Huntress vs Microsoft Defender for Endpoint
Updated June 2026 · A structured head-to-head comparison.
Enterprise endpoint detection and response
The verdict
Both Huntress and Microsoft Defender for Endpoint are credible security privacy tools, and the right pick comes down to your priorities.
Choose Huntress if you want a longer free trial (21 days) and a higher overall rating (4.8/5). Managed EDR and SOC for SMBs and MSPs
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
Huntress vs Microsoft Defender for Endpoint: side by side
| Dimension | Huntress | Microsoft Defender for Endpoint |
|---|---|---|
| Starting price | Custom | From $5.50/user/moWinner |
| Free plan | No | No |
| Free trial | 21 daysWinner | — |
| Pricing model | Subscription | Subscription |
| Best for | Smb, Msp, It Teams | Enterprise, It Teams, Microsoft Shops |
| Platforms | Windows, Mac, Api | Windows, Mac, Linux, Ios, AndroidWinner |
| Rating | 4.8/5Winner | 4.5/5 |
Huntress key facts
- Vendor
- Huntress
- Pricing
- Subscription — Custom
- Free tier
- Free trial (21 days)
- Platforms
- Windows, Mac, Api
- Best for
- Smb, Msp, It Teams
- Editor rating
- 4.8 / 5
- Founded
- 2015
- Headquarters
- Ellicott City, 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 Huntress better than Microsoft Defender for Endpoint?
Neither is universally better — Huntress 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 Huntress 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. Huntress starts at custom; Microsoft Defender for Endpoint starts at from $5.50/user/mo.
Can Huntress replace Microsoft Defender for Endpoint?
Yes for most teams — both are security privacy tools with heavily overlapping features. The main trade-offs are pricing and platform support, covered in the comparison above.