Software · head to head
Gusto vs Microsoft Defender for Endpoint
Microsoft Defender for Endpoint
Software
Enterprise endpoint security built into Microsoft 365
- From
- On request
- Rated
- -
The short version
- Each has a real cost: Gusto customer service can be slow and unresponsive to issues; Microsoft Defender for Endpoint pricing not published on public websites; quote required from Microsoft sales
- They diverge on capability: Gusto covers Automated payroll, Microsoft Defender for Endpoint covers Threat & vulnerability management.
Where they differ
Only the attributes on which Gusto and Microsoft Defender for Endpoint actually diverge.
| Attribute | Gusto | Microsoft Defender for Endpoint |
|---|---|---|
| Starting price | $49/month | On request |
| Pricing model | Unknown | quote |
| Platforms | Web | Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android |
| Founded | 2011 | 1975 |
Identical on both: free tier (No), user rating (Not yet rated), category (Unknown).
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 Gusto
- Automated payroll
- Tax filing
- Benefits administration
- Time tracking
- Employee onboarding
- HR compliance
- Workers' comp
- 401(k) management
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
- SOC2
What people use each for
The jobs each tool is most often brought in to do.
Gusto
- Payroll processingnot Microsoft Defender for Endpoint
- Benefits administrationnot Microsoft Defender for Endpoint
- Tax compliancenot Microsoft Defender for Endpoint
- Employee onboardingnot Microsoft Defender for Endpoint
- Time trackingnot Microsoft Defender for Endpoint
Microsoft Defender for Endpoint
- Enterprise endpoint security across Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS via Plans 1 or 2not Gusto
- Small and medium-sized businesses using Microsoft Defender for Business as alternativenot Gusto
- Organisations using Microsoft 365 E5 which includes Defender for Endpoint Plan 2not Gusto
Where each one falls short
Documented limitations, not opinions. Every one is a constraint you would hit in normal use.
Gusto
- Customer service can be slow and unresponsive to issues
- Weak reporting capabilities, cannot export data to spreadsheets for analysis
- Support staff lacks deep payroll expertise and knowledge
- Rehired employees do not have settings reset, causing manual cleanup work
- City tax handling requires additional monitoring and monitoring
- Onboarding can have issues with bank account verification and tax registration
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
Gusto
$49/monthNo published plan breakdown. See the Gusto review.
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 Gusto or Microsoft Defender for Endpoint better?
- Neither clearly leads. Gusto starts at $49/month 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, Gusto or Microsoft Defender for Endpoint?
- Gusto starts at $49/month and Microsoft Defender for Endpoint at On request.
- Does Gusto or Microsoft Defender for Endpoint run on more platforms?
- Gusto runs on Web. Microsoft Defender for Endpoint runs on Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android.
- What is Gusto best used for?
- Gusto is most often used for payroll processing, benefits administration, tax compliance, employee onboarding. Of those, payroll processing and benefits administration are not what Microsoft Defender for Endpoint is typically brought in for.
- What can Gusto do that Microsoft Defender for Endpoint cannot?
- Gusto covers Automated payroll, Tax filing, Benefits administration, Time tracking. Microsoft Defender for Endpoint covers Threat & vulnerability management, Attack surface reduction, Next-gen protection, EDR. Both handle SOC2.
Answered from the vendors’ own pages
Gusto: What is Gusto's starting price?
Gusto starts at $49 per month plus $6 per person. The company also offers a Contractor-only plan for $35 per month plus $6 per contractor.
SourceGusto: Does Gusto include unlimited payroll runs?
Yes, all Gusto plans include unlimited payroll runs at no extra charge, including off-cycle payrolls.
SourceGusto: What core features are included in Gusto?
All plans include payroll processing, tax administration, digital onboarding, benefits enrollment, time tracking, performance management, and next-day direct deposit for most plans.
SourceGusto: Does Gusto support integrations?
Yes, Gusto integrates with accounting software, applicant tracking systems, benefits providers, time-tracking tools, and other business platforms to reduce data entry.
SourceRelated pages
More on Microsoft Defender for Endpoint
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