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Government · head to head

CentralSquare vs Microsoft Defender

CentralSquare logo

CentralSquare

Government

Public Safety and Administration Software

From
$1500/month
Free plan
No
Full reviewWebsite
Microsoft Defender logo

Microsoft Defender

Cybersecurity

Always-on protection for you and your family's data and devices

From
$12/month
Free plan
No
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Each has a real cost: CentralSquare no pricing information is published on the website; 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 CentralSquare and Microsoft Defender actually diverge.

Attributes where CentralSquare and Microsoft Defender differ
AttributeCentralSquareMicrosoft Defender
Starting price$1500/month$12/month
PlatformsWeb, Desktop, Ios, AndroidWeb
CategoryGovernmentCybersecurity
Founded2018Unknown

Identical on both: pricing model (subscription), free tier (No), user rating (Not yet rated).

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 CentralSquare

  • Computer-Aided Dispatch
  • Records Management
  • Jail Management
  • Fire RMS
  • Community Development
  • Esri ArcGIS
  • FBI CJIS
  • NCIC

Only in Microsoft Defender

Nothing recorded that CentralSquare does not also cover.

What people use each for

The jobs each tool is most often brought in to do.

CentralSquare

  • Citizen Servicesnot Microsoft Defender
  • Records Managementnot Microsoft Defender
  • Public Safetynot Microsoft Defender
  • Civic Engagementnot Microsoft Defender

Microsoft Defender

  • Endpoint security and threat protectionnot CentralSquare
  • Identity and access securitynot CentralSquare
  • Email threat protectionnot CentralSquare
  • SaaS application security monitoringnot CentralSquare

Where each one falls short

Documented limitations, not opinions. Every one is a constraint you would hit in normal use.

CentralSquare

  • No pricing information is published on the website
  • Pricing model is not disclosed; visitors are directed to request a demo or contact sales

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

CentralSquare

$1500/month
  • Public Safety Suite$1500/month
    • CAD
    • Records Management
    • Mobile Solutions

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 CentralSquare if

  • You need computer-aided dispatch.
  • You work on Web, Desktop, Ios, Android.
  • You also want records management.
CentralSquare review

Choose Microsoft Defender if

Nothing in the data separates Microsoft Defender from CentralSquare on the points above - pick on price and on how each one feels to use.

Microsoft Defender review

Questions people ask

Is CentralSquare or Microsoft Defender better?
Neither clearly leads. CentralSquare starts at $1500/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, CentralSquare or Microsoft Defender?
CentralSquare starts at $1500/month and Microsoft Defender at $12/month.
Does CentralSquare or Microsoft Defender run on more platforms?
CentralSquare runs on Web, Desktop, Ios, Android. Microsoft Defender runs on Web.
What is CentralSquare best used for?
CentralSquare is most often used for citizen services, records management, public safety, civic engagement. Of those, citizen services and records management are not what Microsoft Defender is typically brought in for.
What can CentralSquare do that Microsoft Defender cannot?
CentralSquare covers Computer-Aided Dispatch, Records Management, Jail Management, Fire RMS.

Answered from the vendors’ own pages

CentralSquare: How much does CentralSquare cost?

CentralSquare does not publish pricing on its website. The company directs customers to request a demo or schedule a call with their sales team to discuss pricing.

Source
Microsoft 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.

Source
CentralSquare: What is CentralSquare's pricing model?

The pricing model is not disclosed. CentralSquare appears to use a custom quote or consultation-based approach, as the website does not mention subscription plans or tier-based pricing.

Source
Microsoft 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.

Source
CentralSquare: Is there a free tier or trial?

No information about free tiers or trials is available on the website.

Source
Microsoft 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.

Source
CentralSquare: How do I get a pricing quote?

Contact CentralSquare through their website to request a demo or schedule a call with their sales team.

Source
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Related pages

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