Hornetsecurity 365 Total Protection vs Microsoft Defender for Office 365 comparison

Hornetsecurity 365 Total Protection vs. Microsoft Defender for Office 365

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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

Cloudflare One

Mindshare comparison

As of August 2026, in the Email Security category, the mindshare of Cloudflare One is 1.7%, up from 1.4% compared to the previous year. The mindshare of Hornetsecurity 365 Total Protection is 1.0%, down from 1.4% compared to the previous year. The mindshare of Microsoft Defender for Office 365 is 5.7%, down from 11.6% compared to the previous year. It is calculated based on PeerSpot user engagement data.

Email Security Mindshare Distribution
Product	Mindshare (%)
Microsoft Defender for Office 365	5.7%
Cloudflare One	1.7%
Hornetsecurity 365 Total Protection	1.0%
Other	91.6%

Email Security

Featured Reviews

Cobe Van Coller

Network Architect at IP Dimension

Cloud security has improved remote access and has reduced costs for smaller client sites

I have used Cloudflare One's Identity-Aware Proxy, and it is quite straightforward from what I have seen so far. The app registration on the Azure side integrates fully into Cloudflare, and I am very satisfied with that part because it is easy to set up. The integration of Cloudflare One's Secure Web Gateway and Zero Trust Network Access works without any issues. That part is pretty automatic, and if you complete the rest of the setup, it comes together by itself with no issues from my side. What makes it nice is that we can actually start replacing on-site firewalls at this stage for the smaller clients because it does not matter if they go to a coffee shop or work from home; they are still secured by the same connection. The hops get shorter and you get better latency. We have done testing to see if it is better. One thing that we did notice with our proof of concept with our current client is that they have people connecting from the UK. When they used their previous VPN solution, uploading CAD drawings and other files to the server took a long time. They mentioned that it is much quicker on Cloudflare One's solution. I definitely believe that is part of the improved performance, and I am satisfied with that as well. What is nice about Cloudflare One is that it makes the setup easier and also easier to train technicians to maintain it. Compared to legacy systems, we do not need to get fancy firewalls in place that are costly. That is definitely also a cost-saver with Cloudflare One.

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Heriberto Mendez Olivo

CEO at Cyber Internet Services (Pvt) Ltd.

Comprehensive email protection has secured sensitive communications and simplified threat management

Hornetsecurity 365 Total Protection is a good product right now, and the report is available in Spanish, which is beneficial for Latin Americans who speak Spanish. They can continue to improve the pricing because it is the most important aspect, as another solution is aggressive with a lower cost and includes everything. While Hornetsecurity 365 Total Protection is good right now, it would be better to improve the price. At the end, the client sees the price, and in Puerto Rico, the market is different than in the United States since here the client sees price independent of security. I have more effort to explain the difference between price versus technology, which is important because in Latin America, the price may not be the same as in the US due to the company's increase not being the same volume. When clients have many mailboxes, the price is more important than the technology. I do not know why, but this really happens.

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Emeka Ndulu

Cloud Solutions Architect at a tech services company with 201-500 employees

Improves threat visibility and response while reducing manual tasks and training users against phishing

I appreciate the attack simulation feature whereby I get to train users and educate them on how to identify phishing emails and spam emails, as well as the anti-spam protection. It gives me visibility into my threat environment and threat landscape to ensure that I am one step ahead of any likelihood of threats within my environment. I get to detect it and respond, so the threat intelligence is very effective. Microsoft security solutions save my time. It saves money because once I protect my environment, I don't lose money. It has decreased my detection time and my time to respond.

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Quotes from Members

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

Pros

"Cloudflare Zero Trust Platform removes the risk of exposing the applications to the public."

"What makes it nice is that we can actually start replacing on-site firewalls at this stage for the smaller clients because it does not matter if they go to a coffee shop or work from home; they are still secured by the same connection."

"It's a perfect solution from my perspective; it's easy to understand and easy to configure."

"The simplicity of the solution is its valuable features as almost no effort was needed to learn the configurations. It is also one of the cheapest firewalls available in this category."

"Cloudflare Access is a stable solution."

"The capabilities of the software are strong enough for me to do what it's supposed to do. For me, we don't need to do a lot of configuration on our site. We just enable it and monitor it."

"It's the endpoint exposition. We don't need to expose our VPN server to the internet and need a zero-test solution. I can apply some conditional access to the endpoint that's connecting to our network to check their security policies or the security condition of their workstation. Once the workstation is trying to connect to my internal network, then I would like to check the discrete condition of these endpoints that are trying to access my internal network. We created some conditional access. We have CrowdStrike, to check if the CrowdStrike is installed, to check if it's updated, and to check for Windows updates. We created some conditional policies to check it."

"The solution has different options that can be used to differentiate DDoS attacks."

More Cloudflare One pros

"My advice for people considering using Hornetsecurity 365 Total Protection is that the simplicity is the best option because Hornetsecurity 365 Total Protection includes everything in one platform and provides a 360-degree view."

"Hornetsecurity 365 Total Protection is an easy-to-use solution."

"Backup and restore are precious features."

"This service has allowed me to focus on my core environment and ensure the safety of my customer's data."

"The best part is, I rarely have to access the portal as everything is set up and tweaked the way I wanted it. But the feature set is incredibly granular and allows for deep levels of customization."

"I have a lot of control over spam and phishing emails."

"Our customers are satisfied with Defender for 365 because Microsoft products are easy to use and customize to meet the client's needs. Everything is in one place, so we can adjust policies as needed for phishing, DLP, ATP, or any other security features that our clients want to apply."

"Defender has reduced the time our security team spends on tasks by 10 to 15 percent, allowing us to focus on other areas."

"Microsoft Defender for Office 365's most valuable features are safe attachments and safe links."

"There are several features that I consider valuable."

"The technical support is good and quick to resolve issues."

"It has helped us in improving our security posture; it detects any kind of attack or abnormal behavior in accessing the system and sends an alert to the administrator who can check, understand, and review on time to ensure that all activities are legit."

"My experience deploying Microsoft Defender for Office 365 was seamless."

"Microsoft Defender has a feature to protect each and every attachment. Even if it's an encrypted attachment, it will check for any potential threats."

More Microsoft Defender for Office 365 pros

Cons

"The free plan has limitations. For example, I can only set up three rules, and the application firewall is unavailable."

"There are premium tier live service and lower tier live service, so we opted for the lower tier. But there is no medium tier where we pay a little extra and get a bit more service. So if that can be improved."

"I would like them to include a VPN feature to provide a secure connection to the data center."

"The initial onboarding was causing us some confusion."

"Our subscription plan for the solution has a limitation of bot signatures."

"Operating and tuning the product is difficult."

"The pricing is an area that can be improved. Pricing, as far as I recall, was the source of our problems."

"Feedback could be enhanced. While I work efficiently with Clover as a partner in Mexico City, sometimes the information and requests are easier to manage with more concrete solutions."

More Cloudflare One cons

"A reduction of 10% in pricing can be an improvement."

"The solution’s pricing is not reasonable."

"I guess I would say maybe quick access to training material for end-users. I know partners have access to this but I as an end-user do not have immediate access to new update information."

"The pricing is a little high compared to other products."

"They can continue to improve the pricing because it is the most important aspect, as another solution is aggressive with a lower cost and includes everything."

"There is room for improvement in terms of reporting."

"One area for improvement is integration. For example, when it comes to external SaaS platforms, we were not able to get a lot of information on integrations with such apps for security and authentication."

"In the areas of improvement for Microsoft Defender for Office 365, the console is the biggest challenge for me."

"Microsoft Defender for Office 365's Mac functionality requires improvement to deliver the same level of protection found on Windows devices."

"We need a separate license and we don't know how to get the license that is required."

"In some situations, it has not been able to pick impersonated emails having no attachments. Technical support definitely has a scope for improvement."

"The phishing and spam filters could use some improvement."

"Microsoft Defender for Office 365 should be more proactive."

More Microsoft Defender for Office 365 cons

Pricing and Cost Advice

"My company has to make yearly payments towards the licensing costs attached to the solution. There are no hidden charges apart from the licensing costs of the solution."

"The solution is not that expensive."

"Cloudflare Zero Trust Platform's pricing is good."

"The price tag is no longer $200,000, but rather $300,000 to $400,000. It's twice."

"The pricing is somewhere in the middle. I would rate the pricing a seven out of ten."

"The solution's pricing lacks transparency."

"The pricing of the solution is cheap. The licensing cost is also very low. I rate the cost and pricing a three out of ten."

"The prices are slightly expensive."

"The pricing is acceptable and falls into the medium range, neither cheap nor overly expensive."

"It's a user-base subscription."

"I was working in the government and it was too expensive for us to use our Microsoft products."

"For licensing, it's usually a yearly package for customers who are subscribed to Office 365, but they can also pay on a monthly basis."

"Microsoft Defender is expensive. I typically recommend it only if clients have the budget. Otherwise, I would suggest an alternative."

"Defender for 365 comes in various plans and licenses, along with other Microsoft security solutions. Purchasing this kind of package or security bundle gives good value for money, and that's what I recommend."

"The product is expensive."

"Compared to other brands, Microsoft Defender for Office 365's pricing is competitive."

"The pricing is normal. Considering its popularity, it's not overpriced."

More Microsoft Defender for Office 365 pricing and cost advice

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Top Industries

By visitors reading reviews

Construction Company

19%

Comms Service Provider

11%

Outsourcing Company

Financial Services Firm

Comms Service Provider

11%

Outsourcing Company

10%

Retailer

Manufacturing Company

Computer Software Company

11%

Manufacturing Company

Financial Services Firm

Comms Service Provider

Company Size

By reviewers

Large Enterprise

Midsize Enterprise

Small Business

By reviewers
Company Size	Count
Small Business	10
Midsize Enterprise	1
Large Enterprise	12

No data available

By reviewers
Company Size	Count
Small Business	24
Midsize Enterprise	11
Large Enterprise	32

Questions from the Community

What is your experience regarding pricing and costs for Cloudflare Zero Trust Platform?

Pricing is competitive. Akamai is more expensive, in my view.

What needs improvement with Cloudflare Zero Trust Platform?

In my opinion, Cloudflare One can be improved mainly through compatibility, as the integration should be much simpler...

What is your primary use case for Cloudflare Zero Trust Platform?

Cloudflare One's primary use case for my organization is to protect servers and to provide remote access with the VPN...

What needs improvement with Hornetsecurity 365 Total Protection?

Hornetsecurity 365 Total Protection is a good product right now, and the report is available in Spanish, which is ben...

What is your primary use case for Hornetsecurity 365 Total Protection?

Our use case with Hornetsecurity 365 Total Protection is to protect the 365 email.

What advice do you have for others considering Hornetsecurity 365 Total Protection?

The price of Hornetsecurity 365 Total Protection is good right now. I would rate Hornetsecurity 365 Total Protection ...

What is your experience regarding pricing and costs for Microsoft Defender for Office 365?

My experience with pricing, setup, and licensing is that it's actually quite reasonable even on the licensing side as...

What needs improvement with Microsoft Defender for Office 365?

I think Microsoft Defender for Office 365 can be improved by creating more educational pieces about not just looking ...

What is your primary use case for Microsoft Defender for Office 365?

My main use cases for Microsoft Defender for Office 365 include email hygiene.

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Product Reports

Cloudflare One

Download Cloudflare One product report

Office 365 Protection

Download Hornetsecurity 365 Total Protection product report

Hornetsecurity 365 Total Protection report

Microsoft Defender for Office 365

July 2026

Microsoft Defender for Office 365 report

Download Microsoft Defender for Office 365 product report

Also Known As

Cloudflare Area 1 Email Security, Cloudflare Bot Management, Cloudflare Gateway, Cloudflare Zero Trust Platform, Cloudflare DDoS, Cloudflare SASE & SSE Platform

No data available

MS Defender for Office 365

Overview

Cloudflare One is a comprehensive platform for security, performance, and connectivity. It provides features like rate limiting, DDoS protection, and application access, tailored to enhance user experience while securing internet access and accelerating communications.

Designed to integrate security measures with ease of use and scalability, Cloudflare One offers a secure web gateway and zero trust network access. These features ensure seamless setup and operation, making connectivity reliable and protected. Users appreciate its integrated console, intuitive interface, and the ability to manage risk effectively. It offers straightforward deployment, improves latency, and boasts cost-effectiveness. While its onboarding process and documentation need enhancement, its value in content delivery and application shielding is notable. Despite challenges in integrating Cloudflare Access with existing VPNs and the need for better automation and support, it remains vital for DNS and infrastructure protection.

What features make Cloudflare One stand out?

Rate Limiting: Controls the traffic rate to prevent abuse.
DDoS Protection: Shields applications from distributed denial-of-service attacks.
Secure Web Gateway: Provides secure internet access with seamless operation.
Zero Trust Network Access: Ensures secure, application-based connectivity without relying on traditional VPNs.
Access for Connectivity: Facilitates access to internal applications securely.

What benefits should users look for in reviews?

Security: Robust measures for DNS and browsing protection.
Performance: Enhanced site accessibility and communication speed.
Cost-Effectiveness: Offers competitive pricing for its features.
Ease of Deployment: Straightforward and efficient setup process.

In industries like finance, retail, and technology, Cloudflare One is crucial for enabling secure remote access and protecting web applications against dynamic threats. It supports compliance access policies and enhances content delivery, playing a key role in safeguarding digital infrastructure.

Cloudflare

Hornetsecurity 365 Total Protection provides comprehensive email security with features like spam control, automatic encryption, and backup and restore, ensuring a safe communication environment.

Hornetsecurity 365 Total Protection offers a robust suite of tools to safeguard email communications effectively. With advanced threats like fraud and name spoofing on the rise, users find value in its spam filtering, ATP, and encryption capabilities. The platform's intuitive interface and live tracking system facilitate seamless management of email security. While pricing is a noted concern, especially in certain regions like Latin America, the platform’s high email security coverage of 99.9% and effective backup and restoration options are highly regarded. The call for improved access to training materials is noted among users seeking to maximize feature usage.

What key features does Hornetsecurity 365 Total Protection offer?

Spam Control: Filters unwanted emails proficiently.
Automatic Encryption: Secures sensitive communications seamlessly.
Advanced Threat Protection: Tackles fraud and spoofing effectively.
Backup and Restore: Ensures quick data recovery, including SharePoint.
Live Tracking: Enhances email management.

What benefits and ROI should users look for?

Email Security Coverage: Offers 99.9% protection against threats.
Customizable Protection: Tailors security without frequent portal access.
Data Restoration: Quickly recovers accidentally deleted data.

In industries handling sensitive information, Hornetsecurity 365 Total Protection is implemented to ensure robust data security and compliance. Organizations value its tailored protection and data recovery features that meet industry-specific security requirements, making it a strategic choice for managing email threats efficiently.

Hornetsecurity

Microsoft Defender for Office 365 offers real-time email security, enhancing threat detection through integration within the Microsoft ecosystem. Its user-friendly interface and central management streamline operations, providing robust protection against phishing, ransomware, and malware.

Defender for Office 365 is focused on efficiently securing email communication by safeguarding against phishing, malware, and spam threats. With its strong integration with other Microsoft services, it is tailored to improve endpoint security and identity protection. Its centralized management tools simplify threat prioritization, while the automated threat response capabilities ensure swift actions against potential risks. Organizations leverage its capabilities to efficiently manage their cybersecurity efforts, particularly in remote work environments, while maintaining a secure system across Office 365 applications and Azure-hosted services.

What are the key features?

Real-time Email Protection: Continuously monitors and protects email communications.
Safe Attachments and Links: Scans attachments and links for potential threats.
Anti-Phishing Measures: Provides tools to detect and block phishing attempts.
Integration with Microsoft Services: Seamlessly connects with other Microsoft applications for enhanced security.
Automated Threat Responses: Activates immediate responses to detected threats.

What benefits should users expect from reviews?

Time Savings: Automates processes to reduce manual threat management efforts.
Improved Cybersecurity: Strengthens organizational defenses against various cyber threats.
Efficient Remote Work: Enhances protection for remote teams and virtual collaborations.
Comprehensive Coverage: Extends protection across Office 365 and Azure services.

Implementations of Defender for Office 365 vary across industries, optimizing email security for sectors such as finance, healthcare, and education. In finance, it aids in protecting sensitive financial data from phishing and fraud. Healthcare benefits from secure communications, ensuring patient data privacy. Educational institutions use it to maintain secure virtual learning environments against cyber threats.

Microsoft

Sample Customers

23andMe

concordia, fraunhofer, mazars

Microsoft Defender for Office 365 is trusted by companies such as Ithaca College.

Hornetsecurity 365 Total Protection vs. Microsoft Defender for Office 365