Every organization runs hundreds of applications every day some approved, some outdated, and some that should never be there in the first place. A single unapproved application is often enough to open the door to malware, ransomware, or compliance issues. That’s why application control is no longer optional it’s a basic security requirement.
Application control platforms help IT teams decide exactly which applications are allowed to run on systems and block everything else. Instead of reacting after an attack happens, these tools prevent threats before they can execute. They also reduce shadow IT, improve system stability, and help organizations meet security and compliance standards.
In this article, we’ve listed the top 15 best application control tools used by organizations across industries. Whether you manage a small IT environment or a large enterprise network, this guide will help you compare leading solutions and choose the right tool to keep your applications and your systems under control.
What Are Application Control Tools
Application Control Tools are security solutions designed to regulate which applications are allowed to run on a computer system or network. Instead of relying only on traditional antivirus software, these tools take a preventive approach by blocking unauthorized or unknown applications before they can cause harm. They work by using application whitelisting and blacklisting techniques, allowing only trusted programs while restricting suspicious or unapproved software.
These tools help protect systems from malware, ransomware, zero-day attacks, and insider threats. By limiting application execution, organizations can reduce the attack surface and maintain better control over their IT environment. Application Control software also support compliance with security standards by enforcing predefined policies across all devices.
Common features include real-time monitoring, policy-based controls, centralized management, and detailed audit reports. They are widely used in enterprises, financial institutions, healthcare organizations, and government sectors where data security is critical. Overall, Application Control Platforms play a key role in strengthening endpoint security and ensuring a safe, controlled digital environment.
Why Application Control Tools Are Critical for Modern IT Security
- Stops threats before they start: Application control blocks unapproved software from running, preventing malware, ransomware, and zero-day threats from executing in the first place.
- Reduces attack surface across endpoints: By allowing only trusted applications, organizations significantly limit the number of entry points attackers can exploit.
- Controls shadow IT and unauthorized installs: Employees often install tools without approval. Application control ensures only approved software is used, improving security and visibility
- Improves system stability and performance: Blocking unknown or unnecessary applications reduces crashes, conflicts, and system slowdowns caused by unsafe software
- Supports regulatory and compliance requirements: Many standards require strict control over software usage. Application control helps meet audit and compliance expectations more easily.
Key Factors to Consider When Choosing an Application Control Tool
- Ease of policy creation and management: The tool should allow IT teams to create, test, and update application policies without excessive complexity or manual effort
- Compatibility with existing infrastructure: It should work smoothly with your operating systems, endpoint tools, and security stack without causing conflicts
- Visibility and reporting capabilities: Good application control tools provide clear insights into application usage, blocked attempts, and policy violations
- Performance impact on endpoints: The solution should run efficiently in the background without slowing down user systems or critical applications
- Scalability and support: As your organization grows, the tool should scale easily and come with reliable vendor support when issues arise.
List of Top 15 Best Application Control Tools
1. Microsoft Defender Application Control (MDAC)
Microsoft Defender Application Control is a security solution designed to help organizations prevent unauthorized or malicious applications from running on their systems. It works on a “default deny” approach, allowing only trusted and approved applications to execute. This makes it highly effective in reducing malware risks, ransomware attacks, and zero-day threats.
MDAC is deeply integrated with the Windows ecosystem, making it a strong choice for enterprises already using Microsoft security products. It supports both audit and enforcement modes, allowing IT teams to test policies before fully enforcing them. This helps organizations balance security and operational continuity.
Top Features:
- Default-deny application execution model
- Policy-based application whitelisting
- Kernel-mode and user-mode code integrity
- Audit mode for policy testing
- Seamless integration with Windows security stack
Website: https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/intune/configmgr/protect/deploy-use/use-device-guard-with-configuration-manager
Pricing:
- Free
2. VMware Carbon Black App Control (Now BROADCOM)
VMware Carbon Black App Control focuses on protecting endpoints by allowing only approved software to run. It provides strong application whitelisting combined with real-time monitoring, making it ideal for environments that require strict control, such as servers and critical infrastructure.
The tool offers high visibility into application behavior and system changes. Its centralized management console allows security teams to enforce consistent policies across multiple endpoints, while still providing flexibility to handle exceptions when needed.
Top Features:
- Application whitelisting and blocking
- Real-time visibility into system changes
- Centralized policy management
- Strong protection for servers and critical systems
- Integration with broader VMware security solutions
Website: https://www.broadcom.com/products/carbon-black/threat-prevention/app-control
Pricing:
- Available on request
3. Trellix Application Control
Trellix Application Control is designed to lock down systems by preventing unauthorized applications from running, making it one of the reliable Application Control Tools for secure environments. It is widely used in servers, fixed-function devices, and regulated environments where security and system stability are critical.
The solution uses a dynamic allowlisting approach that automatically trusts known, approved changes while blocking unknown or malicious software. This makes it effective against zero-day threats and helps organizations maintain strong compliance and operational integrity.
Top Features:
- Dynamic application allowlisting
- Strong protection against zero-day threats
- Ideal for fixed-function devices and servers
- Compliance-ready security controls
- Minimal system performance impact
Website: https://www.trellix.com/products/trellix-application-control/
Pricing:
- Available on request
4. Ivanti Application Control
Ivanti Application Control helps organizations control which applications users can access, improving both security and productivity. Instead of only focusing on blocking threats, it also ensures users get the right applications they need to do their jobs effectively.
The tool offers granular control based on user role, device, location, and time. This makes it suitable for organizations with diverse user requirements and hybrid work environments.
Top Features:
- Context-aware application control
- Role-based access policies
- Supports hybrid and remote work environments
- Reduces shadow IT risks
- Easy integration with endpoint management tools
Website: https://www.ivanti.com/products/application-control
Pricing:
- Available on request
5. BeyondTrust Privilege Management for Applications
BeyondTrust Privilege Management for Applications focuses on controlling application execution while minimizing the need for administrative privileges, making it one of the effective Application Control Tools for reducing security risks. It helps reduce attack surfaces by ensuring applications run with the least privileges required.
This solution is particularly useful for organizations looking to balance strong security with user convenience. It allows trusted applications to run without granting full admin rights, reducing the risk of malware exploitation.
Top Features:
- Least-privilege application execution
- Application whitelisting and blacklisting
- Reduces dependency on admin rights
- Detailed application auditing
- Strong compliance and reporting support
Website: https://www.beyondtrust.com/
Pricing:
- Available on request
6. Cisco Secure Endpoint Application Control
Cisco Secure Endpoint Application Control helps organizations protect endpoints by preventing unauthorized applications from executing. It uses advanced threat intelligence and behavioral analysis to ensure only trusted software runs across devices.
This tool is well-suited for enterprises that already rely on Cisco’s security ecosystem. It offers strong visibility into application behavior and integrates smoothly with other Cisco security solutions for centralized threat management.
Top Features:
- Application execution control and monitoring
- Behavioral-based threat detection
- Centralized endpoint management
- Integration with Cisco security ecosystem
- Real-time visibility and reporting
Website: https://www.cisco.com/
Pricing:
- Available on request
7. Trend Micro Endpoint Application Control
Top Features:
- Default-deny application control
- Strong ransomware protection
- Centralized policy enforcement
- Ideal for regulated and industrial environments
- Minimal performance impact
Website: https://www.trendmicro.com/en_gb/business.html
Pricing:
- Available on request
8. Symantec Endpoint Protection Application Control
Symantec Endpoint Protection Application Control provides advanced application control capabilities as part of a broader endpoint security platform. It allows organizations to define which applications are trusted and block everything else.
The solution combines application control with reputation-based analysis, helping IT teams reduce the risk of unknown or malicious software. It is suitable for organizations seeking a layered endpoint security approach.
Top Features:
- Application reputation analysis
- Policy-based application control
- Integrated endpoint protection
- Centralized management console
- Strong malware and exploit prevention
Website: https://www.broadcom.com/products/cyber-security/endpoint
Pricing:
- Available on request
9. Check Point Endpoint Security Application Control
Check Point Endpoint Security Application Control helps organizations manage and control applications running on endpoint devices. It allows IT teams to create granular policies based on application type, user group, or risk level.
This solution offers clear visibility into application usage across the organization. By controlling high-risk or unauthorized applications, it helps reduce security incidents and improves overall endpoint hygiene.
Top Features:
- Granular application usage control
- Application risk classification
- Centralized policy management
- Visibility into endpoint application activity
- Integration with Check Point security suite
Website: https://www.checkpoint.com/
Pricing:
- Available on request
10. Sophos Intercept X Application Control
Sophos Intercept X Application Control allows organizations to manage which applications are allowed to run on their systems, making it a reliable Application Control Tools solution. It is designed to complement advanced endpoint protection by stopping unwanted or risky software.
The tool is easy to deploy and manage, making it suitable for small to mid-sized businesses as well as enterprises. It also integrates tightly with Sophos Central for unified security management.
Top Features:
- Simple application allow/block policies
- Centralized cloud-based management
- Strong ransomware and exploit protection
- Easy deployment and configuration
- Integration with Sophos Central
Website: https://docs.sophos.com/central/customer/help/en-us/GettingStarted/index.html
Pricing:
- Free version available. Advanced version available on request
11. CrowdStrike Falcon Application Control
CrowdStrike Falcon Application Control helps organizations control which applications can run on endpoints while leveraging cloud-based threat intelligence. It focuses on reducing attack surfaces by blocking unapproved or risky applications before they can cause harm.
Built on the Falcon platform, this solution benefits from real-time threat data and behavioral analytics. It is ideal for organizations looking for scalable, cloud-native application control with minimal on-premise infrastructure.
Top Features:
- Cloud-native application control
- Real-time threat intelligence
- Behavioral monitoring of applications
- Scalable endpoint protection
- Centralized cloud management console
Website: https://www.crowdstrike.com/en-us/
Pricing:
- Go: $59.99 / year
- Pro: $99.99 / year
- Enterprise: $184.99 / year
12. SentinelOne Application Control
SentinelOne Application Control provides automated protection against unauthorized applications using AI-driven analysis. It helps prevent malware, fileless attacks, and zero-day threats by blocking unknown or suspicious software.
The platform offers autonomous policy enforcement and minimal manual intervention. It is well-suited for organizations that want strong security with simplified management and fast incident response.
Top Features:
- AI-driven application analysis
- Autonomous threat prevention
- Protection against fileless and zero-day attacks
- Real-time visibility and reporting
- Lightweight endpoint agent
Website: https://www.sentinelone.com/
Pricing:
- Complete (Commercial): $179.99 / endpoint
- Commercial: $229.99 / endpoint
13. Forcepoint Application Control
Forcepoint Application Control allows organizations to monitor and control application usage to reduce insider threats and data risks, making it an effective Application Control Tools software. It helps security teams identify risky applications and enforce usage policies across endpoints.
This solution is particularly useful for enterprises focused on data protection and compliance. By controlling how applications are used, it supports both security and productivity goals.
Top Features:
- Application usage visibility
- Risk-based application control
- Insider threat mitigation
- Centralized policy enforcement
- Strong compliance support
Website: https://www.forcepoint.com/
Pricing:
- Available on request
14. ThreatLocker Application Control
ThreatLocker Application Control uses a strict zero-trust approach to application execution. Only explicitly approved applications are allowed to run, making it highly effective against ransomware and unknown threats.
The platform is known for its simple policy creation and strong support model. It is popular among managed service providers and organizations that want aggressive protection with clear control.
Top Features:
- Zero-trust application whitelisting
- Strong ransomware protection
- Easy policy approval workflows
- Ringfencing for application behavior
- Centralized management dashboard
Website: https://www.threatlocker.com/application-control
Pricing:
- Available on request
15. ManageEngine Application Control Plus
ManageEngine Application Control Plus helps IT teams control and manage applications across endpoints from a single dashboard. It focuses on simplifying application allowlisting, blocklisting, and privilege control.
This tool is well-suited for small to mid-sized organizations looking for cost-effective application control. Its easy setup and intuitive interface make it accessible even for teams with limited security resources.
Top Features:
- Centralized application management
- Application allowlist and blocklist
- Privilege control for applications
- User-friendly interface
- Suitable for SMBs and mid-sized enterprises
Website: https://www.manageengine.com/application-control/
Pricing:
- Available on request
Conclusion
In conclusion, unauthorized and harmful software. Instead of reacting after an incident occurs, these tools help organizations prevent threats before they can run. This proactive strategy gives IT teams more control over their surroundings, lowers security threats, and enhances system stability.
The size, infrastructure, and security requirements of your company will determine which of the several application control tools suits you. While some technologies prioritize rigorous allowlisting, others strike a balance between user flexibility and security. You can select a solution that protects your systems without interfering with regular business activities by carefully evaluating features and comprehending your needs.
Purchasing the appropriate application control platform is about more than simply security; it’s about creating a long-term IT environment that is safer, more regulated, and more dependable.
FAQs
How is Application Control Different From Antivirus Software?
Antivirus software detects and removes known threats, while application control prevents unknown or unapproved applications from running at all. Application control works as a preventive layer rather than a reactive one.
Can Application Control Platforms Stop Ransomware?
Yes, most application control tools are highly effective against ransomware because they block unapproved applications, preventing ransomware from executing in the first place.
Are Application Control Software Suitable For Small Businesses?
Yes, many application control platform are designed for small and mid-sized businesses and offer easy setup, simple policies, and cost-effective pricing.
Will Application Control Affect System Performance?
When properly configured, application control tools have minimal impact on performance. Most modern solutions are lightweight and optimized to run quietly in the background.
How Long Does It Take to Implement an Application Control Software?
Implementation time varies by tool and environment, but many solutions can be deployed within days. Starting in audit mode helps organizations test policies before full enforcement.
