CrowdStrike vs Microsoft Defender for Endpoint -- Endpoint & EDR Compared
Microsoft Defender for Endpoint is a cost-effective choice for organizations already committed to the Microsoft 365 ecosystem. While CrowdStrike offers superior detection rates and managed hunting services, Defender provides strong value through its inclusion in E5 licensing and seamless integration with Azure AD, Intune, and Sentinel.
Choose Microsoft Defender for Endpoint if you are already in the Microsoft 365 E5 ecosystem and want consolidated security without additional per-device costs. Choose CrowdStrike if you need the highest detection rates, dedicated managed hunting, and a platform that excels regardless of your cloud provider.
| Feature | Microsoft Defender for Endpoint | CrowdStrike |
|---|---|---|
| Detection Rates | Strong and rapidly improving | Industry-leading, consistently top-rated |
| Managed Hunting | Microsoft Threat Experts (limited) | Falcon OverWatch (dedicated hunting team) |
| Ecosystem Integration | Deep Microsoft 365 and Azure integration | Broad third-party integrations |
| SIEM Integration | Native Microsoft Sentinel integration | Falcon LogScale + third-party SIEMs |
| Pricing Model | Included in M365 E5 or $5.20/user/month | From $59.99/device/year |
| Platform Coverage | Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android | Windows, macOS, Linux |
| Device Management | Integrated with Intune | Falcon Discover (IT hygiene) |
| Identity Protection | Microsoft Entra ID Protection | Falcon Identity Threat Protection |
Common questions about choosing between CrowdStrike and Microsoft Defender for Endpoint.
Microsoft Defender for Endpoint is a cost-effective choice for organizations already committed to the Microsoft 365 ecosystem. While CrowdStrike offers superior detection rates and managed hunting services, Defender provides strong value through its inclusion in E5 licensing and seamless integration with Azure AD, Intune, and Sentinel.
Choose Microsoft Defender for Endpoint if you are already in the Microsoft 365 E5 ecosystem and want consolidated security without additional per-device costs. Choose CrowdStrike if you need the highest detection rates, dedicated managed hunting, and a platform that excels regardless of your cloud provider.
Microsoft Defender for Endpoint pricing: Included in Microsoft 365 E5 / Standalone from $5.20/user/month. CrowdStrike pricing: From $59.99/device/year (Falcon Go) / Enterprise custom. Microsoft Defender for Endpoint's pricing model is per-user subscription, while CrowdStrike uses per-device subscription pricing.
Yes, you can migrate from CrowdStrike to Microsoft Defender for Endpoint. The migration process depends on your specific setup and the features you use. Both platforms offer APIs that can facilitate automated migration. Consider running both tools in parallel during the transition to ensure zero downtime.
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