Cybersecurity · head to head
Microsoft Defender for Endpoint vs Proton Mail
Microsoft Defender for Endpoint
Cybersecurity
Enterprise endpoint security built into Microsoft 365
- From
- On request
- Rated
- -
The short version
- Only Proton Mail has a free tier, so it costs nothing to try first.
- Each has a real cost: Microsoft Defender for Endpoint pricing not published on public websites; quote required from Microsoft sales; Proton Mail paid plan pricing not displayed on vendor site
- Prices and features above were last checked on 30 August 2026.
Where they differ
Only the attributes on which Microsoft Defender for Endpoint and Proton Mail actually diverge.
| Attribute | Microsoft Defender for Endpoint | Proton Mail |
|---|---|---|
| Starting price | On request | Free |
| Pricing model | quote | freemium |
| Free tier | No | Yes |
| Platforms | Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android | Web |
| Founded | 1975 | Unknown |
Identical on both: 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 Microsoft Defender for Endpoint
- Threat & vulnerability management
- Attack surface reduction
- Next-gen protection
- EDR
- Auto investigation
- Microsoft Threat Experts
- Threat analytics
- Secure score
Only in Proton Mail
Nothing recorded that Microsoft Defender for Endpoint does not also cover.
What people use each for
The jobs each tool is most often brought in to do.
Microsoft Defender for Endpoint
- Enterprise endpoint security across Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS via Plans 1 or 2not Proton Mail
- Small and medium-sized businesses using Microsoft Defender for Business as alternativenot Proton Mail
- Organisations using Microsoft 365 E5 which includes Defender for Endpoint Plan 2not Proton Mail
Proton Mail
- Encrypted email communicationnot Microsoft Defender for Endpoint
- Privacy-focused email servicenot Microsoft Defender for Endpoint
- Family email protectionnot Microsoft Defender for Endpoint
Where each one falls short
Documented limitations, not opinions. Every one is a constraint you would hit in normal use.
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
Proton Mail
- Paid plan pricing not displayed on vendor site
- Free tier limited to 1 GB storage
- Free tier limited to single email address
Pricing, plan by plan
Microsoft Defender for Endpoint
On requestNo published plan breakdown. See the Microsoft Defender for Endpoint review.
Proton Mail
FreeNo published plan breakdown. See the Proton Mail 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 Microsoft Defender for Endpoint or Proton Mail better?
- Neither clearly leads. Microsoft Defender for Endpoint starts at On request and Proton Mail at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
- Which is cheaper, Microsoft Defender for Endpoint or Proton Mail?
- Proton Mail has a free tier; the other does not. Paid plans start at On request for Microsoft Defender for Endpoint and Free for Proton Mail.
- Does Microsoft Defender for Endpoint or Proton Mail run on more platforms?
- Microsoft Defender for Endpoint runs on Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android. Proton Mail runs on Web.
- Can I use Proton Mail for free?
- Yes. Proton Mail has a free tier, so you can try it without paying. Microsoft Defender for Endpoint starts at On request.
- What is Microsoft Defender for Endpoint best used for?
- Microsoft Defender for Endpoint is most often used for enterprise endpoint security across windows, macos, linux, android, and ios via plans 1 or 2, small and medium-sized businesses using microsoft defender for business as alternative, organisations using microsoft 365 e5 which includes defender for endpoint plan 2. Of those, enterprise endpoint security across windows, macos, linux, android, and ios via plans 1 or 2 and small and medium-sized businesses using microsoft defender for business as alternative are not what Proton Mail is typically brought in for.
- What can Microsoft Defender for Endpoint do that Proton Mail cannot?
- Microsoft Defender for Endpoint covers Threat & vulnerability management, Attack surface reduction, Next-gen protection, EDR.
Answered from the vendors’ own pages
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.
SourceProton Mail: Is there a free version of Proton Mail?
Yes, Proton Mail offers a free plan with 1 GB storage, 1 encrypted email address, and basic features like folders, labels, and filters.
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.
SourceProton Mail: What does the Mail Plus plan include?
Mail Plus includes 15 GB storage, 10 encrypted email addresses, support for 1 custom domain, 10 hide-my-email aliases, priority support, and access to Proton Calendar.
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.
SourceProton Mail: What is included in Proton Unlimited?
Proton Unlimited provides 500 GB storage, 15 email addresses, 3 custom domains, unlimited hide-my-email aliases, access to Mail, Calendar, VPN, Drive, and Pass, plus dedicated support.
SourceProton Mail: Does Proton Mail offer a money-back guarantee?
Yes, Proton Mail provides a 30-day money-back guarantee for paid plans.
SourceRelated pages
More on Microsoft Defender for Endpoint
More on Proton Mail
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- Proton Mail vs Brave Browser
- Proton Mail vs Mullvad VPN
- Proton Mail vs Avast One
- Proton Mail vs IVPN
- Proton Mail vs BeyondTrust
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- Proton Mail vs Surfshark
- Proton Mail vs Acunetix
- Proton Mail vs Aikido
- Proton Mail vs Arnica
- Proton Mail vs Authelia
- Proton Mail vs Authy
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