Defender for Business vs Defender for Endpoint
Both protect the computers and phones your people use. One is built and priced for small business. The other is the enterprise engine, sold in two plans. The names sound alike, so it is easy to buy the wrong one.
Start with the size rule
Defender for Business is designed for organizations up to 300 users. Cross that line and you move to Defender for Endpoint. That single rule settles a lot of the decision before you compare features.
The good news for small business: Defender for Business was built to bring enterprise-style protection, including endpoint detection and response, to companies without a security team, at a small-business price.
What each one is
Defender for Business includes next-generation antivirus, endpoint detection and response (EDR), threat and vulnerability management, and automated investigation and remediation, tuned so a generalist admin can run it. It is included in Microsoft 365 Business Premium, or sold standalone.
Defender for Endpoint Plan 1 is a lighter, baseline tier: next-generation protection and manual response, without the deeper hunting tools. Defender for Endpoint Plan 2 is the full enterprise product: everything in Plan 1 plus advanced hunting, custom detections, threat analytics, six months of data, and richer automation. Plan 2 is included in Microsoft 365 E5.
Side by side
| Defender for Business | Defender for Endpoint P1 | Defender for Endpoint P2 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Next-generation antivirus | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Endpoint detection and response | Yes | No | Yes |
| Threat and vulnerability management | Yes | No | Yes |
| Automated investigation | Yes | No | Yes |
| Advanced hunting and custom detections | No | No | Yes |
| Best for | Up to 300 users | Baseline needs | Enterprise and E5 |
| Included with | Business Premium | Sold as add-on | Microsoft 365 E5 |
List prices are estimates in USD on an annual commitment and change over time. Confirm current pricing with your Microsoft partner. Defender for Business is limited to organizations of up to 300 users.
Which one to buy
If you are under 300 users, Defender for Business, most easily through Business Premium, gives you EDR and automated response without an enterprise price. If you are a larger organization or already going to E5, Defender for Endpoint Plan 2 is your endpoint layer and comes in the box. Plan 1 exists for narrow baseline cases, but most buyers land on either Defender for Business or Plan 2.
Answer four questions and get your exact licenseFree. No sign-up. Real prices and when to upgrade.Common questions
Is Defender for Business the same as Defender for Endpoint?
No. Defender for Business is a packaged, simplified version built for organizations up to 300 users, included in Business Premium. Defender for Endpoint is the enterprise product, sold as Plan 1 (baseline) and Plan 2 (full, included in E5).
Does Defender for Business include EDR?
Yes. Defender for Business includes endpoint detection and response, threat and vulnerability management, and automated investigation, which is why it is strong value for small business.
What is the 300-user limit on Defender for Business?
Defender for Business is designed for organizations of up to 300 users. Larger organizations use Defender for Endpoint Plan 1 or Plan 2 instead.
Which plans include these?
Defender for Business is included with Microsoft 365 Business Premium. Defender for Endpoint Plan 2 is included with Microsoft 365 E5. Plan 1 and standalone Defender for Business are available as add-ons.