Malwarebytes Teams vs Microsoft Defender for Business comparison

Malwarebytes Teams vs. Microsoft Defender for Business

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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

Cortex XDR by Palo Alto Net...

Mindshare comparison

As of March 2026, in the Endpoint Protection Platform (EPP) category, the mindshare of Cortex XDR by Palo Alto Networks is 3.5%, down from 4.0% compared to the previous year. The mindshare of Malwarebytes Teams is 2.1%, up from 1.7% compared to the previous year. The mindshare of Microsoft Defender for Business is 1.9%, up from 1.9% compared to the previous year. It is calculated based on PeerSpot user engagement data.

Endpoint Protection Platform (EPP) Mindshare Distribution
Product	Mindshare (%)
Cortex XDR by Palo Alto Networks	3.5%
Microsoft Defender for Business	1.9%
Malwarebytes Teams	2.1%
Other	92.5%

Endpoint Protection Platform (EPP)

Featured Reviews

ABHISHEK_SINGH

Senior Process Expert at A.P. Moller - Maersk

Gained full visibility and streamlined threat detection through behavior-based insights and AI integration

Initially, we got to have a lot of false positives when we onboarded, but nowadays it's quite smooth. We have fine-tuned our security policies and allowed different levels of policies to get rid of those false positives. Currently, we are getting a fairly good amount of incidents that are not false positives or benign, but actionable items. The process is streamlined. In the initial days, the operations used to get involved in a lot of benign and other activities, but now the process is streamlined. We are leveraging the auto-detection and remediation plans. The operations teams are now more involved in other business roles as well, not just looking into the logs and fetching out what's happening there. They have fixed a lot of things. Initially, they didn't have IAC code drift detection, cloud posture management, or security posture management, but they have those now. They purchased different vendors and did a merger with that. They have now Prisma Cloud that gets integrated and now they are working with Cortex Cloud. Everything that was negative has now been addressed, and the product altogether looks to be in a very better and mature shape now. Currently, it's more or less detecting the workloads with AI-based best practices. Since most organizations are consuming AI agents and other things, we are looking forward to seeing what other feature enhancements Palo Alto can support in that.

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reviewer2594097

Chief Executive Officer at a wholesaler/distributor with 11-50 employees

Exceptional malware protection with regular updates and behavior-based detection

There are no built-in backups or integrated backup options, which could be an opportunity. The free version is effective, however, the paid version is pricey compared to it. Other customers have mentioned issues with false positives. It lacks enterprise-level management and more enterprise functionality. CrowdStrike and SentinelOne are much more enterprise-grade solutions. Malwarebytes has limited integration with cybersecurity tools and lacks enterprise integrations because it is not an enterprise product.

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Takayuki-Umehara

Public Cloud Engineer at Prudential

Product deployment protects assets but needs improvement in system support

I am doing maintenance for Microsoft Defender for Business, and I'm currently working with it. We don't need to use the latest version of Microsoft Defender for Business. We still use the latest virus definition file that Microsoft Defender for Business has automatically updated. We implement a basic update mechanism. Our compliance division manages how many servers and PCs we have and whether those servers have antivirus solutions. I am not certain about how Microsoft Defender for Business helps with AI-driven security strategies. I just use it normally and don't know if it uses AI technology. I rate Microsoft Defender for Business a six out of ten.

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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

"The live terminal is probably the best thing ever. It gives you the access to get straight onto any machine."

"The stability of this product is very good."

"I can highlight that we have not faced any security incidents with Cortex XDR by Palo Alto Networks, and even though our environment is quite dynamic, we have not faced any security incident with Cortex XDR by Palo Alto Networks until now."

"It collects and caches and the knowledge of machine learning from different customers to take to the cloud. It makes it better to use for everybody. It allows for quick learning and updates and can, therefore, offer zero-day malware security. This sharing of metadata helps make the solution very safe."

"Cortex covers everything I need. It's a perfect solution. Cortex provides a different level of visibility because it's an extended EDR, allowing you to grab logs from the network and firewalls. Palo Alto invented the concept of the extended EDR or XDR."

"From a single pane of glass, you can easily manage all of your endpoints."

"Their XDR agent and their behavioral indicators of compromise (BIOC) are pretty nice. Their managed threat hunting is also pretty nice. They also have WildFire, which is a service for actively looking for malware. It's quite useful."

"I generally believe that Cortex XDR by Palo Alto Networks is probably the best in the market right now."

More Cortex XDR by Palo Alto Networks pros

"The product provides notifications for suspicious events. We have several public access points. The product helps to prevent unauthorized entry. Its most valuable features are pre-installation procedures and a cloud console. The console's interface is simple and can be viewed easily to take action. It covers everything in terms of security threats."

"The solution has a good management interface."

"Malwarebytes is a comprehensive solution for keeping endpoints safe and secure from intruders, viruses, malware and so on."

"The dashboard actually is good and it is simple."

"When it comes to frontend protections, it has some of the best definitions. In addition, they do traditional signature and heuristic detection a lot better than Microsoft and some other players in that space."

"It comprehensively finds and removes malicious software."

"The most valuable features of Malwarebytes are the agents, user experience, efficiency of the findings, and MDR features."

"The most valuable features of the solution are malware scanning and malware removal."

More Malwarebytes Teams pros

"The best features of Microsoft Defender for Business include it coming as an XDR solution which provides automated investigations, remediations, and endpoint detection and response."

"The security features in Microsoft Defender for Business that have been most effective for our company include the way it's built-in and intertwined into all the operating systems, giving us a good opportunity to holistically block things for the organization using that tenant."

"If you're an Intune user, you can bring in certain capabilities like system-hardening policies, which further enhances the security."

"Microsoft Defender for Business is good for small and medium-sized businesses. It offers solid security flexibility and integration with tools like Microsoft Lighthouse and some other software. It takes some of the features of Defender for Endpoint EDR and provides those services for small and medium-sized business environments."

"The solution provides good scalability."

"The interface is quite user-friendly."

"The most valuable feature of the solution is its central console."

"Microsoft Defender for Business offers the best pricing option in the market and is very cost-effective."

More Microsoft Defender for Business pros

Cons

"To jump from the partner to Palo Alto directly was challenging."

"There are a large number of false positives."

"In terms of areas of improvement, we have not completed our review of the product. We're also looking at other products. So, it's a little bit hard to tell what could be different because we have not completed the review of this product, but based on our experience so far, its implementation is quite complex."

"Traps doesn't work with McAfee. You need to remove McAfee to install Traps. This is very common, and its nothing that should be an issue. Some antivirus engines recognize Traps as an threat component, so maybe they need to shake hands somewhere."

"Initially, we got to have a lot of false positives when we onboarded, but nowadays it's quite smooth."

"The solution can never really be an on-premises solution based simply on the way it is set up. It needs metadata to run and improve. Having an on-premises solution would cut it off from making improvements."

"The dashboard is the area that needs to improve so that we can have the ability to drill down without having to go elsewhere to verify results."

More Cortex XDR by Palo Alto Networks cons

"It's not good in search hunting."

"They can include advanced scanning and improve reporting. I scan malware on the pen drive. Some more reports need to be added for that. It should also provide better protection because we have a new version of the malware."

"If they want to compete with bigger players, they should consider adding items like threat detection and website warnings."

"The product has major problems in almost every facet of setup and use including setup, configuration, lack of functionality, lack of stability, false positives, questionable reporting, inability to protect from randsomeware and poor technical support and development."

"There are no built-in backups or integrated backup options, which could be an opportunity."

"I really hate the automatic rebuilding without even asking. It's just an annoyance that they should at least ask me, like a month before they bill me."

"The free version is effective, however, the paid version is pricey compared to it."

"It would be better if updates could be downloaded, and deployed, on-premises to avoid low bandwidth causing issues."

More Malwarebytes Teams cons

"If I need logs and don't have local storage bundled with Defender, I need to add workspace and log analytics, which is costly for storing logs of 2 GB, 5 GB, 10 GB."

"The technical support from Microsoft is very poor. I would rate it a one, as their technical staff are very junior and take a long time to respond to simple questions."

"The biggest one is that Defender needs to be more proactive to the emerging threats. There can be tighter integration with email, especially how it integrates with our email system, which is the Microsoft Outlook suite. There should be the ability to react a lot quicker to emerging threats because sometimes, it takes a few days before some of these new threats are fully identified, and we need that to be a few hours."

"Microsoft should provide batch management solutions with the application, integrating pass management with roles."

"The pricing of Microsoft Defender for Business has a long way to go since people are still preferring solutions such as CrowdStrike and Palo Alto."

"Pricing could be lowered as it is expensive and not suitable for low-budget organizations."

"Additionally, the pricing policy poses a challenge, particularly in multi-year contracts, where other solutions like Trend Micro offer more affordable options."

"I see room for improvement in Microsoft Defender for Business, particularly regarding the consolidation of all security solutions in one place and the integration of AI and data security into the same platform."

More Microsoft Defender for Business cons

Pricing and Cost Advice

"Cortex XDR’s pricing is very reasonable."

"Compared to CrowdStrike, Cortex XDR is an expensive solution."

"It's way too expensive, but security is expensive. You pay for your licensing, and then you pay for someone to monitor the stuff."

"It's about $55 per license on a yearly basis."

"Its pricing is kind of in line with its competitors and everybody else out there."

"Cortex XDR's pricing is ok."

"This is an expensive solution."

"The solution is expensive. It's pricing is on a yearly-basis."

More Cortex XDR by Palo Alto Networks pricing and cost advice

"Its cost is around $60 a machine. The cost of the total solution for 250 people is about $8,500 a year. If we add EDR to it, it will bring that cost up to about $15,000. The cost for Carbon Black is about $25,000, which is $10,000 more, but you get all AI functions with it."

"On a scale of one to ten, where one is a low price and ten is a high price, I rate the product's pricing a seven."

"It is expensive."

"Malwarebytes is a cost-effective product."

"It is really expensive. We've got between 30 and 40 licenses every year, and for the number of licenses that we have, we're finding that Malwarebytes on average costs between $900 and $1,000 more per year than comparable options. We're paying about $3,300 per year for these licenses. There are no additional costs beyond the standard licensing fee."

"The platform pricing is competitive with other antivirus products."

"I would say that it's affordable. It costs much less than Sentinel One, CrowdStrike, or anything of that nature. But, at the same time, you are getting what you pay for. So I would say it's one of the best when you're comparing traditional NextGen AVs like Webroot that aren't the best in the bunch."

"Its licensing is annual. There are no additional costs beyond the standard licensing fee."

More Malwarebytes Teams pricing and cost advice

"Since we're a nonprofit, we get pretty good discounts on the tool."

"Defender for Business is included by default with an Office 365 premium subscription."

"It has to get more competitive because we are starting to see some of the competitors providing better pricing, and some of it, of course, is to gain market share. The Defender product pricing is probably a little higher than the competitors."

"The tool's cost has been a little high, but I do not think it was terrible."

"The tool is cheap, while some other solutions are more expensive. I remember the tool cost about five euros for a workstation or for a user on a monthly basis."

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Top Industries

By visitors reading reviews

Computer Software Company

Manufacturing Company

Financial Services Firm

Comms Service Provider

10%

University

Manufacturing Company

Computer Software Company

16%

Comms Service Provider

Government

Financial Services Firm

Company Size

By reviewers

Large Enterprise

Midsize Enterprise

Small Business

By reviewers
Company Size	Count
Small Business	44
Midsize Enterprise	20
Large Enterprise	47

By reviewers
Company Size	Count
Small Business	22
Midsize Enterprise	8
Large Enterprise	6

By reviewers
Company Size	Count
Small Business	15
Midsize Enterprise	2
Large Enterprise	4

Questions from the Community

Cortex XDR by Palo Alto vs. Sentinel One

Cortex XDR by Palo Alto vs. SentinelOne SentinelOne offers very detailed specifics with regard to risks or attacks. ...

Comparing CrowdStrike Falcon to Cortex XDR (Palo Alto)

Cortex XDR by Palo Alto vs. CrowdStrike Falcon Both Cortex XDR and Crowd Strike Falcon offer cloud-based solutions th...

How is Cortex XDR compared with Microsoft Defender?

Microsoft Defender for Endpoint is a cloud-delivered endpoint security solution. The tool reduces the attack surface,...

What do you like most about Malwarebytes?

Ten times a day, improved signatures will be downloaded, so it is very up-to-date in terms of malware experience.

What is your experience regarding pricing and costs for Malwarebytes?

I really hate the automatic rebilling without officially confirming it with me. It's an annoyance and they should at ...

What needs improvement with Malwarebytes?

It takes up too much space when it's trying to run in the background.

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

Our thoughts on the pricing for Microsoft Defender for Business are that we wish it could be better. If the pricing w...

What needs improvement with Microsoft Defender for Business?

I see room for improvement in Microsoft Defender for Business, particularly regarding the consolidation of all securi...

What advice do you have for others considering Microsoft Defender for Business?

I would rate this product an eight out of ten.

Microsoft Defender for Endpoint vs Cortex XDR by Palo Alto Networks

Comparisons

Compared 9% of the time

SentinelOne Singularity Complete vs Cortex XDR by Palo Alto Networks

Compared 6% of the time

CrowdStrike Falcon vs Cortex XDR by Palo Alto Networks

Compared 4% of the time

Cortex XSIAM vs Cortex XDR by Palo Alto Networks

Compared 4% of the time

Symantec Endpoint Security vs Cortex XDR by Palo Alto Networks

Compared 3% of the time

More Cortex XDR by Palo Alto Networks Competitors

Microsoft Defender for Endpoint vs Malwarebytes Teams

Compared 9% of the time

ESET Endpoint Protection Platform vs Malwarebytes Teams

Compared 6% of the time

HP Wolf Security vs Malwarebytes Teams

Compared 5% of the time

SentinelOne Singularity Complete vs Malwarebytes Teams

Compared 4% of the time

AVG Internet Security Business Edition vs Malwarebytes Teams

Compared 2% of the time

More Malwarebytes Teams Competitors

HP Wolf Security vs Microsoft Defender for Business

Compared 14% of the time

Microsoft Defender for Office 365 vs Microsoft Defender for Business

Compared 10% of the time

Microsoft Defender XDR vs Microsoft Defender for Business

Compared 4% of the time

Norton Small Business vs Microsoft Defender for Business

Compared 4% of the time

ESET Endpoint Protection Platform vs Microsoft Defender for Business

Compared 3% of the time

More Microsoft Defender for Business Competitors

Product Reports

Cortex XDR by Palo Alto Networks

Download Cortex XDR by Palo Alto Networks product report

Malwarebytes Teams

Download Malwarebytes Teams product report

Microsoft Defender for Business

Download Microsoft Defender for Business product report

Also Known As

Cyvera, Cortex XDR, Palo Alto Networks Traps

No data available

Overview

Cortex XDR by Palo Alto Networks provides advanced threat detection with AI-driven endpoint protection and seamless integration, ensuring multi-layered security and automatic threat response.

Cortex XDR is designed to safeguard endpoints against malware and suspicious activities. It offers advanced threat detection and response capabilities using behavioral analysis, AI, and machine learning. It seamlessly integrates with security infrastructures, providing endpoint security, firewall integration, and enhanced visibility in both cloud-based and on-premises environments.

What are the key features of Cortex XDR?

Advanced Threat Detection: Uses AI and machine learning for proactive threat identification.
Multi-layered Security: Combines various security measures for comprehensive protection.
Endpoint Protection: Safeguards against malware and exploits.
Behavioral Analysis: Monitors suspicious activity for early detection.
Automatic Threat Response: Automates responses to neutralize threats.

What benefits should users expect?

Ease of Use: Simplifies security management with intuitive design.
Resource Efficiency: Minimizes impact on system resources.
Integration Capabilities: Works well with existing security setups.
Reduced Analyst Workload: Automates processes to decrease manual intervention.

Organizations in diverse sectors deploy Cortex XDR to protect against malware, leveraging its advanced threat detection capabilities. Its integration with existing security infrastructures appeals to those seeking comprehensive protection in both cloud and on-premises environments, providing enhanced visibility and threat intelligence.

Palo Alto Networks

Malwarebytes Teams provides advanced threat protection and efficient detection and removal capabilities, featuring cloud-based management and robust endpoint security. It operates on Windows and Mac, emphasizing threat interception and the cloud-management interface.

Offering comprehensive protection, Malwarebytes Teams is recognized for its customizable and user-friendly interface. The anti-exploit feature effectively intercepts threats in Office applications, while frequent updates maintain security standards. Efficient scanning, threat response, and rollback features are highly valued, as is its ability to integrate seamlessly into diverse environments. Remote accessibility and cloud management enhance its robust endpoint protection.

What are the key features of Malwarebytes Teams?

Comprehensive Threat Protection: Advanced detection and removal for malware.
Cloud-Based Management: Manage security conveniently from the cloud.
Anti-Exploit Feature: Protects against threats in Office applications.
Efficient Scanning: Quick and effective threat detection.
Threat Response and Rollback: Swift response with rollback capabilities.

What benefits and ROI should users look for?

Enhanced Security: Continuous updates and strong endpoint protection.
Integration Flexibility: Works well with existing environments.
Reporting Capabilities: Offers effective reporting and monitoring.
Remote Accessibility: Manage security from any location.

Malwarebytes Teams is widely implemented in cybersecurity across industries for endpoint security. Organizations deploy it for malware detection, intrusion protection, and compliance scanning, relying on its antivirus capabilities and ransomware rollback. It serves as a secondary tool alongside primary systems to enhance security on both Windows and Mac environments, particularly valued for monitoring usage behaviors without controlling endpoints.

Malwarebytes

Microsoft Defender for Business is a new endpoint security solution that was designed especially for the small and medium-sized business (up to 300 employees). With this endpoint security solution, your company's devices are better protected from ransomware, malware, phishing, and other threats.

Microsoft

Sample Customers

CBI Health Group, University Honda, VakifBank

Knutson Construction

Information Not Available

Malwarebytes Teams vs. Microsoft Defender for Business