Microsoft Defender for Office 365 Alternatives 2026: Top Options Compared
Find the right email security solution for your team
Microsoft Defender for Office 365 pricing varies by team size and features, ranging from $2 to $5 per user/month in 2026. Your actual cost depends on the tier you choose, contract length, and negotiated discounts.
Use the interactive pricing calculator to estimate your exact cost based on team size and requirements.
- Free tier: No free tier available
- Billing: Monthly and annual (save 15-20%)
- Hidden costs: Add ~35% for implementation, support, and training
Finding Microsoft Defender for Office 365 Alternatives
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We're currently building our database of Microsoft Defender for Office 365 alternatives. In the meantime, explore other email security options in our category.
Browse Email Security Software →When to Stay with Microsoft Defender for Office 365
Stay with Microsoft Defender for Office 365 if you're already on Microsoft 365 E3 or E5 and want native integration with unified management. Plan 2 included with E5 provides strong investigation and response capabilities. Best for organizations prioritizing Microsoft ecosystem integration.
- You've invested heavily in customizations and integrations
- Your team is highly trained and productive on Microsoft Defender for Office 365
- You need features that alternatives don't offer
- Migration costs would exceed multi-year savings
Frequently Asked Questions
01 What are the best Microsoft Defender for Office 365 alternatives?
Popular Microsoft Defender for Office 365 alternatives in the Email Security space include various options depending on your team size, budget, and specific feature requirements. Consider what aspects of Microsoft Defender for Office 365 work well for you and what you'd like to improve.
02 Is it hard to switch from Microsoft Defender for Office 365 to an alternative?
Migration difficulty varies by alternative. Most modern alternatives offer import tools and migration assistance. The complexity depends on how customized your current setup is and how much historical data you need to transfer.
03 How much can I save by switching from Microsoft Defender for Office 365?
Depending on the alternative you choose, you could save anywhere from 20% to 70% on per-user costs. Microsoft Defender for Office 365's pricing is competitive, so cost savings depend on your specific feature requirements. Factor in migration costs and productivity dip during transition.
04 Should I stay with Microsoft Defender for Office 365 or switch?
Stay with Microsoft Defender for Office 365 if you're already on Microsoft 365 E3 or E5 and want native integration with unified management. Plan 2 included with E5 provides strong investigation and response capabilities. Best for organizations prioritizing Microsoft ecosystem integration. However, if your needs have evolved or you're not using Microsoft Defender for Office 365's advanced features, exploring alternatives could save you money and complexity.
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