In today’s threat landscape, traditional antivirus and signature-based security are often not enough to block advanced attacks or insider threats. That’s where application whitelisting software steps in—designed to only allow pre-approved apps to run, these tools offer a strict but powerful line of defense. Whether you’re managing a small business or securing a global enterprise, the right application whitelisting solution can drastically reduce your attack surface. Below is a curated list of the top 10 best application whitelisting software products, ranked from #1 to #10, each with a detailed review that covers features, performance, unique facts, and more.
#1: Gold Award: Airlock Digital
Airlock Digital is widely regarded as one of the most comprehensive and security-forward application whitelisting solutions available in the cybersecurity landscape. Born out of a growing need to counteract sophisticated malware and unauthorized application execution, this Australian-based solution was developed with enterprise-level governance, risk management, and compliance in mind. Its core principle revolves around an explicit allowlisting model—meaning only known, verified, and approved software is permitted to run. This reduces the attack surface to an absolute minimum, even against zero-day and fileless threats that traditional antivirus tools often miss.
What sets Airlock Digital apart is its laser focus on usability combined with security. Administrators can deploy allowlists quickly across a distributed network and manage them through a clean, intuitive dashboard. One of the standout features is its temporary trust model, which allows users or systems to run applications for a limited time under specific conditions. This is invaluable in situations where new apps must be tested or temporary contractors require special access without compromising the organization’s broader security posture. The platform also includes robust logging and auditing tools. Each execution request—approved or blocked—is logged with detail, enabling security analysts to trace potential incidents or misconfigurations. It supports real-time notifications and integrates with SIEM tools for broader security orchestration. Moreover, Airlock Digital works well across physical endpoints, virtual environments, and even air-gapped systems.
On the pros side, Airlock Digital is extremely secure, lightweight in terms of system performance impact, and surprisingly scalable. It’s used by defense organizations, government entities, financial institutions, and critical infrastructure providers. Its policy model is built around security best practices like the Australian Signals Directorate’s Essential Eight, giving it a leg up in compliance-heavy environments. However, this strength in policy enforcement also introduces complexity. Organizations new to allowlisting may face a steep initial configuration process. There’s also a cost premium compared to basic alternatives, and smaller teams may need training or onboarding assistance to use the tool to its full potential. An interesting historical fact is that Airlock Digital was designed by cybersecurity professionals with offensive security experience. They knew exactly how attackers bypassed traditional defenses and built Airlock to directly counter those tactics—especially memory injection and living-off-the-land techniques. The result is a product tailored to real-world adversary behavior rather than just theoretical threats. As more organizations transition from reactive to proactive security postures, Airlock Digital continues to rise as a trusted standard.
#2: Silver Award: Carbon Black App Control
Carbon Black App Control, originally known as Bit9, represents the gold standard in real-time application execution monitoring and policy enforcement. Since being acquired by VMware, it has become a cornerstone of enterprise-grade endpoint protection platforms (EPP), trusted by some of the most security-conscious organizations worldwide. Its foundation is a highly granular, rules-based whitelisting system that monitors, restricts, and controls every application, script, and binary executed within a network—offering both peace of mind and deep forensic insight.
At its heart, Carbon Black App Control implements a “default deny” policy, allowing only explicitly trusted applications to execute. The platform provides various methods for defining trust: file hashes, publishers, digital certificates, and behavioral profiles. What makes it incredibly powerful is the combination of application control with continuous monitoring—every file event is logged, timestamped, and available for investigation, giving SOC teams unrivaled visibility into endpoint behavior. The dashboard is feature-rich, albeit dense. From it, administrators can build layered policy rules based on file attributes, user groups, endpoint types, and network zones. Real-time alerts, policy violations, and trust status updates help keep security operations teams ahead of emerging threats. Moreover, App Control’s integration with Carbon Black Cloud allows for automated incident response, bridging the gap between EDR and traditional whitelisting. Among the biggest advantages of Carbon Black App Control are its forensic depth, policy customization, and enterprise scalability. It’s especially effective in critical infrastructure, healthcare, and finance—industries where downtime and breaches can be catastrophic. It also supports file reputation lookups via VMware’s extensive cloud intelligence, adding dynamic flexibility to its strict trust model.
On the downside, it’s not an entry-level solution. The platform assumes a certain level of security maturity. Deploying Carbon Black App Control requires careful planning, initial baselining, and testing in production-like environments to avoid accidental blockages. Moreover, the system generates a high volume of event data, which, while beneficial for analysis, may require robust storage and processing capabilities. Historically, Carbon Black helped pioneer the “zero trust” execution model, long before the phrase became industry standard. It gained traction by recognizing that endpoint protection needed to evolve beyond virus signatures. One of its defining moments came when major banks and defense contractors began using it as a way to preempt nation-state threats. Its legacy in the industry is undeniable—what started as Bit9’s disruptive tech is now part of a much larger suite of tools that protect Fortune 500 companies and governments globally. In the ever-escalating arms race of cybersecurity, Carbon Black App Control remains a top-tier choice for organizations that want total visibility and precise control over application execution.
#3: Bronze Award: McAfee Application Control ($)
McAfee Application Control offers a mature, highly dependable application whitelisting solution aimed at environments where uptime and system integrity are mission-critical. Known for its deployment in embedded systems, industrial networks, and POS devices, this tool is especially effective where internet connectivity is intermittent and traditional security patches can’t be applied on a regular basis.
Its strength lies in its simplicity and consistency, offering peace of mind to industries that demand security and stability above all else. Unlike behavior-based solutions that rely on external threat intelligence, McAfee Application Control uses a “trusted source” model. It employs digital signatures and predefined policies to determine whether an executable is allowed to run. The software scans systems to create an initial inventory of approved apps and libraries, then locks down execution moving forward. Admins can then manage trust dynamically by allowing software signed by trusted vendors or approved through centralized policies. Integration with McAfee’s ePolicy Orchestrator (ePO) makes this solution attractive to organizations already in the McAfee ecosystem. Through ePO, administrators can manage thousands of endpoints with centralized visibility, enforce new rules, and monitor violations in real-time. The system also includes rollback features, letting admins reverse changes if an update causes unexpected issues. Its biggest strengths are operational reliability, low maintenance needs, and strong compatibility with embedded operating systems like Windows XP Embedded or POSReady systems. This makes it highly effective in ATMs, medical devices, SCADA environments, and kiosk-style installations. Because it doesn’t depend on cloud-based updates, it works well in air-gapped or restricted networks.
However, its simplicity is also its weakness. Unlike more adaptive platforms, McAfee Application Control lacks some of the more modern conveniences—like machine learning-based threat detection or user-context policy rules. Its interface can feel outdated, and customization options are limited unless paired with other McAfee products. Interestingly, McAfee’s application control technology has been used in some of the world’s largest financial and energy organizations since the early 2010s. It was specifically designed to reduce “patch pressure”—the need to frequently update systems to address vulnerabilities—by locking down the environment so that even if a vulnerability exists, malicious code can’t execute. For teams that prioritize system uptime and security through immutability, McAfee Application Control is an unsung hero. It doesn’t promise flash or fancy analytics—it promises resilience, and in sectors like healthcare or utilities, that promise means everything.
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#4: Symantec Endpoint Protection
Symantec Endpoint Protection (SEP), now under the Broadcom umbrella, is often associated with antivirus, but it’s much more than that. Its application whitelisting features have quietly grown into one of the most versatile components of its security suite. Combining file reputation analysis, advanced heuristics, behavioral protection, and tightly enforced execution policies, SEP offers a hybrid approach to application control that balances performance with protection. For organizations already using SEP, the inclusion of whitelisting capabilities adds powerful safeguards without the need for an entirely separate product or deployment process.
At its core, SEP’s application control operates within its layered security architecture. Administrators can define allowlists using hashes, certificate trust levels, publisher metadata, or behavioral reputation. But what makes SEP unique is how these whitelisting policies tie into its broader endpoint defense mechanisms. For example, an application flagged by the Insight reputation engine can be automatically blocked—even if it hasn’t been manually disallowed—allowing SEP to react dynamically to emerging threats. This blends the proactive defense of whitelisting with the responsiveness of cloud-based threat intelligence. SEP also shines with its centralized management console. Admins can push execution rules, update policies across thousands of devices, and create group-based settings to suit varying business units or device roles. This makes SEP ideal for diverse enterprise environments with both mobile and on-prem users. Its “application learning mode” helps identify commonly used apps during the early stages of deployment, reducing the chances of disrupting productivity by accidentally blocking essential software. Pros of SEP include its deep integration with other SEP tools (like Data Loss Prevention and Endpoint Detection & Response), strong brand trust, and scalability. SEP also supports isolation features, allowing unknown applications to execute in a protected virtualized environment until their behavior can be verified.
However, drawbacks exist. The learning curve can be steep for users unfamiliar with SEP’s extensive management options. Additionally, while SEP’s application whitelisting is solid, it may not offer the same granularity or forensic detail as solutions that specialize solely in application control like Carbon Black or Airlock Digital. One interesting historical point: SEP’s roots trace back decades, with Symantec having been one of the earliest players in enterprise security. Its acquisition by Broadcom in 2019 led to renewed investment in cloud and hybrid security, pushing features like application control even further into enterprise readiness. Large healthcare systems, government agencies, and academic institutions continue to rely on SEP not only for antivirus protection but for its robust enforcement of trusted applications. Ultimately, Symantec Endpoint Protection is a top-tier choice for organizations that already use it and want to expand their endpoint security into the application layer without deploying additional software. For businesses looking for a strong all-in-one solution, SEP offers unmatched breadth.
#5: Ivanti Application Control
Ivanti Application Control, formerly part of the AppSense suite, brings a highly dynamic and user-aware approach to application whitelisting. Unlike traditional solutions that simply block or allow applications based on static rules, Ivanti introduces contextual intelligence, enabling policies to adjust based on user roles, device states, and real-time conditions. This makes it one of the most flexible and business-aligned application control platforms on the market.
Ivanti’s primary innovation lies in its ability to separate security from usability. For example, it allows temporary privilege elevation, enabling standard users to perform admin-level tasks—like installing printers or updating apps—without permanently compromising endpoint security. Policies can be created to allow certain operations only when specific criteria are met, such as being connected to the corporate network, using a company-issued laptop, or logging in during work hours. This reduces the burden on IT help desks and minimizes delays in productivity without sacrificing control. The software also includes robust audit and shadowing features, which allow administrators to simulate the effects of new policies before enforcing them live. This “policy preview mode” is invaluable in large deployments, where one mistaken rule could disrupt hundreds of users. Additionally, Ivanti includes centralized reporting dashboards, user behavior insights, and support for integration into broader ITSM or vulnerability management frameworks. Among its biggest strengths are flexibility, role-aware rule sets, and ease of scaling across diverse environments. It’s particularly effective in sectors where roles vary dramatically—such as healthcare, education, and financial services. On the con side, Ivanti works best when deployed as part of the broader Ivanti suite (e.g., with its patch management and endpoint management tools), so standalone users may miss out on some ecosystem-level enhancements.
A lesser-known fact is that Ivanti’s application control tech has been deployed in highly regulated industries like pharmaceuticals and energy where regulatory compliance is tightly enforced. Its detailed logging and change tracking make it easy to align with standards like HIPAA, PCI DSS, or ISO 27001. These capabilities have made Ivanti a quiet powerhouse in environments where audit readiness is critical. For teams looking to move beyond simple “block or allow” rules and into dynamic, behavior-aware application control, Ivanti delivers enterprise-grade functionality with a surprising level of customization. It may not be the most well-known name in endpoint protection, but it’s certainly among the most advanced in its application whitelisting approach.
#6: Faronics Anti-Executable
Faronics Anti-Executable is a minimalist, no-nonsense solution that offers exactly what the name suggests: complete control over executable files on a system. While many solutions on this list are designed for sprawling enterprise networks, Faronics focuses on a specific niche—protecting endpoints in educational institutions, public computing labs, and point-of-sale environments. In these use cases, the last thing you want is an unauthorized app causing disruption or spreading malware, and Anti-Executable does an excellent job at preventing just that. The core mechanism behind Anti-Executable is its snapshot-based allowlisting. When first deployed, it scans the machine and creates a baseline of all installed, trusted executables.
Once that baseline is locked, anything not on the list is automatically blocked—regardless of whether it comes from a USB stick, web download, or internal network share. This kind of “set and forget” model is particularly effective for environments where changes are rare but stability is essential. One of the most appreciated features of Faronics Anti-Executable is its simplicity. The interface is straightforward and requires little to no training for IT staff to manage. It includes scheduling tools for maintenance windows, password-protected admin access, and event logs that make it easy to review violations or changes. Updates to the allowlist can be done centrally or per-device, depending on how much granularity is needed.
Pros include low system overhead, reliable enforcement, and zero dependency on cloud-based threat intel. It’s also cost-effective, making it attractive to smaller institutions or budget-conscious organizations. On the downside, Anti-Executable lacks many of the adaptive and analytical tools found in more sophisticated platforms. There’s no built-in AI or behavior analysis, and complex environments with varying user needs may find it too rigid. A fun fact: Faronics Anti-Executable is often used in conjunction with another Faronics product, Deep Freeze, which restores systems to a clean state upon reboot. Together, these tools have become a go-to combo for schools and libraries, where user turnover is high and system abuse is a constant concern. Though it may not appeal to large enterprises with nuanced security policies, Faronics Anti-Executable excels in its target environment. For those who just want rock-solid protection against unauthorized software with minimal hassle, it’s a top-tier contender.
#7: Microsoft AppLocker
Microsoft AppLocker offers a surprisingly powerful and entirely free application whitelisting tool—provided you’re using the right version of Windows. Available natively in Windows 10 and 11 Enterprise and Education editions, AppLocker provides organizations with the ability to define exactly which executables, scripts, and packaged apps can run on a given device. While it lacks the sophistication of some third-party tools, AppLocker makes up for it by being tightly integrated into the Windows operating system and Group Policy, making it a logical first step into whitelisting for many small to medium-sized businesses and educational institutions.
AppLocker allows IT administrators to create rules based on file attributes like file path, publisher, and hash. This enables a decent level of precision and flexibility. For example, you can block users from running software downloaded from the internet but still allow trusted apps like Microsoft Office or Adobe Reader to function. Rules can be targeted at specific users or groups, which allows administrators to customize application access on a per-role basis. Where AppLocker really shines is its compatibility with existing Windows infrastructure. Rules are enforced via Group Policy, meaning there’s no need to install additional software, learn a new management console, or worry about third-party updates. For organizations already relying on Active Directory, the ease of deployment is a huge plus. The software also includes an “Audit Only” mode, which allows teams to test policies before enforcing them—an essential feature for minimizing disruption during rollout.
Pros of AppLocker include its seamless Windows integration, zero additional cost, and relatively low barrier to entry for IT teams already managing GPOs. However, the drawbacks are notable. AppLocker lacks detailed analytics, real-time threat detection, and cloud intelligence. It’s also not available on the standard Pro edition of Windows, which can limit accessibility for some businesses. Moreover, because it’s not actively updated as a standalone product, some security experts feel it lags behind modern attack techniques. An interesting historical note is that AppLocker was introduced with Windows 7 as the successor to Software Restriction Policies (SRP). While SRP was powerful, it was notoriously difficult to manage. AppLocker was Microsoft’s attempt to simplify things, and while it did improve usability, it never evolved into a full-fledged endpoint protection tool. Despite its limitations, AppLocker remains a solid choice for organizations that need basic whitelisting, especially those in education or public sector deployments. For budget-constrained environments or organizations just beginning their journey into application control, AppLocker is an excellent first line of defense.
#8: Bit9 Parity (Now Part of Carbon Black App Control)
Before being integrated into Carbon Black, Bit9 Parity was a trailblazer in the application whitelisting space. In fact, it was one of the first commercially successful tools to implement the “default deny” model—only allowing applications that are explicitly trusted to run. Founded in the early 2000s, Bit9 earned a reputation for providing the kind of granular application control that traditional antivirus solutions simply couldn’t match. Over time, the technology evolved and was eventually absorbed into the broader Carbon Black App Control platform under VMware.
Bit9 Parity used a combination of file hashing, publisher certificates, and file path analysis to enforce policy rules. This meant that even if malware changed its name or location, it couldn’t evade detection. One of its standout features was its Software Reputation Service, which allowed organizations to compare the reputation of unknown files against a cloud-based database. This provided a layer of dynamic intelligence to what was otherwise a very static model. Administrators could use the Parity console to view detailed execution logs, see which files were attempting to run, and analyze behavior trends. It was especially useful in environments with high compliance requirements, like financial services or government agencies, where unauthorized execution is a serious liability. Its integration with SIEM tools and forensic data feeds allowed security operations centers to correlate endpoint events with broader network activity.
Bit9’s strengths were rooted in its comprehensive approach to endpoint protection. It offered control down to the DLL level, included file integrity monitoring, and could even lock down machines into kiosk mode. However, it wasn’t perfect. Early versions of the software were resource-intensive and sometimes led to false positives that could disrupt business operations. There was also a learning curve—setting up and managing the rules required security expertise, and improperly configured policies could block legitimate business processes. One historical anecdote worth noting is that Bit9 was itself the victim of a cyberattack in 2013. Attackers compromised its own certificate-signing infrastructure to push malware through systems that trusted Bit9. Rather than hiding the breach, Bit9 publicly acknowledged it and used the incident as a teaching moment to improve transparency and security practices industry-wide. This helped reinforce the importance of certificate trust validation and sparked changes across the industry. Although the Bit9 brand no longer exists as a standalone product, its legacy lives on within Carbon Black App Control. Organizations that value visibility, control, and forensic depth can still access the essence of Bit9’s innovation through VMware’s broader security offerings.
#9: ManageEngine Application Control Plus
ManageEngine’s Application Control Plus is a relatively recent entrant into the application whitelisting market, but it has quickly gained recognition for its strong usability and integration with IT operations. Designed for modern IT teams that need security without sacrificing productivity, Application Control Plus offers a smart balance between granularity and ease of deployment. Its biggest draw is that it’s part of the broader ManageEngine ecosystem, meaning organizations using other tools like Desktop Central or Patch Manager Plus will find it especially synergistic.
At the core of Application Control Plus is its dynamic rule engine. Administrators can define policies based on hash, file name, publisher, certificate, and path. These rules can be tailored to individual users, departments, or devices. One standout feature is its “Trusted Vendor” model, where software from reputable publishers can be automatically added to the allowlist, significantly reducing manual oversight. The platform also supports policy simulation, letting administrators preview the impact of their rules before enforcing them. This is especially useful in large organizations where a single misconfiguration could disrupt operations. The software includes detailed logging, event alerting, and role-based access control, giving teams the ability to fine-tune application behavior across distributed environments. Plus, its web-based interface is modern and easy to use, lowering the barrier for smaller IT teams. Pros include a clean interface, lightweight operation, and excellent anti-ransomware tools. It also includes a basic VPN, identity theft protection, and parental controls as part of its suite. On the downside, the software sometimes requires an active internet connection for optimal performance, and advanced users might find the lack of customizable policies limiting
Strengths of Application Control Plus include its fast deployment, intuitive management console, and affordability. It’s particularly attractive to mid-sized organizations that want enterprise-level features without the enterprise-level cost or complexity. On the downside, it lacks some of the deeper forensic tools found in platforms like Carbon Black or Airlock. While it integrates well within the ManageEngine suite, standalone users may find some limits in interoperability. A unique selling point is ManageEngine’s customer support. Backed by Zoho Corporation, the product is updated frequently with new features and UI improvements. The vendor is known for responsiveness and clarity, which is a huge asset during initial deployment or troubleshooting. For organizations looking for a reliable, scalable, and cost-effective application whitelisting solution—especially if they’re already using other ManageEngine products—Application Control Plus is a fantastic option. It’s not the flashiest tool on the list, but it gets the job done with precision and clarity.
#10: Trend Micro Apex One
Trend Micro’s Apex One offers a comprehensive endpoint protection platform that includes application control as one of its many layers of defense. While not a dedicated whitelisting product in the traditional sense, its application control capabilities are robust enough to compete with standalone solutions. Apex One is geared toward organizations looking for an all-in-one endpoint security suite that delivers protection, visibility, and control in a single agent.
The application control component of Apex One uses file reputation, digital signatures, and custom rules to prevent unauthorized applications from executing. It allows admins to create policies based on known good software and then enforce those rules across devices, whether they’re on-premise or remote. What sets Apex One apart is how its whitelisting capabilities tie into other layers of defense—such as vulnerability protection, behavioral monitoring, and machine learning threat detection. Admins can monitor and manage policy compliance through a centralized console, which also handles patch management, device control, and EDR. Real-time alerts and customizable dashboards give IT teams immediate insights into any anomalies or policy violations. It’s especially useful for enterprises that need to balance endpoint control with agility—such as those with bring-your-own-device (BYOD) policies or hybrid workforces.
The pros of Apex One include its tight integration with other Trend Micro services, ease of deployment, and depth of endpoint telemetry. On the downside, organizations that only want whitelisting may find the platform to be overkill. The richness of the interface can also be daunting for smaller teams not familiar with centralized security management tools. Apex One was born from Trend Micro’s transformation of OfficeScan into a next-generation platform. With decades of experience in antivirus and threat protection, Trend Micro has shaped Apex One into a formidable force that combines traditional whitelisting with adaptive security. Its cloud-based intelligence updates ensure that policies stay relevant even as new threats emerge. For large organizations seeking more than just whitelisting—and who want a full-featured platform that can evolve with their needs—Apex One delivers a future-ready solution that doesn’t skimp on control or visibility.
Side-By-Side Comparisons
| Product Name | Price Range | Platform Support | Deployment Type | Ease of Use | Advanced Features | Best Use Case | Pros | Cons | Cloud Integration | SIEM Integration | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1: Airlock Digital | | Windows, Linux | On-premises | Moderate | Temporary Trust, Logging | Critical Infrastructure | Highly secure, policy driven | Learning curve, premium price | No | Yes | |
| #2: Carbon Black App Control | | Windows, macOS, Linux | On-premises, Cloud | Complex | Real-Time Monitoring, Deep Forensics | Large Enterprises | Granular control, real-time forensics | Complex setup, resource intensive | Yes | Yes | |
| #3: McAfee Application Control | | $ | Windows, Embedded Systems | On-premises | Easy | Trusted Source Model | POS & Industrial Systems | Reliable, low resource use | Limited customization | Limited | Yes |
| #4: Symantec Endpoint Protection |  | Windows, macOS, Linux | Hybrid (Cloud + On-prem) | Moderate | Behavioral Heuristics, Cloud Integration | Enterprise Endpoint Security | Full-featured endpoint protection | Heavy system load, complex UI | Yes | Yes | |
| #5: Ivanti Application Control | | Windows, Citrix, VDI | On-premises, Hybrid | Flexible | Context-Aware Rules | Healthcare, Finance | Flexible and context-aware | Best with Ivanti ecosystem | Optional | Yes | |
| #6: Faronics Anti-Executable |  | Windows | On-premises | Very Easy | Snapshot-Based Control | Schools, Labs | Simple and effective | Lacks advanced analytics | No | No | |
| #7: Microsoft AppLocker | | Windows (Enterprise, Education) | Built-in (Windows) | Moderate | Group Policy Management | Education, SMBs | Free with Windows, easy setup | Limited to Windows Enterprise | No | No | |
| #8: Bit9 Parity | | Windows, macOS | On-premises | Complex | Software Reputation Service | Finance, Government | Deep visibility and control | Older design, steep learning | Limited | Yes | |
| #9: ManageEngine Application Control Plus | | Windows | Cloud-based, On-prem | User-Friendly | Policy Simulation, Role-Based Access | SMBs, IT Teams | Scalable and affordable | Works best with ManageEngine tools | Yes | Yes | |
| #10: Trend Micro Apex One | | Windows, macOS | Cloud-based, On-prem | Moderate | AI, Behavioral Monitoring | Large Enterprises | All-in-one security platform | Overkill for basic needs | Yes | Yes |
