# Microsoft Defender for Endpoint vs N-able N-central Comparison --- ## AI Generated Summary - **G2 reviewers report** that Microsoft Defender for Endpoint excels in its integration with the Microsoft ecosystem, enhancing automated response capabilities. Users appreciate this feature as it provides a comprehensive defense strategy against cyber threats. - **Users say** N-able N-central stands out for its powerful rule deployment, allowing for effective management of customer systems from a top level. This capability has been highlighted as a significant time saver, especially during challenging transitions. - **Reviewers mention** that Microsoft Defender for Endpoint is easy to manage across organizations, which is a crucial factor for teams looking for streamlined operations. Its strong protection against malware and advanced threat detection is frequently praised. - **According to verified reviews** , N-able N-central provides a wealth of information within its portal, which users find beneficial for managing their IT environments. However, some users have noted challenges in matching specific workflow needs, indicating room for improvement in customization. - **G2 reviewers highlight** that both products receive similar star ratings, but Microsoft Defender for Endpoint has a higher overall G2 Score, suggesting a broader satisfaction among users. This is particularly evident in its quality of support and ease of setup, where it consistently outperforms N-able N-central. - **Users express** that while N-able N-central has a strong focus on small businesses, Microsoft Defender for Endpoint is favored in enterprise settings, reflecting its robust capabilities in larger, more complex environments. This distinction may influence buyers based on their organizational size and needs. | | Microsoft Defender for Endpoint | N-able N-central | |---|---|---| | **Star Rating** | 4.4 out of 5 | 4.4 out of 5 | | **Total Reviews** | 310 | 554 | | **Largest Market Segment** | Enterprise (38.5% of reviews) | Small-Business (60.9% of reviews) | | **Entry Level Price** | No pricing available | No pricing available | --- ## Top Pros & Cons ### Microsoft Defender for Endpoint Pros: - Ease of Use (20 reviews) - Threat Detection (18 reviews) Cons: - Compatibility Issues (8 reviews) - Complexity (8 reviews) ### N-able N-central Pros: - Ease of Use (188 reviews) - Automation (116 reviews) Cons: - Missing Features (87 reviews) - Feature Issues (65 reviews) --- ## Ratings Comparison | Rating | Microsoft Defender for Endpoint | N-able N-central | |---|---|---| | **Meets Requirements** | 8.6 (249 reviews) | 8.4 (438 reviews) | | **Ease of Use** | 8.6 (255 reviews) | 7.9 (465 reviews) | | **Ease of Setup** | 8.5 (165 reviews) | 7.7 (381 reviews) | | **Ease of Admin** | 8.6 (156 reviews) | 7.9 (370 reviews) | | **Quality of Support** | 8.5 (239 reviews) | 8.0 (432 reviews) | | **Has the product been a good partner in doing business?** | 8.6 (152 reviews) | 8.6 (355 reviews) | | **Product Direction (% positive)** | 9.2 (248 reviews) | 8.8 (431 reviews) | --- ## Pricing ### Microsoft Defender for Endpoint #### Entry-Level Pricing No pricing available #### Free Trial No information available ### N-able N-central #### Entry-Level Pricing No pricing available #### Free Trial Yes --- ## Features Comparison By Category ### Remote Monitoring & Management (RMM) | Product | Score | Reviews | |---|---|---| | **Microsoft Defender for Endpoint** | N/A | N/A | | **N-able N-central** | 8.1/10 | 310 | #### Inventory Management - Remote Monitoring & Management (RMM) | Feature | Microsoft Defender for Endpoint | N-able N-central | |---|---|---| | **Device Management** | Not enough data | 8.8 (291 reviews) ✓ Verified | | **Asset Management** | Not enough data | 9.6 (13 reviews) | | **ITIL Policy Compliance** | Not enough data | 8.7 (9 reviews) | #### Monitoring and Management | Feature | Microsoft Defender for Endpoint | N-able N-central | |---|---|---| | **Remote Monitoring** | Not enough data | 9.1 (294 reviews) ✓ Verified | | **Asset Tracking** | Not enough data | 7.9 (157 reviews) | | **Application Deployment** | Not enough data | 7.6 (278 reviews) ✓ Verified | | **Patch Management** | Not enough data | 8.2 (290 reviews) ✓ Verified | | **Asset Tracking** | Not enough data | 9.0 (10 reviews) | #### IT Operations & Workflow - Remote Monitoring & Management (RMM) | Feature | Microsoft Defender for Endpoint | N-able N-central | |---|---|---| | **Workflow Management** | Not enough data | 8.5 (16 reviews) | #### Service Management | Feature | Microsoft Defender for Endpoint | N-able N-central | |---|---|---| | **Remote Access** | Not enough data | 8.6 (290 reviews) ✓ Verified | | **Service Management (Issue Prioritization)** | Not enough data | 8.8 (13 reviews) | | **Ticketing** | Not enough data | 8.1 (9 reviews) | #### Agentic AI - Remote Monitoring & Management (RMM) | Feature | Microsoft Defender for Endpoint | N-able N-central | |---|---|---| | **Autonomous Task Execution** | Not enough data | 8.0 (17 reviews) | | **Multi-step Planning** | Not enough data | 7.4 (12 reviews) | | **Cross-system Integration** | Not enough data | 8.4 (17 reviews) | | **Adaptive Learning** | Not enough data | 6.8 (12 reviews) | | **Natural Language Interaction** | Not enough data | 7.4 (12 reviews) | | **Proactive Assistance** | Not enough data | 7.1 (12 reviews) | | **Decision Making** | Not enough data | 6.8 (12 reviews) | ### Unified Endpoint Management (UEM) | Product | Score | Reviews | |---|---|---| | **Microsoft Defender for Endpoint** | N/A | N/A | | **N-able N-central** | N/A | N/A | #### Scope | Feature | Microsoft Defender for Endpoint | N-able N-central | |---|---|---| | **Endpoint Inclusiveness** | Not enough data | Not enough data | | **Multi-OS Support** | Not enough data | Not enough data | #### Security | Feature | Microsoft Defender for Endpoint | N-able N-central | |---|---|---| | **Reporting and Alerts** | Not enough data | Not enough data | | **Endpoint Protection** | Not enough data | Not enough data | | **Remote Wiping** | Not enough data | Not enough data | #### Management | Feature | Microsoft Defender for Endpoint | N-able N-central | |---|---|---| | **Device Enrollment** | Not enough data | Not enough data | | **Device Configuration** | Not enough data | Not enough data | | **Device Compliance** | Not enough data | Not enough data | | **Usage Information** | Not enough data | Not enough data | | **Data Separation** | Not enough data | Not enough data | #### Agentic AI - Unified Endpoint Management (UEM) | Feature | Microsoft Defender for Endpoint | N-able N-central | |---|---|---| | **Autonomous Task Execution** | Not enough data | Not enough data | | **Multi-step Planning** | Not enough data | Not enough data | | **Cross-system Integration** | Not enough data | Not enough data | | **Adaptive Learning** | Not enough data | Not enough data | | **Natural Language Interaction** | Not enough data | Not enough data | | **Proactive Assistance** | Not enough data | Not enough data | | **Decision Making** | Not enough data | Not enough data | ### Network Monitoring | Product | Score | Reviews | |---|---|---| | **Microsoft Defender for Endpoint** | N/A | N/A | | **N-able N-central** | 7.6/10 | 138 | #### Functionality | Feature | Microsoft Defender for Endpoint | N-able N-central | |---|---|---| | **Performance Monitoring** | Not enough data | 8.4 (135 reviews) | | **Alerting** | Not enough data | 8.7 (138 reviews) | | **Improvement Suggestions** | Not enough data | Feature Not Available | | **Multi-Network Capability** | Not enough data | 8.2 (132 reviews) | #### Monitoring - Network Monitoring | Feature | Microsoft Defender for Endpoint | N-able N-central | |---|---|---| | **360-Degree Network Visibility** | Not enough data | 7.6 (12 reviews) | | **Automated Network Discovery** | Not enough data | 7.8 (12 reviews) | | **Real-Time Monitoring** | Not enough data | 8.2 (12 reviews) | #### Management | Feature | Microsoft Defender for Endpoint | N-able N-central | |---|---|---| | **Performance Baseline** | Not enough data | 7.8 (131 reviews) | | **Data Visualization** | Not enough data | 7.7 (131 reviews) | | **Path Analysis** | Not enough data | 7.2 (129 reviews) | #### Analytics - Network Monitoring | Feature | Microsoft Defender for Endpoint | N-able N-central | |---|---|---| | **Predictive Performance Analytics** | Not enough data | 7.1 (11 reviews) | | **Packet & Flow Analysis** | Not enough data | 6.8 (12 reviews) | #### Security - Network Monitoring | Feature | Microsoft Defender for Endpoint | N-able N-central | |---|---|---| | **Encrypted Data Transmission** | Not enough data | 7.6 (12 reviews) | | **Zero Trust and Identity Management** | Not enough data | 7.9 (12 reviews) | | **Integrated Network Security** | Not enough data | 7.8 (12 reviews) | #### Network Performance - Network Monitoring | Feature | Microsoft Defender for Endpoint | N-able N-central | |---|---|---| | **Dynamic Network Optimization** | Not enough data | 7.2 (12 reviews) | | **Automated Tasks Routing** | Not enough data | 8.8 (12 reviews) | #### AI Automation - Network Monitoring | Feature | Microsoft Defender for Endpoint | N-able N-central | |---|---|---| | **Machine Learning-Based Anomaly Detection** | Not enough data | 6.3 (12 reviews) | | **Self-Healing Networks** | Not enough data | 7.4 (12 reviews) | | **Predictive Network Maintenance** | Not enough data | 6.2 (11 reviews) | #### Agentic AI - Network Monitoring | Feature | Microsoft Defender for Endpoint | N-able N-central | |---|---|---| | **Autonomous Task Execution** | Not enough data | 6.1 (6 reviews) | | **Multi-step Planning** | Not enough data | 8.3 (7 reviews) | | **Cross-system Integration** | Not enough data | 8.6 (7 reviews) | | **Adaptive Learning** | Not enough data | 6.9 (7 reviews) | | **Natural Language Interaction** | Not enough data | 6.7 (7 reviews) | | **Proactive Assistance** | Not enough data | 6.0 (7 reviews) | | **Decision Making** | Not enough data | 7.1 (7 reviews) | ### Endpoint Protection Platforms | Product | Score | Reviews | |---|---|---| | **Microsoft Defender for Endpoint** | 8.6/10 | 26 | | **N-able N-central** | N/A | N/A | #### Administration | Feature | Microsoft Defender for Endpoint | N-able N-central | |---|---|---| | **Compliance** | 8.8 (23 reviews) | Not enough data | | **Web Control** | 8.3 (22 reviews) | Not enough data | | **Application Control** | 8.7 (23 reviews) | Not enough data | | **Asset Management** | 8.6 (22 reviews) | Not enough data | | **Device Control** | 8.8 (21 reviews) | Not enough data | #### Functionality | Feature | Microsoft Defender for Endpoint | N-able N-central | |---|---|---| | **System Isolation** | 9.0 (22 reviews) | Not enough data | | **Firewall** | 8.5 (22 reviews) | Not enough data | | **Endpoint Intelligence** | 8.9 (23 reviews) | Not enough data | | **Malware Detection** | 8.6 (22 reviews) | Not enough data | #### Analysis | Feature | Microsoft Defender for Endpoint | N-able N-central | |---|---|---| | **Automated Remediation** | 8.5 (23 reviews) | Not enough data | | **Incident Reports** | 8.5 (22 reviews) | Not enough data | | **Behavioral Analysis** | 8.3 (21 reviews) | Not enough data | ### Antivirus | Product | Score | Reviews | |---|---|---| | **Microsoft Defender for Endpoint** | 8.0/10 | 57 | | **N-able N-central** | N/A | N/A | #### Generative AI | Feature | Microsoft Defender for Endpoint | N-able N-central | |---|---|---| | **AI Text Generation** | 8.0 (52 reviews) | Not enough data | | **AI Text Summarization** | 8.0 (52 reviews) | Not enough data | ### Endpoint Management | Product | Score | Reviews | |---|---|---| | **Microsoft Defender for Endpoint** | N/A | N/A | | **N-able N-central** | 5.9/10 | 128 | #### Generative AI | Feature | Microsoft Defender for Endpoint | N-able N-central | |---|---|---| | **AI Text Summarization** | Not enough data | 5.9 (128 reviews) | ### Endpoint Detection & Response (EDR) | Product | Score | Reviews | |---|---|---| | **Microsoft Defender for Endpoint** | N/A | N/A | | **N-able N-central** | 9.0/10 | 5 | #### Services - Endpoint Detection & Response (EDR) | Feature | Microsoft Defender for Endpoint | N-able N-central | |---|---|---| | **Managed Services** | Not enough data | 9.0 (5 reviews) | ### Endpoint Protection | Product | Score | Reviews | |---|---|---| | **Microsoft Defender for Endpoint** | N/A | N/A | | **N-able N-central** | N/A | N/A | #### System Control | Feature | Microsoft Defender for Endpoint | N-able N-central | |---|---|---| | **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 | Microsoft Defender for Endpoint | N-able N-central | |---|---|---| | **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 | Microsoft Defender for Endpoint | N-able N-central | |---|---|---| | **Incident Reports** | Not enough data | Not enough data | | **Security Validation** | Not enough data | Not enough data | | **Compliance ** | Not enough data | Not enough data | ### Enterprise IT Management | Product | Score | Reviews | |---|---|---| | **Microsoft Defender for Endpoint** | N/A | N/A | | **N-able N-central** | 7.8/10 | 161 | #### Analysis | Feature | Microsoft Defender for Endpoint | N-able N-central | |---|---|---| | **Threat Detection** | Not enough data | 7.4 (155 reviews) | #### Platform | Feature | Microsoft Defender for Endpoint | N-able N-central | |---|---|---| | **Unified Communications Platform** | Not enough data | 6.8 (155 reviews) | | **Remote Access** | Not enough data | 8.9 (158 reviews) | | **ITIL Policy Compliance** | Not enough data | 7.6 (148 reviews) | | **Asset Tracking** | Not enough data | 7.9 (154 reviews) | | **IT Knowledge Management** | Not enough data | 7.4 (150 reviews) | #### Security | Feature | Microsoft Defender for Endpoint | N-able N-central | |---|---|---| | **Endpoint Protection** | Not enough data | 8.1 (154 reviews) | | **Patch Management** | Not enough data | 8.5 (157 reviews) | | **Disaster Recovery** | Not enough data | 7.2 (148 reviews) | | **Service Management** | Not enough data | 8.0 (151 reviews) | | **Workflow Management** | Not enough data | 7.4 (148 reviews) | #### Agentic AI - Enterprise IT Management | Feature | Microsoft Defender for Endpoint | N-able N-central | |---|---|---| | **Autonomous Task Execution** | Not enough data | 8.1 (6 reviews) | | **Multi-step Planning** | Not enough data | 8.3 (6 reviews) | | **Cross-system Integration** | Not enough data | 8.3 (6 reviews) | | **Adaptive Learning** | Not enough data | 7.8 (6 reviews) | | **Natural Language Interaction** | Not enough data | 7.5 (6 reviews) | | **Proactive Assistance** | Not enough data | 7.5 (6 reviews) | | **Decision Making** | Not enough data | 7.5 (6 reviews) | --- ## Categories **Shared Categories (1):** [Endpoint Detection & Response (EDR) Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/endpoint-detection-response-edr) **Unique to Microsoft Defender for Endpoint (2):** [Antivirus Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/antivirus), [Endpoint Protection Platforms](https://www.g2.com/categories/endpoint-protection-platforms) **Unique to N-able N-central (6):** [Patch Management Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/patch-management), [Remote Monitoring & Management (RMM) Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/remote-monitoring-management-rmm), [Endpoint Management Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/endpoint-management), [Enterprise IT Management Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/enterprise-it-management), [Network Monitoring Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/network-monitoring), [Unified Endpoint Management (UEM) Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/unified-endpoint-management-uem) --- ## Reviewer Demographics ### By Company Size | Segment | Microsoft Defender for Endpoint | N-able N-central | |---|---|---| | **Small-Business** | 27.1% | 60.9% | | **Mid-Market** | 34.4% | 34.3% | | **Enterprise** | 38.5% | 4.8% | ### By Industry #### Microsoft Defender for Endpoint - **Information Technology and Services:** 25.5% - **Computer & Network Security:** 14.1% - **Financial Services:** 6.0% - **Computer Software:** 6.0% - **Telecommunications:** 2.3% - **Banking:** 2.3% - **Computer Networking:** 2.0% - **Airlines/Aviation:** 1.7% - **Education Management:** 1.7% - **Consumer Services:** 1.7% - **Other:** 36.6% #### N-able N-central - **Information Technology and Services:** 48.1% - **Computer & Network Security:** 21.2% - **Computer Networking:** 4.5% - **Information Services:** 1.7% - **Accounting:** 1.5% - **Hospital & Health Care:** 1.5% - **Manufacturing:** 1.5% - **Consulting:** 1.5% - **Financial Services:** 1.3% - **Computer Software:** 1.1% - **Other:** 16.0% --- ## Alternatives ### Alternatives to Microsoft Defender for Endpoint - [ESET PROTECT](https://www.g2.com/products/eset-protect/reviews) — 4.6/5 stars (971 reviews) - [Sophos Endpoint](https://www.g2.com/products/sophos-endpoint/reviews) — 4.7/5 stars (826 reviews) - [CrowdStrike Falcon Endpoint Protection Platform](https://www.g2.com/products/crowdstrike-falcon-endpoint-protection-platform/reviews) — 4.6/5 stars (411 reviews) - [Trellix Endpoint Security](https://www.g2.com/products/trellix-endpoint-security/reviews) — 4.3/5 stars (327 reviews) - [Check Point Harmony Endpoint](https://www.g2.com/products/check-point-harmony-endpoint/reviews) — 4.5/5 stars (284 reviews) - [SentinelOne Singularity Endpoint](https://www.g2.com/products/sentinelone-singularity-endpoint/reviews) — 4.7/5 stars (201 reviews) - [ThreatDown](https://www.g2.com/products/threatdown/reviews) — 4.6/5 stars (1083 reviews) - [Bitdefender GravityZone XDR](https://www.g2.com/products/bitdefender-gravityzone-xdr/reviews) — 4.0/5 stars (85 reviews) - [Cisco Secure Endpoints](https://www.g2.com/products/cisco-secure-endpoints/reviews) — 4.5/5 stars (27 reviews) - [Cortex XDR](https://www.g2.com/products/palo-alto-networks-cortex-xdr/reviews) — 4.6/5 stars (53 reviews) ### Alternatives to N-able N-central - [NinjaOne](https://www.g2.com/products/ninjaone/reviews) — 4.7/5 stars (4303 reviews) - [Atera](https://www.g2.com/products/atera/reviews) — 4.6/5 stars (1137 reviews) - [Datto RMM](https://www.g2.com/products/datto-rmm/reviews) — 4.5/5 stars (757 reviews) - [Kaseya VSA](https://www.g2.com/products/kaseya-vsa/reviews) — 4.0/5 stars (323 reviews) - [TeamViewer](https://www.g2.com/products/teamviewer/reviews) — 4.5/5 stars (3945 reviews) - [ManageEngine Endpoint Central](https://www.g2.com/products/manageengine-endpoint-central/reviews) — 4.5/5 stars (1092 reviews) - [Pulseway](https://www.g2.com/products/pulseway/reviews) — 4.6/5 stars (123 reviews) - [Microsoft Intune Enterprise Application Management](https://www.g2.com/products/microsoft-intune-enterprise-application-management/reviews) — 4.5/5 stars (266 reviews) - [Syncro](https://www.g2.com/products/syncro/reviews) — 4.5/5 stars (501 reviews) - [CrowdStrike Falcon Endpoint Protection Platform](https://www.g2.com/products/crowdstrike-falcon-endpoint-protection-platform/reviews) — 4.6/5 stars (411 reviews) --- ## Top Discussions ### Microsoft Defender for Endpoint - Title: [can i use this for my video games?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/32645-can-i-use-this-for-my-video-games) — 2 comments, 1 upvote > **Top comment:** "if you are using Xbox, then all software's are certified by Microsoft, so no need the virus scan " - Title: [What is Endpoint Defender?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/what-is-endpoint-defender) — 1 comment > **Top comment:** "In general terms, "Endpoint Defender" could potentially refer to a category of cybersecurity solutions designed to protect individual devices (endpoints)..." - Title: [Which feature in Microsoft Defender for endpoint?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/which-feature-in-microsoft-defender-for-endpoint) — 1 comment > **Top comment:** "Comprehensive protection: Microsoft Defender for Endpoint provides protection against a wide range of threats, including viruses, malware, ransomware, and..." - Title: [when scheduled scan starts it consume 100% CPU, can you kindly provide solution for it.](https://www.g2.com/discussions/37198-when-scheduled-scan-starts-it-consume-100-cpu-can-you-kindly-provide-solution-for-it) — 1 comment, 1 upvote > **Top comment:** "Method I: Ensure that no other Adware, Antimalware or Antivirus software is installed or not fully removed Method II: Prevent Windows Defender from scanning..." ### N-able N-central - Title: [How much does SolarWinds RMM cost?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/how-much-does-solarwinds-rmm-cost) — 1 comment > **Top comment:** "it depends witch product n-central vs rmm and the model. Legacy or Monthly" - Title: [Why is there no "Server Down" alarm or monitoring notificaiton ?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/why-is-there-no-server-down-alarm-or-monitoring-notificaiton) — 1 comment, 1 upvote *(includes official response)* > **Top comment:** "Hi Robert! Hmm - I think our "How to Set up Server Alert to be Sent to a Specific Email Address" might be able to help with your challenge! Check out this..." - Title: [Integration with more 3rd party AV on the horizon? Such as sophos?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/15640-integration-with-more-3rd-party-av-on-the-horizon-such-as-sophos) — 1 comment, 1 upvote > **Top comment:** "Sup, Nicholas! In short, YUP - we are always looking to expand our product's capabilities by providing best-of-breed integrations with 3rd party vendors. ..." - Title: [Should I stay or should I go?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/should-i-stay-or-should-i-go) — 1 comment, 1 upvote *(includes official response)* > **Top comment:** "If you go, there will be trouble but if you stay it will be double... So come on, give N-central a try today!" - Title: [Can I remotely connect to customers through a firewall?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/can-i-remotely-connect-to-customers-through-a-firewall) — 1 comment, 1 upvote *(includes official response)* > **Top comment:** "Yes. Whether it’s a firewall or a roaming laptop, we provide various methods for you to remotely connect to and support your customers. " --- **Source:** [G2.com](https://www.g2.com) | [Comparison Page](https://www.g2.com/compare/microsoft-defender-for-endpoint-vs-n-able-n-central)