Digital Guardian vs Microsoft Purview

Digital Guardian and Microsoft Purview are both enterprise dlp solutions. Digital Guardian data-centric security platform with deep endpoint DLP and data visibility across enterprise environments, while Microsoft Purview microsoft unified data governance and compliance platform with deep M365 integration. The best choice depends on your organization's size, technical requirements, and budget.

Updated Feb 2026
How we compare:This comparison is based on official documentation, public pricing, community discussions, and aggregated user feedback, not hands-on testing by our team. We organize what real users and practitioners are saying across the web.

The Bottom Line

Choose Digital Guardian if deep endpoint visibility into data creation, modification, and movement is your priority and enterprises needing deep endpoint-level data visibility and DLP enforcement with a managed service option for teams with limited security staff. Choose Microsoft Purview if deep native integration with Microsoft 365 and Azure ecosystem matters most and microsoft-centric organizations wanting integrated data governance, DLP, and compliance across their M365 and Azure environment.

Choose Digital Guardian if:

  • You value deep endpoint visibility into data creation, modification, and movement
  • You value managed DLP service option reduces operational burden
  • You value data-centric approach tracks sensitive data wherever it goes
  • You want to avoid strongest coverage limited to Microsoft ecosystem — weaker for non-Microsoft data stores
  • You want to avoid complex licensing tiers make cost prediction difficult

Choose Microsoft Purview if:

  • You value deep native integration with Microsoft 365 and Azure ecosystem
  • You value bundled with M365 E5 licensing reduces incremental cost
  • You value unified platform covering DLP, classification, compliance, and governance
  • You want to avoid endpoint agent can be resource-heavy on workstations
  • You want to avoid no data access governance or permission management capabilities

Feature Comparison

FeatureDigital GuardianMicrosoft Purview
PricingCustom enterprise pricing / Managed DLP service availableIncluded in Microsoft 365 E5 / Standalone plans from $12/user/month
Pricing ModelPer-endpoint or per-user subscriptionPer-user subscription (bundled with M365 E5)
Open SourceNoNo
DeploymentCloud, Self-HostedCloud
Best ForEnterprises needing deep endpoint-level data visibility and DLP enforcement with a managed service option for teams with limited security staffMicrosoft-centric organizations wanting integrated data governance, DLP, and compliance across their M365 and Azure environment
Network DLP for data in transitSupportedNot available
Data-centric classification and taggingSupportedNot available
User activity monitoring on endpointsSupportedNot available

Sources

Related

Digital Guardian AlternativesMicrosoft Purview AlternativesDigital Guardian OverviewMicrosoft Purview Overview