Cybersecurity · head to head
Descope vs Microsoft Defender for Endpoint
Microsoft Defender for Endpoint
Cybersecurity
Enterprise endpoint security built into Microsoft 365
- From
- On request
- Rated
- -
The short version
- Only Descope has a free tier, so it costs nothing to try first.
- Each has a real cost: Descope free tier capped at 7,500 MAU; Pro tier at 10,000 MAU, Growth tier at 25,000 MAU, forcing migration to Enterprise for larger organisations; Microsoft Defender for Endpoint pricing not published on public websites; quote required from Microsoft sales
- Prices and features above were last checked on 30 August 2026.
Where they differ
Only the attributes on which Descope and Microsoft Defender for Endpoint actually diverge.
| Attribute | Descope | Microsoft Defender for Endpoint |
|---|---|---|
| Starting price | Free | On request |
| Pricing model | freemium | quote |
| Free tier | Yes | No |
| Platforms | Web, iOS, Android, API | Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android |
| Founded | Unknown | 1975 |
Identical on both: 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 Descope
Nothing recorded that Microsoft Defender for Endpoint does not also cover.
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
What people use each for
The jobs each tool is most often brought in to do.
Descope
- Organisations seeking rapid identity implementation without custom developmentnot Microsoft Defender for Endpoint
- Companies supporting multiple user types (consumers, partners, AI agents) in single platformnot Microsoft Defender for Endpoint
- Multi-tenant B2B2C SaaS applications requiring per-organisation identity policiesnot Microsoft Defender for Endpoint
- Teams building passwordless-first authentication experiencesnot Microsoft Defender for Endpoint
- Healthcare and regulated industries requiring HIPAA-compliant identity managementnot Microsoft Defender for Endpoint
Microsoft Defender for Endpoint
- Enterprise endpoint security across Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS via Plans 1 or 2not Descope
- Small and medium-sized businesses using Microsoft Defender for Business as alternativenot Descope
- Organisations using Microsoft 365 E5 which includes Defender for Endpoint Plan 2not Descope
Where each one falls short
Documented limitations, not opinions. Every one is a constraint you would hit in normal use.
Descope
- Free tier capped at 7,500 MAU; Pro tier at 10,000 MAU, Growth tier at 25,000 MAU, forcing migration to Enterprise for larger organisations
- HIPAA compliance only available in Growth tier ($799/mo) and above; not included in lower-priced plans
- No-code UI builder provides pre-built flows but still requires custom frontend development for fully-branded authentication experiences
- All paid tiers billed annually; no monthly billing option for commitment-free flexibility
- Bot protection features available only in Growth tier and above
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
Descope
Free- Free ForeverFree
- 7,500 monthly active users
- Basic authentication
- Community support
- Pro$249/month
- 10,000 monthly active users
- Custom domains
- CI/CD integration
- Growth$799/month
- 25,000 monthly active users
- Bot protection
- Fine-grained authorisation
- Enterprise$undefined/month
- Unlimited monthly active users
- Tiered discounts
- Premium support with dedicated CS engineer
Microsoft Defender for Endpoint
On requestNo published plan breakdown. See the Microsoft Defender for Endpoint review.
Which should you pick?
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 Descope or Microsoft Defender for Endpoint better?
- Neither clearly leads. Descope starts at Free 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, Descope or Microsoft Defender for Endpoint?
- Descope has a free tier; the other does not. Paid plans start at Free for Descope and On request for Microsoft Defender for Endpoint.
- Does Descope or Microsoft Defender for Endpoint run on more platforms?
- Descope runs on Web, iOS, Android, API. Microsoft Defender for Endpoint runs on Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android.
- Can I use Descope for free?
- Yes. Descope has a free tier, so you can try it without paying. Microsoft Defender for Endpoint starts at On request.
- What is Descope best used for?
- Descope is most often used for organisations seeking rapid identity implementation without custom development, companies supporting multiple user types (consumers, partners, ai agents) in single platform, multi-tenant b2b2c saas applications requiring per-organisation identity policies, teams building passwordless-first authentication experiences. Of those, organisations seeking rapid identity implementation without custom development and companies supporting multiple user types (consumers, partners, ai agents) in single platform are not what Microsoft Defender for Endpoint is typically brought in for.
- What can Descope do that Microsoft Defender for Endpoint cannot?
- Microsoft Defender for Endpoint covers Threat & vulnerability management, Attack surface reduction, Next-gen protection, EDR.
Answered from the vendors’ own pages
Descope: Can I build custom authentication flows without code?
Yes. Descope's drag-and-drop workflow interface allows you to construct and modify signup, login, MFA and SSO flows without code changes.
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.
SourceDescope: Does Descope support AI agent authentication?
Yes. Descope supports building identity journeys for AI agents and MCP servers, including scoped OAuth tokens and delegation chains.
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.
SourceDescope: Is Descope HIPAA compliant?
HIPAA compliance is available in Growth tier and above, starting at $799/month.
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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