Developer Tools · head to head
Keil MDK vs Microsoft Defender for Endpoint
Keil MDK
Developer Tools
Microcontroller Development Kit for Arm-based devices
- From
- Free
- Free plan
- Yes
Microsoft Defender for Endpoint
Cybersecurity
Enterprise endpoint security built into Microsoft 365
- From
- On request
- Free plan
- No
The short version
- Only Keil MDK has a free tier, so it costs nothing to try first.
- Each has a real cost: Keil MDK pricing for Essential and Professional subscriptions not disclosed on primary site; 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 Keil MDK and Microsoft Defender for Endpoint actually diverge.
| Attribute | Keil MDK | Microsoft Defender for Endpoint |
|---|---|---|
| Starting price | Free | On request |
| Pricing model | freemium | quote |
| Free tier | Yes | No |
| Platforms | Web | Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android |
| Category | Developer Tools | Cybersecurity |
| Founded | Unknown | 1975 |
Identical on both: user rating (Not yet rated).
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 Keil MDK
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.
Keil MDK
- Embedded software developmentnot Microsoft Defender for Endpoint
- ARM microcontroller programmingnot Microsoft Defender for Endpoint
- Professional development environmentsnot Microsoft Defender for Endpoint
Microsoft Defender for Endpoint
- Enterprise endpoint security across Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS via Plans 1 or 2not Keil MDK
- Small and medium-sized businesses using Microsoft Defender for Business as alternativenot Keil MDK
- Organisations using Microsoft 365 E5 which includes Defender for Endpoint Plan 2not Keil MDK
Where each one falls short
Documented limitations, not opinions. Every one is a constraint you would hit in normal use.
Keil MDK
- Pricing for Essential and Professional subscriptions not disclosed on primary site
- Customers must contact Arm Developer Tools store for subscription rates
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
Keil MDK
FreeNo published plan breakdown. See the Keil MDK 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 Keil MDK or Microsoft Defender for Endpoint better?
- Neither clearly leads. Keil MDK 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, Keil MDK or Microsoft Defender for Endpoint?
- Keil MDK has a free tier; the other does not. Paid plans start at Free for Keil MDK and On request for Microsoft Defender for Endpoint.
- Does Keil MDK or Microsoft Defender for Endpoint run on more platforms?
- Keil MDK runs on Web. Microsoft Defender for Endpoint runs on Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android.
- Can I use Keil MDK for free?
- Yes. Keil MDK has a free tier, so you can try it without paying. Microsoft Defender for Endpoint starts at On request.
- What is Keil MDK best used for?
- Keil MDK is most often used for embedded software development, arm microcontroller programming, professional development environments. Of those, embedded software development and arm microcontroller programming are not what Microsoft Defender for Endpoint is typically brought in for.
- What can Keil MDK 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
Keil MDK: Does Keil MDK have a free version?
Yes, Keil MDK Community Edition is free for non-commercial projects. Essential and Professional editions are available as monthly or annual subscriptions.
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.
SourceKeil MDK: How much do Keil MDK paid editions cost?
Specific pricing for Essential and Professional editions is not published on the main site. Rates are available from the Arm Developer Tools store or by contacting Arm sales.
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.
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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