Cybersecurity · head to head
IDnow vs Microsoft Defender for Endpoint
IDnow
Cybersecurity
Identity verification and qualified electronic signature for regulated European markets
- From
- On request
- 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: IDnow agent-led video identification costs several times an automated check and depends on agent availability, so peak-time queues push abandonment up at exactly the moment conversion matters.; Microsoft Defender for Endpoint pricing not published on public websites; quote required from Microsoft sales
- They diverge on capability: IDnow covers VideoIdent, Microsoft Defender for Endpoint covers Threat & vulnerability management.
- Prices and features above were last checked on 1 September 2026.
Where they differ
Only the attributes on which IDnow and Microsoft Defender for Endpoint actually diverge.
| Attribute | IDnow | Microsoft Defender for Endpoint |
|---|---|---|
| Platforms | Web, iOS, Android, API | Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android |
| Founded | Unknown | 1975 |
Identical on both: starting price (On request), pricing model (quote), 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 IDnow
- VideoIdent
- AutoIdent
- eSign
- eID and NFC
- Bank identification
- EU data processing
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.
IDnow
- A German bank opening regulated accounts where BaFin requires a recognised identification methodnot Microsoft Defender for Endpoint
- An insurer needing a qualified electronic signature that will survive challenge in a European courtnot Microsoft Defender for Endpoint
- A telecom operator meeting national SIM registration identity rules across several EU statesnot Microsoft Defender for Endpoint
- A lender wanting automated checks for low-risk applicants and video identification only for high-value casesnot Microsoft Defender for Endpoint
Microsoft Defender for Endpoint
- Enterprise endpoint security across Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS via Plans 1 or 2not IDnow
- Small and medium-sized businesses using Microsoft Defender for Business as alternativenot IDnow
- Organisations using Microsoft 365 E5 which includes Defender for Endpoint Plan 2not IDnow
Where each one falls short
Documented limitations, not opinions. Every one is a constraint you would hit in normal use.
IDnow
- Agent-led video identification costs several times an automated check and depends on agent availability, so peak-time queues push abandonment up at exactly the moment conversion matters.
- Pricing is quoted with an annual volume commitment, so the accreditation advantage comes with a floor you pay whether or not you use it.
- The product is optimised for European regulatory regimes, so buyers verifying users in North America, Asia or Africa will find coverage and cost less competitive than global specialists.
- Qualified electronic signature is a separate licence from identity verification, which surprises buyers who assumed the accredited identity check made the signature capability included.
- Integration for the regulated flows is heavier than a simple SDK drop-in because the compliant journey, including consent and recording requirements, constrains the user experience you can build.
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
IDnow
On request- IDnow Platform$undefined/year
- Per-identification pricing that differs sharply between automated and agent-led methods
- Annual volume commitment typically required
- Qualified electronic signature licensed separately
Microsoft Defender for Endpoint
On requestNo published plan breakdown. See the Microsoft Defender for Endpoint review.
Which should you pick?
Choose IDnow if
- You need videoident.
- You work on Web, iOS, Android, API.
- You also want autoident.
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 IDnow or Microsoft Defender for Endpoint better?
- Neither clearly leads. IDnow starts at On request 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, IDnow or Microsoft Defender for Endpoint?
- IDnow starts at On request and Microsoft Defender for Endpoint at On request.
- Does IDnow or Microsoft Defender for Endpoint run on more platforms?
- IDnow runs on Web, iOS, Android, API. Microsoft Defender for Endpoint runs on Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android.
- What is IDnow best used for?
- IDnow is most often used for a german bank opening regulated accounts where bafin requires a recognised identification method, an insurer needing a qualified electronic signature that will survive challenge in a european court, a telecom operator meeting national sim registration identity rules across several eu states, a lender wanting automated checks for low-risk applicants and video identification only for high-value cases. Of those, a german bank opening regulated accounts where bafin requires a recognised identification method and an insurer needing a qualified electronic signature that will survive challenge in a european court are not what Microsoft Defender for Endpoint is typically brought in for.
- What can IDnow do that Microsoft Defender for Endpoint cannot?
- IDnow covers VideoIdent, AutoIdent, eSign, eID and NFC. Microsoft Defender for Endpoint covers Threat & vulnerability management, Attack surface reduction, Next-gen protection, EDR.
Answered from the vendors’ own pages
IDnow: Why choose it over a cheaper automated vendor?
Because in some European regimes the cheaper vendor is not legally permitted for the transaction. This is an eligibility question, not a quality one.
Microsoft 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.
SourceIDnow: Is the electronic signature included?
No. Qualified electronic signature under eIDAS is licensed separately from identity verification.
Microsoft 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.
SourceIDnow: Where is the data processed?
In European data centres, which is a requirement rather than a preference for many of its regulated customers.
Microsoft 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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