Cisco Secure Endpoint vs Microsoft Defender for Business (2026)
Our verdict
Cisco Secure Endpoint vs Microsoft Defender for Business: on our data-weighted scoring, Microsoft Defender for Business edges ahead (8.2 vs 7.9/10). Cisco Secure Endpoint starts at Custom quote and is best for cisco-centric enterprises wanting integrated edr; Microsoft Defender for Business starts at $3/user/mo and is best for smbs already on microsoft 365 wanting bundled edr. Choose Microsoft Defender for Business for the stronger overall track record; consider Cisco Secure Endpoint if its pricing model or fit matches your environment better. Side-by-side table below.
| Cisco Secure Endpoint | Microsoft Defender for Business | |
|---|---|---|
| Starting price | Custom quote | $3/user/mo |
| Pricing model | quote | per user |
| Free trial / tier | yes | yes |
| Best for | Cisco-centric enterprises wanting integrated EDR | SMBs already on Microsoft 365 wanting bundled EDR |
| Deployment | Cloud | Cloud |
| G2 rating | 4.4/5 (150) | 4.4/5 (300) |
| Capterra rating | — | — |
| Our score | 7.9/10 | 8.2/10 |
Cisco Secure Endpoint
Pros
- Talos threat intelligence
- Integrates with Cisco stack
- Solid detection
Cons
- Best within Cisco ecosystem
- Quote pricing
- Heavier admin
Affiliate link: Cisco Secure Endpoint may pay us a commission if you sign up through this link. It never affects our data-driven ranking.
Microsoft Defender for Business
Pros
- Cheap if you have M365
- Solid detection
- Per-user (covers multiple devices)
Cons
- Best within Microsoft ecosystem
- Licensing nuances
- Tuning needed
Visit Microsoft Defender for Business →
Affiliate link: Microsoft Defender for Business may pay us a commission if you sign up through this link. It never affects our data-driven ranking.
Choose Cisco Secure Endpoint if…
You need cisco-centric enterprises wanting integrated edr. See the Cisco Secure Endpoint pricing and review.
Choose Microsoft Defender for Business if…
You need smbs already on microsoft 365 wanting bundled edr. See the Microsoft Defender for Business pricing and review.
In depth
Pricing: Microsoft Defender for Business vs Cisco Secure Endpoint
Microsoft Defender for Business bills on a per user model from $3/user/mo (yes trial), while Cisco Secure Endpoint uses a quote model from Custom quote (yes trial). Because the models differ, the cheaper option flips depending on your fleet size — model both at your seat/endpoint count.
Features & deployment
Microsoft Defender for Business ships 5 headline capabilities (EDR for SMB, Next-gen AV, Threat & vulnerability mgmt, Auto-investigation) and deploys Cloud. Cisco Secure Endpoint ships 4 (EDR with Talos intel, SecureX/XDR integration, Threat hunting, Sandboxing), deploying Cloud.
Ratings & verdict
Microsoft Defender for Business holds 4.4/5 (300 G2 reviews); Cisco Secure Endpoint holds 4.4/5 (150 G2 reviews). On our data-weighted score, Microsoft Defender for Business edges ahead (8.2 vs 7.9/10). Pick Cisco Secure Endpoint instead when cisco-centric enterprises wanting integrated edr. See Microsoft Defender for Business alternatives or Cisco Secure Endpoint alternatives.
Frequently asked questions
- Cisco Secure Endpoint vs Microsoft Defender for Business: which is better?
- Cisco Secure Endpoint vs Microsoft Defender for Business: on our data-weighted scoring, Microsoft Defender for Business edges ahead (8.2 vs 7.9/10). Cisco Secure Endpoint starts at Custom quote and is best for cisco-centric enterprises wanting integrated edr; Microsoft Defender for Business starts at $3/user/mo and is best for smbs already on microsoft 365 wanting bundled edr.
- Is Cisco Secure Endpoint cheaper than Microsoft Defender for Business?
- Cisco Secure Endpoint starts at Custom quote and Microsoft Defender for Business starts at $3/user/mo (see the pricing rows for models and limits).