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Developer Tools · head to head

GNAT Pro vs Microsoft Defender

GNAT Pro logo

GNAT Pro

Developer Tools

Software development environments and toolchains for Ada, C/C++ and Rust

From
On request
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: GNAT Pro no pricing published on website; requires contacting AdaCore directly for quotes; 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 GNAT Pro and Microsoft Defender actually diverge.

Attributes where GNAT Pro and Microsoft Defender differ
AttributeGNAT ProMicrosoft Defender
Starting priceOn request$12/month
Pricing modelquotesubscription
CategoryDeveloper ToolsCybersecurity

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

What people use each for

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

GNAT Pro

  • Building certified avionics software meeting DO-178B/C standardsnot Microsoft Defender
  • Developing automotive embedded systems with ISO-26262 compliancenot Microsoft Defender
  • Integrating Ada, C/C++, and Rust components in single codebasenot Microsoft Defender
  • Managing software supply chain vulnerabilities and SBOMsnot Microsoft Defender
  • Supporting long-lived software systems spanning decadesnot Microsoft Defender

Microsoft Defender

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

Where each one falls short

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

GNAT Pro

  • No pricing published on website; requires contacting AdaCore directly for quotes
  • Vendor indicates per-user, per-year subscription model but does not disclose specific costs

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

GNAT Pro

On request

No published plan breakdown. See the GNAT Pro 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 GNAT Pro if

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

GNAT Pro review

Choose Microsoft Defender if

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

Microsoft Defender review

Questions people ask

Is GNAT Pro or Microsoft Defender better?
Neither clearly leads. GNAT Pro 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, GNAT Pro or Microsoft Defender?
GNAT Pro starts at On request and Microsoft Defender at $12/month.
Does GNAT Pro or Microsoft Defender run on more platforms?
Both run on Web, so platform support will not decide this one for you.
What is GNAT Pro best used for?
GNAT Pro is most often used for building certified avionics software meeting do-178b/c standards, developing automotive embedded systems with iso-26262 compliance, integrating ada, c/c++, and rust components in single codebase, managing software supply chain vulnerabilities and sboms. Of those, building certified avionics software meeting do-178b/c standards and developing automotive embedded systems with iso-26262 compliance are not what Microsoft Defender is typically brought in for.

Answered from the vendors’ own pages

GNAT Pro: How much does GNAT Pro cost?

GNAT Pro pricing is not published on the website. Customers must request a pricing quote by contacting AdaCore directly or speaking with a GNAT Pro expert.

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
GNAT Pro: What is GNAT Pro licensing model?

GNAT Pro is sold on a per-user, per-year basis with no license locks. Customers can request pricing for their specific needs.

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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