Microsoft Defender for Endpoint vs SentinelOne
Updated June 2026 · A structured head-to-head comparison.
Enterprise endpoint detection and response
Autonomous endpoint protection (EDR/XDR).
The verdict
Both Microsoft Defender for Endpoint and SentinelOne are credible antivirus tools, and the right pick comes down to your priorities.
Choose Microsoft Defender for Endpoint if you want a lower starting price (from $5.50/user/mo) and broader platform coverage. Enterprise endpoint detection and response
Choose SentinelOne if you'd rather have a higher overall rating (4.7/5). Autonomous endpoint protection (EDR/XDR).
Microsoft Defender for Endpoint vs SentinelOne: side by side
| Dimension | Microsoft Defender for Endpoint | SentinelOne |
|---|---|---|
| Starting price | From $5.50/user/moWinner | Custom |
| Free plan | No | No |
| Pricing model | Subscription | Subscription |
| Best for | Enterprise, It Teams, Microsoft Shops | Enterprise |
| Platforms | Windows, Mac, Linux, Ios, AndroidWinner | Windows, Mac, Linux |
| Rating | 4.5/5 | 4.7/5Winner |
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
SentinelOne key facts
- Vendor
- SentinelOne
- Pricing
- Subscription — Custom
- Free tier
- No
- Platforms
- Windows, Mac, Linux
- Best for
- Enterprise
- Editor rating
- 4.7 / 5
- Founded
- 2013
- Headquarters
- Mountain View, CA, USA
Frequently asked questions
Is Microsoft Defender for Endpoint better than SentinelOne?
Neither is universally better — SentinelOne 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 Microsoft Defender for Endpoint or SentinelOne cheaper?
Microsoft Defender for Endpoint is the more affordable of the two to get started, at from $5.50/user/mo. Microsoft Defender for Endpoint starts at from $5.50/user/mo; SentinelOne starts at custom.
Can Microsoft Defender for Endpoint replace SentinelOne?
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.