"Antivirus" and "EDR" get used interchangeably, but they're different tiers of endpoint protection. Here's what matters for a small business.
Traditional antivirus
Scans for known malware signatures and blocks obvious bad files. Cheap, light, and still a must-have baseline — but it misses novel or fileless attacks.
EDR (Endpoint Detection & Response)
Watches behavior, correlates signals, and can isolate a compromised device automatically. Stronger, usually pricier, and often includes rollback. Our antivirus guide compares business-grade options.
What you actually need
If you handle sensitive data or have compliance obligations, lean EDR. For many 2–10 person teams, a solid modern antivirus with MFA and backups covers most risk. Match the tool to your checklist.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need EDR if I already have antivirus?
For most small businesses, a modern antivirus with EDR capabilities is sufficient. Traditional signature-based antivirus alone is no longer enough against sophisticated threats. Look for antivirus solutions that include behavioral monitoring, threat detection, and automated response features - these provide EDR-like protection at a lower cost than standalone EDR solutions.
What's the difference between EDR and MDR?
EDR (Endpoint Detection and Response) is software installed on endpoints that detects and responds to threats locally. MDR (Managed Detection and Response) is a service where a third-party provider monitors your endpoints 24/7 and responds to threats on your behalf. MDR can be more cost-effective for small businesses that lack dedicated security staff.
How much does EDR cost for a small business?
EDR solutions typically cost $3-15 per endpoint per month. For 10 employees, expect $30-150/month. Some antivirus solutions include basic EDR features. Managed EDR services may have higher upfront costs but include 24/7 monitoring and response.