Cybersecurity · head to head
Microsoft Defender vs SonicWall
Microsoft Defender
Cybersecurity
Always-on protection for you and your family's data and devices
- From
- $12/month
- Rated
- -
SonicWall
Cybersecurity
Proven security, performance and simplicity for modern networks
- From
- On request
- Rated
- -
The short version
- Each has a real cost: Microsoft Defender defender Suite requires existing Microsoft 365 E3 or equivalent base licensing; SonicWall product line page names no price for any firewall model, series or bundled security service
- Prices and features above were last checked on 29 August 2026.
Where they differ
Only the attributes on which Microsoft Defender and SonicWall actually diverge.
| Attribute | Microsoft Defender | SonicWall |
|---|---|---|
| Starting price | $12/month | On request |
| Pricing model | subscription | quote |
Identical on both: free tier (No), 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 SonicWall
- Identity and access securitynot SonicWall
- Email threat protectionnot SonicWall
- SaaS application security monitoringnot SonicWall
SonicWall
- Network security and firewallsnot Microsoft Defender
- Cloud securitynot 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
SonicWall
- Product line page names no price for any firewall model, series or bundled security service
- Product tiers are segmented strictly by business size (TZ80 for micro-SMBs up to NSsp for large enterprises), so a growing business must migrate hardware series rather than scale within one model
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
SonicWall
On requestNo published plan breakdown. See the SonicWall review.
Which should you pick?
Choose Microsoft Defender if
Nothing in the data separates Microsoft Defender from SonicWall on the points above - pick on price and on how each one feels to use.
Choose SonicWall if
Nothing in the data separates SonicWall from Microsoft Defender on the points above - pick on price and on how each one feels to use.
Questions people ask
- Is Microsoft Defender or SonicWall better?
- Neither clearly leads. Microsoft Defender starts at $12/month and SonicWall at On request, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
- Which is cheaper, Microsoft Defender or SonicWall?
- Microsoft Defender starts at $12/month and SonicWall at On request.
- Does Microsoft Defender or SonicWall run on more platforms?
- Both run on Web, so platform support will not decide this one for you.
- 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 SonicWall 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.
SourceSonicWall: How much does SonicWall cost?
SonicWall does not publish pricing on its main website. The company directs customers to contact their sales team directly or access the partner portal for reseller pricing. Free trials are available through their sales channels.
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.
SourceSonicWall: Does SonicWall offer a free trial?
Yes, SonicWall offers free trials for their products. Contact their sales team through the Contact Sales button to request trial access and pricing information.
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.
SourceRelated pages
More on Microsoft Defender
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