Cybersecurity · head to head
Microsoft Defender vs Sophos Intercept X
Microsoft Defender
Cybersecurity
Always-on protection for you and your family's data and devices
- From
- $12/month
- Rated
- -
Sophos Intercept X
Cybersecurity
Advanced endpoint protection with deep learning
- From
- $28/year
- Rated
- -
The short version
- Each has a real cost: Microsoft Defender defender Suite requires existing Microsoft 365 E3 or equivalent base licensing; Sophos Intercept X sophos publishes no price for endpoint protection: the product page names editions but gives no per user rate, no minimum seat count and no contract length, and routes buyers to a sales enquiry
- Prices and features above were last checked on 30 August 2026.
Where they differ
Only the attributes on which Microsoft Defender and Sophos Intercept X actually diverge.
| Attribute | Microsoft Defender | Sophos Intercept X |
|---|---|---|
| Starting price | $12/month | $28/year |
| Platforms | Web | Desktop, Mobile, Api |
| Founded | Unknown | 1985 |
Identical on both: pricing model (subscription), free tier (No), user rating (Not yet rated), category (Cybersecurity).
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 Sophos Intercept X does not also cover.
Only in Sophos Intercept X
- Deep learning AI
- Anti-ransomware
- Exploit prevention
- CryptoGuard
- WipeGuard
- Root cause analysis
- Active adversary mitigation
- Synchronized security
What people use each for
The jobs each tool is most often brought in to do.
Microsoft Defender
- Endpoint security and threat protectionnot Sophos Intercept X
- Identity and access securitynot Sophos Intercept X
- Email threat protectionnot Sophos Intercept X
- SaaS application security monitoringnot Sophos Intercept X
Sophos Intercept X
- Endpoint protection across Windows, macOS, and Linux devicesnot Microsoft Defender
- Ransomware detection with CryptoGuard file encryption monitoringnot Microsoft Defender
- AI-powered zero-day exploit mitigation with 60+ proprietary techniquesnot Microsoft Defender
- Shadow AI and generative AI tool usage control across the organizationnot Microsoft Defender
- Mobile device encryption and managed detection and response servicesnot 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
Sophos Intercept X
- Sophos publishes no price for endpoint protection: the product page names editions but gives no per user rate, no minimum seat count and no contract length, and routes buyers to a sales enquiry
- Extended detection and response requires the Advanced with XDR edition rather than the base endpoint product
- 24x7 monitored detection and response is sold as the separate Sophos MDR service on top of the endpoint licence
- The Intercept X name has been retired in favour of Sophos Endpoint, so older documentation refers to a brand the vendor no longer uses
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
Sophos Intercept X
$28/year- Intercept X Essentials$28/year
- Per user
- Deep learning
- Anti-ransomware
- Intercept X Advanced$44/year
- All Essentials features
- Root cause analysis
- Sophos Central
- Intercept X with XDR$55/year
- All Advanced features
- Extended detection
- Live Discover
Which should you pick?
Choose Microsoft Defender if
Nothing in the data separates Microsoft Defender from Sophos Intercept X on the points above - pick on price and on how each one feels to use.
Choose Sophos Intercept X if
- You need deep learning ai.
- You work on Desktop, Mobile, Api.
- You also want anti-ransomware.
Questions people ask
- Is Microsoft Defender or Sophos Intercept X better?
- Neither clearly leads. Microsoft Defender starts at $12/month and Sophos Intercept X at $28/year, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
- Which is cheaper, Microsoft Defender or Sophos Intercept X?
- Microsoft Defender starts at $12/month and Sophos Intercept X at $28/year.
- Does Microsoft Defender or Sophos Intercept X run on more platforms?
- Microsoft Defender runs on Web. Sophos Intercept X runs on Desktop, Mobile, Api.
- 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 Sophos Intercept X is typically brought in for.
- What can Microsoft Defender do that Sophos Intercept X cannot?
- Sophos Intercept X covers Deep learning AI, Anti-ransomware, Exploit prevention, CryptoGuard.
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.
SourceSophos Intercept X: How much does Sophos Endpoint cost?
Sophos does not publish Endpoint pricing on its website. The vendor directs customers to contact sales or request a quote for pricing.
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.
SourceSophos Intercept X: Does Sophos Endpoint offer a free trial?
Sophos provides a free 30-day trial of Sophos Endpoint for customers with an active Sophos Fusion account. Trial activation does not require payment 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.
SourceSophos Intercept X: What support levels are available for Sophos Endpoint?
Sophos Fusion customers receive 8x5 support included with subscriptions. Extended support tiers and costs are not listed on the public website.
SourceRelated pages
More on Microsoft Defender
More on Sophos Intercept X
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