Microsoft Defender for Business vs ThreatLocker (2026)
Our verdict
Microsoft Defender for Business vs ThreatLocker: on our data-weighted scoring, ThreatLocker edges ahead (8.7 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; ThreatLocker starts at Custom quote and is best for msps wanting zero trust allowlisting and ringfencing. Choose ThreatLocker 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 | ThreatLocker | |
|---|---|---|
| Starting price | $3/user/mo | Custom quote |
| Pricing model | per user | quote |
| Free trial / tier | yes | 30 days |
| Best for | SMBs already on Microsoft 365 wanting bundled EDR | MSPs wanting Zero Trust allowlisting and ringfencing |
| Deployment | Cloud | Cloud |
| G2 rating | 4.4/5 (300) | 4.8/5 (250) |
| Capterra rating | — | — |
| Our score | 8.2/10 | 8.7/10 |
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.
ThreatLocker
Pros
- Powerful Zero Trust controls
- Excellent support
- Strong MSP fit
Cons
- Allowlisting requires ongoing tuning
- Quote pricing
- Different model than AV/EDR
Affiliate link: ThreatLocker 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 ThreatLocker if…
You need msps wanting zero trust allowlisting and ringfencing. See the ThreatLocker pricing and review.
In depth
Pricing: ThreatLocker vs Microsoft Defender for Business
ThreatLocker bills on a quote 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
ThreatLocker ships 5 headline capabilities (Application allowlisting, Ringfencing, Storage control, Elevation control) and deploys Cloud. Microsoft Defender for Business ships 5 (EDR for SMB, Next-gen AV, Threat & vulnerability mgmt, Auto-investigation), deploying Cloud.
Ratings & verdict
ThreatLocker holds 4.8/5 (250 G2 reviews); Microsoft Defender for Business holds 4.4/5 (300 G2 reviews). On our data-weighted score, ThreatLocker edges ahead (8.7 vs 8.2/10). Pick Microsoft Defender for Business instead when smbs already on microsoft 365 wanting bundled edr. See ThreatLocker alternatives or Microsoft Defender for Business alternatives.
Frequently asked questions
- Microsoft Defender for Business vs ThreatLocker: which is better?
- Microsoft Defender for Business vs ThreatLocker: on our data-weighted scoring, ThreatLocker edges ahead (8.7 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; ThreatLocker starts at Custom quote and is best for msps wanting zero trust allowlisting and ringfencing.
- Is Microsoft Defender for Business cheaper than ThreatLocker?
- Microsoft Defender for Business starts at $3/user/mo and ThreatLocker starts at Custom quote (see the pricing rows for models and limits).