Managed service providers (MSPs) have a different cybersecurity problem than many organizations. Protecting endpoints is important, but MSPs also need to administer security across multiple customers without turning every new tenant into another management burden.
The products I reviewed approach that problem differently.
Some combine endpoint security with backup and recovery while also providing patching and broader IT management. Others place greater emphasis on threat prevention and detection. Those capabilities can extend into EDR or XDR, while some platforms also offer MDR.
I compared Acronis Cyber Protect Cloud, NinjaOne, Bitdefender GravityZone Cloud MSP Security, Sophos, and ESET based on their ability to protect customer environments while helping MSPs operate efficiently at scale.
Independent security testing was considered where the tested product was sufficiently relevant. Customer feedback provided additional context, but I considered only reviews relevant to the MSP product offering or its underlying technology.
The best choice ultimately depends on what your MSP needs most. Some providers may prioritize security and backup consolidation. Others may need greater endpoint automation or deeper threat detection. MSPs building broader managed cybersecurity services may place more value on platforms that can support multiple security offerings.
Best cybersecurity solutions for MSPs compared
Solution | Best for | Key MSP capabilities |
| Acronis Cyber Protect Cloud | Combining cybersecurity with backup and recovery | Multi-tenant backup, endpoint security, DR and management |
| NinjaOne | Streamlining endpoint management and automation | Multi-tenant RMM, patching, backup and endpoint operations |
| Bitdefender GravityZone Cloud MSP Security | Layered endpoint threat prevention and response | Multi-tenant prevention, EDR, XDR and MDR |
| Sophos | Consolidating managed security services | Sophos Central with endpoint, MDR, firewall and other services |
| ESET | Flexible MSP licensing and endpoint security | ESET PROTECT with consumption-based MSP licensing |
Acronis Cyber Protect Cloud
Best for combining cybersecurity with backup and recovery
Overall score: 4.8/5
- MSP management and scalability: 4.9/5
- Endpoint and threat protection: 4.7/5
- Backup and cyber resilience: 5.0/5
- Automation and integrations: 4.8/5
- Usability and administration: 4.6/5
- Pricing and licensing flexibility: 4.7/5
Acronis Cyber Protect Cloud stands out because it addresses more than endpoint security. The platform brings endpoint protection and backup and recovery together, giving MSPs the opportunity to consolidate functions that might otherwise require separate products. Centralized security management supports that approach, while workflow automation can build cross-service processes without code.
That combination becomes particularly useful for ransomware resilience. Acronis Active Protection provides anti-ransomware capabilities with automatic recovery, while its security stack incorporates AI-based static and behavioral malware analysis. Backup adds another layer by helping MSPs restore customer workloads when prevention alone is not enough.
Independent testing provides additional evidence for its endpoint protection. AV-TEST awarded Acronis Cyber Protect a full 6/6 for protection in its February 2026 business Windows evaluation. It earned the same score again in April and June. Acronis also received 6/6 for performance in each evaluation and 6/6 for usability. These tests covered Cyber Protect rather than every service available through Cyber Protect Cloud, so they should be viewed as potential evidence for the underlying endpoint protection rather than the entire MSP platform.
Acronis also gives service providers considerable licensing flexibility. MSPs can select licensing models at the customer-tenant level and use different commitment structures depending on how they package services. Acronis lists Cyber Protect Cloud as supporting unlimited tenants and workloads, with custom pricing.
Reviewers often praise its centralized management and backup capabilities. They also highlight the ability to combine multiple functions within the platform. Some reviewers note that the platform can take time to learn, while others mention occasional performance issues. Pricing is another consideration raised in customer feedback.
Pros
- Combines cybersecurity with backup and recovery
- Strong multi-tenant MSP architecture
- Built-in ransomware protection
- Flexible service-provider licensing options
- Workflow automation reduces repetitive administration
Cons
- Broad feature set can introduce additional complexity
- Multiple services can make costs harder to predict
Pricing: Acronis lists Cyber Protect Cloud as custom priced rather than publishing a single per-endpoint rate, but it provides an online pricing calculator to help MSPs estimate costs. MSPs can choose from multiple licensing models, with various commitment options. Cloud storage can also be billed separately on a pay-as-you-go basis.
Pro tip: Evaluate Acronis based on how many existing tools it could replace rather than comparing its endpoint security price in isolation.
Final verdict: Acronis Cyber Protect Cloud combines security with cyber resilience in a single platform. It helps MSPs protect customer systems while also providing a path to recovery when prevention fails.
NinjaOne
Best for streamlining endpoint management and automation
Overall score: 4.7/5
- MSP management and scalability: 4.9/5
- Endpoint and threat protection: 4.4/5
- Backup and cyber resilience: 4.6/5
- Automation and integrations: 4.9/5
- Usability and administration: 4.9/5
- Pricing and licensing flexibility: 4.5/5
NinjaOne brings security capabilities into a platform built around endpoint management. Its multi-tenant platform combines RMM with endpoint management and autonomous patching, helping MSPs maintain visibility and control across customer environments. Backup and remote access extend those capabilities, while PSA and security functions support broader service delivery.
Patching is one of NinjaOne’s key cybersecurity strengths. The platform can automatically patch Windows and macOS systems, as well as Linux devices. It also supports more than 6,000 third-party applications. MSPs can apply policies across customer environments, monitor endpoints, and automatically respond to selected conditions.
NinjaOne also connects proactive endpoint management with cyber resilience. Automated patching helps MSPs reduce exposure to known vulnerabilities, while endpoint backup provides recovery options when customer systems are disrupted.
The platform can also work alongside dedicated endpoint security technologies, enabling MSPs to integrate additional protection tailored to customer requirements. This gives providers flexibility to manage endpoint operations through NinjaOne while incorporating other security tools into their service offerings.
Online reviewers highlight NinjaOne's automation capabilities as a strength. Remote management and device visibility also receive positive feedback. Reviewers point to its ease of administration, while some specifically describe reducing operational overhead when managing multiple client environments.
Pros
- Strong multi-tenant endpoint management
- Excellent patch management and automation
- Integrated remote monitoring and support
- Endpoint backup adds ransomware resilience
- Generally strong feedback for usability
Cons
- Advanced threat detection may depend on integrations
- Broad capabilities can require time to configure
Pricing: NinjaOne’s MSP pricing starts as low as $1.50 per endpoint per month at 10,000 endpoints, increasing to $3.75 per endpoint per month for 50 or fewer endpoints. Pricing varies by region and the products purchased. These rates apply only to customers using NinjaOne’s commercial, non-FedRAMP instance.
Pro tip: Consider where your MSP spends the most time managing endpoints. NinjaOne can be particularly valuable when patching is inconsistent or device visibility is limited. Its automation can reduce repetitive administrative work across customer environments.
Final verdict: NinjaOne combines centralized endpoint management with security capabilities that help MSPs maintain control across customer environments. Its integrations also enable providers to incorporate dedicated security technologies tailored to customer requirements.
Bitdefender GravityZone Cloud MSP Security
Best for layered endpoint threat prevention and response
Overall score: 4.7/5
- MSP management and scalability: 4.8/5
- Endpoint and threat protection: 5.0/5
- Backup and cyber resilience: 4.1/5
- Automation and integrations: 4.7/5
- Usability and administration: 4.5/5
- Pricing and licensing flexibility: 4.8/5
Bitdefender GravityZone Cloud MSP Security is built around delivering cybersecurity services across customer environments. The multi-tenant platform combines system hardening with threat prevention. Risk analytics can help MSPs identify and prioritize potential security weaknesses.
Its security stack extends considerably beyond basic antivirus. GravityZone's MSP offering includes advanced anti-exploit protection, with optional capabilities for patch management and full-disk encryption. Bitdefender also offers EDR and XDR for organizations that require more advanced detection and response capabilities. MDR provides access to managed security expertise.
Bitdefender was included in AV-Comparatives' H1 2026 Business Security Test. GravityZone Business Security Premium achieved a 99.8% protection rate with four false alarms across 400 real-world test cases.
That test used Business Security Premium rather than the MSP-specific Cloud MSP Security package, so the result reflects the effectiveness of relevant GravityZone protection technology rather than an independent test of the complete MSP service.
G2 customer feedback is available for specific GravityZone products such as GravityZone XDR, rather than GravityZone Cloud MSP Security itself. Those reviews provide useful context around GravityZone's interface and security technologies, but their ratings should not be interpreted as ratings of the MSP product. GravityZone XDR reviewers commonly highlight centralized visibility and flexible policies. Some reviewers find navigation challenging, while others mention configuration complexity.
Pros
- Excellent endpoint threat prevention
- Multi-tenant console designed for service providers
- Broad detection and response options
- Flexible monthly consumption model
- Solid results in independent security testing
Cons
- Advanced capabilities can increase configuration complexity
- Backup may require complementary services
Pricing: Bitdefender does not publish a standard price for GravityZone Cloud MSP Security. MSP licensing uses monthly consumption through distributors and RMM partners. There is no minimum commitment, while aggregated customer usage can qualify for volume pricing.
Pro tip: Build your GravityZone package around the security services customers will actually use. Capabilities can be activated based on individual customer requirements rather than deploying the same security stack everywhere.
Final verdict: Bitdefender GravityZone Cloud MSP Security combines endpoint protection with advanced detection and response capabilities. This gives MSPs room to expand the security services they provide as customer requirements evolve.
Sophos
Best for consolidating managed security services
Overall score: 4.6/5
- MSP management and scalability: 4.7/5
- Endpoint and threat protection: 4.8/5
- Backup and cyber resilience: 4.0/5
- Automation and integrations: 4.7/5
- Usability and administration: 4.7/5
- Pricing and licensing flexibility: 4.6/5
Sophos supports MSPs through its partner programs and Sophos Central platform. Through its MSP programs and Sophos Central, providers can deliver endpoint protection alongside MDR. Sophos Firewall extends those services beyond the endpoint, while the common cloud environment provides centralized customer management. Sophos MSP Flex provides monthly licensing. The MSP Elevate program offers additional benefits to providers who make a longer-term Sophos commitment.
This breadth gives MSPs an opportunity to consolidate more of their managed security services with one vendor. Detection and response can complement endpoint protection, while network security provides another layer for customer environments.
AV-Comparatives tested Sophos Intercept X Advanced in its H1 2026 Business Security Test. Sophos achieved a 98.3% protection rate with two false alarms in the 400-case real-world test.
Online feedback is available on G2 for Sophos Central rather than specifically for the MSP Flex program. Central reviewers mention its centralized cloud management and endpoint protection. Reviewers also value the ability to integrate multiple Sophos products. Some feedback highlights opportunities to improve reporting and navigation. Reviewers also note that certain advanced tasks can require moving into individual products.
Pros
- Broad cybersecurity portfolio for MSPs
- Strong managed detection capabilities
- Centralized cloud-based administration
- Monthly usage licensing through MSP Flex
- Strong independent endpoint testing
Cons
- Backup may require complementary services
- Broad portfolio can make licensing more involved
Pricing: Sophos does not publish a universal per-endpoint MSP Flex price. Flex partners can create monthly usage accounts and select the licenses assigned to individual customers. Billing begins when products are installed. Sophos also notes that selecting a higher-tier license results in charges for that license even when only part of its functionality is deployed.
Pro tip: Consider how many Sophos services you expect to use across customer environments. Using multiple services through the same management environment may simplify administration compared with evaluating each product independently.
Final verdict: Sophos supports MSPs with endpoint protection and MDR capabilities. Sophos Firewall can extend that protection to customer networks, giving providers additional options as they build out managed security services.
ESET
Best for flexible MSP licensing and endpoint security
Overall score: 4.6/5
- MSP management and scalability: 4.7/5
- Endpoint and threat protection: 4.7/5
- Backup and cyber resilience: 3.9/5
- Automation and integrations: 4.7/5
- Usability and administration: 4.6/5
- Pricing and licensing flexibility: 5.0/5
ESET's MSP program gives service providers centralized customer administration through the ESET PROTECT ecosystem. Providers can manage security services across customer environments as requirements change.
The available security portfolio extends beyond basic endpoint protection. MSPs can protect endpoints and servers while adding advanced threat defense or XDR where needed.
Vulnerability and patch management provide additional options for reducing exposure. ESET also offers cloud application protection and full-disk encryption. Cloud workload protection can extend coverage further, while MDR provides access to managed detection and response services. This lets providers expand customer services without forcing every customer onto the same security configuration.
In the AV-Comparatives H1 2026 Business Security Test, ESET PROTECT Entry with ESET PROTECT Cloud achieved 98.8% protection with two false alarms across the 400-case real-world test. The tested configuration is relevant to ESET PROTECT but does not represent every optional service an MSP could deploy.
Reviewers praise centralized administration and protection. Relatively lightweight endpoint performance is another commonly cited strength. Some reviewers indicate that policy configuration can require additional time to learn. These reviews cover ESET PROTECT generally rather than the MSP program specifically. They provide useful product feedback but do not evaluate ESET's MSP business model.
Pros
- Highly flexible MSP licensing model
- Strong multilayered endpoint protection
- Broad ESET PROTECT security portfolio
- RMM and PSA integrations
- Solid independent protection results
Cons
- Backup may require complementary services
- Advanced policy management can introduce a learning curve
Pricing: ESET does not publish a standard MSP per-endpoint price. Its MSP program calculates usage daily and invoices monthly, with no flat rate or long-term commitment. Higher sales volumes can also qualify MSPs for additional discounts.
Pro tip: ESET is worth considering when endpoint totals change frequently across customers. Daily usage calculations can help MSPs avoid paying for licenses that are no longer needed as customer environments change.
Final verdict: ESET provides MSPs with endpoint security that adapts to diverse customer requirements. The ESET PROTECT portfolio also gives providers options to expand the security services they deliver over time.
How I evaluated the best cybersecurity solutions for MSPs
Each solution was scored across six weighted categories based primarily on current vendor documentation and MSP-specific product information. Independent testing from organizations such as AV-Comparatives and AV-TEST helped assess endpoint protection when a sufficiently relevant product was tested.
Customer reviews from sites like G2 provided additional context around usability and administration. I also considered feedback about deployment and other product considerations.
These ratings are my editorial assessment of each solution's suitability for MSPs. They are not the result of hands-on testing.
Evaluation criteria
MSP management and scalability (25%): This score considers multi-tenant administration and customer separation. I also looked at centralized visibility and policy management, as well as the ability to scale across multiple customer environments. MSP-specific workflows and service-provider administration received additional consideration.
Endpoint and threat protection (20%): I evaluated endpoint protection with particular attention to malware and ransomware prevention. EDR/XDR capabilities were also considered, along with vulnerability management and managed detection services. Independent testing provided additional context where sufficiently comparable products were available.
Backup and cyber resilience (15%): This category measures how well each platform helps MSPs recover from ransomware and other disruptions. I considered backup capabilities across endpoints and workloads, as well as available disaster recovery options.
Automation and integrations (15%): I looked at automation capabilities, including scripting and remediation. PSA and RMM integrations were also considered, along with APIs and connections to other technologies MSPs commonly use. Platforms that can reduce repetitive administrative work scored higher.
Usability and administration (15%): This score considers deployment and centralized management. Day-to-day administration and customer feedback also factored into the score. The ability to move efficiently between customer environments was also important.
Pricing and licensing flexibility (10%): I considered the availability of public pricing and consumption-based licensing. Minimum commitments and seat flexibility were also important. The score also reflects how closely each vendor's licensing model aligns with how MSPs sell services.
Frequently asked questions
How do the top cybersecurity solutions for MSPs differ?
The right cybersecurity solution depends on the services an MSP provides and its customers' needs. Acronis Cyber Protect Cloud combines cybersecurity with backup and recovery. NinjaOne emphasizes endpoint operations and patch automation, while Bitdefender provides advanced endpoint security capabilities.
Sophos supports the delivery of multiple managed security services through its ecosystem. ESET combines endpoint security with flexible MSP licensing. Comparing these differences can help MSPs determine which approach aligns with their customer requirements and service model.
What cybersecurity tools do MSPs need?
At minimum, MSPs need reliable patching and endpoint threat prevention. Centralized policy management helps providers maintain consistent security across customers. EDR can provide deeper monitoring and response capabilities, while MDR can supplement an MSP's internal security resources.
Backup and recovery should be considered alongside prevention. Ransomware defenses can reduce the likelihood of compromise, but MSPs still need a way to restore customer systems and data when prevention fails.
What should MSPs look for in a cybersecurity platform?
Start with multi-tenancy. A security product may work well for a single enterprise but become difficult to operate when an MSP has to manage dozens or hundreds of separate customer environments.
Then look at automation and licensing. Policy inheritance and automated remediation can reduce repetitive work, while effective patching can help close security gaps. Reporting and PSA/RMM integrations can also improve efficiency across customer environments.
Licensing should expand and contract with customer usage without creating unnecessary commitments.
Bottom line
The biggest difference between these products is not simply the number of security features they offer. It is which part of an MSP's security operation each platform is designed to simplify.
Acronis Cyber Protect Cloud combines cybersecurity with backup and recovery. NinjaOne centers on endpoint operations, with patching and automation supporting centralized management. Its remote management capabilities also help MSPs manage customer endpoints at scale.
Bitdefender GravityZone Cloud MSP Security combines endpoint protection with advanced detection and response options. Sophos supports endpoint protection and MDR, while Sophos Firewall extends coverage to customer networks. ESET combines endpoint security with an MSP licensing model based on daily usage.
Before selecting a platform, identify which functions consume the most time in your operations and which security services your customers actually need. The right MSP cybersecurity platform should support those requirements while making security easier to deliver consistently across customer environments.
MSPs looking to reduce manual endpoint maintenance can also compare patch management services to find additional automation options.