Cybersecurity · head to head
Microsoft Defender vs Surfshark
Microsoft Defender
Cybersecurity
Always-on protection for you and your family's data and devices
- From
- $12/month
- Rated
- -
The short version
- Each has a real cost: Microsoft Defender defender Suite requires existing Microsoft 365 E3 or equivalent base licensing; Surfshark smaller server network (4,500+ servers) compared to larger competitors like NordVPN
- Prices and features above were last checked on 30 August 2026.
Where they differ
Only the attributes on which Microsoft Defender and Surfshark actually diverge.
| Attribute | Microsoft Defender | Surfshark |
|---|---|---|
| Starting price | $12/month | $1.78/month |
| Pricing model | subscription | Unknown |
| Platforms | Web | Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Linux |
| Founded | Unknown | 2018 |
Identical on both: 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 Surfshark does not also cover.
Only in Surfshark
- Unlimited devices
- CleanWeb ad blocker
- MultiHop
- Camouflage Mode
- NoBorders mode
- Kill Switch
- Bypasser split tunneling
- Rotating IP
What people use each for
The jobs each tool is most often brought in to do.
Microsoft Defender
- Endpoint security and threat protectionnot Surfshark
- Identity and access securitynot Surfshark
- Email threat protectionnot Surfshark
- SaaS application security monitoringnot Surfshark
Surfshark
- Vpnnot Microsoft Defender
- Privacynot Microsoft Defender
- Security Suitenot 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
Surfshark
- Smaller server network (4,500+ servers) compared to larger competitors like NordVPN
- Lower brand recognition compared to established VPN providers
- Limited customer service availability in some time zones
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
Surfshark
$1.78/month- Starter$1.78/month
- Unlimited simultaneous connections
- 4,500+ servers
- Basic VPN
- One$3.59/month
- VPN
- Antivirus
- Personal data leak alert
- One+$4/month
- All One features
- Incogi included
Which should you pick?
Choose Microsoft Defender if
Nothing in the data separates Microsoft Defender from Surfshark on the points above - pick on price and on how each one feels to use.
Choose Surfshark if
- You need unlimited devices.
- You work on Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Linux.
- You also want cleanweb ad blocker.
Questions people ask
- Is Microsoft Defender or Surfshark better?
- Neither clearly leads. Microsoft Defender starts at $12/month and Surfshark at $1.78/month, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
- Which is cheaper, Microsoft Defender or Surfshark?
- Microsoft Defender starts at $12/month and Surfshark at $1.78/month.
- Does Microsoft Defender or Surfshark run on more platforms?
- Microsoft Defender runs on Web. Surfshark runs on Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Linux.
- 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 Surfshark is typically brought in for.
- What can Microsoft Defender do that Surfshark cannot?
- Surfshark covers Unlimited devices, CleanWeb ad blocker, MultiHop, Camouflage Mode.
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.
SourceSurfshark: Does Surfshark maintain a no-logs policy?
Yes. Surfshark does not log browsing history, visited IP addresses, bandwidth usage, or network traffic. This policy was independently verified by Deloitte in 2025.
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.
SourceSurfshark: How many simultaneous device connections does Surfshark allow?
Surfshark allows unlimited simultaneous connections on all subscription plans, enabling protection of every device in a household with a single subscription.
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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