurity solution that allows easy management and enforcement of policies, with next-generation antivirus, firewall management, and device control.
- CrowdStrike Falcon Enterprise: $184.99/device (~€158.08/device). Endpoint protection solution from a single platform, console, and agent. Detects and responds to advanced attacks that exceed the capabilities of malware.
Is CrowdStrike Falcon easy to use?
Deployment is fast, and the console offers depth without sacrificing clarity, although the range of modules requires a governance phase and access profiles that we must consider.
SentinelOne Singularity: Autonomy and AI as a benchmark
SentinelOne prioritizes autonomy in its response thanks to on-agent AI, ransomware rollback, and it is accompanied by a storyline for a truly clear context, making it ideal for small teams.
On macOS and Linux, it offers functional parity with extensive coverage of the most modern attack techniques, allowing for remediation in seconds.
Main features of SentinelOne Singularity
The platform equates automatic response with detection, significantly reducing response times.
- Autonomous response on the agent itself
- Storyline: a visual narrative of each incident
- One-click ransomware rollback
- Singularity Marketplace with open integrations
- Full coverage on Windows, macOS, and Linux
- Offline mode with local behavioral AI
Pros and cons of SentinelOne Singularity
The autonomous approach greatly reduces MTTR and simplifies all operations, although its console requires getting familiar with the interface.
| Advantages of SentinelOne Singularity | Disadvantages of SentinelOne Singularity |
|---|---|
| Highly effective automatic remediation | Intensive analyses with higher peak resource usage |
| Context with Storyline for investigation | Dense interface in the first weeks |
| Anti-ransomware protection with rollback | Extensive catalog of settings to configure |
| Agile marketplace-type integrations | Reporting involves a considerable initial learning curve |
| Single agent for all platforms | Governance needed in larger environments |
| Highly effective operation without connectivity | Careful planning for more aggressive policies |
SentinelOne Singularity Plans and Prices
SentinelOne Singularity offers 3 paid subscriptions:
- Singularity Complete: $179.99/endpoint (~152.96 €/endpoint). Includes endpoint and cloud workload protection with AI, real-time threat detection and response, 14 days of data retention, and an AI-powered security assistant.
- Singularity Commercial: $229.99/endpoint (~196.53 €/endpoint). Includes everything in the Complete plan, plus identity detection and response, 90 days of data retention for extended analysis, and managed threat hunting for proactive threat discovery.
- Singularity Enterprise: Custom pricing. Includes everything in the Commercial plan, plus a SOC analyst with AI Agentic for automated triage, full visibility, and forensic analysis for deep network data collection, managed threat hunting, and MDR with expert 24/7 services.
Is SentinelOne easy to use?
Deployment is straightforward, and the baseline policies give good results from day one, and, with practice, the console speeds up investigation thanks to its Storyline.
Microsoft Defender for Endpoint: Microsoft’s proposal beyond Windows
Defender for Endpoint stands out especially when we already use Microsoft 365. With an agent already integrated into Windows and a unified XDR on macOS and Linux, the current maturity makes it an efficient option, complemented by TVM and ASR to effectively protect devices.
Main features of Microsoft Defender for Endpoint
Its value lies in the native integration and correlation with identity, email, and cloud apps, which it consolidates in a single place.
- Native integration in Windows 10/11
- Continuous Threat & Vulnerability Management
- Attack Surface Reduction with hardening rules
- Unified portal in Microsoft 365 Defender
- Sufficient support for macOS and Linux
- Integration with Azure, Entra ID, and Purview
Pros and cons of Microsoft Defender
Great value for money for companies already working with Microsoft, with sufficient cross-platform coverage, particularly in the Windows ecosystem.
| Advantages of Microsoft Defender | Disadvantages of Microsoft Defender |
|---|---|
| Excellent value in M365 E5 | Less intuitive management on nix |
| Very effective ASR and TVM | Azure knowledge recommended |
| Unified signals for XDR | Advanced reports depending on licenses |
| Smooth performance on Windows | Fine settings spread across portals |
| Automation with Power Automate | Full integrations only within the Microsoft ecosystem |
It is possible to access Microsoft Defender for Endpoint through these two plans:
- Microsoft Defender for Endpoint P1: Included in Microsoft 365 E3 (€35.70/month). It includes a basic set of capabilities, such as industry-leading antimalware software, reduction of attack surface exposure, and device-based conditional access.
- Microsoft Defender for Endpoint P2: Included in Microsoft 365 E5 (€57.70/month). It includes everything in the P1 plan, plus endpoint detection and response (EDR), automated investigation and incident response, as well as threat and vulnerability management.
Is Microsoft Defender for Endpoint easy to use?
For companies already on Microsoft 365, onboarding is natural and centralized, and on macOS, the agent maintains a lightweight and stable footprint.
Palo Alto Networks Cortex XDR: The Benchmark in Forensic Analysis
Cortex XDR stands out in the market for its excellent correlation between endpoint, network, and cloud and its extraordinarily deep analytics, especially if we already use Palo Alto’s firewalls.
The focus on Linux and cloud workloads provides us with visibility and context, aligning protection with root cause investigations.
Main Features of Cortex XDR
The offering combines telemetry from multiple domains and advanced analytics, very useful in the most complex incidents.
- Ingestion of endpoint, network, and cloud data
- Detailed and reproducible root cause analysis
- Robust protection for Linux servers and containers
- Behavior-based and ML detection
- Natural integration with Palo Alto NGFW
- Automation and orchestration with XSOAR
Pros and Cons of Cortex XDR
For architectures with Palo Alto, the synergy enhances detection and accelerates forensic analysis, utilizing a feature-rich platform that also presents some factors to consider.
| Advantages of Cortex XDR | Disadvantages of Cortex XDR |
|---|---|
| Holistic multi-domain vision | Maximum power only with in-house NGFW |
| Powerful and guided investigation | Steep learning curve |
| Excellent protection on Linux | Customized cost based on ingestion |
| XSOAR and ecosystem integration | Advanced design for experienced SOC |
| Very effective behavioral detection | Requires data governance and retention |
| Highly trusted enterprise brand | Recommended training for analysts |
Palo Alto Cortex XDR Plans and Pricing
Palo Alto does not make its pricing public, but sources like Underdefense Cybersecurity estimate a cost of $81.00 per endpoint/year (~€69.22 per endpoint/year). Support includes premium documentation, training, and professional services, aimed at well-established SOCs.
Is Cortex XDR easy to use?
The console is deep and stands out in the hands of well-trained analysts investigating the most complex campaigns with telemetry that provides complete context.
Sophos Endpoint with Intercept X: An anti-ransomware that goes far beyond
Sophos Endpoint (formerly known as Intercept X) effectively combines its CryptoGuard anti-ransomware, EDR, and a clear console in Sophos Central, and its optional MTR stands out in the mid-market.
For SMEs and mixed teams, it represents one of the best antivirus solutions for businesses, offering quick onboarding and a great balance between Internet security and a unified management system.
Main features of Sophos Endpoint
The design prioritizes operational clarity and coverage, making managed services affordable.
- Sophos Central: unified cloud console
- CryptoGuard against malicious encryption
- EDR with guided threat hunting
- MTR 24/7 with expert analysts
- Application, web, and device control
- Multiplatform support on Windows, macOS, and Linux
Pros and cons of Sophos Endpoint
Ease of use significantly reduces IT workload and facilitates adoption, offering benchmark anti-ransomware protection, but with certain aspects to consider.
| Advantages of Sophos Endpoint | Disadvantages of Sophos Endpoint |
|---|---|
| Very intuitive and organized console | Heavier agent on older devices |
| Highly effective CryptoGuard | Less focus on mega-enterprises |
| Competitive priced MTR | Advanced reports depending on package |
| Good balance between prevention and EDR | Limited granular settings compared to other alternatives |
| Integration with firewalls and mail | Policy catalog is limited by profile |
| Clear and close support | Migration requires group planning |
Sophos Endpoint Plans and Pricing
Sophos does not make public the prices of its cybersecurity solutions for Endpoints. However, we do know their different plans:
- Sophos Endpoint: Basic plan that offers protection against threats and leaks, ransomware, data loss, and other emerging threats.
- Sophos XDR: Includes everything in Sophos Endpoint, plus EDR and XDR tools with AI to identify, investigate, and respond to sophisticated threats.
- Sophos MDR: Includes everything in Sophos Endpoint, plus a 24/7 threat detection and response service managed through the endpoint protection tool you prefer.
- Sophos Endpoint for Legacy Platforms: Option to add as a complement, Sophos Endpoint protection on older operating systems.
Is Sophos Endpoint Easy to Use?
The entire experience in Sophos Central is direct and transparent, and its managed system greatly facilitates security management.
Trend Micro Vision One: On-prem protection for hybrid environments
Vision One stands out as one of the top security suites for on-prem and multi-cloud hybrid environments, where virtual patching is key to protecting unpatched systems. Additionally, it enables safeguarding the organization’s critical assets and managing essential security elements, such as data, applications, and systems, through layered protection. Correlation with XDR and protection on servers and email provides great depth to our overall security posture.
Main features of Trend Vision One
The platform connects signals from endpoints, servers, email, networks, and clouds, and helps us make decisions with accurate risk scoring.
- Broad XDR with telemetry from multiple domains
- Protection against vulnerabilities and virtual patching
- Strong heritage in server protection
- Zero-trust risk analysis and prioritization
- Integrations with public clouds and SaaS
- Containment and response automations
- Email protection against digital threats
- Secure mobile application management
Pros and cons of Trend Vision One
Hybrid coverage makes all the difference, reducing exposure windows and offering unique capabilities for operations and other factors to consider.
| Advantages of Vision One | Disadvantages of Vision One |
|---|---|
| Excellent protection on servers | Interface with navigation complexity |
| Differential virtual patching | A feeling of several integrated pieces |
| Extensive XDR telemetry | Learning curve to master views and flows |
| Reference threat intelligence | Scattered advanced settings |
| Good integrations with the cloud | Licensing with multiple models |
| Useful risk-based prioritization | Requires identity governance |
Trend Vision One Plans and Pricing
Starting from €55.00 per user/year, with flexible models for credits or subscription. Support with documentation, labs, and deployment advisory is highly rated in the enterprise.
Is Trend Vision One easy to use?
The breadth of signals requires a brief learning curve to navigate the XDR views. The value quickly appears in hybrid environments.
Bitdefender GravityZone: Top-level detection with surprisingly granular policies
GravityZone provides top-level detection and extremely granular policy control, all while minimizing resource impact. For administrators looking to fine-tune rules, isolation, and perform precise hardening, it is an excellent value-for-money choice.
Main features of Bitdefender GravityZone
Bitdefender GravityZone combines layers of ML, heuristics, anti-exploit, and signatures with EDR and risk analytics to achieve very interesting results. It also stands out in the following:
- Leading effectiveness antimalware engine
- HyperDetect adjustable
- Device control, apps, and an integrated firewall
- EDR and configuration risk management
- Advanced file protection and secure program management
- Full support on Windows, macOS, and Linux
- Unified console, local or cloud-based
- Protection against scams
Pros and cons of Bitdefender GravityZone
Fine control enables us to fully customize policies for each group, maintaining exemplary performance across all platforms, while also considering certain aspects.
| Advantages of Bitdefender GravityZone | Disadvantages of Bitdefender GravityZone |
|---|---|
| Top detection with minimal impact | An abundance of options can be overwhelming |
| Very granular policies | Brand growing in enterprise XDR |
| Flexible on-prem or cloud management | Advanced integrations need configuration |
| Good price for functionality | Reports need tuning according to use |
| Complete multiplatform support | Training is advisable for certain profiles |
| Risk-driven hardening | Change governance required |
Bitdefender GravityZone Plans and Prices
These are the Bitdefender GravityZone packages and their updated prices for 2025:
- GravityZone Small Business Security: $169.99/5 endpoints/year (~145.26 € /5 endpoints/year). Includes protection against phishing, ransomware, and web-based attacks, a security summary for all protected endpoints, and visibility of detected threats.
- GravityZone Business Security: $189.9/5 endpoints/year (~162.27 € /5 endpoints/year). Includes everything in Small Business Security, plus defense against network attacks, web access control, device control, and endpoint risk analysis.
- GravityZone Business Security Premium: $444.99 endpoints/year (~162.27 € /5 endpoints/year). Includes everything in Business Security, plus adjustable machine learning (HyperDetect), sandbox analyzer, fileless attack defense, and Microsoft Exchange coverage with antispam and antimalware protection.
GravityZone often has 30% discounts on its plans, so it is recommended to visit the Bitdefender website to check if these are available. Additionally, you can access a free trial version of their cybersecurity solutions (without needing to share your credit card information) to try their features firsthand before committing to a payment.
Is Bitdefender GravityZone easy to use?
The console is really clear and adapts to teams seeking absolute precision, and the agent performs very well across all platforms.
Other Perspectives: Practical AI Today and Sustainable Growth
The natural evolution of antivirus software towards internet security suites with EDR/XDR and automatic response platforms involves adding layers with telemetry, where AI filters noise and prioritizes the most impactful actions.
In the immediate future, we will see a more and better correlation between the endpoint, identity, and SaaS, along with behavior detection and continuous posture management for mixed fleets. Current cybersecurity solutions offer worldwide protection, ensuring data privacy and efficient user management, which is essential for comprehensive defense.
In the long term, to grow sustainably, we must focus on guided proof of concepts, response playbooks, and support agreements, aligning security with business objectives and user experience across different platforms.
And what about other tools?
We have tested several suites focused solely on offering antivirus software for Windows, macOS, and Linux, and their scope — more suited to the objective of this article — falls short for modern fleets.
However, it is essential to consider the wide range of solutions available on the market, which cover various aspects of cybersecurity, ensuring that the necessary technical requirements for proper implementation are met.
We have also evaluated other options with more aggressive pricing, but they often come with limited visibility and scarce integrations, which destabilizes the cost-value balance and brings us back to the more established solutions.
Which option to choose?
What is the best antivirus software for multiple devices?
When seeking the best antivirus software for multiple devices, the winning approach lies in combining prevention, EDR/XDR, and automation without compromising performance. Here, CrowdStrike, SentinelOne, and Microsoft Defender stand out as the most suitable options according to our specific context.
For an antivirus designed for large companies or corporate environments, Palo Alto, with its Cortex XDR, offers unrivaled visibility. Sophos Endpoint stands out for its ease of use and MTR, while Trend Micro Vision One excels in hybrid environments and virtual patching. Meanwhile, Bitdefender GravityZone gives us the granular control that many administrators appreciate and prefer.
With this, security ceases to be a bottleneck and becomes a support for productivity. By choosing the option that best fits our projects among those we have seen, we will enjoy multi-platform security with intelligent responses to move beyond yesterday’s antivirus.