Top 10 Device Control Software in 2024: Review-based Analysis

Digital transformation feeds off data-driven technologies. With the growing use of data in organizations, there is a corresponding rise in the threat of data leaks and breaches.¹ Device control technology is utilized by data loss prevention software (DLP) and endpoint management software for protecting devices against data loss.

In order to help organizations implement security measures, this article compares the top 10 device control software suppliers based on data and presents an in-depth analysis of each vendor based on user feedback. 

Comparison of top 10 device control software products

* Based on the total number of reviews and average ratings (on a 5-point scale) from leading software review platforms.
While there are reviews available for the “Crowdstike Falcon Endpoint Protection Platform”, there are none registered for the “Falcon Device Control by Crowdstrike” on user review platforms.

**The number of employees is gathered from publicly available resources (i.e., LinkedIn).

***The price entails 5 devices per year for Eset Protect Entry, 5 endpoints per year for SentinelOne Singularity Control, 5 endpoints per year for Falcon Pro, 100 computers and 1 user per year for ManageEngine Device Control Plus, as of April 26, 2024. Other licensing terms, such as the minimum quantity of licenses needed, are not taken into account; features and prices are in accordance with the corresponding tiers/bundles.

See why AIMultiple chose these metrics for vendors.

*Device control applicable for USB devices, Bluetooth devices, and removable drives.

**Supported with 3rd party integration.

Notes

• The tables are created from publicly available and verifiable data.
• The vendors are ranked based on the total number of reviews, with the sponsored vendor at the top.

Common features

We selected the vendors that deliver device control policy enforcement.

Differentiating features

• Device range (USB, Bluetooth & removable drives): Device control includes monitoring, management, and configuration of devices. Rules regarding network connection and user authentication are enforced on devices via supported features by the device control tool. For more on device control 
• Location awareness: Enables discernibility on device connections to networks  and thereby configures according to access rules on endpoints. For example, when an endpoint connects to a network that seems to be outside the security boundaries, the appropriate levels of security measures are placed.
• Device tagging/grouping: Identifies devices with ID tags, which are utilized for creating device groups based on access roles.
• Multi-OS compatibility: Integration with established operating systems such as Windows, macOS, and Linux. 

Top 5 device control software analyzed

This section provides an analysis of user reviews with a focus on device control features. Products with a minimum number of user reviews of 140, a minimum average score of 4.3, and a minimum umber of employees of 75; for more on vendor selection criteria. User reviews that are raised multiple times are taken into consideration.

1. Endpoint Protector by CoSoSys

Founded in 2004, CoSoSys has been named a winner of the Deloitte Technology 50 fastest-growing companies. Enpoint Protector by CoSoSys strongly focuses on data loss prevention (DLP). Endpoint Protector delivers identity protection, data compliance, sensitive data scanning, USB blocking software, and more. The software product offers deployment flexibility, including SaaS, cloud, and virtual appliances. 

Pros 

• The review finds features such as activity monitoring and reporting, content inspection and filtering, compliance and policy enforcement, and device control satisfactory. 

Cons

• In addition to its advantages, the product support videos are not available, and the price is high.²

2. ESET Endpoint Security

Eset was established in the Slovakian city of Bratislava. The business offers endpoint protection targeted at ransomware that affects web and cloud-based applications, as well as zero-day threats. Eset’s Endpoint Security includes, in addition to the device control tool, patch management, encryption, malware security, protection against phishing, and more.

Pros 

• The management console is found to be satisfactory. Users claim monitoring and management of endpoints are easy to maintain.³

Cons

• Initial use of the product is said to require effort, and some reviewers find it resource intensive.⁴

3. Kaspersky Endpoint Security for Businesses

Kaspersky is headquartered in Moscow, Russia, and offers cybersecurity software with a focus on endpoint protection against ransomware, malware, and vulnerabilities that lead to data loss and breach. For more on Kaspersky Endpoint Security and its alternatives

Pros 

• The product is claimed to be successful in encrypting USBs and hard drives. The single glass pane is found useful for monitoring and managing devices.⁵

Cons

• It is found to be resource intensive and demanding on the outset.⁶

4. Symantec Endpoint Security Complete by Broadcom

Broadcom is a manufacturer and service provider. Other businesses housed under the company include Symantec, Brocade, CA Technologies, and others. Other than software for security products, Broadcom provides mainframe software, wireless systems, storage solutions, and more.

Pros 

• The review praises regular updates, easy management, and customized advancement of protection against specific threats.

Cons

• The reviewer adds further notice by remarking on integration challenges, false positive alerts, and system performance decreases caused by multiple resources running in the system.⁷

5. Sophos Intercept X

Offered by Line-Securesoft and based in Santa Fe, Sophos Intercept X claims to focus on threat intelligence and endpoint security. Sophos delivers security solutions integrated into a single cloud-based management console. 

Pros 

• The reviewer is satisfied with the threat response mechanism and its easy settings.

Cons

• Though the software’s price is higher in comparison to others.⁸

Why is it important to use device control software?

Businesses gather, store, and transmit large amounts of data frequently. Operations among different departments within an organization require access to registered data. Parallel to operational variety and volume, the number of users who have access to read and write data can be ample. Unauthorized access via removable devices (i.e., the most popular ones are USBs and HHDs). The potential risks are not limited to data loss and eventual costs. Violations of legal policies such as GDPR give rise to legal punishments. These are some of the main justifications for using software for device control.

1. Security 

Device control software enables users to monitor, discover, and control users. Organizations can easily control access to devices with authorization tools such as permission definitions provided by device control software. Alert notifications are sent out when a threat is detected, and unauthorized entries are prevented. Device control software’s device management tools protect against insider threats, which are a major source of data breaches.

2. Auditing and compliance

Regulations imposed by supranational institutions, such as GDPR, request organizations to obey data protection rules defined in the policies. Protecting private information, such as personally identifiable data (PII) and personal health data (PHI), is the goal of these regulations. Although such restrictions necessitate careful organization and operations, they do not hinder the movement of data. Organizations should proceed in alignment with regulations. Data anonymization and encryption techniques, for instance, are supported. Device control software assists businesses in auditing and safeguarding sensitive information as mandated by law.

3. Device management

Practices such as BYOD and remote working require careful organization. Device control software provides an easy-to-use platform to manage devices in networks. Most of the device control software enables its users to operate on a single, unified platform. Updates and configurations are easily and remotely conducted. IT teams, employers, and employees can easily manage devices accordingly. 

Vendor selection criteria

• Number of reviews: The number of reviews is correlated with the product’s availability and popularity. Plentiful reviews are helpful in understanding the customer experience, and higher reviewer rating counts result in more accurate reviewer ratings.
• Average rating: Customers rate different aspects of the product on B2B review platforms, such as its general purpose, usability, functionality, customer support, payment terms, etc., and the review platform aggregates these scores into an average score. A lower user rating corresponds to a lower level of satisfaction, and vice versa.
• Price: Selected software products vary in price, and publicly available prices of products are added to the table. Potential users can compare products according to their price and pricing drivers.
• Number of employees: The number of employees provides an idea of the vendor’s human force in terms of its finances, investments in research and development, and market competence.

Transparency statement

AIMultiple serves numerous emerging tech companies, including the ones linked in this article.

Further reading

• Top 9 Hexnode Alternatives Based on 10,800+ Reviews
• Top 10 RMM Software: Analysis From 7,700+ Reviews
• Top 10 Endpoint Management Software: 12K+ Reviews

If you need help finding a vendor or have any questions, feel free to contact us:

External resources

External Links

• 1. “Volume of data/information created, captured, copied, and consumed worldwide from 2010 to 2020, with forecasts from 2021 to 2025”. Statista. Accessed: 29/Jan/2024.
• 2. User review for Endpoint Protector by CoSoSys. Gartner. Accessed: 29/Jan/2024.
• 3. “ESet Endpoint Protection”. G2. Accessed: 26/April/2024.
• 4. “ESET Protect Complete”. G2. Accessed: 26/April/2024.
• 5. “KASPERSKY REVIEW”. G2. Accessed: 26/April/2024.
• 6. “”It has the ability to protect systems from DOS and Distributed DOS attacks!””. G2. Accessed: 26/April/2024.
• 7. User review for Symantec Endpoint Security Complete. Gartner. Accessed: 28/Jan/2024.
• 8. User review for Sophos Intercept X. Capterra. Accessed: 28/Jan/2024.