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Cybersecurity · head to head

Check Point Software vs Microsoft Defender

Check Point Software logo

Check Point Software

Cybersecurity

AI Transforms the Network. We Transform the Firewall.

From
On request
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
Microsoft Defender logo

Microsoft Defender

Cybersecurity

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

From
$12/month
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Each has a real cost: Check Point Software no pricing published; directed to contact sales or find a partner; Microsoft Defender defender Suite requires existing Microsoft 365 E3 or equivalent base licensing
  • Prices and features above were last checked on 29 August 2026.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which Check Point Software and Microsoft Defender actually diverge.

Attributes where Check Point Software and Microsoft Defender differ
AttributeCheck Point SoftwareMicrosoft Defender
Starting priceOn request$12/month
Pricing modelquotesubscription

Identical on both: free tier (No), platforms (Web), user rating (Not yet rated), category (Cybersecurity).

What people use each for

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

Check Point Software

  • Protecting hybrid cloud from ransomwarenot Microsoft Defender
  • Implementing zero trust on endpointsnot Microsoft Defender
  • Securing AI deployments from threatsnot Microsoft Defender
  • Detecting advanced threats across networksnot Microsoft Defender

Microsoft Defender

  • Endpoint security and threat protectionnot Check Point Software
  • Identity and access securitynot Check Point Software
  • Email threat protectionnot Check Point Software
  • SaaS application security monitoringnot Check Point Software

Where each one falls short

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

Check Point Software

  • No pricing published; directed to contact sales or find a partner
  • Cybersecurity enterprise software typically sold on quote-only basis
  • No transparent pricing for any product suite

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

Check Point Software

On request

No published plan breakdown. See the Check Point Software 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 Check Point Software if

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

Check Point Software review

Choose Microsoft Defender if

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

Microsoft Defender review

Questions people ask

Is Check Point Software or Microsoft Defender better?
Neither clearly leads. Check Point Software starts at On request and Microsoft Defender at $12/month, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, Check Point Software or Microsoft Defender?
Check Point Software starts at On request and Microsoft Defender at $12/month.
Does Check Point Software or Microsoft Defender run on more platforms?
Both run on Web, so platform support will not decide this one for you.
What is Check Point Software best used for?
Check Point Software is most often used for protecting hybrid cloud from ransomware, implementing zero trust on endpoints, securing ai deployments from threats, detecting advanced threats across networks. Of those, protecting hybrid cloud from ransomware and implementing zero trust on endpoints are not what Microsoft Defender is typically brought in for.

Answered from the vendors’ own pages

Check Point Software: How much does Check Point Software cost?

Check Point Software does not publish pricing. The vendor directs customers to contact sales or find a partner. Pricing is quote-based and customized per deployment.

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
Check Point Software: Does Check Point Software offer a free trial or demo?

No pricing or free tier information is published on the Check Point website. Contact their sales team or find an authorized partner to request a demo.

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
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
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