# Kaspersky Next Optimum vs Microsoft Defender for Business Comparison

| | Kaspersky Next Optimum | Microsoft Defender for Business | 
|---|---|---|
| **Star Rating** | 4.3 out of 5 | 4.5 out of 5 | 
| **Total Reviews** | 208 | 30 | 
| **Largest Market Segment** | Mid-Market (41.1% of reviews) | Small-Business (53.3% of reviews) | 
| **Entry Level Price** | $77 node/year | No pricing available | 

---
## Top Pros & Cons

### Kaspersky Next Optimum

Pros:
- Blocking (5 reviews)
- Ease of Use (5 reviews)

Cons:
- High Resource Usage (6 reviews)
- Slow Performance (5 reviews)

### Microsoft Defender for Business

Pros:
- Security (9 reviews)
- Ease of Use (7 reviews)

Cons:
- Compatibility Issues (5 reviews)
- False Positives (5 reviews)

---
## Ratings Comparison
| Rating | Kaspersky Next Optimum | Microsoft Defender for Business | 
|---|---|---|
  | **Meets Requirements** | 8.9 (173 reviews) | 8.7 (23 reviews) | 
  | **Ease of Use** | 8.6 (174 reviews) | 9.0 (23 reviews) | 
  | **Ease of Setup** | 8.2 (71 reviews) | 8.3 (14 reviews) | 
  | **Ease of Admin** | 8.4 (65 reviews) | 8.2 (14 reviews) | 
  | **Quality of Support** | 8.4 (167 reviews) | 8.2 (22 reviews) | 
  | **Has the product been a good partner in doing business?** | 8.2 (65 reviews) | 8.8 (14 reviews) | 
  | **Product Direction (% positive)** | 8.5 (174 reviews) | 9.5 (23 reviews) | 

---
## Pricing

### Kaspersky Next Optimum

#### Entry-Level Pricing

Plan: Advanced

Price: $77 node/year

Description: Advanced combines Next Generation protection with role-based management and automation for a unique security posture, driving encryption adoption and improving efficiency for businesses of all sizes.


[Browse all 3 editions](https://www.g2.com/products/kaspersky-next-optimum/pricing)

#### Free Trial

Yes

### Microsoft Defender for Business

#### Entry-Level Pricing

No pricing available

#### Free Trial

No information available

---
## Features Comparison By Category

### Network Security

| Product | Score | Reviews |
|---|---|---|
| **Kaspersky Next Optimum** | N/A | N/A |
| **Microsoft Defender for Business** | N/A | N/A |

#### 

| Feature | Kaspersky Next Optimum | Microsoft Defender for Business | 
|---|---|---|
| **Penetration Testing** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Alerts/Notifications** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Audit Trail** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Anti Virus** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Vulnerability Scanning** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Remote Monitoring & Management** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **VPN** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Behavior Analytics** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Reporting/Analytics** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Real-Time Notifications** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Access Controls/Permissions** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **SSL Security** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Patch Management** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Event Logs** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Anomaly/Malware Detection** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **DNS Leak Protection** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Third-Party Integrations** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Server Monitoring** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Real-Time Monitoring** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Compliance Management** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Network Provisioning** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **API** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Email Alerts** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Security Auditing** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Intrusion Detection System** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Data Visualization** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Two-Factor Authentication** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Generative AI** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Firewalls** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **AI Copilot** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Anti Spam** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Threat Response** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Activity Monitoring** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Risk Alerts** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Data Loss Prevention** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Single Sign On** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Intrusion Prevention System** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Secure Login** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Policy Management** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Activity Dashboard** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 

### Network Sandboxing

| Product | Score | Reviews |
|---|---|---|
| **Kaspersky Next Optimum** | 8.7/10 | 14 |
| **Microsoft Defender for Business** | N/A | N/A |

#### Sandbox

| Feature | Kaspersky Next Optimum | Microsoft Defender for Business | 
|---|---|---|
| **Sandbox** | 9.0 (13 reviews) | Not enough data | 

#### Evaluation

| Feature | Kaspersky Next Optimum | Microsoft Defender for Business | 
|---|---|---|
| **Malware Evaluation** | 9.0 (13 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Automatic Submission** | 8.6 (12 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Automatic Evaluation** | 8.5 (12 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Malware Probability Scores** | 8.6 (12 reviews) | Not enough data | 

### Endpoint Protection Platforms

| Product | Score | Reviews |
|---|---|---|
| **Kaspersky Next Optimum** | 8.9/10 | 64 |
| **Microsoft Defender for Business** | N/A | N/A |

#### Administration

| Feature | Kaspersky Next Optimum | Microsoft Defender for Business | 
|---|---|---|
| **Compliance** | 9.0 (51 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Web Control** | 8.9 (50 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Application Control** | 8.9 (51 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Asset Management** | 8.9 (48 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Device Control** | Feature Not Available | Not enough data | 
| **Patch Management** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Password Management** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Compliance Management** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Remote Monitoring & Management** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Workflow Management** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Policy Management** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Assessment Management** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Endpoint Management** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Incident Management** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **User Management** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Audit Management** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **PCI Compliance** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Web Threat Management** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Device Management** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 

#### Functionality

| Feature | Kaspersky Next Optimum | Microsoft Defender for Business | 
|---|---|---|
| **System Isolation** | 8.8 (48 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Firewall** | 8.8 (48 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Endpoint Intelligence** | 8.9 (50 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Malware Detection** | 9.1 (52 reviews) | Not enough data | 

#### Analysis

| Feature | Kaspersky Next Optimum | Microsoft Defender for Business | 
|---|---|---|
| **Automated Remediation** | 8.8 (49 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Incident Reports** | 9.0 (49 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Behavioral Analysis** | 8.7 (49 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Risk Analysis** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Customizable Reports** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Summary Reports** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 

#### 

| Feature | Kaspersky Next Optimum | Microsoft Defender for Business | 
|---|---|---|
| **SSL Security** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **HIPAA Compliant** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **API** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Threat Response** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Endpoint Protection** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Maintenance Scheduling** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Third-Party Integrations** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Security Auditing** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Application Security** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Encryption** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Network Security** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Real-Time Reporting** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **AI Copilot** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Reporting/Analytics** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Authentication** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Financial Data Protection** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Anti Virus** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Secure Data Storage** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Virus Definition Update** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Activity Dashboard** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **VPN** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Audit Trail** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Anti Spam** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Access Controls/Permissions** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Data Visualization** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Alerts/Escalation** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Data Security** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Real-Time Analytics** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Collaboration Tools** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Secure Login** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **AI/Machine Learning** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Single Sign On** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Behavioral Analytics** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Prioritization** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Reporting & Statistics** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **IOC Verification** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Monitoring** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Two-Factor Authentication** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Server Monitoring** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Vulnerability Scanning** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Activity Tracking** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Event Logs** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Risk Assessment** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Real-Time Notifications** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Real-Time Monitoring** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Whitelisting/Blacklisting** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Activity Monitoring** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Alerts/Notifications** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Risk Alerts** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Behavior Tracking** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Tokenization** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Web Traffic Reporting** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Generative AI** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 

### Encryption

| Product | Score | Reviews |
|---|---|---|
| **Kaspersky Next Optimum** | 9.3/10 | 10 |
| **Microsoft Defender for Business** | N/A | N/A |

#### Encryption

| Feature | Kaspersky Next Optimum | Microsoft Defender for Business | 
|---|---|---|
| **Email Encryption** | 9.7 (6 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Messaging Encryption** | 9.2 (6 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **File Transfer Encryption** | 9.7 (6 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Data Encryption** | 9.5 (7 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Document Encryption** | 9.5 (7 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Full-Disk Encryption** | 9.8 (7 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Cloud Encryption** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Application Encryption** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **P2P Encryption** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 

#### Compliance

| Feature | Kaspersky Next Optimum | Microsoft Defender for Business | 
|---|---|---|
| **Authentication** | 8.9 (6 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Policy Enforcement** | 9.0 (7 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Access Management** | 9.3 (7 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Key Management** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 

#### Management

| Feature | Kaspersky Next Optimum | Microsoft Defender for Business | 
|---|---|---|
| **Backup** | 9.4 (6 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Recovery** | 9.3 (7 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **File Management** | 9.0 (7 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Anomaly Detection** | 9.0 (7 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Credential Management** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Compliance Management** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Policy Management** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Incident Management** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Password Management** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 

#### 

| Feature | Kaspersky Next Optimum | Microsoft Defender for Business | 
|---|---|---|
| **PCI Compliance** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **HIPAA Compliant** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Secure Login** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Access Controls/Permissions** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Tokenization** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Real-Time Monitoring** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Threat Response** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **SSL Security** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **AI Copilot** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Remote Access/Control** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Generative AI** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Active Directory Integration** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Security Auditing** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **API** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Reporting/Analytics** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Alerts/Escalation** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Single Sign On** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Event Logs** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Activity Dashboard** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Secure Data Storage** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Audit Trail** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Third-Party Integrations** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Data Security** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Activity Tracking** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 

### Endpoint Protection

| Product | Score | Reviews |
|---|---|---|
| **Kaspersky Next Optimum** | N/A | N/A |
| **Microsoft Defender for Business** | N/A | N/A |

#### System Control

| Feature | Kaspersky Next Optimum | Microsoft Defender for Business | 
|---|---|---|
| **Device Control** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Web Control** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Application Control** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Asset Management** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **System Isolation** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 

#### Vulnerability Prevention

| Feature | Kaspersky Next Optimum | Microsoft Defender for Business | 
|---|---|---|
| **Endpoint Intelligence** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Firewall** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Malware Detection** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 

#### Security Management

| Feature | Kaspersky Next Optimum | Microsoft Defender for Business | 
|---|---|---|
| **Incident Reports** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Security Validation** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Compliance ** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 

---
## Categories
**Shared Categories (1):** [Endpoint Protection Platforms](https://www.g2.com/categories/endpoint-protection-platforms)

**Unique to Kaspersky Next Optimum (2):** [Encryption Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/encryption-software), [Network Sandboxing Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/network-sandboxing)



---
## Reviewer Demographics

### By Company Size

| Segment | Kaspersky Next Optimum | Microsoft Defender for Business | 
|---|---|---|
| **Small-Business** | 30.7% | 53.3% | 
| **Mid-Market** | 41.1% | 36.7% | 
| **Enterprise** | 28.1% | 10.0% | 

### By Industry

#### Kaspersky Next Optimum

- **Information Technology and Services:** 22.7%
- **Computer Software:** 5.7%
- **Accounting:** 4.6%
- **Financial Services:** 4.6%
- **Computer & Network Security:** 3.6%
- **Internet:** 3.6%
- **Hospital & Health Care:** 3.1%
- **Computer Networking:** 3.1%
- **Telecommunications:** 2.6%
- **Health, Wellness and Fitness:** 2.6%
- **Other:** 43.8%

#### Microsoft Defender for Business

- **Information Technology and Services:** 50.0%
- **Computer & Network Security:** 16.7%
- **Computer Software:** 13.3%
- **Commercial Real Estate:** 6.7%
- **Security and Investigations:** 3.3%
- **Oil & Energy:** 3.3%
- **Legal Services:** 3.3%
- **Design:** 3.3%

---
## Alternatives

### Alternatives to Kaspersky Next Optimum

- [ThreatDown](https://www.g2.com/products/threatdown/reviews) — 4.6/5 stars (1089 reviews)
- [ESET PROTECT](https://www.g2.com/products/eset-protect/reviews) — 4.6/5 stars (1003 reviews)
- [Sophos Endpoint](https://www.g2.com/products/sophos-endpoint/reviews) — 4.7/5 stars (837 reviews)
- [Symantec End-user Endpoint Security](https://www.g2.com/products/symantec-end-user-endpoint-security/reviews) — 4.4/5 stars (553 reviews)
- [Webroot Business Endpoint Protection](https://www.g2.com/products/webroot-business-endpoint-protection/reviews) — 4.5/5 stars (532 reviews)
- [CrowdStrike Falcon Endpoint Protection Platform](https://www.g2.com/products/crowdstrike-falcon-endpoint-protection-platform/reviews) — 4.6/5 stars (438 reviews)
- [Microsoft Defender for Endpoint](https://www.g2.com/products/microsoft-defender-for-endpoint/reviews) — 4.4/5 stars (312 reviews)
- [Check Point Endpoint Security](https://www.g2.com/products/check-point-endpoint-security/reviews) — 4.5/5 stars (284 reviews)
- [FortiClient](https://www.g2.com/products/forticlient/reviews) — 4.4/5 stars (278 reviews)
- [SentinelOne Singularity Endpoint](https://www.g2.com/products/sentinelone-singularity-endpoint/reviews) — 4.7/5 stars (211 reviews)

### Alternatives to Microsoft Defender for Business

- [Sophos Endpoint](https://www.g2.com/products/sophos-endpoint/reviews) — 4.7/5 stars (837 reviews)
- [SentinelOne Singularity Endpoint](https://www.g2.com/products/sentinelone-singularity-endpoint/reviews) — 4.7/5 stars (211 reviews)
- [ESET PROTECT](https://www.g2.com/products/eset-protect/reviews) — 4.6/5 stars (1003 reviews)
- [ThreatDown](https://www.g2.com/products/threatdown/reviews) — 4.6/5 stars (1089 reviews)
- [Webroot Business Endpoint Protection](https://www.g2.com/products/webroot-business-endpoint-protection/reviews) — 4.5/5 stars (532 reviews)
- [CrowdStrike Falcon Endpoint Protection Platform](https://www.g2.com/products/crowdstrike-falcon-endpoint-protection-platform/reviews) — 4.6/5 stars (438 reviews)
- [Symantec End-user Endpoint Security](https://www.g2.com/products/symantec-end-user-endpoint-security/reviews) — 4.4/5 stars (553 reviews)
- [Absolute Secure Endpoint](https://www.g2.com/products/absolute-secure-endpoint/reviews) — 4.6/5 stars (408 reviews)
- [Bitdefender GravityZone XDR](https://www.g2.com/products/bitdefender-gravityzone-xdr/reviews) — 4.2/5 stars (107 reviews)
- [ThreatLocker Zero Trust Platform](https://www.g2.com/products/threatlocker-zero-trust-platform/reviews) — 4.8/5 stars (514 reviews)

---
## Top Discussions

### Kaspersky Next Optimum

- Title: [What is endpoint security software?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/kaspersky-endpoint-security-for-business-what-is-endpoint-security-software) — 1 comment
  > **Top comment:** "Endpoint security software is software designed to protect your endpoints, or devices used for daily business operations such as desktop PCs, laptops,..."
- Title: [now Kaspersky Endpoint Security is really heavy for the pc when i do the scan?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/now-kaspersky-endpoint-security-is-really-heavy-for-the-pc-when-i-do-the-scan) — 1 comment, 1 upvote
  > **Top comment:** "It depends on your system specification. You can  check the scan settings and select deep scan once a week when system remain idle"
- Title: [What is the best way to configure kaspersky to achieve the balance, security and performance](https://www.g2.com/discussions/what-is-the-best-way-to-configure-kaspersky-to-achieve-the-balance-security-and-performance) — 1 comment, 1 upvote
  > **Top comment:** "There is no one balance to achieve security and performance.  Your own risk tolerance will determine what level of security you need, and that will have a..."
- Title: [What is the purpose of cloud-based protection?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/cloud-based-protection) — 1 comment, 1 upvote *(includes official response)*
  > **Top comment:** "Most IT security vendors use the cloud to improve protection levels. Hybrid protection (antivirus databases + proactive defense + the cloud) is the most..."
- Title: [What is the ‘cloud’?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/what-is-the-cloud) — 1 comment, 1 upvote *(includes official response)*
  > **Top comment:** "It is a service that runs on a company’s servers rather than on user devices and which can be used over the Internet from anywhere in the world. Examples of..."

### Microsoft Defender for Business

No discussions available for this product.

---
**Source:** [G2.com](https://www.g2.com) | [Comparison Page](https://www.g2.com/compare/kaspersky-next-optimum-vs-microsoft-microsoft-defender-for-business)