Suggestions appear as you type. Use the up and down arrows to choose one and Enter to open it.

This page's audience real numbers from our own analytics — open to see them
–Visitors
–Page views
–Clicks to vendors
–Time on page
–Reading now
Clicks to vendors, by tool
  • –
Top countries
  • –
Devices
  • –

– · counted by iTechGuides's own first-party analytics, bots removed, every figure rounded down · how we count

Head-to-head · Endpoint Security Software

Elastic Defend vs Microsoft Defender for Business

  • Updated Oct 2026
  • Both researched from official sources
  • 2 checks side by side
Higher score Elastic Defend #5 in Endpoint Security Software 8.9/10 Free plan · 14-day trial Free plan✓ 0 of 5 features Visit Elastic
Microsoft Defender for Business #7 in Endpoint Security Software 8.7/10 From $3/user/mo (annual) · 30-day trial ✓ 1 of 5 features Visit Microsoft

Elastic Defend leads on 1 check, Microsoft Defender for Business on 1, and 0 are even. Who comes out ahead on the 2 yes/no, price and count checks where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.

Our verdict

  • Highest scoreElastic Defend · 8.9/10
  • Free planonly Elastic Defend
  • Most featuresMicrosoft Defender for Business · 1 of 5

Elastic Defend scores higher on our rubric for endpoint security software: 8.9 against 8.7 out of 10; our editors rank them #5 and #7.

Elastic Defend offers free plan; Microsoft Defender for Business doesn't. Microsoft Defender for Business offers ransomware protection; Elastic Defend doesn't publish it.

Elastic Defend is the better fit for teams wanting endpoint EDR with a free plan. Microsoft Defender for Business is the better fit for small businesses seeking low-cost endpoint protection.

  • Elastic Defend fits best

    Teams wanting endpoint EDR with a free plan

  • Microsoft Defender for Business fits best

    Small businesses seeking low-cost endpoint protection

Advertiser disclosure: iTechGuides is reader-supported. Vendors can pay for top positions in our rankings and for a place on other products' pages, and we may earn a commission when you click some links. How we rank.

Side by side

Feature Elastic Defend 8.9/10 Visit ↗ Microsoft Defender for Business 8.7/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score 8.9 8.7
Ranking #5 in Endpoint Security Software #7 in Endpoint Security Software
Best for Teams wanting endpoint EDR with a free plan Small businesses seeking low-cost endpoint protection
Pricing model Free plan + paid Paid
Starting price Not published $3/user/mo
Free plan ✓ (best) —
Free trial — —
Free trial length 14 days 30 days · card required
Deployment Cloud, Self-hosted Cloud, Mobile
Platforms Web, Windows, macOS, Linux Web, Windows, macOS, iOS, Android
Built for Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise Small business, Mid-market
Features Elastic Defend 0/5 · Microsoft Defender for Business 1/5
EDR included Not published Not published
XDR included Not published Not published
Mobile protection Not published Not published
Server protection Not published Not published
Ransomware protection Not published ✓ (best)
Specs
Supported platforms Not published Windows, macOS, iOS, Android
Entry-plan endpoint limit Not published Not published
Our review
Pros
  • Free plan includes endpoint protection capabilities
  • Investigate alerts with process trees, timelines, and endpoint telemetry
  • Respond by isolating hosts or terminating processes
  • Combines antivirus, EDR, ransomware disruption, and automated remediation
  • Includes vulnerability management and attack-surface reduction rules
  • Supports Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android, with Intune integration
Cons
  • Verified endpoint coverage is limited to Windows, macOS, and Linux
  • Capabilities vary by subscription or project tier
  • Serverless pricing is usage-based and depends on workload
  • Standalone subscription is limited to five devices per user
  • Annual billing is required for the stated $3-per-user monthly price
  • A payment card is required for the 30-day free trial
Our verdict

Elastic Defend is an endpoint protection integration managed through Elastic Agent and Fleet, for security teams monitoring Windows, macOS, and Linux hosts. It detects and prevents malware, ransomware, memory threats, and malicious…

Read the review →

Microsoft Defender for Business is endpoint security for small and medium-sized businesses. The standalone subscription supports up to 300 users and five devices per user, making it a fit for smaller organizations that want protection…

Read the review →
  1. Elastic DefendEndpoint Security Software 8.9Free plan · 14-day trial
  2. Microsoft Defender for BusinessEndpoint Security Software 8.7From $3/user/mo (annual) · 30-day trial

Strengths and trade-offs

  • Elastic Defend — where it wins

    • Free plan includes endpoint protection capabilities
    • Investigate alerts with process trees, timelines, and endpoint telemetry
    • Respond by isolating hosts or terminating processes

    Where it doesn't

    • Verified endpoint coverage is limited to Windows, macOS, and Linux
    • Capabilities vary by subscription or project tier
    • Serverless pricing is usage-based and depends on workload

  • Microsoft Defender for Business — where it wins

    • Combines antivirus, EDR, ransomware disruption, and automated remediation
    • Includes vulnerability management and attack-surface reduction rules
    • Supports Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android, with Intune integration

    Where it doesn't

    • Standalone subscription is limited to five devices per user
    • Annual billing is required for the stated $3-per-user monthly price
    • A payment card is required for the 30-day free trial
  • Elastic Defend8.9/10 · Free plan · 14-day trial

    Endpoint EDR with prevention, investigation, and response in Elastic Security.

    Visit ElasticFull verdict →
  • Microsoft Defender for Business8.7/10 · From $3/user/mo (annual) · 30-day trial

    A $3-per-user endpoint security subscription with antivirus, EDR, and ransomware response.

    Visit MicrosoftFull verdict →

More comparisons

All endpoint security software comparisons → · Full ranking →

Guides on endpoint security software

Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026

Last updated · How we research and update