Drata vs Microsoft Defender for Endpoint
Updated June 2026 · A structured head-to-head comparison.
Enterprise endpoint detection and response
The verdict
Both Drata and Microsoft Defender for Endpoint are credible antivirus tools, and the right pick comes down to your priorities.
Choose Drata if you want a higher overall rating (4.8/5). Automated security & compliance.
Choose Microsoft Defender for Endpoint if you'd rather have a lower starting price (from $5.50/user/mo) and broader platform coverage. Enterprise endpoint detection and response
Drata vs Microsoft Defender for Endpoint: side by side
| Dimension | Drata | Microsoft Defender for Endpoint |
|---|---|---|
| Starting price | Custom | From $5.50/user/moWinner |
| Free plan | No | No |
| Pricing model | Subscription | Subscription |
| Best for | Startups, Saas | Enterprise, It Teams, Microsoft Shops |
| Platforms | Web, Api | Windows, Mac, Linux, Ios, AndroidWinner |
| Rating | 4.8/5Winner | 4.5/5 |
Drata key facts
- Vendor
- Drata
- Pricing
- Subscription — Custom
- Free tier
- No
- Platforms
- Web, Api
- Best for
- Startups, Saas
- Editor rating
- 4.8 / 5
- Founded
- 2020
- Headquarters
- San Diego, CA, USA
Microsoft Defender for Endpoint key facts
- Vendor
- Microsoft
- Pricing
- Subscription — From $5.50/user/mo
- Free tier
- No
- Platforms
- Windows, Mac, Linux, Ios, Android
- Best for
- Enterprise, It Teams, Microsoft Shops
- Editor rating
- 4.5 / 5
- Founded
- 2018
- Headquarters
- Redmond, USA
Frequently asked questions
Is Drata better than Microsoft Defender for Endpoint?
Neither is universally better — Drata edges ahead on overall rating, but the best choice depends on price, platforms, and your use case. See the side-by-side table above.
Is Drata or Microsoft Defender for Endpoint cheaper?
Microsoft Defender for Endpoint is the more affordable of the two to get started, at from $5.50/user/mo. Drata starts at custom; Microsoft Defender for Endpoint starts at from $5.50/user/mo.
Can Drata replace Microsoft Defender for Endpoint?
Yes for most teams — both are antivirus tools with heavily overlapping features. The main trade-offs are pricing and platform support, covered in the comparison above.