HackerOne vs Microsoft Defender External Attack Surface Management comparison

HackerOne and Microsoft are both solutions in the Attack Surface Management (ASM) category. HackerOne is ranked #11 with an average rating of 8.4, while Microsoft is ranked #14 with an average rating of 7.5. HackerOne holds a 5.0% mindshare in ASM, compared to Microsoft’s 3.1% mindshare. Additionally, 87% of HackerOne users are willing to recommend the solution, compared to 100% of Microsoft users who would recommend it.

HackerOne

Read 6 HackerOne reviews

3,613 Views
1,301 Comparison Views

87% willing to recommend

Microsoft Defender External...

Read 2 Microsoft Defender External Attack Surface Management reviews

1,123 Views
842 Comparison Views

100% willing to recommend

HackerOne

Microsoft Defender External...

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Executive SummaryUpdated on Dec 28, 2025

HackerOne and Microsoft Defender External Attack Surface Management are competing cybersecurity products. Microsoft Defender appears to have the upper hand due to its comprehensive features and perceived value despite higher costs.

Features: HackerOne is valued for its bug bounty platform, vulnerability coordination, and community-driven approach. Microsoft Defender offers broad surveillance of threats, integration with Microsoft's security suite, and holistic security management.

Ease of Deployment and Customer Service: HackerOne provides a flexible deployment model with customized solutions and dedicated support. Microsoft Defender leverages Microsoft's infrastructure for seamless integration and robust service, with streamlined deployment within Microsoft's ecosystem.

Pricing and ROI: HackerOne is recognized for competitive pricing and high ROI through efficient vulnerability identification and resolution. Microsoft Defender has a higher setup cost justified by its extensive features and comprehensive management capabilities, targeting enterprises willing to invest in overarching solutions.

To learn more, read our detailed HackerOne vs. Microsoft Defender External Attack Surface Management Report (Updated: December 2025).

Buyer's Guide

HackerOne vs. Microsoft Defender External Attack Surface Management

December 2025

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Helped 879,425 peers since 2012

Review summaries and opinions

We asked business professionals to review the solutions they use. Here are some excerpts of what they said:

Categories and Ranking

HackerOne

Ranking in Attack Surface Management (ASM)

11th

Average Rating

8.6

Reviews Sentiment

6.9

Number of Reviews

Ranking in other categories

Application Security Tools (19th), Vulnerability Management (27th), Bug Bounty Platforms (2nd), Penetration Testing Services (2nd), AI Observability (11th)

Microsoft Defender External...

Ranking in Attack Surface Management (ASM)

14th

Average Rating

7.6

Reviews Sentiment

6.0

Number of Reviews

Ranking in other categories

Microsoft Security Suite (33rd)

Mindshare comparison

As of January 2026, in the Attack Surface Management (ASM) category, the mindshare of HackerOne is 5.0%, up from 4.9% compared to the previous year. The mindshare of Microsoft Defender External Attack Surface Management is 3.1%, up from 2.6% compared to the previous year. It is calculated based on PeerSpot user engagement data.

Attack Surface Management (ASM) Market Share Distribution
Product	Market Share (%)
HackerOne	5.0%
Microsoft Defender External Attack Surface Management	3.1%
Other	91.9%

Attack Surface Management (ASM)

Featured Reviews

Ruphus Muita

Senior ICT Security Consultant at Applied Principles Limited

Has improved my motivation to submit bugs consistently through fast response and clear filtering

I think HackerOne can be improved by allowing new users to gain access to certain programs that are only open to known, renowned users. Sometimes new users don't receive invites just because they are new, despite potentially being very skilled hackers, so I feel new users should get more chances and opportunities. I am currently satisfied with the rewards, response time, and other aspects of the platform, so I don't have anything else to add about the necessary improvements. I give HackerOne a nine out of ten because if new hackers are given more opportunities, it could be a perfect 10 for me. However, the reason I gave a nine is that I don't have much to complain about; I specifically love the program and don't have many concerns.

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AndyChan3

General manager at a tech services company with 201-500 employees

Enhanced visibility and exposes vulnerabilities but needs more integration

I am currently in the pilot stage of implementing Microsoft External Attack Surface Management (EASM). My organization is transitioning to a comprehensive track of Microsoft solutions, and we will move to full-scale production in another year, maybe Microsoft External Attack Surface Management…

Read full review

Quotes from Members

We asked business professionals to review the solutions they use. Here are some excerpts of what they said:

Pros

"The most valuable feature of HackerOne is its variety of programs. These programs provide depth into various areas, such as mobile, API, and websites."

"HackerOne is larger than WebCloud and has a better reputation than BugCloud, which results in a smoother process."

"It helps me to get new sales, profits, and other benefits."

"The fast verification process impacts my motivation significantly because a quick response keeps me motivated, and if I'm going to try and hunt bugs today, I would appreciate a response within the day or at least within a few days."

"HackerOne is larger than WebCloud and has a better reputation than BugCloud, which results in a smoother process."

"Apart from getting all the bug bounty opportunities, we also get the chance to practice in a safe environment, like a demo setup. These features are great for beginners who want to explore bug bounties in the future."

"Microsoft External Attack Surface Management helps improve the visibility of my exposed vulnerabilities and provides an overview of my security posture across the globe."

"It seems to be better at protecting from cyberattacks."

Cons

"Response time can be improved. The HackerOne Trust team can be slow to respond sometimes. They're not using AI, which could help reduce the number of duplicate reports."

"Everything has become slower on HackerOne."

"Everything has become slower on HackerOne. I have noticed that older researchers receive all the private invites while newer ones receive fewer."

"One issue I've experienced is traffic. Many people try to participate when an opportunity with a bounty of around 1,000-15,000 dollars comes up. In this case, the first person to report the vulnerability gets the bounty. If a second person reports the same vulnerability, they are marked as duplicated instead of receiving some recognition. The second person also invested time finding the issue, so I think this can be improved."

"The ability to view the conversation between the triagers and the programs will be really good."

"Sometimes new users don't receive invites just because they are new, despite potentially being very skilled hackers, so I feel new users should get more chances and opportunities."

"With Microsoft, support is always crazy, it's not easy to get support."

"Further integration across different Microsoft products would be an improvement."

"The integration is not as seamless compared to competitors like Palo Alto."

Pricing and Cost Advice

"The solution is free."

"The tool is open-source and free for bug bounty hunters."

Information not available

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Top Industries

By visitors reading reviews

Computer Software Company

15%

Manufacturing Company

11%

Comms Service Provider

10%

Financial Services Firm

10%

Computer Software Company

17%

Financial Services Firm

12%

Energy/Utilities Company

Outsourcing Company

Company Size

By reviewers

Large Enterprise

Midsize Enterprise

Small Business

By reviewers
Company Size	Count
Small Business	4
Large Enterprise	3

No data available

Questions from the Community

What is your experience regarding pricing and costs for HackerOne?

I have not experienced any costs since I use HackerOne independently, just logging into the site, hunting bugs, and submitting them without any expenses.

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What needs improvement with HackerOne?

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What is your primary use case for HackerOne?

My main use case for HackerOne is mostly for submitting bugs. I get into the programs listed there, find one that is suitable for me, do my penetration testing on the systems, try to bypass some co...

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What is your experience regarding pricing and costs for Microsoft Defender External Attack Surface Management?

I rate the pricing of the solution as eight out of ten.

See all answers

What needs improvement with Microsoft Defender External Attack Surface Management?

Further integration across different Microsoft products would be an improvement. Introduction of more AI automation into the products would also be beneficial. The integration is not as seamless co...

See all answers

What is your primary use case for Microsoft Defender External Attack Surface Management?

See all answers

Comparisons

Bugcrowd vs HackerOne

Compared 43% of the time

Synack vs HackerOne

Compared 15% of the time

Intigriti vs HackerOne

Compared 12% of the time

YesWeHack vs HackerOne

Compared 7% of the time

Cobalt vs HackerOne

Compared 4% of the time

More HackerOne Competitors

CrowdStrike Falcon vs Microsoft Defender External Attack Surface Management

Compared 13% of the time

Qualys CyberSecurity Asset Management vs Microsoft Defender External Attack Surface Management

Compared 11% of the time

Darktrace vs Microsoft Defender External Attack Surface Management

Compared 9% of the time

Bitsight vs Microsoft Defender External Attack Surface Management

Compared 9% of the time

Mandiant Advantage vs Microsoft Defender External Attack Surface Management

Compared 8% of the time

More Microsoft Defender External Attack Surface Management Competitors

Product Reports

Buyer's Guide

HackerOne

December 2025

Download HackerOne product report

Buyer's Guide

Attack Surface Management (ASM)

November 2025

Microsoft Defender External Attack Surface Management report

Download Microsoft Defender External Attack Surface Management product report

Also Known As

HackerOne Assets, HackerOne Pentesting Services, HackerOne Security Assessments, HackerOne Vulnerability Management

No data available

Overview

HackerOne leads in offensive security with a platform that expertly identifies and remedies security vulnerabilities using AI and a vast researcher community. Trusted by industry giants, it integrates bug bounties, vulnerability disclosure, and code security in software development.

The HackerOne Platform offers a comprehensive suite of services, combining advanced AI technology with the skills of a global security researcher community to address complex security challenges. It facilitates an understanding of vulnerabilities, promoting better remediation practices across software lifecycles. Notable clients include Anthropic, Crypto.com, General Motors, GitHub, Goldman Sachs, Uber, and U.S. Department of Defense. Recognized for innovation and workplace excellence, HackerOne continues to set standards in security solutions.

What key features does HackerOne offer?

Skilled Hacker Community: Access a large pool of expert security researchers.
Third-Party Integrations: Seamless compatibility with various tools like payment systems and project management applications.
Bug Bounty Programs: Incentivized vulnerability discovery across industries.
Direct Communication: Facilitates dialogue for better understanding of vulnerabilities.
Safe Practice Environments: Supports learning for both beginners and seasoned professionals.

Why is HackerOne beneficial for your needs?

Speed of Delivery: Quickly identifies and resolves security issues.
Responsive Support: Reliable assistance enhances user experience.
Transparency in Communication: Clear reporting processes aid in issue resolution.
Income Opportunities: Bug bounties offer financial incentives.

HackerOne finds significant applications in various sectors with its focus on vulnerability assessment, testing, and responsible disclosure. Organizations utilize it for ethical hacking and efficient vulnerability coordination, making it essential in cybersecurity strategies. The platform's reliability is evident in its ability to identify and document security threats effectively.

HackerOne

In this era of hybrid work, shadow IT creates an increasingly serious security risk. Microsoft Defender External Attack Surface Management helps cloud security teams see unknown and unmanaged resources outside the firewall.

Microsoft

Sample Customers

Anthropic, Crypto.com, General Motors, GitHub, Goldman Sachs, Uber, and the U.S. Department of Defense

Information Not Available

Buyer's Guide

HackerOne vs. Microsoft Defender External Attack Surface Management

December 2025

Free Report: HackerOne vs. Microsoft Defender External Attack Surface Management

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