Compare Sophos to CrowdStrike
Prevent breaches, ransomware, and data loss with Sophos Endpoint and Managed Detection and Response (MDR)
Sophos provides on-device protection and automated response that eradicates threats in real-time. CrowdStrike collects and analyses data in the cloud, which slows down response time.
Proactive Protection
Customers need every layer of defence to stop attacks early.
Proactive Protection
Sophos uses web, application, and peripheral controls to reduce your attack surface and block common attack vectors. We utilise anti-ransomware, anti-exploitation, and other technologies to stop threats quickly before they escalate. CrowdStrike lacks web protection and application control capabilities, creating security vulnerabilities that attackers could exploit.
Timing is Everything
Detection is good, but real-time protection is superior.
Timing is Everything
Sophos utilises real-time, on-device protection to block and roll back ransomware, prevent exploits, restrict lateral movement, implement dynamic defences against hands-on-keyboard attackers, and automatically isolate compromised endpoints. CrowdStrike heavily relies on collecting data in the cloud to detect threats. This introduces a delay that could make a difference in whether you achieve the timely containment of a breach or need to report a breach.
Future-proof with Adaptive Defences
Technology that adapts in real time and automatically responds to attacks.
Future-proof with Adaptive Defences
To add endpoint, network, message, or cloud security functionality with Sophos, all you have to do is activate a new component. Then, you can manage threat detection and response on your own with Sophos XDR or add reinforcements with our 24/7 MDR service, including integrations with third-party security controls. CrowdStrike doesn't offer the range of services required to deliver this integrated experience.
Sophos vs CrowdStrike
| FEATURES | Sophos | CrowdStrike |
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Attack Surface, Pre- and Post-Execution |
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Attack surface reduction, with multiple technologies for web protection, application control, and device control that eliminate attack vectors and protect against data loss |
Partially provided | |
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Strong protection by default, with no configuration required |
Partially provided | |
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Defences that automatically adapt to human-led attacks |
Not provided |
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Automated Account Health Check to maintain a strong security posture |
Not provided |
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Security Heartbeat to share health and threat intelligence between multiple products |
Not provided |
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Automatic document rollback after encryption by ransomware |
Not provided |
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Protection from remote (over the network) ransomware encryption |
Partially provided | |
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Feature parity across Windows, macOS, and Linux |
Partially provided | Partially provided |
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Management, Investigation, and Remediation |
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Single management console for managing and reporting |
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Alert triage and assistance |
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Extensive threat-hunting and investigation capabilities |
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Suitable for customers without an in-house Security Operations Centre |
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Suitable for large enterprise organisations with a full in-house SOC |
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Threat Hunting and Response |
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Endpoint detection and response (EDR) functionality |
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Integrated extended detection and response (XDR) enables analysts to hunt for and respond to threats across your environment, correlate information, and pivot between endpoints, servers, networks, mobile devices, emails, and public clouds |
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MDR service provides 24/7 threat hunting, detection, and unlimited remediation to organisations of all sizes, with support available over the phone and through email |
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Incident response included in top MDR tier |
(Optional IR Retainer for lower MDR tiers) |
Not provided |
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Integrated with third-party security controls to leave your existing security investments, deliver full visibility into your environment, and provide detections and alerts to your team and the MDR team |
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Encrypted network traffic analysis (NDR) |
Partially provided |
Adaptive Attack Protection
Adaptive Attack Protection is a dynamic step up in endpoint security. When a hands-on-keyboard attack is detected, Sophos Endpoint automatically activates additional defences based on a "shields up" perspective. It stops an attacker and provides you with time to respond. For more information, watch the Adaptive Attack Protection video.
A Unified Security Ecosystem
Consolidate your defences by integrating your endpoint, server, network, mobile, email, and cloud security and third-party security controls in an Adaptive Cybersecurity Ecosystem that CrowdStrike can't match. All Sophos products are continuously optimised with real-time threat intelligence and operational insights from Sophos X-Ops.
See why customers choose Sophos
Why SophosSophos vs the competition
Disclaimer: This document was prepared for informational purposes only based on publicly available data as of August 2025.