Cybersecurity · head to head
Darktrace vs Microsoft Defender
Darktrace
Cybersecurity
Autonomous threat detection and response
- From
- $20000/year
- 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: Darktrace no pricing information published on website; vendors must request pricing through demo request form or contact sales; 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 Darktrace and Microsoft Defender actually diverge.
| Attribute | Darktrace | Microsoft Defender |
|---|---|---|
| Starting price | $20000/year | $12/month |
| Platforms | Network, Cloud, Email | Web |
| Founded | 2013 | Unknown |
Identical on both: pricing model (subscription), 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 Darktrace
- Self-learning AI
- Network anomaly detection
- Autonomous response
- Behavioral analysis
- Threat model visualization
- Email security
- Application control
- Incident response automation
Only in Microsoft Defender
Nothing recorded that Darktrace does not also cover.
What people use each for
The jobs each tool is most often brought in to do.
Darktrace
- Threat Detectionnot Microsoft Defender
- Ndrnot Microsoft Defender
- Incident Responsenot Microsoft Defender
Microsoft Defender
- Endpoint security and threat protectionnot Darktrace
- Identity and access securitynot Darktrace
- Email threat protectionnot Darktrace
- SaaS application security monitoringnot Darktrace
Where each one falls short
Documented limitations, not opinions. Every one is a constraint you would hit in normal use.
Darktrace
- No pricing information published on website; vendors must request pricing through demo request form or contact sales
- No tiered pricing structure available to compare editions or select appropriate plan level before contacting 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
Darktrace
$20000/year- Detect$20000/year
- Network anomaly detection
- AI-powered threat detection
- Compliance reporting
- Detect & Respond$35000/year
- All Detect features
- Autonomous response
- Email security
- Enterprise$50000/year
- All features
- Dedicated support
- Custom training
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 Darktrace if
- You need self-learning ai.
- You work on Network, Cloud, Email.
- You also want network anomaly detection.
Choose Microsoft Defender if
Nothing in the data separates Microsoft Defender from Darktrace on the points above - pick on price and on how each one feels to use.
Questions people ask
- Is Darktrace or Microsoft Defender better?
- Neither clearly leads. Darktrace starts at $20000/year and Microsoft Defender at $12/month, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
- Which is cheaper, Darktrace or Microsoft Defender?
- Darktrace starts at $20000/year and Microsoft Defender at $12/month.
- Does Darktrace or Microsoft Defender run on more platforms?
- Darktrace runs on Network, Cloud, Email. Microsoft Defender runs on Web.
- What is Darktrace best used for?
- Darktrace is most often used for threat detection, ndr, incident response. Of those, threat detection and ndr are not what Microsoft Defender is typically brought in for.
- What can Darktrace do that Microsoft Defender cannot?
- Darktrace covers Self-learning AI, Network anomaly detection, Autonomous response, Behavioral analysis.
Answered from the vendors’ own pages
Darktrace: How much does Darktrace cost?
Darktrace does not publish pricing information on its website. To obtain pricing details and learn about available packages, customers must contact Darktrace directly by requesting a demo or reaching out through the company's contact form.
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.
SourceDarktrace: Does Darktrace offer a free trial?
Darktrace mentions a free trial option, but specific trial length, features included, and how to access it are not published on the website. Users must contact the company directly to inquire about trial availability.
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.
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.
SourceRelated pages
More on Microsoft Defender
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