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Microsoft BitLocker vs Symantec Endpoint Encryption comparison

 

Comparison Buyer's Guide

Executive SummaryUpdated on Jun 3, 2026

Review summaries and opinions

We asked business professionals to review the solutions they use. Here are some excerpts of what they said:
 

ROI

Sentiment score
6.6
Microsoft BitLocker offers strong GDPR compliance, data protection, and investment value, boosting confidence by encrypting data on stolen devices.
Sentiment score
7.0
Symantec Endpoint Encryption boosts productivity, meets security needs, and ensures easy deployment with effective data protection and timely issue resolution.
 

Customer Service

Sentiment score
6.3
Microsoft support for BitLocker is rarely needed; when used, experiences vary from slow to effective, with inconsistent expertise reported.
Sentiment score
5.0
Symantec Endpoint Encryption's support receives mixed reviews, with concerns about response times and communication, but some report positive experiences.
They are very responsive and very good.
Senior Technology Specialist at ITE Corp
I would rate the technical support from Symantec as nine out of ten.
Security Risk Manager at a financial services firm with 10,001+ employees
 

Scalability Issues

Sentiment score
7.2
Microsoft BitLocker offers high scalability and easy expansion, efficiently protecting numerous devices with minimal infrastructure demands.
Sentiment score
7.3
Symantec Endpoint Encryption is scalable for businesses of all sizes, with scores of 6-9, despite some deployment concerns.
I would rate the scalability of Symantec Endpoint Encryption a nine.
Project Manager at a tech services company with 11-50 employees
 

Stability Issues

Sentiment score
8.1
Microsoft BitLocker is seen as stable and reliable, with minor issues mainly related to TPM 1.2 compatibility.
Sentiment score
7.8
Symantec Endpoint Encryption is stable and reliable, though some face minor update issues and disk encryption dissatisfaction.
I have been using Symantec Endpoint Encryption for many years, and I find it to be a reliable solution.
Security Risk Manager at a financial services firm with 10,001+ employees
 

Room For Improvement

BitLocker struggles with slow encryption, complex setup, limited availability, and lacks strong integration, support, and interoperability features.
Symantec Endpoint Encryption requires enhancements in deployment, integration, usability, support, management, efficiency, cost, and advanced security features.
I recommend Microsoft BitLocker for people who do not have the money for other solutions, such as Kaspersky.
Senior Technology Specialist at ITE Corp
The system requires secure boot to function properly.
Engineer Ii - Design at Tektekies
Based on my experience, technically, the product already meets all our requirements.
Project Manager at a tech services company with 11-50 employees
Support can sometimes be a problem, although not always.
Security Risk Manager at a financial services firm with 10,001+ employees
 

Setup Cost

Microsoft BitLocker is cost-effective for enterprises, included in Windows licenses, offering economic value due to its seamless integration.
Symantec Endpoint Encryption pricing is competitive initially, but additional modules can increase costs, affecting overall affordability.
I think the price for Microsoft BitLocker is very good based on our experience with our customers.
Senior Technology Specialist at ITE Corp
 

Valuable Features

Microsoft BitLocker provides seamless encryption, enhanced by TPM, easy deployment, manageability, and free availability for Windows users.
Symantec Endpoint Encryption excels in management, encryption, and integration, offering ease of use, robust security, and convenient licensing.
Since BIOS updates are necessary periodically, it is crucial that whoever implements Microsoft BitLocker knows how to recover the key, especially when dealing with important devices such as a CEO's laptop.
Engineer Ii - Design at Tektekies
When a user asks for a recovery key, it consists of 32 numbers to unlock their PC.
Senior Technology Specialist at ITE Corp
The most valuable function of Symantec Endpoint Encryption is the integration with our current endpoint protection solution and its administration because it is already integrated with our operating system to Microsoft.
Project Manager at a tech services company with 11-50 employees
It provides an easy-to-install dashboard that gives a clear understanding of the organization's status regarding encryption and other features.
Security Risk Manager at a financial services firm with 10,001+ employees
It attempts to detect CVS quickly and recognizes it to fix it or alert us so we have to update patches if required.
Solutions Architect at IBM
 

Categories and Ranking

Microsoft BitLocker
Ranking in Endpoint Encryption
1st
Average Rating
8.2
Reviews Sentiment
7.2
Number of Reviews
66
Ranking in other categories
Mobile Data Protection (1st)
Symantec Endpoint Encryption
Ranking in Endpoint Encryption
3rd
Average Rating
7.6
Reviews Sentiment
6.2
Number of Reviews
39
Ranking in other categories
No ranking in other categories
 

Mindshare comparison

As of June 2026, in the Endpoint Encryption category, the mindshare of Microsoft BitLocker is 15.1%, down from 38.2% compared to the previous year. The mindshare of Symantec Endpoint Encryption is 7.9%, down from 9.4% compared to the previous year. It is calculated based on PeerSpot user engagement data.
Endpoint Encryption Mindshare Distribution
ProductMindshare (%)
Microsoft BitLocker15.1%
Symantec Endpoint Encryption7.9%
Other77.0%
Endpoint Encryption
 

Featured Reviews

MK
Engineer Ii - Design at Tektekies
Integration streamlines security management and supports both cloud and on-premises environments
Microsoft BitLocker implementation requires careful consideration. When any BIOS change occurs, Microsoft BitLocker activates because it detects a potential vulnerability, which is its intended function. Since BIOS updates are necessary periodically, it is crucial that whoever implements Microsoft BitLocker knows how to recover the key, especially when dealing with important devices such as a CEO's laptop. The implementation process is straightforward, and it operates in the background. Once initiated, it continues to function even if the computer is turned off. It proceeds without user notification, which is beneficial. The progress can be monitored along with other relevant information.
Jagadeesh B - PeerSpot reviewer
Solutions Architect at IBM
Security monitoring has improved and protects mission-level mac segments for critical users
Currently, I am not using this because it is mandated on Office 365, which we are not currently maintaining. We are just using the manage feature, so it is not something we control. We are using Cisco SecureClient for VPN. Symantec Endpoint Encryption is only used at the MAC level segment for the B Mission levels for security purposes, and it is only from the ten user perspective. It is straightforward and not complex. I would rate the complexity as a seven, but I would rate the product itself as a nine. We have approximately fifty thousand in budget. Better security methods are valuable features that we can suggest, as everything is under liability. My overall review rating for this solution is nine out of ten.
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Top Industries

By visitors reading reviews
Financial Services Firm
10%
Manufacturing Company
9%
Government
9%
University
9%
Financial Services Firm
11%
Manufacturing Company
10%
Construction Company
9%
Marketing Services Firm
7%
 

Company Size

By reviewers
Large Enterprise
Midsize Enterprise
Small Business
By reviewers
Company SizeCount
Small Business35
Midsize Enterprise10
Large Enterprise25
By reviewers
Company SizeCount
Small Business19
Midsize Enterprise7
Large Enterprise17
 

Questions from the Community

What should one take into account when replacing PGP with Microsoft BitLocker?
Beware to make backup of useful data, then use reverse decryption policy from Symantec panel/McAfee ePO to decrypt the DE partitions while it is sometimes more straightforward and faster to reinsta...
Would you choose Microsoft BitLocker or McAfee Complete Data Protection?
Microsoft BitLocker is very intuitive and easy to maintain. It is basically the global standard solution for drive encryption and successfully fulfills regulatory needs in terms of data protection....
How does Microsoft BitLocker compare with Symantec Endpoint Encryption?
Microsoft BitLocker is very intuitive and easy to maintain. It is basically the global standard solution for drive encryption and it successfully fulfills regulatory needs in terms of data protecti...
What is your experience regarding pricing and costs for Symantec Endpoint Encryption?
I am not sure about the pricing and licensing cost of Symantec Endpoint Encryption.
What needs improvement with Symantec Endpoint Encryption?
I am not owning that part and cannot comment on it. Our security team handles that aspect. I have not used it enough to provide detailed feedback.
What is your primary use case for Symantec Endpoint Encryption?
This solution is only used at the MAC level segment for the B Mission levels for security purposes. It is only from the ten user perspective.
 

Also Known As

BitLocker, MS BitLocker
Symantec Drive Encryption
 

Overview

 

Sample Customers

ACV, Proaxis Therapy, Choice Hotels International, adnymics GmbH, Intermedia, NMBS/SNCB
Citrix Systems Inc., City of Lansing, Commercial & Industrial Property, France T_l_visions, Fujian Mobile Co. Ltd., Group Lotus plc, Hall Booth Smith & Slover, P.C. (HBSS), Portugal Telecom, PostFinance, Public Pension Agency
Find out what your peers are saying about Microsoft BitLocker vs. Symantec Endpoint Encryption and other solutions. Updated: June 2026.
900,644 professionals have used our research since 2012.