Cybersecurity · head to head
JumpCloud vs Microsoft Defender for Endpoint
JumpCloud
Cybersecurity
Unified identity and device management for hybrid workforce.
- From
- $9/user/month
- 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: JumpCloud platform Essentials tier capped at 300 users; larger organisations must purchase unbundled tiers or negotiate custom pricing; 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 JumpCloud and Microsoft Defender for Endpoint actually diverge.
| Attribute | JumpCloud | Microsoft Defender for Endpoint |
|---|---|---|
| Starting price | $9/user/month | On request |
| Pricing model | subscription | quote |
| Platforms | Web, Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, API | Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android |
| Founded | Unknown | 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 JumpCloud
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.
JumpCloud
- Organisations modernising from Active Directory to cloud identity infrastructurenot Microsoft Defender for Endpoint
- Companies requiring unified user and device management in hybrid work environmentsnot Microsoft Defender for Endpoint
- IT teams implementing zero-trust security modelsnot Microsoft Defender for Endpoint
- Managed service providers requiring multi-tenant identity and device managementnot Microsoft Defender for Endpoint
- Educational institutions and nonprofits (eligible for special pricing)not Microsoft Defender for Endpoint
Microsoft Defender for Endpoint
- Enterprise endpoint security across Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS via Plans 1 or 2not JumpCloud
- Small and medium-sized businesses using Microsoft Defender for Business as alternativenot JumpCloud
- Organisations using Microsoft 365 E5 which includes Defender for Endpoint Plan 2not JumpCloud
Where each one falls short
Documented limitations, not opinions. Every one is a constraint you would hit in normal use.
JumpCloud
- Platform Essentials tier capped at 300 users; larger organisations must purchase unbundled tiers or negotiate custom pricing
- À la carte pricing can become expensive when purchasing multiple features; device management at $9/user, SSO at $11/user totals $20/user for basic functionality
- Bundled Platform and Platform Prime packages require contacting sales; no published pricing limits transparency
- Zero-trust and AI & SaaS management capabilities only available in Platform Prime tier with custom pricing
- No on-premises or self-hosted option; cloud-only deployment
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
JumpCloud
$9/user/month- À La Carte - Device Management$9/user/month (annual) or $11 (monthly)
- Device management across Windows, Mac, Linux
- Remote assistance
- Patch management
- À La Carte - SSO$11/user/month (annual) or $13 (monthly)
- Single sign-on
- Multi-factor authentication
- Password management
- Platform Essentials$undefined/variable
- Identity and device management with SSO and passwordless auth
- Maximum 300 users
- Contact sales for pricing
- Platform$undefined/variable
- Unified identity, device and access management
- Contact sales for pricing
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 JumpCloud or Microsoft Defender for Endpoint better?
- Neither clearly leads. JumpCloud starts at $9/user/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, JumpCloud or Microsoft Defender for Endpoint?
- JumpCloud starts at $9/user/month and Microsoft Defender for Endpoint at On request.
- Does JumpCloud or Microsoft Defender for Endpoint run on more platforms?
- JumpCloud runs on Web, Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, API. Microsoft Defender for Endpoint runs on Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android.
- What is JumpCloud best used for?
- JumpCloud is most often used for organisations modernising from active directory to cloud identity infrastructure, companies requiring unified user and device management in hybrid work environments, it teams implementing zero-trust security models, managed service providers requiring multi-tenant identity and device management. Of those, organisations modernising from active directory to cloud identity infrastructure and companies requiring unified user and device management in hybrid work environments are not what Microsoft Defender for Endpoint is typically brought in for.
- What can JumpCloud 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
JumpCloud: What devices does JumpCloud support?
JumpCloud supports unified endpoint management for Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS and Android devices.
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.
SourceJumpCloud: Can I use JumpCloud to replace Active Directory?
Yes. JumpCloud is designed for organisations modernising from on-premises Active Directory to cloud-based directory and identity management.
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.
SourceJumpCloud: Is there a free trial?
Yes. All users can access a 30-day free trial before purchasing.
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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