Executive SummaryUpdated on Jan 19, 2026
Sophos Endpoint and Microsoft Defender for Business compete in the endpoint protection market. Microsoft Defender seems to have the upper hand in integration with the Microsoft ecosystem, while Sophos excels in automatic threat isolation.
Features: Sophos Endpoint provides comprehensive virus definitions, integrated DLP, and centralized management. Its machine learning capabilities and automatic threat isolation are also highly valued. Microsoft Defender for Business offers advanced threat detection, CASB integration, and threat analytics, with notable strength in integrating within the Microsoft ecosystem.
Room for Improvement: Sophos Endpoint could enhance its anti-spam features, improve reporting, and offer better user management tools. Pricing is also a concern, along with the need for improved support. Microsoft Defender for Business should focus on reducing false positives, improving integration capabilities, and providing advanced threat hunting features across all plans.
Ease of Deployment and Customer Service: Sophos Endpoint is commonly used in on-premises environments and supports cloud deployment but has mixed reviews about support. Microsoft Defender supports hybrid and cloud environments more comprehensively, with seamless integration into the Microsoft ecosystem. Users report timely and adequate service.
Pricing and ROI: Sophos Endpoint offers flexible licensing with discounts on multi-year plans but is considered expensive. Microsoft Defender is cost-effective for existing Microsoft users as it is often included in business licensing, though standalone pricing can be high. Both solutions provide strong protection and demonstrate a positive ROI, with Microsoft's integration efficiencies adding further value.
To learn more, read our detailed
Microsoft Defender for Business vs. Sophos Endpoint Report (Updated: December 2025).
