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# Microsoft Defender for Cloud vs Qualys VMDR Comparison - What are their main differences?

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Microsoft Defender for CloudQualys VMDR[+ Add Product](#)

Pricing

**Microsoft Defender for Cloud**
 **Free Trial** · Microsoft Defender for Cloud

**Qualys VMDR**
No pricing available

**Pricing Insights**
from reviews

Time to Implement

**Microsoft Defender for Cloud**
3 months

Based on 8 responses

**Qualys VMDR**
3 months

Based on 9 responses

Return on Investment

**Microsoft Defender for Cloud**
12 months10 months sooner

Based on 8 responses

**Qualys VMDR**
22 months

Based on 7 responses

Perceived Cost

**Microsoft Defender for Cloud**
$$$$$

**Qualys VMDR**
$$$$$

Average Discount

**Microsoft Defender for Cloud**
10%

**Qualys VMDR**
14%4% more

**Pros & Cons**
from reviews

**Microsoft Defender for Cloud**
[
Security (121)
](https://www.g2.com/products/microsoft-defender-for-cloud/reviews?filters%5Bsentiment_snippet%5D=1234677&qs=pros-and-cons#reviews)[
Comprehensive Security (92)
](https://www.g2.com/products/microsoft-defender-for-cloud/reviews?filters%5Bsentiment_snippet%5D=1234646&qs=pros-and-cons#reviews)[
Complexity (27)
](https://www.g2.com/products/microsoft-defender-for-cloud/reviews?filters%5Bsentiment_snippet%5D=1235164&qs=pros-and-cons#reviews)[
Expensive (24)
](https://www.g2.com/products/microsoft-defender-for-cloud/reviews?filters%5Bsentiment_snippet%5D=1234885&qs=pros-and-cons#reviews)

**Qualys VMDR**
[
Customer Support (2)
](https://www.g2.com/products/qualys-vmdr/reviews?filters%5Bsentiment_snippet%5D=1365209&qs=pros-and-cons#reviews)[
Features (2)
](https://www.g2.com/products/qualys-vmdr/reviews?filters%5Bsentiment_snippet%5D=1366629&qs=pros-and-cons#reviews)[
Complexity (2)
](https://www.g2.com/products/qualys-vmdr/reviews?filters%5Bsentiment_snippet%5D=1365145&qs=pros-and-cons#reviews)[
Complex Reporting (1)
](https://www.g2.com/products/qualys-vmdr/reviews?filters%5Bsentiment_snippet%5D=1974868&qs=pros-and-cons#reviews)

Integrations

**Microsoft Defender for Cloud**
[

 ![Product Avatar Image](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/large_detail/large_detail_cacdec8b8edeace9b3c89e0c2cded695/aws-aws-cloudformation.jpg "Product Avatar Image")

AWS CloudFormation

](https://www.g2.com/products/aws-aws-cloudformation/reviews)[

 ![Product Avatar Image](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/large_detail/large_detail_b3390b4cc3d92e87d570895f7358c003/aws-lambda.jpg "Product Avatar Image")

AWS Lambda

](https://www.g2.com/products/aws-lambda/reviews)[

 ![Product Avatar Image](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/large_detail/large_detail_c36045270f9ec2f0152a7069e833b575/azure-ad-notifications.jpg "Product Avatar Image")

Azure AD Notifications

](https://www.g2.com/products/azure-ad-notifications/reviews)[

 ![Product Avatar Image](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/large_detail/large_detail_f176b4154a751d10150daa67a57b7dc5/azure-logic-apps.jpg "Product Avatar Image")

Azure Logic Apps

](https://www.g2.com/products/azure-logic-apps/reviews)[
View all
](https://www.g2.com/products/microsoft-defender-for-cloud/integrations)

**Qualys VMDR**
[

 ![Product Avatar Image](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/large_detail/large_detail_da836c06c61c98d4a0795c7cfc3a9a5a/servicenow-it-service-management.jpg "Product Avatar Image")

ServiceNow IT Service...

](https://www.g2.com/products/servicenow-it-service-management/reviews)[
View all
](https://www.g2.com/products/qualys-vmdr/integrations)

Screenshots

**Microsoft Defender for Cloud**
 ![Microsoft Defender for Cloud 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/1261649/Accelerate-remediation-of-critical-issues-in-code.png)

**Qualys VMDR**
 ![Qualys VMDR 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/1246139/Qualys-VMDR.png)

**Ratings**
from reviews

Meets Requirements

**Microsoft Defender for Cloud**

**8.9** /10

Based on 355 responses

**Qualys VMDR**

**8.7** /10

Based on 118 responses

Ease of Use

**Microsoft Defender for Cloud**

**8.7** /10

Based on 361 responses

**Qualys VMDR**

**8.6** /10

Based on 117 responses

Ease of Setup

**Microsoft Defender for Cloud**

**8.5** /10

Based on 263 responses

**Qualys VMDR**

**8.4** /10

Based on 79 responses

Ease of Admin

**Microsoft Defender for Cloud**

**8.7** /10

Based on 198 responses

**Qualys VMDR**

**8.5** /10

Based on 77 responses

Quality of Support

**Microsoft Defender for Cloud**

**8.5** /10

Based on 337 responses

**Qualys VMDR**

**8.1** /10

Based on 113 responses

Has the product been a good partner in doing business?

**Microsoft Defender for Cloud**

**8.6** /10

Based on 189 responses

**Qualys VMDR**

**8.5** /10

Based on 78 responses

Product Direction (% positive)

**Microsoft Defender for Cloud**

**9.3** /10

Based on 320 responses

**Qualys VMDR**

**8.2** /10

Based on 102 responses

**Features**
ratings from reviews

Cloud Workload Protection Platforms

**8.8** /10

Based on 75 responses

**7.8** /10

Based on 9 responses

Cloud Compliance

**8.7** /10

Based on 123 responses

**7.7** /10

Based on 15 responses

Container Security

**9.2** /10

Based on 30 responses

Not enough data

Vulnerability Scanner

Not enough data

**7.9** /10

Based on 20 responses

Software Composition Analysis

**9.7** /10

Based on 14 responses

Not enough data

Risk-Based Vulnerability Management

Not enough data

**8.3** /10

Based on 56 responses

Cloud Security Monitoring and Analytics

**8.5** /10

Based on 80 responses

Not enough data

Secure Code Review

**9.0** /10

Based on 21 responses

Not enough data

Cloud Security Posture Management (CSPM)

**8.8** /10

Based on 180 responses

Not enough data

Container Monitoring

**8.5** /10

Based on 11 responses

Not enough data

Cloud Detection and Response (CDR)

**8.4** /10

Based on 10 responses

Not enough data

User Insights

**Reviewers' Company Size**

Small-Business(50 or fewer emp.)
27.4%

Mid-Market(51-1000 emp.)
37.1%

Enterprise(\> 1000 emp.)
35.5%

Small-Business(50 or fewer emp.)
27.4%

Mid-Market(51-1000 emp.)
37.1%

Enterprise(\> 1000 emp.)
35.5%

Small-Business(50 or fewer emp.)
20.1%

Mid-Market(51-1000 emp.)
27.4%

Enterprise(\> 1000 emp.)
52.4%

Small-Business(50 or fewer emp.)
20.1%

Mid-Market(51-1000 emp.)
27.4%

Enterprise(\> 1000 emp.)
52.4%

**Reviewers' Industry**

[![Microsoft Defender for Cloud](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/a8a99a96fda235658139f710592f8a53/microsoft-defender-for-cloud.svg "Microsoft Defender for Cloud")](https://www.g2.com/products/microsoft-defender-for-cloud/reviews)
Microsoft Defender for Cloud

Information Technology and Services
22.3%

Computer Software
10.9%

Computer & Network Security
10.4%

Education Management
5.4%

Accounting
3.5%

Other
47.5%

[![Qualys VMDR](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/thumb_square/thumb_square_8f9c479b207589ba8dc7777f344ab0ac/qualys-vmdr.png "Qualys VMDR")](https://www.g2.com/products/qualys-vmdr/reviews)
Qualys VMDR

Information Technology and Services
21.8%

Computer & Network Security
12.1%

Financial Services
9.1%

Computer Software
7.3%

Banking
4.8%

Other
44.8%

Alternatives

**Microsoft Defender for Cloud Alternatives**

 ![Wiz](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/991dbad301661dc9e1b78a7e252252b4/wiz-wiz.svg "Wiz")

[
Wiz
](/products/wiz-wiz/reviews)

 ![Orca Security](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/7bfb8b139d34ddbb4c7f1c4dc8e7b029/orca-security.svg "Orca Security")

[
Orca Security
](/products/orca-security/reviews)

 ![Cortex Cloud](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/dfd7fb4e8735ab6c09fc57deedbfc1a2/cortex-cloud.svg "Cortex Cloud")

[
Cortex Cloud
](/products/cortex-cloud/reviews)

 ![FortiCNAPP](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/6cfbdb30f4f7ce0c1ebf31d967800f1d/forticnapp.svg "FortiCNAPP")

[
FortiCNAPP
](/products/forticnapp/reviews)

**Qualys VMDR Alternatives**

 ![CrowdStrike Falcon Cloud Security](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/73bf09322e583714b809a5154ca47357/crowdstrike-falcon-cloud-security.svg "CrowdStrike Falcon Cloud Security")

[
CrowdStrike Falcon Cloud...
](/products/crowdstrike-falcon-cloud-security/reviews)

 ![Wiz](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/991dbad301661dc9e1b78a7e252252b4/wiz-wiz.svg "Wiz")

[
Wiz
](/products/wiz-wiz/reviews)

 ![Tenable Nessus](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/127e03b7d601741c15306f07b0f8cf84/tenable-nessus.svg "Tenable Nessus")

[
Tenable Nessus
](/products/tenable-nessus/reviews)

 ![Tenable Vulnerability Management](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/127e03b7d601741c15306f07b0f8cf84/tenable-vulnerability-management.svg "Tenable Vulnerability Management")

[
Tenable Vulnerability...
](/products/tenable-vulnerability-management/reviews)

## Microsoft Defender for Cloud vs Qualys VMDR FAQs

Generated using AI

Last updated: August 14, 2026

### What is the difference between Microsoft Defender for Cloud vs Qualys VMDR?

Microsoft Defender for Cloud stands out for its unified multi-cloud security posture management and deep integration with the Microsoft ecosystem, while Qualys VMDR is recognized for its comprehensive vulnerability detection and risk-based prioritization.

| [Microsoft Defender for Cloud](https://www.g2.com/products/microsoft-defender-for-cloud/reviews) | [Qualys VMDR](https://www.g2.com/products/qualys-vmdr/reviews) |
| --- | --- |
| 4.4/5 (440 reviews) | 4.4/5 (168 reviews) |
| Mid-Market | Enterprise |
| 8.5 | 8.4 |
| 8.5 | 8.1 |
| Unified multi-cloud security management and integration with Microsoft services | Comprehensive vulnerability detection and risk-based prioritization |

### How do the pricing models of Microsoft Defender for Cloud and Qualys VMDR compare?

Microsoft Defender for Cloud and Qualys VMDR are rated at parity for value, with both products scoring closely on price satisfaction.

- **Microsoft Defender for Cloud:** In recent reviews, many buyers cite unpredictable and complex pricing, with costs rising quickly as advanced protections are enabled across multiple environments.
- **Qualys VMDR:** Reviewers highlight that it is less expensive than other leaders in the category, with several noting satisfaction with its value for the features provided.
- **Switching reasons:** Buyers switching to Qualys VMDR often cite lower cost and comparable features as key drivers.

### What are the best alternatives to Microsoft Defender for Cloud and Qualys VMDR?

The top three alternatives to Microsoft Defender for Cloud and Qualys VMDR are Wiz, Orca Security, and CrowdStrike Falcon Cloud Security.

| Product | G2 Rating (reviews) | Largest Segment | Pricing Insight | Top Reviewer-Cited Strength |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| [Microsoft Defender for Cloud](https://www.g2.com/products/microsoft-defender-for-cloud/reviews) | 4.4/5 (440 reviews) | Mid-Market | Pricing can be complex and gets expensive fast, especially with advanced features | Unified multi-cloud security management and integration with Microsoft services |
| [Qualys VMDR](https://www.g2.com/products/qualys-vmdr/reviews) | 4.4/5 (168 reviews) | Enterprise | Less expensive than other leaders, strong value for features | Comprehensive vulnerability detection and risk-based prioritization |
| [Wiz](https://www.g2.com/products/wiz-wiz/reviews) | 4.7/5 (844 reviews) | Enterprise | — | Comprehensive cloud security and visibility |
| [Orca Security](https://www.g2.com/products/orca-security/reviews) | 4.7/5 (314 reviews) | Enterprise | — | Agentless cloud security and deep risk insights |
| [CrowdStrike Falcon Cloud Security](https://www.g2.com/products/crowdstrike-falcon-cloud-security/reviews) | 4.5/5 (182 reviews) | Enterprise | — | Strong threat detection and response capabilities |

### Which Cloud Security Posture Management (CSPM) features should I prioritize when comparing Microsoft Defender for Cloud and Qualys VMDR?

Buyers comparing Microsoft Defender for Cloud and Qualys VMDR should prioritize multi-cloud visibility, vulnerability detection, risk-based prioritization, integration capabilities, and reporting.

- **Multi-cloud visibility:** Microsoft Defender for Cloud is frequently cited for unified dashboards across Azure, AWS, and GCP; Qualys VMDR supports hybrid environments but is less often highlighted for multi-cloud dashboards.
- **Vulnerability detection:** Qualys VMDR has 2 all-time mentions for vulnerability detection and identification; Microsoft Defender for Cloud is praised for continuous scanning and actionable Secure Score.
- **Risk-based prioritization:** Qualys VMDR is recognized for risk-based prioritization (TruRisk) in recent reviews; Microsoft Defender for Cloud offers attack path analysis and prioritization features.
- **Integration capabilities:** Microsoft Defender for Cloud integrates with GitHub (4 all-time mentions) and Azure Portal (2 all-time mentions); Qualys VMDR integrates with ServiceNow, Splunk, QRadar, and Sentinel as cited in recent reviews.
- **Reporting:** Both products are frequently discussed for their reporting capabilities, with reviewers noting native reporting and customizable dashboards.

### What are the pros and cons of Microsoft Defender for Cloud vs Qualys VMDR?

Microsoft Defender for Cloud's headline strength is unified multi-cloud security management, while Qualys VMDR excels in comprehensive vulnerability detection and risk-based prioritization.

- **Microsoft Defender for Cloud strengths:** Unified dashboard for Azure, AWS, and GCP; actionable Secure Score; deep integration with Microsoft services; automated compliance tracking; attack path analysis; native reporting.
- **Microsoft Defender for Cloud trade-offs:** Complex and unpredictable pricing; alert fatigue due to high volume of recommendations; steep learning curve; advanced features can be expensive; multi-cloud feature parity lags outside Azure.
- **Qualys VMDR strengths:** Comprehensive vulnerability detection (2 all-time mentions); risk-based prioritization (TruRisk); real-time asset visibility; integration with ServiceNow, Splunk, QRadar, Sentinel; automated remediation workflows; strong patch management.
- **Qualys VMDR trade-offs:** Interface complexity and static UI; reporting component is time-consuming and needs improvement; support response times can be slow; learning curve for new users; some modules require additional purchase for full functionality.

### Is Microsoft Defender for Cloud or Qualys VMDR better for small businesses?

Qualys VMDR is the better fit for small businesses, as recent reviews highlight its lower cost and ease of implementation for smaller infrastructures.

- **Microsoft Defender for Cloud:** Largest segment is Mid-Market; reviewers note that pricing can become expensive for smaller teams and the setup can be complex for new users.
- **Qualys VMDR:** Largest segment is Enterprise, but recent small-business reviewers cite satisfaction with its lower cost and straightforward deployment, especially for organizations with limited infrastructure.

### Which Cloud Security Posture Management (CSPM) platform has better integrations?

Microsoft Defender for Cloud is favored for integrations, with more frequent reviewer mentions of integration with key platforms.

- **Microsoft Defender for Cloud:** Integrates with GitHub (4 all-time mentions) and Azure Portal (2 all-time mentions), with reviewers highlighting ease of integration within the Microsoft ecosystem.
- **Qualys VMDR:** Integrates with ServiceNow, Splunk, QRadar, and Sentinel, as cited in recent reviews, but without all-time mention counts above the publish floor.

### How do Microsoft Defender for Cloud and Qualys VMDR compare on customer support?

Microsoft Defender for Cloud and Qualys VMDR are rated at near-parity for Quality of Support, with scores of 8.5 and 8.1 respectively, below the materiality threshold.

- **Microsoft Defender for Cloud:** Reviewers describe support as generally adequate, with some noting helpful onboarding assistance and others citing occasional delays or complexity in resolving issues.
- **Qualys VMDR:** Support experiences are mixed, with several reviewers mentioning slow response times and the need for improvement, but others highlight live customer support and helpful training materials.

### Which is easier to implement, Microsoft Defender for Cloud or Qualys VMDR?

Microsoft Defender for Cloud and Qualys VMDR score within a tenth of a point on Ease of Setup (8.5 vs 8.4), indicating near-parity for implementation experience.

- **Microsoft Defender for Cloud:** Reviewers frequently mention straightforward onboarding, especially for those already using Microsoft services, but note a learning curve and complexity for multi-cloud or advanced configurations.
- **Qualys VMDR:** Reviewers highlight easy deployment, particularly for agent-based scanning, but also mention initial complexity and a learning curve for new users.

### Which product has better Reporting?

Microsoft Defender for Cloud is favored for Reporting, with reviewers consistently highlighting its native reporting and executive summary features.

- **Microsoft Defender for Cloud:** Reviewers frequently cite native reporting, customizable dashboards, and the ability to export executive summary reports as key strengths; reporting is a recurring theme in recent reviews.
- **Qualys VMDR:** Reviewers note that reporting needs improvement, with some describing it as time-consuming and lacking automation for patch job integration; reporting complexity is cited as a trade-off.