Buying guide · Endpoint security

Endpoint security tools for British small & mid-sized businesses

Keep malware, ransomware, and other threats off your business devices. These endpoint security tools help British SMBs protect laptops, desktops, and servers without needing a full in-house security team.

Everything we recommend

If your staff work on multiple devices and you’re worried about infections, suspicious downloads, or ransomware, start with one of these tools. Then scroll down for deeper breakdowns.

We may earn a small commission if you sign up with any of these tools and services, at no extra cost to you. We only feature tools that are appropriate for British businesses like yours.

Top pick
Avast Business Security

Avast Business Security

Best for: Best for UK SMEs seeking straightforward antivirus with central management

Why we like it: Simple central management console for multiple devices

Avast Business Security is commonly used by small businesses to protect endpoints from malware and ransomware. It offers easy-to-manage antivirus and threat detection, helping reduce security risks with minimal IT overhead.

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Runner-up
Bitdefender Small Business Security

Bitdefender Small Business Security

Best for: Best for UK small businesses needing straightforward endpoint protection with minimal IT overhead

Why we like it: Strong malware and ransomware protection

Bitdefender Small Business Security is commonly used by SMEs to safeguard devices against malware and cyber threats. It offers strong protection with easy management, helping reduce risk without requiring extensive IT expertise.

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Also great
ESET PROTECT

ESET PROTECT

Best for: Best for UK SMEs needing straightforward endpoint protection with centralised management

Why we like it: Centralised management console simplifies device security

ESET PROTECT is commonly used by small and medium businesses to secure devices against malware and cyber threats. It offers a centralised console for easy management and supports compliance with UK cybersecurity standards like Cyber Essentials.

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Who this is for

Endpoint security tools like these are a good fit if:

  • Your business relies on laptops, desktops, or servers and a single infected device could disrupt work, expose data, or damage your reputation.
  • Your team works from different locations—in the office, at home, or on the road—and you want consistent protection no matter where they connect from.
  • You’re seeing more phishing emails, strange links, or risky downloads and want an extra layer of defence beyond basic antivirus.
  • You don’t have a dedicated security team but still need clear alerts, simple policies, and protection that’s manageable for a small IT team—or a single MSP.
  • You’d like better visibility into what’s happening on endpoints so you can spot issues early and respond quickly when something looks off.

If this sounds like your situation, the endpoint security tools below are practical, SMB-friendly options that help you reduce risk without slowing your team down.

Top pick

Avast Business Security

Best for: Best for UK SMEs seeking straightforward antivirus with central management

Reliable endpoint protection to reduce malware risks and downtime

Avast Business Security provides antivirus and endpoint protection designed for small and medium-sized businesses. It helps protect devices from malware, ransomware, and other threats while offering a central console for managing security across multiple endpoints. This makes it suitable for organisations with limited IT resources that need reliable, straightforward protection.

A solid default if you just want a reliable, business-ready option.

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Runner-up

Bitdefender Small Business Security

Best for: Best for UK small businesses needing straightforward endpoint protection with minimal IT overhead

Protect endpoints with reliable, low-maintenance security for SMEs

Bitdefender Small Business Security helps UK SMEs protect their computers and devices from viruses, ransomware, and other cyber threats. It is designed to be simple to manage, making it suitable for businesses with limited IT resources or outsourced support. The software runs quietly in the background, providing continuous protection without disrupting daily work.

Great if you want similar benefits with a slightly different feature mix.

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Also great

ESET PROTECT

Best for: Best for UK SMEs needing straightforward endpoint protection with centralised management

Protect endpoints with reliable, manageable security for SMEs

ESET PROTECT helps UK SMEs protect their computers and devices from viruses, ransomware, and other cyber threats. It provides a central dashboard that makes it easier for internal teams or outsourced IT providers to manage security across all endpoints. Many organisations use it to maintain steady protection while keeping administration straightforward.

Worth a look if the top two don’t quite fit how your team works.

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Detailed breakdowns

If you’re comparing endpoint security tools, these breakdowns highlight where each product shines—whether that’s malware detection, ransomware protection, centralized management, or ease of use for growing United Kingdom businesses.

Avast Business Security

Our top pick

Reliable endpoint protection to reduce malware risks and downtime

Best for: Best for UK SMEs seeking straightforward antivirus with central management

Why teams choose it: Simple central management console for multiple devices

Many UK SMEs use Avast Business Security to safeguard their computers and devices against common cyber threats such as viruses, ransomware, and spyware. It is often chosen for its ease of deployment and management, allowing businesses or outsourced IT providers to monitor and update security settings from a single console.

The tool is well suited to organisations that require dependable antivirus protection without complex configuration or extensive IT support. It supports Windows and Mac devices, which is helpful for businesses with mixed environments. Avast also includes features like real-time scanning and automatic updates to help maintain security with minimal user intervention.

While Avast Business Security covers essential endpoint protection needs, it may not offer the advanced threat detection or integrated security features found in some other solutions. This makes it a practical choice for SMEs prioritising straightforward antivirus and malware defence rather than comprehensive endpoint detection and response capabilities.

Overall, it fits well for UK businesses aiming to meet Cyber Essentials requirements and reduce the risk of malware infections, especially where IT support is limited or outsourced.

Where this tool fits best

  • Simple central management console for multiple devices
  • Effective antivirus and ransomware protection
  • Supports both Windows and Mac endpoints

Things to keep in mind

  • May lack advanced threat detection features
  • Fewer integrated tools compared to some competitors
  • Not tailored for complex or highly regulated environments
Cybersecurity IT Support & Help Desk Managed IT Services

Best for: Best for UK SMEs seeking straightforward antivirus with central management

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Bitdefender Small Business Security

Runner-up

Protect endpoints with reliable, low-maintenance security for SMEs

Best for: Best for UK small businesses needing straightforward endpoint protection with minimal IT overhead

Why teams choose it: Strong malware and ransomware protection

Many UK small and medium-sized businesses use Bitdefender Small Business Security to secure their endpoints, including desktops and laptops, against common cyber threats. It is often chosen for its balance of strong malware detection and ease of use, which suits organisations without dedicated IT teams.

The tool provides centralised management through a cloud console, allowing IT support providers or internal staff to monitor and update security settings remotely. This helps maintain consistent protection across all devices, which is important for compliance with standards like Cyber Essentials.

While Bitdefender offers comprehensive protection features, it is best suited to businesses that want a straightforward, low-maintenance solution rather than highly customisable or complex security setups. It supports Windows and Mac devices, making it flexible for mixed environments common in professional services, retail, and other sectors.

Some SMEs may find the pricing slightly higher than basic antivirus options, but many consider the improved threat detection and management tools worth the investment. Overall, it helps reduce the risk of costly security incidents while keeping IT administration manageable.

Where this tool fits best

  • Strong malware and ransomware protection
  • Cloud-based management console for easy oversight
  • Supports both Windows and Mac devices

Things to keep in mind

  • May be more expensive than basic antivirus tools
  • Limited customisation for advanced security policies
  • Some features may require IT support to configure
Compliance & Risk Cybersecurity IT Support & Help Desk

Best for: Best for UK small businesses needing straightforward endpoint protection with minimal IT overhead

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ESET PROTECT

Also great

Protect endpoints with reliable, manageable security for SMEs

Best for: Best for UK SMEs needing straightforward endpoint protection with centralised management

Why teams choose it: Centralised management console simplifies device security

ESET PROTECT is often chosen by UK small and medium-sized businesses that require dependable endpoint security without complex setup. It offers a central management console, which is useful for businesses with multiple devices and either in-house IT or external support teams. This helps maintain consistent security policies and quick response to threats.

The tool is well suited for organisations aiming to meet Cyber Essentials or similar UK cybersecurity standards, as it includes features like malware detection, ransomware protection, and device control. Its interface is designed to be accessible for non-expert users, which can reduce the burden on busy managers or IT staff.

While ESET PROTECT covers essential endpoint security needs effectively, it may not include some advanced features found in more specialised or enterprise-focused solutions. SMEs with very limited IT resources might need some initial support to configure and maintain the system optimally. Overall, it balances strong protection with manageable complexity, making it a practical choice for many UK SMEs.

Where this tool fits best

  • Centralised management console simplifies device security
  • Effective malware and ransomware protection for endpoints
  • Supports compliance with UK Cyber Essentials standards

Things to keep in mind

  • May require initial setup assistance for smaller teams
  • Some advanced features may be limited compared to enterprise tools
  • Cloud management options may not suit all SMEs
Compliance & Risk Cybersecurity IT Support & Help Desk

Best for: Best for UK SMEs needing straightforward endpoint protection with centralised management

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Heimdal Threat Prevention

Helps reduce malware risks with automated endpoint threat detection

Best for: Best for UK SMEs seeking automated, layered endpoint protection with minimal manual oversight

Why teams choose it: Automated detection and blocking of malware and ransomware

Heimdal Threat Prevention is designed to provide automated, layered protection for endpoints such as laptops and desktops commonly used in UK SMEs. It focuses on detecting and blocking malware, ransomware, and other cyber threats before they can cause harm. This makes it suitable for businesses that may not have dedicated IT security staff but still want to reduce risk effectively.

The tool operates quietly in the background, which helps minimise disruption to daily work and reduces the need for manual intervention or frequent user decisions. It is often used alongside existing IT support arrangements, complementing other security measures like firewalls and email filtering.

While it offers strong automated threat prevention, it may not provide the same level of detailed management or customisation as some other endpoint security solutions. This makes it a practical choice for SMEs prioritising ease of use and consistent baseline protection over advanced configuration options.

Many UK organisations use Heimdal Threat Prevention to support compliance with Cyber Essentials and other relevant cybersecurity frameworks by maintaining up-to-date endpoint defences. It is well suited to businesses with hybrid or remote working setups that need reliable, ongoing protection without adding complexity for users or IT teams.

Where this tool fits best

  • Automated detection and blocking of malware and ransomware
  • Runs quietly in the background with minimal user disruption
  • Supports compliance with UK cybersecurity standards

Things to keep in mind

  • Less customisation compared to some other endpoint security tools
  • May require integration with existing IT support for best results
  • Not focused on advanced threat hunting or forensic analysis
Cybersecurity IT Support & Help Desk Managed IT Services

Best for: Best for UK SMEs seeking automated, layered endpoint protection with minimal manual oversight

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Kaspersky Small Office Security

Protects business devices with straightforward, reliable endpoint security

Best for: Best for small UK offices needing easy-to-manage protection with minimal IT support

Why teams choose it: Simple setup and management for non-technical users

Kaspersky Small Office Security is often chosen by small UK businesses that need dependable endpoint protection without complex administration. It covers multiple devices including Windows PCs, Macs, and Android phones, helping to reduce the risk of malware infections and data breaches. This makes it a practical choice for offices with a mix of device types.

The tool provides straightforward management through a central console, allowing business owners or outsourced IT providers to monitor security status and apply updates with minimal effort. It includes features such as anti-ransomware, web protection, and email security, which are useful for everyday business operations.

While it offers solid protection and ease of use, it may not have the advanced customisation or integration options that larger organisations or those with complex IT environments require. It is best suited to SMEs that prioritise reliable, out-of-the-box security and want to maintain compliance with UK standards like Cyber Essentials or ISO 27001.

Where this tool fits best

  • Simple setup and management for non-technical users
  • Supports Windows, Mac, and Android devices
  • Includes anti-ransomware and web protection features

Things to keep in mind

  • Limited advanced customisation for complex IT setups
  • No dedicated support for iOS devices
  • May lack some integration options for larger businesses
Compliance & Risk Cybersecurity

Best for: Best for small UK offices needing easy-to-manage protection with minimal IT support

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Malwarebytes for Business

Protect endpoints with reliable malware detection and remediation

Best for: Best for UK SMEs needing straightforward malware protection with easy management

Why teams choose it: Effective malware and ransomware detection

Malwarebytes for Business is designed to provide practical endpoint protection for small and medium-sized UK businesses. It focuses on detecting and removing malware, ransomware, and other threats that can disrupt daily operations. This tool is often used by organisations that want a clear, manageable security solution without the complexity of larger enterprise platforms.

Typical users include businesses with internal staff who may not be IT specialists, as well as those relying on outsourced IT support. The software offers a straightforward dashboard for monitoring and managing devices, which helps reduce the time spent on security administration.

While it provides strong malware detection and remediation, it may not include some advanced features found in more comprehensive endpoint protection suites, such as extensive device control or integrated firewall management. However, for many SMEs, its balance of ease of use and effective threat response makes it a practical choice.

It is commonly used alongside other cybersecurity measures to meet UK compliance standards like Cyber Essentials, helping businesses reduce risk and maintain productivity.

Where this tool fits best

  • Effective malware and ransomware detection
  • User-friendly management console for SMEs
  • Supports Windows and Mac devices

Things to keep in mind

  • Fewer advanced features compared to larger suites
  • May require additional tools for full endpoint control
  • Limited firewall or network management capabilities
Cybersecurity IT Support & Help Desk

Best for: Best for UK SMEs needing straightforward malware protection with easy management

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Panda Endpoint Protection (WatchGuard)

Protect endpoints with layered security and centralised management

Best for: Best for UK SMEs needing straightforward endpoint protection with managed support options

Why teams choose it: Centralised management simplifies endpoint security oversight

Panda Endpoint Protection (WatchGuard) is designed to help small and medium-sized UK businesses secure their endpoints, including desktops, laptops, and servers. It is commonly used by organisations that want a balance between automated protection and manageable oversight without complex setup.

The tool offers real-time malware detection, behavioural analysis, and centralised management, which can be accessed by internal IT staff or external support providers. This helps reduce the risk of infections spreading across the network and supports compliance with UK data protection and cybersecurity guidelines.

While it provides solid protection and ease of use, some SMEs may find the interface less intuitive compared to other endpoint solutions, and advanced customisation options might require more technical knowledge. It suits businesses that prefer a managed security approach with reliable threat updates and straightforward reporting.

Overall, Panda Endpoint Protection (WatchGuard) is a practical choice for UK SMEs looking to improve endpoint security with a focus on risk reduction and manageable administration, especially where IT support is partly outsourced or shared.

Where this tool fits best

  • Centralised management simplifies endpoint security oversight
  • Automated threat detection reduces manual monitoring needs
  • Supports compliance with UK Cyber Essentials standards

Things to keep in mind

  • User interface may be less intuitive for non-technical users
  • Advanced customisation can require IT expertise
  • Some features may overlap with existing IT support tools
Cybersecurity IT Support & Help Desk Managed IT Services

Best for: Best for UK SMEs needing straightforward endpoint protection with managed support options

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Sophos Intercept X

Protect endpoints with advanced malware detection and ransomware defence

Best for: Best for UK SMEs needing strong ransomware protection with managed IT support

Why teams choose it: Advanced ransomware and malware detection

Sophos Intercept X is designed to provide comprehensive endpoint security for small and medium-sized businesses. It combines traditional antivirus with advanced techniques like deep learning malware detection and anti-ransomware technology. This helps organisations reduce the risk of infections that could disrupt daily operations or lead to data breaches.

Many UK SMEs use Sophos Intercept X as part of a broader managed IT service, benefiting from centralised management and expert monitoring. This can be especially useful for businesses without dedicated in-house IT teams, as it simplifies threat detection and response.

While the tool offers strong protection features, it may require some initial setup and ongoing management, which is why it is often paired with IT support providers. It suits organisations that prioritise security and compliance with standards like Cyber Essentials, and want to minimise the impact of cyber threats on productivity.

Where this tool fits best

  • Advanced ransomware and malware detection
  • Integrates well with managed IT services
  • Centralised management for easier monitoring

Things to keep in mind

  • May require IT expertise for setup and management
  • Could be more complex than basic antivirus solutions
  • Pricing may be higher than entry-level tools
Cybersecurity IT Support & Help Desk Managed IT Services

Best for: Best for UK SMEs needing strong ransomware protection with managed IT support

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Trend Micro Worry-Free Business Security

Protect endpoints with reliable, manageable security for SMEs

Best for: Best for UK small businesses needing straightforward endpoint protection with easy management

Why teams choose it: Centralised management console for easy endpoint control

Many UK SMEs use Trend Micro Worry-Free Business Security to safeguard their endpoints, including desktops, laptops, and servers. It is designed to be manageable for businesses with limited IT resources, offering a centralised console that simplifies monitoring and updates. This can be particularly helpful for organisations with a mix of in-office and remote staff.

The tool provides protection against common threats such as malware, ransomware, and phishing attacks, which helps reduce the risk of costly security incidents. It also supports compliance with UK security standards like Cyber Essentials, which is important for many small businesses working with public sector clients or handling personal data under UK GDPR.

While it offers solid protection and ease of use, some SMEs may find the feature set less extensive compared to more complex enterprise solutions. It is best suited to businesses that want reliable endpoint security without needing advanced customisation or extensive IT management. Organisations with very specific or high-security needs might consider other options with more granular controls.

Where this tool fits best

  • Centralised management console for easy endpoint control
  • Effective protection against malware and ransomware
  • Suitable for meeting Cyber Essentials security requirements

Things to keep in mind

  • May lack advanced features needed by highly regulated firms
  • Some users report occasional performance impact on older devices
  • Less customisable compared to enterprise-grade endpoint solutions
Cybersecurity IT Support & Help Desk

Best for: Best for UK small businesses needing straightforward endpoint protection with easy management

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VIPRE Endpoint Cloud

Protect endpoints with cloud-based security and centralised management

Best for: Best for UK SMEs needing straightforward cloud endpoint protection with easy IT oversight

Why teams choose it: Cloud-based management simplifies device security oversight

Many UK SMEs use VIPRE Endpoint Cloud to secure their workforce's devices, whether staff are office-based or working remotely. The cloud management console enables IT teams or external providers to deploy updates, run scans, and respond to threats without needing on-site access.

Its strengths include ease of use and a focus on core endpoint protection features such as antivirus, anti-malware, and ransomware defence. This makes it suitable for organisations that want reliable security without extensive configuration or additional modules.

While it covers essential protection well, VIPRE Endpoint Cloud may not offer as many advanced features or integrations as some competitors, which could be a consideration for businesses with more complex IT environments or compliance needs.

Overall, it is a practical choice for SMEs looking for dependable endpoint security with manageable oversight, especially where IT support is partly outsourced or limited in capacity.

Where this tool fits best

  • Cloud-based management simplifies device security oversight
  • Automated threat detection reduces manual monitoring
  • Supports Windows and Mac endpoints

Things to keep in mind

  • Fewer advanced features compared to some competitors
  • Limited integrations with other IT management tools
  • May not suit highly customised or complex IT setups
Cybersecurity IT Support & Help Desk Managed IT Services

Best for: Best for UK SMEs needing straightforward cloud endpoint protection with easy IT oversight

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Webroot Business Endpoint Protection

Protect endpoints with cloud-based, lightweight antivirus and threat detection

Best for: Best for UK SMEs seeking easy-to-manage, cloud-delivered endpoint protection with minimal local impact

Why teams choose it: Cloud-based management reduces local IT workload

Webroot Business Endpoint Protection is often chosen by UK SMEs that want a cloud-based security solution which is easy to deploy and manage. It focuses on protecting endpoints such as laptops and desktops from malware, ransomware, and phishing threats without requiring heavy local processing power.

This tool is well suited for organisations with small IT teams or outsourced IT support, as it offers centralised cloud management and automated updates. Its lightweight client means it has minimal impact on device performance, which helps maintain staff productivity.

While it provides solid baseline protection and fast threat detection, it may not include some advanced features found in more comprehensive endpoint security suites, such as extensive device control or integrated firewall management. It is commonly used alongside other cybersecurity measures to meet Cyber Essentials or ISO 27001 requirements.

Overall, Webroot is practical for SMEs prioritising ease of use, reliable malware protection, and cost-effective endpoint security without complex configuration.

Where this tool fits best

  • Cloud-based management reduces local IT workload
  • Lightweight client minimises impact on device performance
  • Fast scans help maintain user productivity

Things to keep in mind

  • May lack some advanced endpoint control features
  • Less suited for organisations needing deep device management
  • Relies on cloud connectivity for full functionality
Cybersecurity Managed IT Services

Best for: Best for UK SMEs seeking easy-to-manage, cloud-delivered endpoint protection with minimal local impact

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