Cybersecurity · head to head
Microsoft Defender vs OnBase
Microsoft Defender
Cybersecurity
Always-on protection for you and your family's data and devices
- From
- $12/month
- Free plan
- No
The short version
- Microsoft Defender starts at $12/mo, OnBase at $400/mo.
- Where Microsoft Defender falls short: defender Suite requires existing Microsoft 365 E3 or equivalent base licensing.
- Where OnBase falls short: pricing starts at 2,000 USD per month, making it expensive for small agencies.
- Prices and features on this page were last checked on 13 November 2026.
Where they differ
Only the attributes on which Microsoft Defender and OnBase actually diverge.
| Attribute | Microsoft Defender | OnBase |
|---|---|---|
| Starting price | $12/month | $400/month |
| Platforms | Web | Web, iOS, Android |
| Category | Cybersecurity | Government |
Identical on both: pricing model (Subscription), free tier (No).
Not yet recorded: founded for Microsoft Defender.
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
Nothing recorded that OnBase does not also cover.
Only in OnBase
- Content Management
- Workflow Automation
- Case Management
- Records Management
- Intelligent Capture
- Microsoft 365
- Salesforce
- Epic
What people use each for
The jobs each tool is most often brought in to do.
Microsoft Defender
- Endpoint security and threat protectionnot OnBase
- Identity and access securitynot OnBase
- Email threat protectionnot OnBase
- SaaS application security monitoringnot OnBase
OnBase
- Citizen Servicesnot Microsoft Defender
- Records Managementnot Microsoft Defender
- Public Safetynot Microsoft Defender
- Civic Engagementnot 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
OnBase
- Pricing starts at 2,000 USD per month, making it expensive for small agencies
- Complex implementation and configuration required for government-specific workflows
- Requires significant IT resources for deployment and ongoing management
Pricing, plan by plan
Microsoft Defender
$12/month- Microsoft Defender Suite$12/mo
- Endpoint protection
- Identity threat detection
- Email security
- Microsoft 365 E5 with Defender$60/mo
- Includes Defender Suite
- Microsoft Teams included
- Comprehensive security and compliance
- Microsoft Defender Vulnerability Management Add-on$2/mo
- Vulnerability scanning and management
- One-month free trial available
- Annual commitment required
OnBase
$400/month- Government$400/mo
- Content Management
- Process Automation
- Case Management
Which should you pick?
Choose Microsoft Defender if
Nothing in the data separates Microsoft Defender from OnBase on the points above - pick on price and on how each one feels to use.
Choose OnBase if
- You need content management.
- You work on Web, iOS, Android.
- You also want workflow automation.
Questions people ask
- Is Microsoft Defender or OnBase better?
- Neither clearly leads. Microsoft Defender starts at $12/month and OnBase at $400/month, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
- Which is cheaper, Microsoft Defender or OnBase?
- Microsoft Defender starts at $12/month and OnBase at $400/month.
- Does Microsoft Defender or OnBase run on more platforms?
- Microsoft Defender runs on Web. OnBase runs on Web, iOS, Android.
- 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 OnBase is typically brought in for.
- What can Microsoft Defender do that OnBase cannot?
- OnBase covers Content Management, Workflow Automation, Case Management, Records Management.
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.
SourceOnBase: What is OnBase used for in government?
OnBase is used for digital permitting, inspections, and plan review processes. Government agencies use it to streamline workflows, enable online forms, automate approvals, and provide citizen access to application status.
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.
SourceOnBase: Does OnBase support mobile access?
Yes. Mobile access is a key feature of OnBase, allowing users to manage documents and cases on the go.
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.
SourceOnBase: What document management capabilities does OnBase provide?
OnBase provides centralized document storage with version control, search and retrieval tools, records management across physical and electronic lifecycles, and compliance with policies and regulations.
SourceOnBase: Can OnBase workflows be customized?
Yes. OnBase is flexible and configurable with user-defined workflows for case management, streamlining processes like accounts payable, employee onboarding, and contract management.
SourceRelated pages
More on Microsoft Defender
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