Cybersecurity · head to head
Microsoft Defender for Endpoint vs ShotSpotter
Microsoft Defender for Endpoint
Cybersecurity
Enterprise endpoint security built into Microsoft 365
- From
- On request
- Free plan
- No
The short version
- Each has a real cost: Microsoft Defender for Endpoint pricing not published on public websites; quote required from Microsoft sales; ShotSpotter shotSpotter now trades as SoundThinking and shotspotter.com redirects to soundthinking.com
- They diverge on capability: Microsoft Defender for Endpoint covers Threat & vulnerability management, ShotSpotter covers Gunshot Detection.
- Prices and features above were last checked on 30 August 2026.
Where they differ
Only the attributes on which Microsoft Defender for Endpoint and ShotSpotter actually diverge.
| Attribute | Microsoft Defender for Endpoint | ShotSpotter |
|---|---|---|
| Starting price | On request | $5000/month |
| Pricing model | quote | subscription |
| Platforms | Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android | Web, Ios, Android |
| Category | Cybersecurity | Government |
| Founded | 1975 | 1996 |
Identical on both: free tier (No), 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 ShotSpotter
- Gunshot Detection
- Location Triangulation
- Real-time Alerts
- Forensic Analysis
- Historical Data
- CAD Systems
- 911 Centers
- Camera Systems
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 ShotSpotter
- Small and medium-sized businesses using Microsoft Defender for Business as alternativenot ShotSpotter
- Organisations using Microsoft 365 E5 which includes Defender for Endpoint Plan 2not ShotSpotter
ShotSpotter
- Gunshot detection and location alerting for police departmentsnot Microsoft Defender for Endpoint
- Directing patrol response to outdoor firearm dischargesnot Microsoft Defender for Endpoint
- Building incident data for law enforcement analysisnot 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
ShotSpotter
- ShotSpotter now trades as SoundThinking and shotspotter.com redirects to soundthinking.com
- No pricing is published; the site routes to contact and demo requests with no published rate, minimum or cost driver
- The service depends on an acoustic sensor array installed across a defined coverage area rather than being software alone
Pricing, plan by plan
Microsoft Defender for Endpoint
On requestNo published plan breakdown. See the Microsoft Defender for Endpoint review.
ShotSpotter
$5000/month- Detection Service$5000/month
- Gunshot Detection
- Real-time Alerts
- Forensic Reports
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.
Choose ShotSpotter if
- You need gunshot detection.
- You work on Web, Ios, Android.
- You also want location triangulation.
Questions people ask
- Is Microsoft Defender for Endpoint or ShotSpotter better?
- Neither clearly leads. Microsoft Defender for Endpoint starts at On request and ShotSpotter at $5000/month, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
- Which is cheaper, Microsoft Defender for Endpoint or ShotSpotter?
- Microsoft Defender for Endpoint starts at On request and ShotSpotter at $5000/month.
- Does Microsoft Defender for Endpoint or ShotSpotter run on more platforms?
- Microsoft Defender for Endpoint runs on Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android. ShotSpotter runs on Web, Ios, Android.
- 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 ShotSpotter is typically brought in for.
- What can Microsoft Defender for Endpoint do that ShotSpotter cannot?
- Microsoft Defender for Endpoint covers Threat & vulnerability management, Attack surface reduction, Next-gen protection, EDR. ShotSpotter covers Gunshot Detection, Location Triangulation, Real-time Alerts, Forensic Analysis.
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.
SourceShotSpotter: Does SoundThinking publish ShotSpotter pricing?
No. SoundThinking does not disclose ShotSpotter pricing on their website. Interested municipalities and organizations must request a consultation, contact the sales team, or book a demo.
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.
SourceShotSpotter: How do I get a ShotSpotter quote?
SoundThinking directs prospects to book a demo, contact them directly, or request a consultation through their website. No self-serve pricing, calculator, or trial is available.
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.
SourceShotSpotter: Who is ShotSpotter for?
ShotSpotter is a gunshot detection system designed for law enforcement and municipalities to improve public safety response.
SourceRelated pages
More on Microsoft Defender for Endpoint
More on ShotSpotter
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