Cybersecurity · head to head
1Password vs Microsoft Defender
1Password
Cybersecurity
The world's most-loved password manager
- From
- $2.99/month
- Rated
- -
Microsoft Defender
Cybersecurity
Always-on protection for you and your family's data and devices
- From
- $12/month
- Rated
- -
The short version
- Each has a real cost: 1Password no free tier; all plans require paid subscription; Microsoft Defender defender Suite requires existing Microsoft 365 E3 or equivalent base licensing
- Prices and features above were last checked on 30 August 2026.
Where they differ
Only the attributes on which 1Password and Microsoft Defender actually diverge.
| Attribute | 1Password | Microsoft Defender |
|---|---|---|
| Starting price | $2.99/month | $12/month |
| Pricing model | Unknown | subscription |
| Platforms | macOS, Windows, iOS, Android, Linux, Web | Web |
| Founded | 2006 | Unknown |
Identical on both: free tier (No), user rating (Not yet rated), category (Cybersecurity).
What each one covers
Drawn from each product's published feature list. An absence here means we hold no record of it - not that the product lacks it.
Only in 1Password
- Password generator
- Autofill
- Secure notes
- Credit card storage
- Document storage
- Two-factor authentication
- Watchtower security alerts
- Travel mode
Only in Microsoft Defender
Nothing recorded that 1Password does not also cover.
What people use each for
The jobs each tool is most often brought in to do.
1Password
- Password managementnot Microsoft Defender
- Secure document storagenot Microsoft Defender
- Team credential sharingnot Microsoft Defender
- Identity protectionnot Microsoft Defender
- Compliance managementnot Microsoft Defender
Microsoft Defender
- Endpoint security and threat protectionnot 1Password
- Identity and access securitynot 1Password
- Email threat protectionnot 1Password
- SaaS application security monitoringnot 1Password
Where each one falls short
Documented limitations, not opinions. Every one is a constraint you would hit in normal use.
1Password
- No free tier; all plans require paid subscription
- Offline access requires prior device sync; cannot add new passwords while offline
- Enterprise plan does not include free trial access
Microsoft Defender
- Defender Suite requires existing Microsoft 365 E3 or equivalent base licensing
- Some Defender products use pay-as-you-go pricing with variable costs
- Prices vary based on Microsoft agreements, requiring sales contact for custom quotes
Pricing, plan by plan
1Password
$2.99/monthNo published plan breakdown. See the 1Password review.
Microsoft Defender
$12/month- Microsoft Defender Suite$12/month
- Endpoint protection
- Identity threat detection
- Email security
- Microsoft 365 E5 with Defender$60/month
- Includes Defender Suite
- Microsoft Teams included
- Comprehensive security and compliance
- Microsoft Defender Vulnerability Management Add-on$2/month
- Vulnerability scanning and management
- One-month free trial available
- Annual commitment required
Which should you pick?
Choose 1Password if
- You need password generator.
- You work on macOS, Windows, iOS, Android, Linux, Web.
- You also want autofill.
Choose Microsoft Defender if
Nothing in the data separates Microsoft Defender from 1Password on the points above - pick on price and on how each one feels to use.
Questions people ask
- Is 1Password or Microsoft Defender better?
- Neither clearly leads. 1Password starts at $2.99/month and Microsoft Defender at $12/month, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
- Which is cheaper, 1Password or Microsoft Defender?
- 1Password starts at $2.99/month and Microsoft Defender at $12/month.
- Does 1Password or Microsoft Defender run on more platforms?
- 1Password runs on macOS, Windows, iOS, Android, Linux, Web. Microsoft Defender runs on Web.
- What is 1Password best used for?
- 1Password is most often used for password management, secure document storage, team credential sharing, identity protection. Of those, password management and secure document storage are not what Microsoft Defender is typically brought in for.
- What can 1Password do that Microsoft Defender cannot?
- 1Password covers Password generator, Autofill, Secure notes, Credit card storage.
Answered from the vendors’ own pages
1Password: Does 1Password offer a free tier?
No. 1Password offers no free tier as of July 2026, but provides a 14-day free trial with no credit card required for all plans except Enterprise.
SourceMicrosoft Defender: How much does Microsoft Defender Suite cost?
Microsoft Defender Suite costs $12/user/month (paid yearly), but requires existing Microsoft 365 E3 or equivalent base licensing. It includes endpoint protection, identity threat detection, email security, and SaaS application monitoring.
Source1Password: Can I access 1Password offline?
Yes. The desktop app allows for offline access to your vault once you have synced your passwords to the device.
SourceMicrosoft Defender: What add-ons are available for Microsoft Defender?
Microsoft Defender Vulnerability Management Add-on costs $2/user/month with annual commitment and includes a one-month free trial. Additional pay-as-you-go products include External Attack Surface Management, Cloud Security Posture Management, and Sentinel.
Source1Password: What is the pricing for individuals and families?
Individual plan costs 2.99 USD per month or 35.88 USD annually. Families plan costs 59.88 USD per year and includes five licenses with the ability to add more for 1 USD per month each.
SourceMicrosoft Defender: Is Defender included in Microsoft 365 E5?
Yes, Microsoft Defender Suite is included in Microsoft 365 E5 at $60/user/month (paid yearly with Teams). Prices may vary based on Microsoft agreements, requiring contact with Sales for customized quotes.
Source1Password: What platforms does 1Password support?
1Password is available on macOS, Windows, iOS, Android, Linux, with browser extensions for Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Brave, and Safari.
SourceRelated pages
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