Best EDR for Small Business (and When You Need MDR)

The best EDR for small business is one that detects threats such as ransomware and stolen-credential attacks, and that someone actually responds to. Microsoft Defender for Business is the natural pick for companies on Microsoft 365 Business Premium, while Huntress suits teams that want a 24/7 security team watching alerts for them. SentinelOne and CrowdStrike Falcon Go offer powerful automated protection. This guide compares seven EDR options and explains when to choose a managed MDR service instead.

Which is the best EDR for small business? Quick picks

All tools below provide endpoint detection and response for Windows and Mac, with ransomware protection and the ability to isolate an infected device. They differ in automation, management and whether a human team is included.

How we chose: We compared each product on detection quality in independent evaluations, ease of management for small teams, automated response, ransomware rollback, Mac and Linux support, and availability of managed detection and response. Features and plans change often, so confirm current pricing on each vendor’s site before you buy. We do not accept payment for placement in this list.

What is EDR and why does a small business need it?

Endpoint detection and response (EDR) watches what happens on laptops and servers, such as unusual processes, credential theft and file encryption, and can stop or isolate a device automatically. Traditional antivirus mainly blocks known malware files; EDR catches attacks that use legitimate tools or new techniques.

Ransomware groups and infostealer malware increasingly target small businesses because they often lack this visibility. CISA’s StopRansomware guidance recommends endpoint detection as a core control.

EDR or MDR: which do you need?

EDR is software; MDR is a service where a security team monitors your EDR alerts around the clock and responds. If nobody in your business can investigate an alert at 3 a.m., MDR is usually the better choice. Our EDR vs MDR guide explains the difference in detail.

The best EDR for small business options reviewed

1. Microsoft Defender for Business: best for companies on Microsoft 365

Defender for Business brings Microsoft’s enterprise EDR to companies with up to 300 users, with automated investigation and response. It is included in Microsoft 365 Business Premium and available as a standalone plan.

• Strengths: Good value if you already use Microsoft 365, automated remediation, single admin portal.
• Watch out for: Admin portals can be complex; no human monitoring unless you add a partner or service.

Official site: microsoft.com

2. Huntress Managed EDR: best for small teams that need 24/7 human monitoring

Huntress combines EDR with a 24/7 security operations team that investigates alerts and tells you exactly what to do. It is popular with managed service providers and small businesses that have no security staff.

• Strengths: Human-reviewed alerts, clear remediation steps, built for small businesses.
• Watch out for: Usually bought through an IT provider; fewer self-service features than enterprise EDR.

Official site: huntress.com

3. SentinelOne Singularity: best for strong automated protection and rollback

SentinelOne uses AI-based detection that works even offline and offers ransomware rollback on Windows. Its Singularity platform has tiers for small businesses, and managed options are available.

• Strengths: Strong automation, ransomware rollback, good results in independent evaluations.
• Watch out for: Higher tiers and MDR add cost; tuning may be needed to reduce noise.

Official site: sentinelone.com

4. CrowdStrike Falcon Go: best for enterprise-grade protection packaged for small teams

Falcon Go is CrowdStrike’s package for small businesses, offering its cloud-based antivirus and device control, with Falcon Pro and Enterprise adding more EDR features. Falcon Go purchases are limited to 100 devices, and since September 2025 CrowdStrike has offered free access to Amazon Business Prime members. Our CrowdStrike vs SentinelOne comparison goes deeper.

• Strengths: Lightweight agent, highly rated detection, scales as you grow.
• Watch out for: Full EDR and threat hunting require higher tiers.

Official site: crowdstrike.com

5. Sophos Intercept X: best for businesses that want MDR from the same vendor

Sophos Intercept X adds EDR and anti-ransomware features, and Sophos MDR provides a 24/7 team that can respond on your behalf. The Sophos Central console manages endpoints, firewalls and email in one place.

• Strengths: Strong anti-ransomware, integrated MDR, single console for many products.
• Watch out for: Best value comes from using several Sophos products together.

Official site: sophos.com

6. ESET PROTECT: best for lightweight protection with low system impact

ESET PROTECT tiers combine endpoint protection with EDR (ESET Inspect) on higher plans. ESET is known for low system impact and clear management.

• Strengths: Light on resources, simple console, good value.
• Watch out for: EDR features only on higher tiers.

Official site: eset.com

7. Bitdefender GravityZone: best for value and strong malware detection

Bitdefender GravityZone Business Security offers strong malware protection, with EDR and risk analytics on higher tiers. It consistently performs well in independent malware tests.

• Strengths: Strong detection, good value, risk management features.
• Watch out for: EDR and MDR require higher tiers; interface has a learning curve.

Official site: bitdefender.com

How do you choose and roll out EDR?

1. Count devices, including servers and Macs, and check platform support.
2. Decide who will respond to alerts: in-house, IT provider or MDR.
3. Run a trial on a few devices and check performance.
4. Remove old antivirus to avoid conflicts.
5. Test isolation and rollback features on a test machine.
6. Write a simple plan for what happens when an alert fires.

Even the best EDR cannot replace tested backups. See should you pay a ransomware ransom? for why recovery planning matters.

Related reading

Fortinet FortiEDR vs Sophos Intercept X — Which EDR Should You Pick?

Best Free Cybersecurity Tools for Small Businesses

Frequently asked questions

Is Microsoft Defender good enough for a small business?

Defender for Business provides real EDR and is good value for companies on Microsoft 365 Business Premium. You still need someone to review alerts, or a partner that does.

What is the difference between antivirus and EDR?

Antivirus mainly blocks known malicious files. EDR records device activity, detects suspicious behaviour and lets you investigate and respond, including isolating a device.

How much does EDR cost for a small business?

Most EDR products charge per device per month, with MDR costing more. Prices vary widely by vendor and tier, so request quotes for your device count.

Do Macs need EDR?

Yes. Mac malware and credential theft are growing, and most EDR products listed here support macOS.

Can EDR stop ransomware?

Good EDR can detect and block many ransomware attacks, and some products can roll back encrypted files. Backups remain essential in case an attack succeeds.

Our verdict

If you use Microsoft 365 Business Premium, start with Defender for Business. If no one can watch alerts around the clock, choose Huntress or Sophos MDR. For strong automated protection, SentinelOne and CrowdStrike are excellent. Then check the rest of your defences with our free Cybersecurity Readiness Assessment.

Sources and further reading

Official vendor websites and public guidance referenced in this guide. Plans and features change, so confirm details with each vendor. Last reviewed: November 2026.

• CISA’s StopRansomware (cisa.gov)
• microsoft.com (microsoft.com)
• huntress.com (huntress.com)
• sentinelone.com (sentinelone.com)
• crowdstrike.com (crowdstrike.com)
• sophos.com (sophos.com)
• eset.com (eset.com)
• bitdefender.com (bitdefender.com)