Softwr

Software · head to head

Metasploit vs Microsoft Defender for Endpoint

Metasploit logo

Metasploit

Software

The world's most used penetration testing framework

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
Microsoft Defender for Endpoint logo

Microsoft Defender for Endpoint

Software

Enterprise endpoint security built into Microsoft 365

From
On request
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Only Metasploit has a free tier, so it costs nothing to try first.
  • Each has a real cost: Metasploit the free Framework edition is command line only; the web interface is Pro only; Microsoft Defender for Endpoint pricing not published on public websites; quote required from Microsoft sales
  • They diverge on capability: Metasploit covers Exploit database, Microsoft Defender for Endpoint covers Threat & vulnerability management.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which Metasploit and Microsoft Defender for Endpoint actually diverge.

Attributes where Metasploit and Microsoft Defender for Endpoint differ
AttributeMetasploitMicrosoft Defender for Endpoint
Starting priceFreeOn request
Pricing modelfreemiumquote
Free tierYesNo
PlatformsDesktop, CliWindows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android
Founded20001975

Identical on both: 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 Metasploit

  • Exploit database
  • Payload generation
  • Post-exploitation
  • Evasion modules
  • Auxiliary scanners
  • Social engineering
  • Credential harvesting
  • Session 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

What people use each for

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

Metasploit

  • Penetration testing and exploit development against known vulnerabilitiesnot Microsoft Defender for Endpoint
  • Validating whether a reported vulnerability is actually exploitablenot Microsoft Defender for Endpoint
  • Running phishing and credential attack simulations on the Pro editionnot Microsoft Defender for Endpoint

Microsoft Defender for Endpoint

  • Enterprise endpoint security across Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS via Plans 1 or 2not Metasploit
  • Small and medium-sized businesses using Microsoft Defender for Business as alternativenot Metasploit
  • Organisations using Microsoft 365 E5 which includes Defender for Endpoint Plan 2not Metasploit

Where each one falls short

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

Metasploit

  • The free Framework edition is command line only; the web interface is Pro only
  • Automated exploitation, automated credential attacks and antivirus evading dynamic payloads are restricted to Metasploit Pro
  • Reporting, audit wizards, task chains and closed loop vulnerability validation are Pro only
  • Rapid7 publishes no price for Metasploit Pro and routes buyers to contact sales

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

Metasploit

Free
  • Metasploit Framework (OSS)Free
    • Open source
    • 1500+ exploits
    • Command line
  • Metasploit ProFree
    • Web interface
    • Automated testing
    • Phishing campaigns

Microsoft Defender for Endpoint

On request

No published plan breakdown. See the Microsoft Defender for Endpoint review.

Which should you pick?

Choose Metasploit if

  • You need exploit database.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Desktop, Cli.
  • You also want payload generation.
Metasploit review

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.
Microsoft Defender for Endpoint review

Questions people ask

Is Metasploit or Microsoft Defender for Endpoint better?
Neither clearly leads. Metasploit 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, Metasploit or Microsoft Defender for Endpoint?
Metasploit has a free tier; the other does not. Paid plans start at Free for Metasploit and On request for Microsoft Defender for Endpoint.
Does Metasploit or Microsoft Defender for Endpoint run on more platforms?
Metasploit runs on Desktop, Cli. Microsoft Defender for Endpoint runs on Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android.
Can I use Metasploit for free?
Yes. Metasploit has a free tier, so you can try it without paying. Microsoft Defender for Endpoint starts at On request.
What is Metasploit best used for?
Metasploit is most often used for penetration testing and exploit development against known vulnerabilities, validating whether a reported vulnerability is actually exploitable, running phishing and credential attack simulations on the pro edition. Of those, penetration testing and exploit development against known vulnerabilities and validating whether a reported vulnerability is actually exploitable are not what Microsoft Defender for Endpoint is typically brought in for.
What can Metasploit do that Microsoft Defender for Endpoint cannot?
Metasploit covers Exploit database, Payload generation, Post-exploitation, Evasion modules. Microsoft Defender for Endpoint covers Threat & vulnerability management, Attack surface reduction, Next-gen protection, EDR.
ShareXLinkedInRedditWhatsAppEmail

Related pages

More on Metasploit

More on Microsoft Defender for Endpoint

Keep looking

Other head to heads