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Head-to-head · Endpoint Security Software

FortiEndpoint vs Microsoft Defender for Business

  • Updated Oct 2026
  • Both researched from official sources
  • 4 checks side by side
Higher score FortiEndpoint #6 in Endpoint Security Software 8.8/10 Pricing on request ✓ 3 of 5 features Visit Fortinet
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

FortiEndpoint leads on 2 checks, Microsoft Defender for Business on 0, and 2 are even. Who comes out ahead on the 4 yes/no, price and count checks where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.

Our verdict

  • Highest scoreFortiEndpoint · 8.8/10
  • Most featuresFortiEndpoint · 3 of 5

FortiEndpoint scores higher on our rubric for endpoint security software: 8.8 against 8.7 out of 10; our editors rank them #6 and #7.

FortiEndpoint offers edr included; Microsoft Defender for Business doesn't publish it. FortiEndpoint offers xdr included; Microsoft Defender for Business doesn't publish it.

FortiEndpoint is the better fit for organizations using Fortinet security products. Microsoft Defender for Business is the better fit for small businesses seeking low-cost endpoint protection.

  • FortiEndpoint fits best

    Organizations using Fortinet security products

  • 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 FortiEndpoint 8.8/10 Visit ↗ Microsoft Defender for Business 8.7/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score 8.8 8.7
Ranking #6 in Endpoint Security Software #7 in Endpoint Security Software
Best for Organizations using Fortinet security products Small businesses seeking low-cost endpoint protection
Pricing model Paid Paid
Starting price Not published $3/user/mo
Free plan — —
Free trial — —
Deployment Cloud Cloud, Mobile
Platforms Web, Windows, macOS, Linux Web, Windows, macOS, iOS, Android
Support Tickets, Community · 24/7 Docs
Integrations 3 integrations 4 integrations
Built for Mid-market, Enterprise Small business, Mid-market
Features FortiEndpoint 3/5 · Microsoft Defender for Business 1/5
EDR included ✓ (best) Not published
XDR included ✓ (best) Not published
Mobile protection Not published Not published
Server protection Not published Not published
Ransomware protection ✓ ✓
Specs
Supported platforms Windows, macOS, Linux Windows, macOS, iOS, Android
Entry-plan endpoint limit 25 endpoints Not published
Our review
Pros
  • Combines malware, ransomware, and exploit protection with behavior-based EDR
  • Adds vulnerability remediation, virtual patching, rollback, and threat hunting
  • Fortinet Security Fabric integration connects endpoint management to its ecosystem
  • 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
  • Quote-based pricing makes budget comparisons harder
  • EDR and XDR capabilities vary by license tier
  • Coverage is focused on desktop operating systems
  • 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

FortiEndpoint brings endpoint protection, behavior-based detection and response, vulnerability assessment, and secure access into a cloud-focused platform managed through a single agent and centralized console. It is aimed at mid-market…

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. FortiEndpointEndpoint Security Software 8.8Pricing on request
  2. Microsoft Defender for BusinessEndpoint Security Software 8.7From $3/user/mo (annual) · 30-day trial

Strengths and trade-offs

  • FortiEndpoint — where it wins

    • Combines malware, ransomware, and exploit protection with behavior-based EDR
    • Adds vulnerability remediation, virtual patching, rollback, and threat hunting
    • Fortinet Security Fabric integration connects endpoint management to its ecosystem

    Where it doesn't

    • Quote-based pricing makes budget comparisons harder
    • EDR and XDR capabilities vary by license tier
    • Coverage is focused on desktop operating systems

  • 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
  • FortiEndpoint8.8/10 · Pricing on request

    A Fortinet-focused endpoint suite spanning protection, response, vulnerability work, and access.

    Visit FortinetFull 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