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Cybersecurity · head to head

Microsoft Defender for Endpoint vs SAS

Microsoft Defender for Endpoint logo

Microsoft Defender for Endpoint

Cybersecurity

Enterprise endpoint security built into Microsoft 365

From
On request
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
SAS logo

SAS

Machine Learning

Analytics, AI and data management software

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Only SAS 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; SAS sAS publishes no rate, no minimum and no named cost driver; the how to buy page offers only a customized price quote based on your requirements and deployment preferences
  • They diverge on capability: Microsoft Defender for Endpoint covers Threat & vulnerability management, SAS covers Statistical analysis.
  • Prices and features above were last checked on 30 August 2026.

Where they differ

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

Attributes where Microsoft Defender for Endpoint and SAS differ
AttributeMicrosoft Defender for EndpointSAS
Starting priceOn requestFree
Pricing modelquotesubscription
Free tierNoYes
PlatformsWindows, macOS, Linux, iOS, AndroidLinux, Windows, Web
CategoryCybersecurityMachine Learning
Founded19751976

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 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 SAS

  • Statistical analysis
  • Machine learning
  • Forecasting
  • Text analytics
  • Optimization
  • Python
  • R
  • Hadoop

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 SAS
  • Small and medium-sized businesses using Microsoft Defender for Business as alternativenot SAS
  • Organisations using Microsoft 365 E5 which includes Defender for Endpoint Plan 2not SAS

SAS

  • Regulated statistical analysis and clinical reportingnot Microsoft Defender for Endpoint
  • Enterprise data management, visualization and decisioning on one licensed platformnot 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

SAS

  • SAS publishes no rate, no minimum and no named cost driver; the how to buy page offers only a customized price quote based on your requirements and deployment preferences
  • Most new and existing customers are routed through authorized resellers rather than buying direct
  • Cloud marketplace purchases require choosing between pay as you go and bring your own licence, each with different licensing terms

Pricing, plan by plan

Microsoft Defender for Endpoint

On request

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

SAS

Free
  • SAS OnDemand for AcademicsFree
    • Academic use
    • Core SAS
  • SAS ViyaFree
    • Full platform
    • Cloud-native
    • AI/ML

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.
Microsoft Defender for Endpoint review

Choose SAS if

  • You need statistical analysis.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Linux, Windows, Web.
  • You also want machine learning.
SAS review

Questions people ask

Is Microsoft Defender for Endpoint or SAS better?
Neither clearly leads. Microsoft Defender for Endpoint starts at On request and SAS 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 SAS?
SAS has a free tier; the other does not. Paid plans start at On request for Microsoft Defender for Endpoint and Free for SAS.
Does Microsoft Defender for Endpoint or SAS run on more platforms?
Microsoft Defender for Endpoint runs on Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android. SAS runs on Linux, Windows, Web.
Can I use SAS for free?
Yes. SAS 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 SAS is typically brought in for.
What can Microsoft Defender for Endpoint do that SAS cannot?
Microsoft Defender for Endpoint covers Threat & vulnerability management, Attack surface reduction, Next-gen protection, EDR. SAS covers Statistical analysis, Machine learning, Forecasting, Text analytics.

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.

Source
SAS: Does SAS offer a free trial?

Yes, SAS offers a free trial through a private trial environment for SAS Viya. Interested customers can request access by submitting a trial form on their website.

Source
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.

Source
SAS: How does SAS price its software?

SAS does not publish standard pricing on its website. Instead, it uses a custom enterprise sales model where customers can choose between paying as-you-go or purchasing SAS Viya Enterprise. Specific pricing must be requested directly from their sales team.

Source
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.

Source
SAS: What are my pricing options?

SAS offers flexible purchasing models including pay-as-you-go and enterprise licensing options. The company states they can help you find the environment that fits your needs, but specific terms must be discussed with sales.

Source
SAS: How do I get a pricing quote?

You can request pricing through their website by using the quote request form, requesting a customized demo, or contacting their sales team directly.

Source
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