Link copied to clipboard # Azure Sphere vs Microsoft Defender for IoT Comparison - What are their main differences? Share [ Export ](/compare/azure-sphere/microsoft-defender-for-iot/export.csv) Azure SphereMicrosoft Defender for IoT[+ Add Product](#) Reviews **Azure Sphere** [ 4.4/5(23) ](https://www.g2.com/products/azure-sphere/reviews#reviews) **Microsoft Defender for IoT** [ 4.3/5(99) ](https://www.g2.com/products/microsoft-defender-for-iot/reviews#reviews) Pricing **Azure Sphere** No pricing available **Microsoft Defender for IoT** No pricing available **Pricing Insights** from reviews Time to Implement **Azure Sphere** Not enough reviews yet **Microsoft Defender for IoT** 4 months Based on 9 responses Return on Investment **Azure Sphere** Not enough reviews yet **Microsoft Defender for IoT** 24 months Based on 9 responses Perceived Cost **Azure Sphere** $$$$$ **Microsoft Defender for IoT** $$$$$ Average Discount **Azure Sphere** Not enough reviews yet **Microsoft Defender for IoT** 11% Pros & Cons **Azure Sphere** Not enough data **Microsoft Defender for IoT** [ Ease of Use (9) ](https://www.g2.com/products/microsoft-defender-for-iot/reviews?filters%5Bsentiment_snippet%5D=2081346&qs=pros-and-cons#reviews)[ Easy Integrations (6) ](https://www.g2.com/products/microsoft-defender-for-iot/reviews?filters%5Bsentiment_snippet%5D=2081371&qs=pros-and-cons#reviews)[ Expensive (8) ](https://www.g2.com/products/microsoft-defender-for-iot/reviews?filters%5Bsentiment_snippet%5D=2081370&qs=pros-and-cons#reviews)[ Learning Curve (6) ](https://www.g2.com/products/microsoft-defender-for-iot/reviews?filters%5Bsentiment_snippet%5D=2081379&qs=pros-and-cons#reviews) Integrations **Azure Sphere** Not enough data **Microsoft Defender for IoT** [ ![Product Avatar Image](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/large_detail/large_detail_ebfae2a9075850f9fa094c23484ef258/microsoft-defender-xdr.jpg "Product Avatar Image") Microsoft Defender XDR ](https://www.g2.com/products/microsoft-defender-xdr/reviews)[ ![Product Avatar Image](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/large_detail/large_detail_4e2b08dd17397bdc99a5658447cbc589/microsoft-sentinel.jpg "Product Avatar Image") Microsoft Sentinel ](https://www.g2.com/products/microsoft-sentinel/reviews)[ View all ](https://www.g2.com/products/microsoft-defender-for-iot/integrations) Ratings Meets Requirements **Azure Sphere** 8.7 8.715 **Microsoft Defender for IoT** 8.4 8.469 Ease of Use **Azure Sphere** 7.7 7.715 **Microsoft Defender for IoT** 8.4 8.473 Ease of Setup **Azure Sphere** 7.6 7.67 **Microsoft Defender for IoT** 8.1 8.151 Ease of Admin **Azure Sphere** 8.6 8.67 **Microsoft Defender for IoT** 8.2 8.236 Quality of Support **Azure Sphere** 8.7 8.715 **Microsoft Defender for IoT** 8.3 8.370 Has the product been a good partner in doing business? **Azure Sphere** 8.6 8.67 **Microsoft Defender for IoT** 8.6 8.635 Product Direction (% positive) **Azure Sphere** 8.4 8.415 **Microsoft Defender for IoT** 8.0 8.065 Features IoT Security Solutions[Hide 12 FeaturesShow 12 Features](javascript:void(0);) 8.8 13 8.6 28 Connected Device Security Vulnerability Assessment 9.1(won by 0.5) 11 (There is a greater than 0.5 difference between this product's rating and its competitors) 8.6 23 Identity Lifecycle 8.5 11 8.6(won by 0.1) 19 Threat Protection 9.1(won by 0.3) 11 8.8 24 Behavior Analysis 8.5 11 8.6(won by 0.1) 22 Incident Response 8.6(won by 0.3) 11 8.3 22 IoT Network Security 9.1(won by 0.4) 11 8.7 23 OTA Updates 8.6(won by 0.1) 11 8.5 18 Alerts & Notifications 8.8(won by 0.2) 11 8.6 24 Platform Dashboard 8.8(won by 0.1) 10 8.7 25 Hardware 8.3 11 8.5(won by 0.2) 22 Performance 8.9(won by 0.1) 11 8.8 24 Reporting 8.9(won by 0.3) 11 8.6 24 Show 1 feature category with incomplete data OT Security Tools[Hide 10 FeaturesShow 10 Features](javascript:void(0);) Not enough data Not enough data Systems Management - OT Security Tools Remote Access Not enough data Not enough data Asset Discovery Not enough data Not enough data Hardware Not enough data Not enough data Connected Device Security - OT Security Tools Vulnerability Assessment Not enough data Not enough data Remediation Not enough data Not enough data Alerts Not enough data Not enough data Reporting - OT Security Tools Audit Logs Not enough data Not enough data Security Frameworks Not enough data Not enough data Generative AI - OT Security Tools AI Threat Analysis Not enough data Not enough data AI Automation Not enough data Not enough data User Insights Reviewers' Company Size [![Azure Sphere](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/thumb_square/thumb_square_70160ca6f8f6651b9c6a1ddd2995967e/azure-sphere.png "Azure Sphere")](https://www.g2.com/products/azure-sphere/reviews) Azure Sphere Small-Business(50 or fewer emp.) 23.8% Mid-Market(51-1000 emp.) 52.4% Enterprise(\> 1000 emp.) 23.8% [![Microsoft Defender for IoT](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/a8a99a96fda235658139f710592f8a53/microsoft-defender-for-iot.svg "Microsoft Defender for IoT")](https://www.g2.com/products/microsoft-defender-for-iot/reviews) Microsoft Defender for IoT Small-Business(50 or fewer emp.) 42.3% Mid-Market(51-1000 emp.) 28.9% Enterprise(\> 1000 emp.) 28.9% Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.) 23.8% 42.3% Mid-Market (51-1000 emp.) 52.4% 28.9% Enterprise (\> 1000 emp.) 23.8% 28.9% Reviewers' Industry [![Azure Sphere](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/thumb_square/thumb_square_70160ca6f8f6651b9c6a1ddd2995967e/azure-sphere.png "Azure Sphere")](https://www.g2.com/products/azure-sphere/reviews) Azure Sphere Information Technology and Services 28.6% Computer Software 14.3% Information Services 9.5% Mechanical or Industrial Engineering 4.8% Internet 4.8% Other 38.1% [![Microsoft Defender for IoT](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/a8a99a96fda235658139f710592f8a53/microsoft-defender-for-iot.svg "Microsoft Defender for IoT")](https://www.g2.com/products/microsoft-defender-for-iot/reviews) Microsoft Defender for IoT Information Technology and Services 14.4% Computer Software 12.4% Computer & Network Security 8.2% Financial Services 8.2% Automotive 4.1% Other 52.6% FAQs ## Azure Sphere vs Microsoft Defender for IoT FAQs Generated using AI Last updated: August 16, 2026 ### What is the difference between Azure Sphere vs Microsoft Defender for IoT? Azure Sphere stands out for its higher Quality of Support and focus on mid-market companies, while Microsoft Defender for IoT is rated higher for Ease of Setup and is more widely adopted in small businesses. | | [Azure Sphere](https://www.g2.com/products/azure-sphere/reviews) | [Microsoft Defender for IoT](https://www.g2.com/products/microsoft-defender-for-iot/reviews) | | --- | --- | --- | | G2 Rating (reviews) | 4.4/5 (23 reviews) | 4.3/5 (99 reviews) | | Largest Segment | Mid-Market | Small-Business | | Ease of Setup score | 7.6 | 8.1 | | Quality of Support score | 8.7 | 8.3 | | Top Reviewer-Cited Strength | High-level security and cost-effectiveness | Ease of use (9 all-time mentions) | ### How do the pricing models of Azure Sphere and Microsoft Defender for IoT compare? Azure Sphere is rated higher for value, with reviewers expressing greater satisfaction with its pricing compared to Microsoft Defender for IoT. - **Azure Sphere:** In recent reviews, many highlight its cost-effectiveness and high-value security at a low price point. - **Microsoft Defender for IoT:** Reviewers frequently cite high costs and pricing concerns, especially for small businesses, with 8 all-time mentions of "expensive" and 3 of "pricing issues". ### What are the best alternatives to Azure Sphere and Microsoft Defender for IoT? The best alternatives to Azure Sphere and Microsoft Defender for IoT are AWS IoT Device Defender, Cloud IoT Core, and Palo Alto Networks IoT/OT Security. | Product | G2 Rating (reviews) | Largest Segment | Pricing Insight | Top Reviewer-Cited Strength | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | [Azure Sphere](https://www.g2.com/products/azure-sphere/reviews) | 4.4/5 (23 reviews) | Mid-Market | Cost-effective, high-value security | High-level security and cost-effectiveness | | [Microsoft Defender for IoT](https://www.g2.com/products/microsoft-defender-for-iot/reviews) | 4.3/5 (99 reviews) | Small-Business | Frequently cited as expensive | Ease of use (9 all-time mentions) | | [AWS IoT Device Defender](https://www.g2.com/products/aws-iot-device-defender/reviews) | 4.4/5 (59 reviews) | Small-Business | — | — | | [Cloud IoT Core](https://www.g2.com/products/google-cloud-iot-core/reviews) | 4.1/5 (30 reviews) | Small-Business | — | — | | [Palo Alto Networks IoT/OT Security](https://www.g2.com/products/palo-alto-networks-iot-ot-security/reviews) | 4.4/5 (119 reviews) | Mid-Market | — | — | ### Which IoT Security Solutions features should I prioritize when comparing Azure Sphere and Microsoft Defender for IoT? Buyers should prioritize Ease of Setup, Quality of Support, Ease of Use, Integration Capabilities, and Cost-Effectiveness when comparing Azure Sphere and Microsoft Defender for IoT. - **Ease of Setup:** Azure Sphere scores 7.6, Microsoft Defender for IoT scores 8.1. - **Quality of Support:** Azure Sphere scores 8.7, Microsoft Defender for IoT scores 8.3. - **Ease of Use:** Azure Sphere scores 7.7, Microsoft Defender for IoT scores 8.4; "Ease of Use" has 9 all-time mentions for Microsoft Defender for IoT. - **Integration Capabilities:** Microsoft Defender for IoT has 6 all-time mentions for "Easy Integrations" and 5 for Microsoft Sentinel integration. - **Cost-Effectiveness:** Azure Sphere is frequently cited as cost-effective, while Microsoft Defender for IoT has 8 all-time mentions of being expensive. ### What are the pros and cons of Azure Sphere vs Microsoft Defender for IoT? Azure Sphere's headline strength is high-level security at a low cost, while Microsoft Defender for IoT is most recognized for its ease of use and integration capabilities. - **Azure Sphere strengths:** High-level security, cost-effectiveness, multiple layers of protection, and strong support for cloud and device integration. - **Azure Sphere trade-offs:** Complexity for beginners, tricky integrations, and delayed updates noted in recent reviews. - **Microsoft Defender for IoT strengths:** Ease of use (9 all-time mentions), easy integrations (6 all-time mentions), reliability (6 all-time mentions), and strong monitoring and detection capabilities. - **Microsoft Defender for IoT trade-offs:** High cost (8 all-time mentions), learning curve (6 all-time mentions), integration issues (4 all-time mentions), and some reports of poor customer support (3 all-time mentions). ### Is Azure Sphere or Microsoft Defender for IoT better for small businesses? Microsoft Defender for IoT is a better fit for small businesses, as it is most widely adopted in the small-business segment and frequently cited for ease of use. - **Azure Sphere:** Largest segment is mid-market; reviewers highlight its cost-effectiveness and security but note complexity for beginners. - **Microsoft Defender for IoT:** Largest segment is small-business; reviewers consistently mention ease of use and integration as key benefits for smaller organizations. ### Which IoT Security Solutions platform has better integrations? Microsoft Defender for IoT is favored for integrations, with reviewers citing more integration capabilities and specific tool mentions. - **Azure Sphere:** Reviewers mention integration as a challenge, with no specific third-party tools cited in recent reviews. - **Microsoft Defender for IoT:** Microsoft Sentinel integration is cited in 5 all-time mentions, and "Easy Integrations" is mentioned 6 times all-time. ### How do Azure Sphere and Microsoft Defender for IoT compare on customer support? Azure Sphere and Microsoft Defender for IoT are rated within 0.4 points on Quality of Support, with Azure Sphere holding a slight edge at 8.7 versus 8.3. - **Azure Sphere:** Reviewers consistently praise Microsoft support, describing it as responsive and helpful, with scores of 6-7 in recent reviews. - **Microsoft Defender for IoT:** Support is generally rated positively, with most recent reviews scoring 6-7, but there are 3 all-time mentions of poor customer support and some recent feedback about slow response times. ### Which is easier to implement, Azure Sphere or Microsoft Defender for IoT? Microsoft Defender for IoT is rated higher for Ease of Setup, scoring 8.1 compared to Azure Sphere's 7.6, indicating a smoother implementation experience. - **Azure Sphere:** Reviewers note that setup can be complex, especially for beginners, and integration is sometimes tricky. - **Microsoft Defender for IoT:** Reviewers frequently highlight straightforward setup, with several citing easy deployment and configuration, though some mention a learning curve for advanced features. Alternatives **Azure Sphere Alternatives** ![Google Cloud IoT Core](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/thumb_square/thumb_square_0c51d2c2e5f85fe45126eb818f748267/google-cloud-iot-core.png "Google Cloud IoT Core") [ Cloud IoT Core ](/products/google-cloud-iot-core/reviews) ![AWS IoT Device Defender](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/1528476508/aws-iot-device-defender.svg "AWS IoT Device Defender") [ AWS IoT Device Defender ](/products/aws-iot-device-defender/reviews) ![Portnox](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/1e6e08147fcfebfb05c3931e087e30d7/portnox.svg "Portnox") [ Portnox ](/products/portnox/reviews) ![Palo Alto Networks IoT/OT Security](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/ebdad1b3b32aae1ae3e92d7c850a6be1/palo-alto-networks-iot-ot-security.svg "Palo Alto Networks IoT/OT Security") [ Palo Alto Networks IoT/OT... ](/products/palo-alto-networks-iot-ot-security/reviews) **Microsoft Defender for IoT Alternatives** ![AWS IoT Device Defender](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/1528476508/aws-iot-device-defender.svg "AWS IoT Device Defender") [ AWS IoT Device Defender ](/products/aws-iot-device-defender/reviews) ![Palo Alto Networks IoT/OT Security](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/ebdad1b3b32aae1ae3e92d7c850a6be1/palo-alto-networks-iot-ot-security.svg "Palo Alto Networks IoT/OT Security") [ Palo Alto Networks IoT/OT... ](/products/palo-alto-networks-iot-ot-security/reviews) ![Portnox](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/1e6e08147fcfebfb05c3931e087e30d7/portnox.svg "Portnox") [ Portnox ](/products/portnox/reviews) ![Forescout Platform](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/2f18e01f4f92af20c2a2b3eb8c877e9e/forescout-platform.svg "Forescout Platform") [ Forescout Platform ](/products/forescout-platform/reviews)