Malwarebytes ThreatDown vs Microsoft Defender for Business (2026)
Our verdict
Malwarebytes ThreatDown vs Microsoft Defender for Business: on our data-weighted scoring, Microsoft Defender for Business edges ahead (8.2 vs 8.1/10). Malwarebytes ThreatDown starts at $69/endpoint/yr and is best for smbs/msps wanting simple, effective edr with optional mdr; 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 Malwarebytes ThreatDown if its pricing model or fit matches your environment better. Side-by-side table below.
| Malwarebytes ThreatDown | Microsoft Defender for Business | |
|---|---|---|
| Starting price | $69/endpoint/yr | $3/user/mo |
| Pricing model | per endpoint | per user |
| Free trial / tier | yes | yes |
| Best for | SMBs/MSPs wanting simple, effective EDR with optional MDR | SMBs already on Microsoft 365 wanting bundled EDR |
| Deployment | Cloud | Cloud |
| G2 rating | 4.6/5 (900) | 4.4/5 (300) |
| Capterra rating | — | — |
| Our score | 8.1/10 | 8.2/10 |
Malwarebytes ThreatDown
Pros
- Easy to deploy and use
- Great remediation heritage
- Transparent entry price
Cons
- Advanced features need higher tiers
- Reporting basic
- Newer to EDR
Visit Malwarebytes ThreatDown →
Affiliate link: Malwarebytes ThreatDown 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 Malwarebytes ThreatDown if…
You need smbs/msps wanting simple, effective edr with optional mdr. See the Malwarebytes ThreatDown 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 Malwarebytes ThreatDown
Microsoft Defender for Business bills on a per user model from $3/user/mo (yes trial), while Malwarebytes ThreatDown uses a per endpoint model from $69/endpoint/yr (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. Malwarebytes ThreatDown ships 5 (Strong remediation engine, EDR + ransomware rollback, Simple console, Optional MDR), deploying Cloud.
Ratings & verdict
Microsoft Defender for Business holds 4.4/5 (300 G2 reviews); Malwarebytes ThreatDown holds 4.6/5 (900 G2 reviews). On our data-weighted score, Microsoft Defender for Business edges ahead (8.2 vs 8.1/10). Pick Malwarebytes ThreatDown instead when smbs/msps wanting simple, effective edr with optional mdr. See Microsoft Defender for Business alternatives or Malwarebytes ThreatDown alternatives.
Frequently asked questions
- Malwarebytes ThreatDown vs Microsoft Defender for Business: which is better?
- Malwarebytes ThreatDown vs Microsoft Defender for Business: on our data-weighted scoring, Microsoft Defender for Business edges ahead (8.2 vs 8.1/10). Malwarebytes ThreatDown starts at $69/endpoint/yr and is best for smbs/msps wanting simple, effective edr with optional mdr; Microsoft Defender for Business starts at $3/user/mo and is best for smbs already on microsoft 365 wanting bundled edr.
- Is Malwarebytes ThreatDown cheaper than Microsoft Defender for Business?
- Malwarebytes ThreatDown starts at $69/endpoint/yr and Microsoft Defender for Business starts at $3/user/mo (see the pricing rows for models and limits).