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For a 2023 small-business shortlist, consider Bitdefender GravityZone Business Security Premium for broader protection and centralized management, ESET PROTECT Entry for granular control, Microsoft Defender for a Microsoft-centered workplace, Avast Ultimate Business Security for simpler cloud administration, and Sophos Intercept X Advanced for broader endpoint response. These are editorial recommendations, not a measured ranking. All five appeared in AV-Comparatives’ 2023 business-security testing. Their current names, features, availability, and prices may differ, so verify the exact plan before buying.
Small businesses generally need business endpoint protection, not just a consumer virus scanner: centrally managed policies, device visibility, and a clear alert-response process matter alongside malware detection. Antivirus is only one part of security; use it alongside multifactor authentication, patching, email safeguards, and tested backups.
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Quick comparison: the 2023 shortlist
| Product tested in 2023 | Best fit | Management and strengths | Main consideration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bitdefender GravityZone Business Security Premium | Businesses wanting broader endpoint protection and room to grow | GravityZone cloud management; the Premium edition’s listed capabilities include attack forensics and visualization and sandbox analysis | Check edition and license details; advanced tools add complexity and may be excessive for a very small office |
| ESET PROTECT Entry with ESET PROTECT Cloud | Teams prioritizing granular controls and endpoint efficiency | Cloud-based centralized management; included in AV-Comparatives’ 2023 business tests | Policy setup and alert review still need an owner |
| Microsoft Defender Antivirus with Microsoft Endpoint Manager | Organizations already using Microsoft tools and able to administer them | Fits into a Microsoft-managed Windows environment; included in the 2023 business tests | “Microsoft Defender” refers to multiple products and licenses, not one interchangeable package |
| Avast Ultimate Business Security | Small offices looking for a comparatively approachable cloud console | AV-Comparatives identified Avast’s cloud console as suitable for smaller businesses without dedicated IT staff | Verify included modules; it is not the same as Avast’s consumer antivirus |
| Sophos Intercept X Advanced | Businesses with IT support seeking broader prevention and response | Included in the 2023 business tests; offers capabilities beyond basic signature scanning | Check whether the needed feature requires a different tier, XDR, MDR, or separate license |
AV-Comparatives’ March–June and August–November 2023 business test cycles included these five products. The reports are useful evidence that they were credible business-security contenders, but they do not establish a universal winner. Test results are snapshots of particular versions and do not measure your deployment effort, support experience, renewal cost, or ability to respond to alerts. See the March–June 2023 test scope, its report, and the August–November 2023 report.
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What “antivirus” means for a small business
In a business purchase, the relevant category is usually endpoint protection (often called EPP), rather than a standalone consumer scanner. Depending on the product and license, endpoint protection can combine malware detection with behavioral defenses, ransomware-related protections, exploit prevention, web controls, firewall features, and a central console for policies and alerts. Not every plan includes every feature.
#1 Best Overall
- New-Gen WiFi Standard – WiFi 6(802.11ax) standard supporting MU-MIMO and OFDMA technology for better efficiency and throughput.Antenna : External antenna x 4. Processor : Dual-core (4 VPE). Power Supply : AC Input : 110V~240V(50~60Hz), DC Output : 12 V with max. 1.5A current.
- Ultra-fast WiFi Speed – RT-AX1800S supports 1024-QAM for dramatically faster wireless connections
- Increase Capacity and Efficiency – Supporting not only MU-MIMO but also OFDMA technique to efficiently allocate channels, communicate with multiple devices simultaneously
- 5 Gigabit ports – One Gigabit WAN port and four Gigabit LAN ports, 10X faster than 100–Base T Ethernet.
- Commercial-grade Security Anywhere – Protect your home network with AiProtection Classic, powered by Trend Micro. And when away from home, ASUS Instant Guard gives you a one-click secure VPN.
- Antivirus or EPP focuses on preventing and detecting threats on devices.
- EDR adds endpoint telemetry and tools to investigate and respond to suspicious activity.
- MDR adds human monitoring and response from a provider; do not assume it is included in an endpoint license.
- Email security addresses mailbox and phishing risks, which endpoint protection alone does not automatically cover.
- Backup supports recovery. It reduces the impact of data loss but does not prevent an attack.
For example, Bitdefender’s GravityZone feature matrix describes capabilities that vary by edition and license. Check the specific tier, operating systems, and license types in your quote rather than inferring coverage from a product-family name.
How to choose between the five
Bitdefender GravityZone Business Security Premium: best overall for breadth
Choose this as a starting point if you want a centrally managed endpoint product and expect to need more visibility than a basic antivirus package provides. Bitdefender describes Business Security Premium as including endpoint protection, attack forensics and visualization, and sandbox analysis on its GravityZone Business Security Premium page.
Those capabilities are most useful when someone can review alerts and investigate suspicious activity. A five-person office without an administrator may not benefit from every advanced feature. Confirm what is included in the edition and license you are considering; Bitdefender’s buying page describes coverage for laptops, desktops, and file servers, but that does not mean any desktop license automatically covers servers.
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- hEX also known as RB750Gr3 is a five port Gigabit Ethernet router for locations where wireless connectivity is not required
- The device has a full size USB port. This new updated revision of the hEX brings several improvements in performance
- It is affordable, small and easy to use, but at the same time comes with a very powerful dual core 880MHz CPU and 256MB RAM
- IPsec hardware encryption (~470 Mbps) and The Dude server package is supported, microSD slot on it provides improved r/w speed for file storage and Dude
- Dimensions: 113x89x28mm; Storage size: 16 MB; Passive PoE (PoE in); PCB temperature monitor, Voltage monitor and Mode button
ESET PROTECT Entry with ESET PROTECT Cloud: best for control and efficiency priorities
ESET PROTECT Entry with ESET PROTECT Cloud was among the products in both cited 2023 testing cycles. It is a reasonable candidate for a business seeking centralized controls without immediately choosing an enterprise EDR platform. Its fit depends on whether someone can configure policies, review alerts, and maintain administrator access.
Product names and package contents change, so treat the tested 2023 edition as a historical reference, not a guarantee about a current ESET plan. Confirm current operating-system support and licensing directly with ESET or an authorized seller; a current public buying page and comparable price are not established here.
Microsoft Defender Antivirus with Microsoft Endpoint Manager: best for Microsoft-centered businesses
The 2023 test entry was specifically Microsoft Defender Antivirus with Microsoft Endpoint Manager. That combination may suit organizations already managing Windows devices and policies through Microsoft’s ecosystem, and may reduce the number of endpoint vendors to administer.
Rank #3
- BUSINESS READY - pfSense+ software updates included for product lifetime. Netgate TAC Lite technical support included. One year hardware warranty included.
- COMPLETE - Pre-loaded with pfSense+ software to get up and running fast. Simply unbox it and start customizing for your secure edge networking needs. Free help with setup from our expert Technical Assistance Center (TAC) available 24/7/365.
- POWERFUL - A dual core ARM Cortex-A53 1.2 GHz delivers near gigabit routing of common home iPerf3 traffic and in excess of 650 Mbps of firewall throughput.
- COMPACT - Low power draw, a compact form factor, and silent operation allow it to run unnoticed when placed on a desktop, wall, or rack.
- FLEXIBLE - Three (3) 1 GbE switched (WAN/LAN/OPT) ports allow you to configure three separate 1 GbE switched ports for upto a gigabit of bi-directional traffic.
Do not treat “Microsoft Defender” as one product. Defender Antivirus built into Windows, Defender for Business, Defender for Endpoint, Microsoft Intune or Endpoint Manager, Microsoft 365 Business Premium, and Defender for Office 365 are distinct products or components with different licensing and roles. Built-in antivirus is not by itself a complete security program.
As displayed on Microsoft’s U.S. small-business pricing page on August 18, 2026, standalone Defender for Business was listed at $3 per user per month paid yearly, and Microsoft 365 Business Premium at $22 per user per month paid yearly. Those are current-price signals from that date, not 2023 prices; Business Premium includes productivity and broader security capabilities, so its price is not directly comparable to a standalone endpoint license. Check Microsoft’s current small-business security pricing before purchase.
Avast Ultimate Business Security: best for a more approachable console
Avast Ultimate Business Security appeared in the 2023 business tests. AV-Comparatives noted that Avast’s cloud console was well suited to smaller businesses without dedicated IT staff, making it a candidate when simpler centralized administration matters. See the 2023 test overview.
Rank #4
- Compact and Efficient Design: The FortiGate 40F is designed for small to mid-sized businesses and enterprise branch offices, featuring a compact, fanless desktop form factor that ensures quiet operation and minimizes space usage.
- Robust Connectivity Options: Equipped with 5 GE RJ45 ports, including 1 WAN port and 4 internal ports, this model provides essential connectivity and flexibility for various network configurations in a small-scale environment.
- High-Performance Security: Offers up to 1 Gbps IPS throughput and 600 Mbps threat protection throughput, using Fortinet’s purpose-built security processor technology to deliver industry-leading performance and protection for SSL encrypted traffic.
- Advanced Threat Protection: Integrated with Fortinet’s AI-powered FortiGuard Labs, the FortiGate 40F offers comprehensive cybersecurity, identifying and mitigating both known and unknown threats to maintain robust security across your network.
- Simplified Management and Deployment: Features a user-friendly management console that provides comprehensive network automation and visibility, coupled with Zero Touch Integration with Fortinet’s Security Fabric for easy deployment.
“Ultimate” is a plan name, not proof that every security capability is included. Verify the modules, device coverage, support, privacy terms, and renewal pricing in the business edition offered in your market. Do not confuse Avast Business products with consumer Avast products. A company that needs sustained threat hunting or managed response should verify that those services are included or consider a provider that supplies them.
Sophos Intercept X Advanced: best when response capabilities matter
Sophos Intercept X Advanced was included in AV-Comparatives’ 2023 business testing. Consider it if the business or its IT provider wants more than basic malware scanning, particularly protections and response capabilities associated with ransomware and exploits. The exact feature set depends on the tier and service purchased.
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Best Value
- Integration with Unifi Controller. Powerful firewall performance
- Convenient VLAN support. QoS for enterprise VoIP
- VPN server for secure communications. 10/100/1000Base-T
- 3 Ports - Management Port - SlotsGigabit Ethernet - Wall Mountable, Desktop
- Refer instruction manual for troubleshooting steps.
Choose by business situation, not by a single ranking
- Already use Microsoft 365 and have a capable administrator: compare Defender for Business or Business Premium with your existing license before adding a separate endpoint vendor.
- Want a broader centralized endpoint product with room to grow: consider Bitdefender GravityZone Business Security Premium, checking the edition against your actual needs.
- Have few security staff and value a comparatively approachable console: assess Avast Business and Bitdefender’s small-business offerings, then pilot the administration workflow.
- Prioritize endpoint controls and efficiency: evaluate ESET PROTECT, confirming platform support for your device mix.
- Have an IT provider or need a stronger response workflow: evaluate Sophos and ask whether monitoring or response is included or separately provided.
- No one can monitor alerts: a lower-cost antivirus license may leave a critical operational gap. Ask an MSP or MDR provider who will monitor alerts and what response is covered.
- Use file servers or virtual infrastructure: confirm separate server and virtualization coverage in writing.
No product should be called “cheapest” without matching country, number of users or devices, billing term, renewal period, server coverage, and included modules. Current public prices for the ESET and Avast business offers were not established here; ask for a country-specific quote and compare renewals as well as first-term cost.
What endpoint antivirus does not solve
Endpoint protection cannot by itself prevent every business email compromise, stolen-password incident, unpatched vulnerability, cloud misconfiguration, insider threat, or social-engineering attack. Microsoft’s small-business plan lineup illustrates how endpoint products sit alongside identity, device-management, and email capabilities; it does not make those controls automatic for every license.
- Require multifactor authentication, especially for email and administrator accounts.
- Keep operating systems, browsers, and business applications patched.
- Use least-privilege accounts and remove access promptly when staff leave.
- Protect email and train staff to report suspicious messages.
- Keep backups separate or otherwise protected from the systems they back up, and periodically test restoring files.
- Assign responsibility for triaging alerts, isolating a device, resetting credentials, contacting the provider, and restoring data.
Ransomware-related defenses can reduce risk but cannot guarantee recovery. A backup is useful only if it remains available and can be restored.
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- Count devices by type. List employee laptops and desktops, remote devices, servers, and virtual machines separately.
- Record the operating-system mix. Confirm support for your Windows, macOS, mobile, and any other systems in the exact tier; do not assume one plan covers them all.
- Check what you already license. If you use Microsoft 365, identify whether Defender for Business, Intune, or related tools are already part of your plan.
- Name primary and backup administrators. Ensure the business—not one departing employee—retains administrative access.
- Define alert ownership before rollout. Decide who reviews alerts, when an endpoint can be isolated, and when to escalate to an IT provider.
- Confirm coverage and terms in the quote. Check server, remote-worker, email, and mobile coverage; minimum seats; add-ons; support; renewal cost; cancellation; and data retention.
- Pilot on representative devices. Test deployment, ordinary business applications, performance, reporting, and removal or recovery procedures before broad installation.
- Review recovery readiness. Verify that backups are protected and that staff can restore a representative file or system.
Is the 2023 shortlist still useful in 2026?
It remains useful as a record of products evaluated in AV-Comparatives’ 2023 business tests, not as a current product or price ranking. Vendors change names, bundles, platform support, and licensing. Use the tested 2023 editions to understand the comparison’s historical scope, then verify current editions, support, terms, and prices with the vendor before making a 2026 purchase.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
