# Microsoft Defender for Endpoint vs N-able N-central Comparison --- ## AI Generated Summary - **G2 reviewers report** that N-able N-central excels in its ability to automate and monitor a wide range of devices, with users appreciating its "Rules and Filters" engine that allows for complex device grouping and granular policy application across thousands of endpoints. This feature is particularly beneficial for small businesses looking for powerful yet manageable solutions. - **Users say** Microsoft Defender for Endpoint stands out for its seamless integration within the Microsoft ecosystem, making it a reliable choice for organizations already using Microsoft products. Reviewers highlight its simplicity and low overhead, noting that it provides essential security without requiring extensive setup. - **According to verified reviews** , both products receive similar star ratings, but N-able N-central has a significantly higher volume of recent reviews, indicating a more active user base. This suggests that N-able N-central may be more responsive to user needs and feedback, which can be crucial for ongoing support and product development. - **Reviewers mention** that while N-able N-central offers a robust feature set, some users find it slightly complex to navigate. However, they appreciate that it balances this complexity with ease of use, allowing for effective remote access and management of their PC fleet and servers. - **Users highlight** that Microsoft Defender for Endpoint is particularly praised for its clean user interface and solid performance, with many noting that it has minimal impact on device performance. This makes it an attractive option for enterprises that prioritize efficiency and reliability in their endpoint security solutions. - **G2 reviewers indicate** that while both products have strong support ratings, Microsoft Defender for Endpoint edges out slightly in terms of quality of support. Users appreciate the responsiveness and helpfulness of the support team, which can be a deciding factor for organizations that require consistent assistance. | | Microsoft Defender for Endpoint | N-able N-central | |---|---|---| | **Star Rating** | 4.4 out of 5 | 4.4 out of 5 | | **Total Reviews** | 312 | 562 | | **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 (251 reviews) | 8.4 (439 reviews) | | **Ease of Use** | 8.6 (257 reviews) | 7.9 (472 reviews) | | **Ease of Setup** | 8.5 (167 reviews) | 7.7 (382 reviews) | | **Ease of Admin** | 8.6 (157 reviews) | 7.9 (371 reviews) | | **Quality of Support** | 8.5 (241 reviews) | 8.0 (437 reviews) | | **Has the product been a good partner in doing business?** | 8.6 (153 reviews) | 8.6 (356 reviews) | | **Product Direction (% positive)** | 9.2 (250 reviews) | 8.8 (432 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** | 8.2/10 | 317 | #### Inventory Management - Remote Monitoring & Management (RMM) | Feature | Microsoft Defender for Endpoint | N-able N-central | |---|---|---| | **Device Management** | Not enough data | 8.8 (293 reviews) ✓ Verified | | **Asset Management** | Not enough data | 9.6 (14 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 (299 reviews) ✓ Verified | | **Asset Tracking** | Not enough data | 7.9 (158 reviews) | | **Application Deployment** | Not enough data | 7.6 (279 reviews) ✓ Verified | | **Patch Management** | Not enough data | 8.2 (296 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 | 8.7 (292 reviews) ✓ Verified | | **Service Management (Issue Prioritization)** | Not enough data | 8.9 (14 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 | 8.5 (18 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 | 139 | #### Functionality | Feature | Microsoft Defender for Endpoint | N-able N-central | |---|---|---| | **Performance Monitoring** | Not enough data | 8.4 (136 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** | 8.7/10 | 28 | | **N-able N-central** | N/A | N/A | #### Administration | Feature | Microsoft Defender for Endpoint | N-able N-central | |---|---|---| | **Compliance** | 8.8 (24 reviews) | Not enough data | | **Web Control** | 8.4 (23 reviews) | Not enough data | | **Application Control** | 8.8 (24 reviews) | Not enough data | | **Asset Management** | 8.7 (24 reviews) | Not enough data | | **Device Control** | 8.9 (23 reviews) | Not enough data | #### Functionality | Feature | Microsoft Defender for Endpoint | N-able N-central | |---|---|---| | **System Isolation** | 9.1 (24 reviews) | Not enough data | | **Firewall** | 8.6 (24 reviews) | Not enough data | | **Endpoint Intelligence** | 9.0 (24 reviews) | Not enough data | | **Malware Detection** | 8.7 (24 reviews) | Not enough data | #### Analysis | Feature | Microsoft Defender for Endpoint | N-able N-central | |---|---|---| | **Automated Remediation** | 8.5 (24 reviews) | Not enough data | | **Incident Reports** | 8.6 (23 reviews) | Not enough data | | **Behavioral Analysis** | 8.4 (22 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 | 163 | #### 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 (155 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 (158 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** | 26.9% | 60.9% | | **Mid-Market** | 34.6% | 34.3% | | **Enterprise** | 38.5% | 4.8% | ### By Industry #### Microsoft Defender for Endpoint - **Information Technology and Services:** 25.3% - **Computer & Network Security:** 14.3% - **Financial Services:** 6.0% - **Computer Software:** 6.0% - **Telecommunications:** 2.3% - **Banking:** 2.3% - **Computer Networking:** 2.0% - **Education Management:** 1.7% - **Consumer Services:** 1.7% - **Construction:** 1.7% - **Other:** 36.7% #### N-able N-central - **Information Technology and Services:** 48.6% - **Computer & Network Security:** 21.0% - **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 (1002 reviews) - [Sophos Endpoint](https://www.g2.com/products/sophos-endpoint/reviews) — 4.7/5 stars (834 reviews) - [CrowdStrike Falcon Endpoint Protection Platform](https://www.g2.com/products/crowdstrike-falcon-endpoint-protection-platform/reviews) — 4.6/5 stars (440 reviews) - [Trellix Endpoint Security](https://www.g2.com/products/trellix-endpoint-security/reviews) — 4.3/5 stars (327 reviews) - [Check Point Endpoint Security](https://www.g2.com/products/check-point-endpoint-security/reviews) — 4.5/5 stars (284 reviews) - [SentinelOne Singularity Endpoint](https://www.g2.com/products/sentinelone-singularity-endpoint/reviews) — 4.7/5 stars (202 reviews) - [ThreatDown](https://www.g2.com/products/threatdown/reviews) — 4.6/5 stars (1088 reviews) - [Bitdefender GravityZone XDR](https://www.g2.com/products/bitdefender-gravityzone-xdr/reviews) — 4.2/5 stars (106 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) — 4.5/5 stars (62 reviews) ### Alternatives to N-able N-central - [NinjaOne](https://www.g2.com/products/ninjaone/reviews) — 4.7/5 stars (4588 reviews) - [Atera](https://www.g2.com/products/atera/reviews) — 4.6/5 stars (1221 reviews) - [Datto RMM](https://www.g2.com/products/datto-rmm/reviews) — 4.5/5 stars (782 reviews) - [Kaseya VSA](https://www.g2.com/products/kaseya-vsa/reviews) — 4.0/5 stars (326 reviews) - [TeamViewer](https://www.g2.com/products/teamviewer/reviews) — 4.5/5 stars (4046 reviews) - [ManageEngine Endpoint Central](https://www.g2.com/products/manageengine-endpoint-central/reviews) — 4.5/5 stars (1125 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 (267 reviews) - [Syncro](https://www.g2.com/products/syncro/reviews) — 4.5/5 stars (515 reviews) - [CrowdStrike Falcon Endpoint Protection Platform](https://www.g2.com/products/crowdstrike-falcon-endpoint-protection-platform/reviews) — 4.6/5 stars (440 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)