Microsoft Defender for Endpoint Pricing 2026: Plans, Costs & Free Options
Last Updated: May 2026
AI endpoint protection integrated with M365. Automated investigation and remediation. This page breaks down Microsoft Defender for Endpoint's Paid pricing model, what it includes, and how it compares to free alternatives in the Endpoint Security (EDR/XDR) category.
Pricing Overview
Pricing Model
Paid
This means the tool requires a paid subscription. Pricing is typically per user per month or per year, with tiered plans for individuals, teams, and enterprises.
Is Microsoft Defender for Endpoint Free?
No. Microsoft Defender for Endpoint requires a paid subscription. There is no free tier available, though some plans may offer a free trial.
Is Microsoft Defender for Endpoint Worth It?
Microsoft Defender for Endpoint is rated 4.4/5 in our Endpoint Security (EDR/XDR) directory and uses a Paid pricing model, so it is best suited for teams with budget allocated to commercial security tooling. The paid plans typically include vendor support, regular updates, and integrations that free alternatives lack. For Endpoint Security (EDR/XDR) workflows where reliability and SLAs matter, Microsoft Defender for Endpoint is worth the investment, particularly for organizations that cannot dedicate engineers to self-hosting open-source equivalents. Always request a demo and compare it against the free alternatives below before committing.
Compare
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does Microsoft Defender for Endpoint cost?
Microsoft Defender for Endpoint uses a Paid pricing model. This means the tool requires a paid subscription. Pricing is typically per user per month or per year, with tiered plans for individuals, teams, and enterprises. For exact current pricing, visit the Microsoft Defender for Endpoint website directly — vendors update tiers and quotas regularly.
Is there a free version of Microsoft Defender for Endpoint?
No. Microsoft Defender for Endpoint requires a paid subscription. There is no free tier available, though some plans may offer a free trial.
What are cheaper alternatives to Microsoft Defender for Endpoint?
There are no fully free alternatives to Microsoft Defender for Endpoint in our Endpoint Security (EDR/XDR) directory. Most competing tools in this space use paid or enterprise pricing models. Browse our Endpoint Security (EDR/XDR) category for the full landscape.