Cybersecurity · head to head
Microsoft Defender vs NordPass
Microsoft Defender
Cybersecurity
Always-on protection for you and your family's data and devices
- From
- $12/month
- Rated
- -
The short version
- Only NordPass has a free tier, so it costs nothing to try first.
- Each has a real cost: Microsoft Defender defender Suite requires existing Microsoft 365 E3 or equivalent base licensing; NordPass business plan pricing is rendered client-side per user per month rather than published as a static figure on the page
- Prices and features above were last checked on 29 August 2026.
Where they differ
Only the attributes on which Microsoft Defender and NordPass actually diverge.
| Attribute | Microsoft Defender | NordPass |
|---|---|---|
| Starting price | $12/month | Free |
| Pricing model | subscription | freemium |
| Free tier | No | Yes |
Identical on both: platforms (Web), user rating (Not yet rated), category (Cybersecurity).
What people use each for
The jobs each tool is most often brought in to do.
Microsoft Defender
- Endpoint security and threat protectionnot NordPass
- Identity and access securitynot NordPass
- Email threat protectionnot NordPass
- SaaS application security monitoringnot NordPass
NordPass
- Securely storing and managing employee passwords and passkeysnot Microsoft Defender
- Streamlining employee onboarding with instant account accessnot Microsoft Defender
- Monitoring credential breaches on the dark webnot Microsoft Defender
- Enforcing company-wide password security standardsnot Microsoft Defender
- Tracking user access and supporting audit compliancenot Microsoft Defender
Where each one falls short
Documented limitations, not opinions. Every one is a constraint you would hit in normal use.
Microsoft Defender
- Defender Suite requires existing Microsoft 365 E3 or equivalent base licensing
- Some Defender products use pay-as-you-go pricing with variable costs
- Prices vary based on Microsoft agreements, requiring sales contact for custom quotes
NordPass
- Business plan pricing is rendered client-side per user per month rather than published as a static figure on the page
- Breach monitoring and full credential oversight features are marketed specifically toward business plans rather than confirmed as included in the free individual tier
Pricing, plan by plan
Microsoft Defender
$12/month- Microsoft Defender Suite$12/month
- Endpoint protection
- Identity threat detection
- Email security
- Microsoft 365 E5 with Defender$60/month
- Includes Defender Suite
- Microsoft Teams included
- Comprehensive security and compliance
- Microsoft Defender Vulnerability Management Add-on$2/month
- Vulnerability scanning and management
- One-month free trial available
- Annual commitment required
NordPass
FreeNo published plan breakdown. See the NordPass review.
Which should you pick?
Choose Microsoft Defender if
Nothing in the data separates Microsoft Defender from NordPass on the points above - pick on price and on how each one feels to use.
Questions people ask
- Is Microsoft Defender or NordPass better?
- Neither clearly leads. Microsoft Defender starts at $12/month and NordPass at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
- Which is cheaper, Microsoft Defender or NordPass?
- NordPass has a free tier; the other does not. Paid plans start at $12/month for Microsoft Defender and Free for NordPass.
- Does Microsoft Defender or NordPass run on more platforms?
- Both run on Web, so platform support will not decide this one for you.
- Can I use NordPass for free?
- Yes. NordPass has a free tier, so you can try it without paying. Microsoft Defender starts at $12/month.
- What is Microsoft Defender best used for?
- Microsoft Defender is most often used for endpoint security and threat protection, identity and access security, email threat protection, saas application security monitoring. Of those, endpoint security and threat protection and identity and access security are not what NordPass is typically brought in for.
Answered from the vendors’ own pages
Microsoft Defender: How much does Microsoft Defender Suite cost?
Microsoft Defender Suite costs $12/user/month (paid yearly), but requires existing Microsoft 365 E3 or equivalent base licensing. It includes endpoint protection, identity threat detection, email security, and SaaS application monitoring.
SourceNordPass: Will I be charged when signing up for the free trial?
No credit card is required to start the trial. Payment details are only needed when you purchase a plan, and NordPass will only charge you once your payment process is completed.
SourceMicrosoft Defender: What add-ons are available for Microsoft Defender?
Microsoft Defender Vulnerability Management Add-on costs $2/user/month with annual commitment and includes a one-month free trial. Additional pay-as-you-go products include External Attack Surface Management, Cloud Security Posture Management, and Sentinel.
SourceNordPass: What is the refund policy for NordPass?
NordPass offers refunds within 14 calendar days of your initial purchase if you are unsatisfied with the service.
SourceMicrosoft Defender: Is Defender included in Microsoft 365 E5?
Yes, Microsoft Defender Suite is included in Microsoft 365 E5 at $60/user/month (paid yearly with Teams). Prices may vary based on Microsoft agreements, requiring contact with Sales for customized quotes.
SourceNordPass: Can I upgrade or downgrade between NordPass plans?
Yes, you can switch between Teams and Business plans at any time. The system charges the difference between the plans based on the number of users and the remaining duration.
SourceNordPass: Why do different NordPass plans cost different amounts?
NordPass provides tiered pricing so customers only pay for the features they need, and can upgrade at any time as their needs change.
SourceRelated pages
More on Microsoft Defender
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