Cybersecurity · head to head
Darktrace vs Microsoft Defender for Endpoint
Darktrace
Cybersecurity
Autonomous threat detection and response
- From
- $20000/year
- Rated
- -
Microsoft Defender for Endpoint
Cybersecurity
Enterprise endpoint security built into Microsoft 365
- From
- On request
- 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 for Endpoint pricing not published on public websites; quote required from Microsoft sales
- They diverge on capability: Darktrace covers Self-learning AI, Microsoft Defender for Endpoint covers Threat & vulnerability management.
- Prices and features above were last checked on 30 August 2026.
Where they differ
Only the attributes on which Darktrace and Microsoft Defender for Endpoint actually diverge.
| Attribute | Darktrace | Microsoft Defender for Endpoint |
|---|---|---|
| Starting price | $20000/year | On request |
| Pricing model | subscription | quote |
| Platforms | Network, Cloud, Email | Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android |
| Founded | 2013 | 1975 |
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 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 for Endpoint
- Threat & vulnerability management
- Attack surface reduction
- Next-gen protection
- EDR
- Auto investigation
- Microsoft Threat Experts
- Threat analytics
- Secure score
Both cover
- ISO 27001
- GDPR
- HIPAA
- Cloud deployment
What people use each for
The jobs each tool is most often brought in to do.
Darktrace
- Threat Detectionnot Microsoft Defender for Endpoint
- Ndrnot Microsoft Defender for Endpoint
- Incident Responsenot Microsoft Defender for Endpoint
Microsoft Defender for Endpoint
- Enterprise endpoint security across Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS via Plans 1 or 2not Darktrace
- Small and medium-sized businesses using Microsoft Defender for Business as alternativenot Darktrace
- Organisations using Microsoft 365 E5 which includes Defender for Endpoint Plan 2not 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 for Endpoint
- Pricing not published on public websites; quote required from Microsoft sales
- Defender for Endpoint Plan 1 and Plan 2 do not include server licenses; additional licensing required for server protection
- Specific feature differences between Plan 1 and Plan 2 require consulting Microsoft documentation
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 for Endpoint
On requestNo published plan breakdown. See the Microsoft Defender for Endpoint review.
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 for Endpoint if
- You need threat & vulnerability management.
- You work on Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android.
- You also want attack surface reduction.
Questions people ask
- Is Darktrace or Microsoft Defender for Endpoint better?
- Neither clearly leads. Darktrace starts at $20000/year and Microsoft Defender for Endpoint at On request, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
- Which is cheaper, Darktrace or Microsoft Defender for Endpoint?
- Darktrace starts at $20000/year and Microsoft Defender for Endpoint at On request.
- Does Darktrace or Microsoft Defender for Endpoint run on more platforms?
- Darktrace runs on Network, Cloud, Email. Microsoft Defender for Endpoint runs on Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android.
- 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 for Endpoint is typically brought in for.
- What can Darktrace do that Microsoft Defender for Endpoint cannot?
- Darktrace covers Self-learning AI, Network anomaly detection, Autonomous response, Behavioral analysis. Microsoft Defender for Endpoint covers Threat & vulnerability management, Attack surface reduction, Next-gen protection, EDR. Both handle ISO 27001, GDPR, HIPAA, Cloud deployment.
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 for Endpoint: How is Microsoft Defender for Endpoint priced?
Defender for Endpoint is bundled into Microsoft 365 enterprise subscriptions. Plan 1 is included in Microsoft 365 E3, and Plan 2 is included in Microsoft 365 E5. Individual pricing is not published separately.
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 for Endpoint: Does Microsoft Defender for Endpoint offer a trial?
Yes. A free trial is available for prospective customers to test the product before committing to a subscription.
SourceMicrosoft Defender for Endpoint: What is the difference between Plan 1 and Plan 2?
Plan 1 (in E3) includes unified security tools, device controls, network protection, firewall, web/URL controls, APIs, SIEM connectors, and app controls. Plan 2 (in E5) adds endpoint detection and response, deception techniques, automatic attack disruption, exposure management, and threat intelligence.
SourceRelated pages
More on Microsoft Defender for Endpoint
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