Microsoft Defender for Business vs Sophos Intercept X (2026)
Our verdict
Microsoft Defender for Business vs Sophos Intercept X: on our data-weighted scoring, Sophos Intercept X edges ahead (8.4 vs 8.2/10). Microsoft Defender for Business starts at $3/user/mo and is best for smbs already on microsoft 365 wanting bundled edr; Sophos Intercept X starts at Custom quote and is best for smbs/msps wanting strong edr plus optional mdr from one vendor. Choose Sophos Intercept X for the stronger overall track record; consider Microsoft Defender for Business if its pricing model or fit matches your environment better. Side-by-side table below.
| Microsoft Defender for Business | Sophos Intercept X | |
|---|---|---|
| Starting price | $3/user/mo | Custom quote |
| Pricing model | per user | per user |
| Free trial / tier | yes | 30 days |
| Best for | SMBs already on Microsoft 365 wanting bundled EDR | SMBs/MSPs wanting strong EDR plus optional MDR from one vendor |
| Deployment | Cloud | Cloud |
| G2 rating | 4.4/5 (300) | 4.6/5 (350) |
| Capterra rating | — | — |
| Our score | 8.2/10 | 8.4/10 |
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.
Sophos Intercept X
Pros
- Strong anti-ransomware
- Central console
- Easy MDR upgrade path
Cons
- Quote pricing
- Best value within Sophos stack
- Tiering complexity
Affiliate link: Sophos Intercept X may pay us a commission if you sign up through this link. It never affects our data-driven ranking.
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.
Choose Sophos Intercept X if…
You need smbs/msps wanting strong edr plus optional mdr from one vendor. See the Sophos Intercept X pricing and review.
In depth
Pricing: Sophos Intercept X vs Microsoft Defender for Business
Sophos Intercept X bills on a per user model from Custom quote (30 days trial), while Microsoft Defender for Business uses a per user model from $3/user/mo (yes trial). Because the models differ, the cheaper option flips depending on your fleet size — model both at your seat/endpoint count.
Features & deployment
Sophos Intercept X ships 5 headline capabilities (Deep-learning AV, EDR/XDR, Anti-ransomware (CryptoGuard), Sophos Central management) and deploys Cloud. Microsoft Defender for Business ships 5 (EDR for SMB, Next-gen AV, Threat & vulnerability mgmt, Auto-investigation), deploying Cloud.
Ratings & verdict
Sophos Intercept X holds 4.6/5 (350 G2 reviews); Microsoft Defender for Business holds 4.4/5 (300 G2 reviews). On our data-weighted score, Sophos Intercept X edges ahead (8.4 vs 8.2/10). Pick Microsoft Defender for Business instead when smbs already on microsoft 365 wanting bundled edr. See Sophos Intercept X alternatives or Microsoft Defender for Business alternatives.
Frequently asked questions
- Microsoft Defender for Business vs Sophos Intercept X: which is better?
- Microsoft Defender for Business vs Sophos Intercept X: on our data-weighted scoring, Sophos Intercept X edges ahead (8.4 vs 8.2/10). Microsoft Defender for Business starts at $3/user/mo and is best for smbs already on microsoft 365 wanting bundled edr; Sophos Intercept X starts at Custom quote and is best for smbs/msps wanting strong edr plus optional mdr from one vendor.
- Is Microsoft Defender for Business cheaper than Sophos Intercept X?
- Microsoft Defender for Business starts at $3/user/mo and Sophos Intercept X starts at Custom quote (see the pricing rows for models and limits).