Comparison
Application Control Software Comparison
Problems this category addresses
- Unapproved or unknown software running on business devices
- Malware and ransomware that rely on executing new binaries or scripts
- Shadow IT and unlicensed software installs
- Difficulty proving which software is permitted for audits
Key terms
Click a term for a plain-English explanation.
Approaches vendors take
Standalone allowlisting platforms
Dedicated products built around default-deny execution control, often with cloud management and exception workflows.
Operating-system-native control
Controls built into the OS (for example, Microsoft App Control for Business) configured through existing management tools.
Bundled with privilege management
Application control offered alongside endpoint privilege management, focused on what runs and with what rights.
Bundled with endpoint security suites
Application control features included in a broader EDR/EPP suite, sometimes with fewer policy options.
Editorial analysis — a way of grouping products, not a ranking.
Trade-offs to understand
Strict default-deny vs. Blocklist / hybrid
Default-deny stops unknown software but creates more exception requests; hybrid is easier to run but lets unknown files execute.
Hash rules vs. Publisher rules
Hash rules are precise but break on every update; publisher rules survive updates but trust everything a vendor signs.
Native OS tooling vs. Dedicated platform
Native tools add no licence cost but usually need more in-house expertise to build and maintain policies.
Comparison criteria
Every product is described against the same criteria. Products are listed alphabetically; KyberScore does not rank vendors. See our methodology.
Policy model
Default-deny allowlisting, blocklisting, or a hybrid approach.
Policy creation
Learning mode, catalog of known apps, or manual rules.
Script and interpreter control
Coverage of PowerShell, macros, and scripting engines.
Change management
How updates and new software requests are handled.
Platform coverage
Windows, macOS, Linux, and server support.
Reporting
Audit logs and evidence suitable for compliance reviews.
Vendor and product comparison
| Product | Capabilities | Deployment | Pricing | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Airlock Digital Airlock Allowlisting Sample data — not publicly verified Last verified: never | Application allowlisting, Execution blocklisting | On-premises, Cloud-hosted | Not publicly verified | |
CyberArk Endpoint Privilege Manager Sample data — not publicly verified Last verified: never | Least privilege, Application control, Privilege elevation | SaaS | Not publicly verified | |
Ivanti Application Control Sample data — not publicly verified Last verified: never | Application allowlisting, Privilege elevation | On-premises | Not publicly verified | |
Microsoft App Control for Business Sample data — not publicly verified Last verified: never | Application allowlisting, Code integrity policies | Built into Windows, Intune / Group Policy | Not publicly verified | |
ThreatLocker Application Allowlisting Sample data — not publicly verified Last verified: never | Application allowlisting, Ringfencing, Storage control | Cloud-managed agent | Not publicly verified |
Deployment and administration
- Expect a learning or audit phase before enforcing policies.
- Plan an exception-request process for end users before go-live.
- Confirm how software updates are trusted (publisher, hash, path).
Integration considerations
- Endpoint management (Intune, Group Policy, RMM tools)
- SIEM or log platforms for audit events
- Ticketing systems for approval workflows
Best-fit use cases
- Organizations with stable, well-defined software needs
- Regulated environments needing evidence of software control
- MSPs standardizing protection across many client environments
Questions to ask during a demo
- How long does the learning phase usually take for an environment like ours?
- How are signed software updates trusted automatically?
- What does day-to-day administration look like after the initial rollout?
- How are policy exceptions requested, approved, and audited?
- What happens to protection if an endpoint loses connectivity to the management console?
- Which operating systems and versions are supported today, in writing?
- How is pricing structured, and what is excluded from the quoted price?