Link copied to clipboard # Cisco Secure Email Threat Defense vs Microsoft Defender for Office 365 Comparison - What are their main differences? Share [ Export ](/compare/cisco-secure-email-threat-defense/microsoft-microsoft-defender-for-office-365/export.csv) Cisco Secure Email Threat...Microsoft Defender for...[+ Add Product](#) Pricing **Cisco Secure Email Threat Defense** No pricing available **Microsoft Defender for Office 365** **$2.00** 1 User Per Month · Microsoft Defender for Office Plan 1 **Pricing Insights** from reviews Time to Implement **Cisco Secure Email Threat Defense** Not enough reviews yet **Microsoft Defender for Office 365** 2 months Based on 10 responses Return on Investment **Cisco Secure Email Threat Defense** Not enough reviews yet **Microsoft Defender for Office 365** 14 months Based on 7 responses Perceived Cost **Cisco Secure Email Threat Defense** $$$$$ **Microsoft Defender for Office 365** $$$$$ Average Discount **Cisco Secure Email Threat Defense** Not enough reviews yet **Microsoft Defender for Office 365** 12% **Pros & Cons** from reviews **Cisco Secure Email Threat Defense** Not enough data **Microsoft Defender for Office 365** [ Ease of Use (9) ](https://www.g2.com/products/microsoft-microsoft-defender-for-office-365/reviews?filters%5Bsentiment_snippet%5D=1426149&qs=pros-and-cons#reviews)[ Security (9) ](https://www.g2.com/products/microsoft-microsoft-defender-for-office-365/reviews?filters%5Bsentiment_snippet%5D=1425350&qs=pros-and-cons#reviews)[ Complexity (8) ](https://www.g2.com/products/microsoft-microsoft-defender-for-office-365/reviews?filters%5Bsentiment_snippet%5D=1424859&qs=pros-and-cons#reviews)[ False Positives (6) ](https://www.g2.com/products/microsoft-microsoft-defender-for-office-365/reviews?filters%5Bsentiment_snippet%5D=1426481&qs=pros-and-cons#reviews) Integrations **Cisco Secure Email Threat Defense** Not enough data **Microsoft Defender for Office 365** [ ![Product Avatar Image](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/large_detail/large_detail_e89d21750715f4646ed61c011b2917dc/adobe-acrobat.png "Product Avatar Image") Adobe Acrobat ](https://www.g2.com/products/adobe-acrobat/reviews)[ ![Product Avatar Image](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/large_detail/large_detail_ae5d46296d0f8afa0fd352fc44bf419d/microsoft365.png "Product Avatar Image") Microsoft 365 ](https://www.g2.com/products/microsoft365/reviews)[ ![Product Avatar Image](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/large_detail/large_detail_790f5095f4e17577cead05669971b794/microsoft-onedrive-for-business.jpg "Product Avatar Image") Microsoft OneDrive ](https://www.g2.com/products/microsoft-onedrive-for-business/reviews)[ ![Product Avatar Image](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/large_detail/large_detail_69054bc7d40597b06fc3905720ccc914/microsoft-outlook.png "Product Avatar Image") Outlook ](https://www.g2.com/products/microsoft-outlook/reviews)[ View all ](https://www.g2.com/products/microsoft-microsoft-defender-for-office-365/integrations) Screenshots **Cisco Secure Email Threat Defense** No screenshot available **Microsoft Defender for Office 365** ![Microsoft Defender for Office 365 screenshot](https://images.g2crowd.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=600,height=600,fit=scale-down,format=auto,onerror=redirect,/https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/attachment/file/1244899/MicrosoftTeams-image-_1_.png) **Ratings** from reviews Meets Requirements **Cisco Secure Email Threat Defense** 9.0 9.019 **Microsoft Defender for Office 365** 9.0 9.0232 Ease of Use **Cisco Secure Email Threat Defense** 8.4 8.419 **Microsoft Defender for Office 365** 8.9 8.9235 Ease of Setup **Cisco Secure Email Threat Defense** 8.5 8.58 **Microsoft Defender for Office 365** 8.7 8.7119 Ease of Admin **Cisco Secure Email Threat Defense** 9.0 9.08 **Microsoft Defender for Office 365** 8.9 8.9101 Quality of Support **Cisco Secure Email Threat Defense** 8.9 8.917 **Microsoft Defender for Office 365** 8.7 8.7226 Has the product been a good partner in doing business? **Cisco Secure Email Threat Defense** 9.6 9.68 **Microsoft Defender for Office 365** 8.7 8.7102 Product Direction (% positive) **Cisco Secure Email Threat Defense** 9.4 9.419 **Microsoft Defender for Office 365** 9.4 9.4223 **Features** ratings from reviews Cloud Email Security 9.0 5 8.8 164 Intelligent Email Protection Not enough data 8.9 5 Email Anti-spam Not enough data 7.8 15 Secure Email Gateway 9.5 5 Not enough data User Insights **Reviewers' Company Size** Small-Business(50 or fewer emp.) 19.2% Mid-Market(51-1000 emp.) 46.2% Enterprise(\> 1000 emp.) 34.6% Small-Business(50 or fewer emp.) 19.2% Mid-Market(51-1000 emp.) 46.2% Enterprise(\> 1000 emp.) 34.6% Small-Business(50 or fewer emp.) 25.8% Mid-Market(51-1000 emp.) 38.2% Enterprise(\> 1000 emp.) 36.0% Small-Business(50 or fewer emp.) 25.8% Mid-Market(51-1000 emp.) 38.2% Enterprise(\> 1000 emp.) 36.0% **Reviewers' Industry** [![Cisco Secure Email Threat Defense](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/thumb_square/thumb_square_38b2594bf3660b0b77b70d2dd1b16fee/cisco-secure-email-threat-defense.jpg "Cisco Secure Email Threat Defense")](https://www.g2.com/products/cisco-secure-email-threat-defense/reviews) Cisco Secure Email Threat Defense Information Technology and Services 19.2% Higher Education 11.5% Marketing and Advertising 7.7% Architecture & Planning 3.8% Computer Hardware 3.8% Other 53.8% [![Microsoft Defender for Office 365](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/a8a99a96fda235658139f710592f8a53/microsoft-microsoft-defender-for-office-365.svg "Microsoft Defender for Office 365")](https://www.g2.com/products/microsoft-microsoft-defender-for-office-365/reviews) Microsoft Defender for Office 365 Information Technology and Services 25.6% Computer & Network Security 12.5% Computer Software 12.5% Financial Services 5.3% Accounting 2.8% Other 41.3% Alternatives **Cisco Secure Email Threat Defense Alternatives** ![Proofpoint Core Email Protection](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/8adf2eedd5616a9f5e200c4520f6d30d/proofpoint-core-email-protection.svg "Proofpoint Core Email Protection") [ Proofpoint Core Email... ](/products/proofpoint-core-email-protection/reviews) ![Mimecast Advanced Email Security](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/4de3129d806e9580f2866c054f5a8591/mimecast-advanced-email-security.svg "Mimecast Advanced Email Security") [ Mimecast Advanced Email... ](/products/mimecast-advanced-email-security/reviews) ![SpamTitan Email Security](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/1553620140/spamtitan-email-security.svg "SpamTitan Email Security") [ SpamTitan Email Security ](/products/spamtitan-email-security/reviews) ![FortiMail](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/thumb_square/thumb_square_5837e273a4c3cb67895b3aa9d2e5953b/fortimail.jpg "FortiMail") [ FortiMail ](/products/fortimail/reviews) **Microsoft Defender for Office 365 Alternatives** ![Proofpoint Core Email Protection](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/8adf2eedd5616a9f5e200c4520f6d30d/proofpoint-core-email-protection.svg "Proofpoint Core Email Protection") [ Proofpoint Core Email... ](/products/proofpoint-core-email-protection/reviews) ![SpamTitan Email Security](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/1553620140/spamtitan-email-security.svg "SpamTitan Email Security") [ SpamTitan Email Security ](/products/spamtitan-email-security/reviews) ![IRONSCALES](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/06b1561b9d4413964954a7658e64f056/ironscales.svg "IRONSCALES") [ IRONSCALES ](/products/ironscales/reviews) ![Symantec Email Security.Cloud](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/7e0271a147c13a70a6587f9586b454a0/symantec-email-security-cloud.png "Symantec Email Security.Cloud") [ Symantec Email Security.Cloud ](/products/symantec-email-security-cloud/reviews) ## Cisco Secure Email Threat... vs Microsoft Defender for... FAQs Generated using AI Last updated: August 14, 2026 ### What is the difference between Cisco Secure Email Threat... vs Microsoft Defender for...? Microsoft Defender for Office 365 stands out for its higher G2 rating and stronger reviewer-cited ease of use, while Cisco Secure Email Threat Defense is noted for its advanced security features and hybrid deployment flexibility. | [Cisco Secure Email Threat Defense](https://www.g2.com/products/cisco-secure-email-threat-defense/reviews) | [Microsoft Defender for Office 365](https://www.g2.com/products/microsoft-microsoft-defender-for-office-365/reviews) | | --- | --- | | 4.3/5 (28 reviews) | 4.5/5 (299 reviews) | | Mid-Market | Mid-Market | | 8.5 | 8.7 | | 8.9 | 8.7 | | Advanced security features and hybrid deployment | Ease of use and Office 365 integration | ### How do the pricing models of Cisco Secure Email Threat... and Microsoft Defender for... compare? Microsoft Defender for Office 365 is rated higher for value, with reviewers expressing greater satisfaction with its pricing compared to Cisco Secure Email Threat Defense. - **Cisco Secure Email Threat Defense:** In recent reviews, several reviewers note that the cost is high compared to other tools, though they acknowledge its effectiveness. - **Microsoft Defender for Office 365:** Reviewers frequently highlight that it is included with Microsoft 365 subscriptions and is considered a strong value, especially for organizations already using Microsoft products. - **Switching reasons:** Recent reviewers mention switching to Microsoft Defender for Office 365 to consolidate security tools and reduce costs by leveraging existing Microsoft 365 licensing. ### What are the best alternatives to Cisco Secure Email Threat... and Microsoft Defender for...? The top 3 alternatives to Cisco Secure Email Threat Defense and Microsoft Defender for Office 365 are Proofpoint Core Email Protection, Mimecast Advanced Email Security, and SpamTitan Email Security. | Product | G2 Rating (reviews) | Largest Segment | Pricing Insight | Top Reviewer-Cited Strength | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | [Cisco Secure Email Threat Defense](https://www.g2.com/products/cisco-secure-email-threat-defense/reviews) | 4.3/5 (28 reviews) | Mid-Market | High cost compared to alternatives | Advanced security features and hybrid deployment | | [Microsoft Defender for Office 365](https://www.g2.com/products/microsoft-microsoft-defender-for-office-365/reviews) | 4.5/5 (299 reviews) | Mid-Market | Included with Microsoft 365, strong value | Ease of use and Office 365 integration | | [Proofpoint Core Email Protection](https://www.g2.com/products/proofpoint-core-email-protection/reviews) | 4.6/5 (601 reviews) | Enterprise | — | — | | [Mimecast Advanced Email Security](https://www.g2.com/products/mimecast-advanced-email-security/reviews) | 4.4/5 (350 reviews) | Mid-Market | — | — | | [SpamTitan Email Security](https://www.g2.com/products/spamtitan-email-security/reviews) | 4.5/5 (199 reviews) | Small-Business | — | — | ### Which Secure Email Gateway features should I prioritize when comparing Cisco Secure Email Threat... and Microsoft Defender for...? Buyers should prioritize ease of use, integration capabilities, reporting, phishing protection, and deployment flexibility when comparing Cisco Secure Email Threat Defense and Microsoft Defender for Office 365. - **Ease of Use:** Cisco Secure Email Threat Defense scores 8.4, Microsoft Defender for Office 365 scores 8.9. - **Integration Capabilities:** Microsoft Defender for Office 365 is cited in 8 all-time reviews for Office 365 integration and 7 for integrations overall; Cisco Secure Email Threat Defense is noted for integration with Office 365 in recent reviews. - **Reporting:** Both products have reviewer feedback on reporting, with Microsoft Defender for Office 365 having 4 all-time mentions of limited reporting. - **Phishing Protection:** Microsoft Defender for Office 365 has 6 all-time mentions for phishing protection; Cisco Secure Email Threat Defense is praised for phishing detection in recent reviews. - **Deployment Flexibility:** Cisco Secure Email Threat Defense is highlighted for supporting on-premise, virtual, and cloud deployments in recent reviews. ### What are the pros and cons of Cisco Secure Email Threat... vs Microsoft Defender for...? Cisco Secure Email Threat Defense is strongest for advanced security and hybrid deployment, while Microsoft Defender for Office 365 excels in ease of use and integration with Microsoft 365. - **Cisco Secure Email Threat Defense strengths:** Advanced security features, hybrid deployment options (on-premise, virtual, cloud), high flexibility, and strong anti-phishing and anti-malware capabilities. - **Cisco Secure Email Threat Defense trade-offs:** High cost compared to alternatives, limited reporting customization, and a learning curve for the interface. - **Microsoft Defender for Office 365 strengths:** Ease of use (9 all-time mentions), strong integration with Office 365 (8 all-time mentions), robust phishing protection (6 all-time mentions), and effective real-time threat detection (5 all-time mentions). - **Microsoft Defender for Office 365 trade-offs:** Complexity (8 all-time mentions), false positives (6 all-time mentions), configuration difficulties (4 all-time mentions), and limited reporting (4 all-time mentions). ### Is Cisco Secure Email Threat... or Microsoft Defender for... better for small businesses? Microsoft Defender for Office 365 is the better fit for small businesses, supported by its strong value sentiment and integration with Microsoft 365. - **Cisco Secure Email Threat Defense:** Largest segment is Mid-Market; reviewers note high cost as a barrier for smaller organizations. - **Microsoft Defender for Office 365:** Largest segment is Mid-Market; recent reviews from small-business users highlight its value and ease of use, especially when already using Microsoft 365. ### Which Secure Email Gateway platform has better integrations? Microsoft Defender for Office 365 is favored for integrations, with more reviewer-cited integration mentions and strong Office 365 ecosystem support. - **Cisco Secure Email Threat Defense:** Recent reviews highlight integration with Office 365 as a key benefit. - **Microsoft Defender for Office 365:** 13 all-time reviews mention Microsoft 365 integration, with 8 all-time mentions for Office 365 integration and 7 for integrations overall. ### How do Cisco Secure Email Threat... and Microsoft Defender for... compare on customer support? Cisco Secure Email Threat Defense and Microsoft Defender for Office 365 are rated at parity on Quality of Support, with scores of 8.9 and 8.7 respectively, which is below the materiality threshold for a meaningful difference. - **Cisco Secure Email Threat Defense:** Reviewers consistently describe support as responsive and helpful, with several citing positive experiences with Cisco engineers during setup and troubleshooting. - **Microsoft Defender for Office 365:** Support experiences are mixed, with some reviewers praising the support team and others noting slow response times and challenges reaching support directly. ### Which is easier to implement, Cisco Secure Email Threat... or Microsoft Defender for...? Microsoft Defender for Office 365 and Cisco Secure Email Threat Defense score within 0.2 points on Ease of Setup (8.7 vs 8.5), indicating near parity in implementation experience. - **Cisco Secure Email Threat Defense:** Reviewers describe setup as straightforward but note a learning curve due to the granularity of controls and interface complexity. - **Microsoft Defender for Office 365:** Reviewers highlight easy deployment, especially for organizations already using Microsoft 365, but mention that advanced policy configuration can be complex for new administrators. ### Which product has better Reporting? Microsoft Defender for Office 365 is more frequently cited for reporting, but both products receive reviewer feedback on this feature. - **Cisco Secure Email Threat Defense:** Reviewers note limited customization in reporting, with some describing reports as less flexible. - **Microsoft Defender for Office 365:** 4 all-time mentions of limited reporting, with reviewers describing the dashboard as complex and sometimes difficult to interpret. ## Cisco Secure Email Threat Defense vs Microsoft Defender for Office 365 When assessing the two solutions, reviewers found Microsoft Defender for Office 365 easier to use and set up. However, Cisco Secure Email Threat Defense is easier to administer. Reviewers also preferred doing business with Cisco Secure Email Threat Defense overall. - Cisco Secure Email Threat Defense and Microsoft Defender for Office 365 both meet the requirements of our reviewers at a comparable rate. - When comparing quality of ongoing product support, reviewers felt that Cisco Secure Email Threat Defense is the preferred option. - When assessing product direction, Cisco Secure Email Threat Defense and Microsoft Defender for Office 365 received similar ratings from our reviewers.