Microsoft Defender for Business
Microsoft Defender for Business: A focused endpoint security subscription with EDR and centralized controls for small businesses. Ranked #1 of 117 in Antivirus Software by our editors (9.4/10); pricing: 30-day trial; best for small businesses needing managed endpoint security.
At a glance
- Editor score9.4 / 10
- Pricing30-day trial
- Best forSmall businesses needing managed endpoint security
- Free planNo
- Paid from$3/user/mo
- Protection scopeComplete security
- Facts checked20 Sep 2026
Where it wins
- EDR includes automatic attack disruption and automated remediation
- Protects Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android devices
- Includes vulnerability management, APIs, SIEM, and RMM integrations
Where it doesn't
- The listed price requires annual billing
- Coverage is limited to 300 users and five devices per user
- Server protection is available only as an add-on
Our verdict on Microsoft Defender for Business
Microsoft Defender for Business is an endpoint security solution for small and medium-sized organizations with up to 300 users. It combines next-generation antivirus with ransomware attack disruption, vulnerability management, attack surface reduction, endpoint detection and response, automated investigation and remediation, centralized management, and monthly security summary reporting. Protection covers Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android devices, with web and API access for administration and integration.
The listed plan costs $3 per user per month with annual billing and includes up to five devices per user. It also includes a 30-day free trial. The plan covers core endpoint protection, vulnerability management, EDR with automatic attack disruption, and automated investigation and remediation. Organizations can choose the standalone subscription or receive the product through Microsoft 365 Business Premium, while server protection is available as an add-on. This makes the offering straightforward for teams that need managed endpoint security without selecting among multiple listed tiers.
Its strongest fit is for organizations already operating within Microsoft’s ecosystem. Centralized management is available through the Microsoft Defender portal, with integrations for Microsoft Intune, Microsoft 365 Lighthouse, RMM tools, PSA software, SIEM platforms, and programmatic APIs. Those connections support security operations, reporting, and administrative workflows across supported devices. Businesses needing protection beyond the listed desktop and mobile scope should account for the separate server add-on, and organizations above 300 users or requiring more than five devices per user should look for an alternative. For its intended audience, Defender for Business offers a focused combination of antivirus, endpoint response, vulnerability management, and Microsoft-aligned administration.
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Microsoft Defender for Business pricing
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Microsoft Defender for Business fact sheet
| Free plan | No |
|---|---|
| Paid from | $3/user/mo |
| Protection scope | Complete security |
| Device limit | 5 devices |
| Supported platforms | Windows, macOS, iOS, Android |
| Ransomware protection | Yes |
| Parental controls | Not verified |
| Password manager | Not verified |
| Free trial | 30 days · card required |
| Money-back guarantee | 7 days |
| Deployment | Cloud, Mobile |
| Platforms | Web, Windows, macOS, iOS, Android |
| Support | Docs |
| Built for | Small business, Mid-market (editorial estimate) |
| Integrations | 4 integrations: Microsoft 365 Lighthouse, Remote monitoring and management tools, Professional services automation software, Microsoft Intune |
| Pricing | 30-day trial (source) |
| Website | microsoft.com |
| Facts checked | 20 Sep 2026 |
Microsoft Defender for Business integrations
Microsoft Defender for Business lists 4 integrations on its own site.
- Microsoft 365 Lighthouse
- Remote monitoring and management tools
- Professional services automation software
- Microsoft Intune
Alternatives to Microsoft Defender for Business
- Bitdefender GravityZone Small Business SecurityA paid endpoint security suite for small businesses needing layered protection and central control.9.3
- Bitdefender Total SecurityA broad security suite for families protecting PCs, Macs, phones, and tablets.9.2
- ESET HOME SecurityA tiered household security suite with strong protection and privacy features.9.0
See all Microsoft Defender for Business alternatives →
Microsoft Defender for Business vs the competition
- Microsoft Defender for Business vs Bitdefender GravityZone Small Business Security
- Microsoft Defender for Business vs Bitdefender Total Security
- Microsoft Defender for Business vs ESET HOME Security
- Microsoft Defender for Business vs FortiClient
- Microsoft Defender for Business vs Kaspersky Plus Internet Security
- Microsoft Defender for Business vs Kaspersky Antivirus
Compare Microsoft Defender for Business with any tool side by side →
Also Ranked In
Microsoft Defender for Business is ranked in 76 of our directories; the 6 strongest besides Antivirus Software.
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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
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