Head-to-head · User Threat Prevention Software
DNSFilter vs Microsoft Defender for Business
DNSFilter leads on 0 checks, Microsoft Defender for Business on 0, and 1 is even. Who comes out ahead on the 1 yes/no, price and count check where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.
Our verdict
- Highest scoreDNSFilter · 8.7/10
- Free trialboth
DNSFilter scores higher on our rubric for user threat prevention software: 8.7 against 7.9 out of 10; our editors rank them #3 and #6.
DNSFilter is the better fit for budget-conscious teams needing DNS protection. Microsoft Defender for Business is the better fit for small businesses seeking endpoint protection.
- DNSFilter fits best
Budget-conscious teams needing DNS protection
- Microsoft Defender for Business fits best
Small businesses seeking endpoint protection
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Side by side
| Feature | DNSFilter 8.7/10 Visit ↗ | Microsoft Defender for Business 7.9/10 Visit ↗ |
|---|---|---|
| At a glance | ||
| Editor score | 8.7 | 7.9 |
| Ranking | #3 in User Threat Prevention Software | #6 in User Threat Prevention Software |
| Best for | Budget-conscious teams needing DNS protection | Small businesses seeking endpoint protection |
| Pricing model | Paid | Paid |
| Starting price | $1/unit/mo | $3/user/mo |
| Free plan | — | — |
| Free trial | 14 days | 30 days |
| Free trial length | 14 days | 30 days · card required |
| Deployment | Cloud, Desktop, Mobile | Cloud, Mobile |
| Platforms | Web, Windows, macOS, iOS, Android | Web, Windows, macOS, iOS, Android |
| Support | Email, Live chat, Phone, Tickets, Docs | Docs |
| Integrations | 3,000+ integrations | 4 integrations |
| Built for | Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise | Small business, Mid-market |
| Features DNSFilter 0/5 · Microsoft Defender for Business 0/5 | ||
| Phishing simulations | Not checked yet | Not checked yet |
| Browser isolation | Not checked yet | Not checked yet |
| Attachment sandboxing | Not checked yet | Not checked yet |
| User report button | Not checked yet | Not checked yet |
| Automated remediation | Not checked yet | Not checked yet |
| Specs | ||
| Protected channels | Not checked yet | Not checked yet |
| Our review | ||
| Pros |
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| Cons |
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| Our verdict | DNSFilter is a cloud-based protective DNS platform for businesses, managed service providers, schools, and other organizations. It blocks malicious domains, phishing, malware, unwanted content, applications, and selected web categories… Read the review → |
Microsoft Defender for Business provides endpoint security for small and medium-sized businesses, with support for up to 300 users and five devices per user. Its protection spans Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android, making it a fit for… Read the review → |
Strengths and trade-offs
DNSFilter — where it wins
- Blocks phishing, malware, and botnet domains at the DNS layer.
- Core includes content filtering and DNS encryption for $1 per license monthly.
- Plus adds guest Wi-Fi, CyberSight analytics, and roaming clients on any platform.
Where it doesn't
- There is no free plan; the free trial lasts 14 days.
- Core and Plus pricing is based on annual billing.
- Enterprise pricing is custom, so costs require a vendor quote.
Microsoft Defender for Business — where it wins
- Combines antivirus, EDR, and ransomware attack disruption.
- Automates investigation and remediation of detected issues.
- Covers Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android devices.
Where it doesn't
- The $3 per-user monthly price requires annual billing.
- The 30-day trial requires a payment card.
- Its focus is device security, not broader user-threat channels.
- DNSFilter8.7/10 · 14-day trial
DNS-layer threat protection with filtering and reporting, starting at $1 per license monthly.
Visit DNSFilterFull verdict → - Microsoft Defender for Business7.9/10 · 30-day trial
Affordable endpoint protection with EDR and ransomware response, billed annually.
Visit MicrosoftFull verdict →
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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
Last updated · How we research and update







