Microsoft Defender for Endpoint
Enterprise endpoint protection deeply integrated with Microsoft 365 security stack
Endpoint & EDRIncluded in Microsoft 365 E5 / Standalone from $5.20/user/month
How we work:This listing is aggregated from Microsoft Defender for Endpoint's official documentation, public pricing pages, community discussions (Reddit, HN, forums), and real user feedback. We do not do hands-on testing. We aggregate and organize what's already out there. Last verified February 2026.
What is Microsoft Defender for Endpoint?
Microsoft Defender for Endpoint is an enterprise endpoint security platform built into the Microsoft 365 security stack. It provides preventive protection, post-breach detection, automated investigation, and response capabilities. Its deep integration with Microsoft Entra ID, Intune, and Sentinel makes it a natural choice for Microsoft-centric environments.
Best for: Microsoft-centric enterprises already invested in the M365 ecosystem
Pros
- ✓ Included with Microsoft 365 E5 licensing at no extra cost
- ✓ Deep integration with Azure AD, Intune, and Sentinel
- ✓ Rapid improvement in detection capabilities
- ✓ Broad cross-platform coverage including mobile
- ✓ Unified security portal across Microsoft security products
Cons
- ✗ Best experience requires full Microsoft ecosystem investment
- ✗ Complex licensing tiers can be confusing
- ✗ Detection capabilities still maturing compared to CrowdStrike
- ✗ Non-Windows platform support is less robust
Key Features
→Threat and vulnerability management
→Attack surface reduction rules
→Next-generation antivirus protection
→Endpoint detection and response
→Automated investigation and remediation
→Microsoft Threat Experts integration
→Cross-platform support (Windows, macOS, Linux, mobile)
→Integration with Microsoft Sentinel SIEM
Microsoft Defender for Endpoint Comparisons
Microsoft Defender for Endpoint vs Bitdefender GravityZone→Microsoft Defender for Endpoint vs CrowdStrike→Microsoft Defender for Endpoint vs VMware Carbon Black→Microsoft Defender for Endpoint vs Trend Micro Vision One→Microsoft Defender for Endpoint vs SentinelOne→Microsoft Defender for Endpoint vs ESET PROTECT→Microsoft Defender for Endpoint vs Sophos Intercept X→Microsoft Defender for Endpoint vs Palo Alto Cortex XDR→
Quick Info
| Pricing | Included in Microsoft 365 E5 / Standalone from $5.20/user/month |
| Model | Per-user subscription |
| Founded | 2019 |
| Cloud | Yes |
| Self-Hosted | No |
Last updated: Feb 20, 2026
Microsoft Defender for Endpoint Alternatives
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