# Microsoft Defender for Identity vs Microsoft Entra Identity Protection Comparison

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## Frequently Asked Questions

### What is the difference between Microsoft Defender for... vs Microsoft Entra Identity...?

Microsoft Entra Identity Protection is rated higher by G2 reviewers and is easier to set up and use than Microsoft Defender for Identity, which is more deeply integrated with the broader Microsoft security ecosystem.

| [Microsoft Defender for Identity](https://www.g2.com/products/microsoft-defender-for-identity/reviews) | [Microsoft Entra Identity Protection](https://www.g2.com/products/microsoft-entra-identity-protection/reviews) |
| --- | --- |
| 4.3/5 (98 reviews) | 4.5/5 (41 reviews) |
| Enterprise | Enterprise |
| 7.7 | 8.5 |
| 7.9 | 9.0 |
| Seamless integration with Defender for Endpoint and XDR, single portal for logs and alerts | User-friendly interface, strong multi-factor authentication, dynamic access control, and insightful identity risk assessments |



### How do the pricing models of Microsoft Defender for... and Microsoft Entra Identity... compare?

Microsoft Entra Identity Protection is rated higher for value by G2 reviewers, indicating greater satisfaction with its pricing model compared to Microsoft Defender for Identity.

- **Microsoft Defender for Identity:** In recent reviews, several reviewers mention that licensing can feel expensive outside of E5 and that the best value is realized only within the Microsoft ecosystem.
- **Microsoft Entra Identity Protection:** Recent reviewers note a high cost but express satisfaction with the value provided, especially for organizations leveraging advanced security and compliance features.



### What are the best alternatives to Microsoft Defender for... and Microsoft Entra Identity...?

The top three alternatives to Microsoft Defender for Identity and Microsoft Entra Identity Protection are CrowdStrike Falcon Endpoint Protection Platform, Okta, and SentinelOne Singularity Endpoint.

| Product | G2 Rating (reviews) | Largest Segment | Pricing Insight | Top Reviewer-Cited Strength |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| [Microsoft Defender for Identity](https://www.g2.com/products/microsoft-defender-for-identity/reviews) | 4.3/5 (98 reviews) | Enterprise | Licensing can feel expensive outside E5 | Integration with Defender for Endpoint and XDR, single portal for logs and alerts |
| [Microsoft Entra Identity Protection](https://www.g2.com/products/microsoft-entra-identity-protection/reviews) | 4.5/5 (41 reviews) | Enterprise | High cost, but strong value for advanced security | User-friendly interface, strong multi-factor authentication, dynamic access control |
| [CrowdStrike Falcon Endpoint Protection Platform](https://www.g2.com/products/crowdstrike-falcon-endpoint-protection-platform/reviews) | 4.6/5 (441 reviews) | Mid-Market | — | Comprehensive endpoint protection capabilities |
| [Okta](https://www.g2.com/products/okta/reviews) | 4.5/5 (1371 reviews) | Mid-Market | — | Strong identity and access management features |
| [SentinelOne Singularity Endpoint](https://www.g2.com/products/sentinelone-singularity-endpoint/reviews) | 4.7/5 (212 reviews) | Enterprise | — | Advanced endpoint security and automation |



### Which Identity Threat Detection and Response (ITDR) features should I prioritize when comparing Microsoft Defender for... and Microsoft Entra Identity...?

Buyers should prioritize ease of use, ease of setup, quality of support, integration capabilities, and advanced threat detection features when comparing Microsoft Defender for Identity and Microsoft Entra Identity Protection.

- **Ease of Use:** Microsoft Defender for Identity scores 8.1, while Microsoft Entra Identity Protection scores 9.0.
- **Ease of Setup:** Microsoft Defender for Identity scores 7.7, Microsoft Entra Identity Protection scores 8.5.
- **Quality of Support:** Microsoft Defender for Identity scores 7.9, Microsoft Entra Identity Protection scores 9.0.
- **Integration Capabilities:** Microsoft Defender for Identity is frequently cited for integration with Defender for Endpoint and XDR, while Microsoft Entra Identity Protection is noted for integration with Microsoft 365 and Azure Active Directory.
- **Advanced Threat Detection:** Both products are recognized for advanced threat detection, with Microsoft Defender for Identity emphasizing behavior-based detection and Microsoft Entra Identity Protection highlighting machine learning-driven risk assessments.



### What are the pros and cons of Microsoft Defender for... vs Microsoft Entra Identity...?

Microsoft Defender for Identity's headline strength is its integration with the broader Microsoft security ecosystem, while Microsoft Entra Identity Protection is praised for its user-friendly interface and advanced access controls.

- **Microsoft Defender for Identity strengths:** Deep integration with Defender for Endpoint and XDR, single portal for logs and alerts, robust detection for advanced threats, and strong Active Directory compatibility.
- **Microsoft Defender for Identity trade-offs:** Licensing can be expensive outside E5, initial setup can be complex, limited customization for advanced detections, and some reviewers note false positives and alert noise.
- **Microsoft Entra Identity Protection strengths:** User-friendly interface, strong multi-factor authentication, dynamic access control, insightful identity risk assessments, and easy integration with Microsoft 365 and Azure Active Directory.
- **Microsoft Entra Identity Protection trade-offs:** High cost, complexity in configuration, limited compatibility with non-Microsoft services, and some reviewers mention excessive notifications and limited advanced reporting options.



### Is Microsoft Defender for... or Microsoft Entra Identity... better for small businesses?

Microsoft Entra Identity Protection is the better fit for small businesses, as reviewers highlight its ease of use and setup.

- **Microsoft Defender for Identity:** Largest segment is Enterprise; reviewers note that setup can be complex and cost may be a concern for smaller organizations.
- **Microsoft Entra Identity Protection:** Largest segment is Enterprise; recent reviews highlight its user-friendly interface and straightforward setup, making it accessible for smaller teams despite its enterprise focus.



### Which Identity Threat Detection and Response (ITDR) platform has better integrations?

Reviewers rate Microsoft Defender for Identity and Microsoft Entra Identity Protection at parity for integrations, with both products frequently cited for integration within the Microsoft ecosystem.

- **Microsoft Defender for Identity:** In recent reviews, many reviewers highlight integration with Defender for Endpoint, Defender for 365, Defender XDR, and SIEM solutions.
- **Microsoft Entra Identity Protection:** Recent reviews note integration with Microsoft 365, Azure Active Directory, and other Microsoft security tools.



### How do Microsoft Defender for... and Microsoft Entra Identity... compare on customer support?

Microsoft Entra Identity Protection is rated higher for Quality of Support by 1.1 points, a material difference over Microsoft Defender for Identity.

- **Microsoft Defender for Identity:** Reviewers describe support as generally responsive but note occasional delays and a need for more structured assistance on known issues.
- **Microsoft Entra Identity Protection:** Reviewers consistently praise support quality, citing helpful and responsive customer service, though a few mention slower turnaround times for third-party vendor support.



### Which is easier to implement, Microsoft Defender for... or Microsoft Entra Identity...?

Microsoft Entra Identity Protection is rated higher for Ease of Setup by 0.8 points, a material difference over Microsoft Defender for Identity.

- **Microsoft Defender for Identity:** Reviewers note that initial setup can be complex and may require a strong understanding of Active Directory, but once configured, ongoing management is straightforward.
- **Microsoft Entra Identity Protection:** Reviewers highlight a straightforward and trouble-free setup experience, especially when deployed via Azure Active Directory, with many citing ease of deployment and administration.



| | Microsoft Defender for Identity | Microsoft Entra Identity Protection | 
|---|---|---|
| **Star Rating** | 4.3 out of 5 | 4.5 out of 5 | 
| **Total Reviews** | 98 | 41 | 


---
## Ratings Comparison
| Rating | Microsoft Defender for Identity | Microsoft Entra Identity Protection | 
|---|---|---|
  | **Meets Requirements** | 8.5 (77 reviews) | 9.2 (32 reviews) | 
  | **Ease of Use** | 8.1 (78 reviews) | 9.0 (32 reviews) | 
  | **Ease of Setup** | 7.7 (42 reviews) | 8.5 (18 reviews) | 
  | **Ease of Admin** | 7.9 (39 reviews) | 8.6 (18 reviews) | 
  | **Quality of Support** | 7.9 (73 reviews) | 9.0 (32 reviews) | 
  | **Has the product been a good partner in doing business?** | 8.2 (37 reviews) | 8.9 (18 reviews) | 
  | **Product Direction (% positive)** | 8.4 (73 reviews) | 10.0 (31 reviews) | 

---
## Pricing

### Microsoft Defender for Identity

#### Entry-Level Pricing

No pricing available

#### Free Trial

No information available

### Microsoft Entra Identity Protection

#### Entry-Level Pricing

No pricing available

#### Free Trial

No information available

---
## Features Comparison By Category

### Identity Threat Detection and Response (ITDR)

| Product | Score | Reviews |
|---|---|---|
| **Microsoft Defender for Identity** | 8.1/10 | 36 |
| **Microsoft Entra Identity Protection** | 8.5/10 | 26 |

#### Monitoring

| Feature | Microsoft Defender for Identity | Microsoft Entra Identity Protection | 
|---|---|---|
| **Investigate** | 8.2 (29 reviews) | 8.8 (24 reviews) | 
| **Monitoring** | 8.4 (30 reviews) | 8.5 (25 reviews) | 
| **Misconfigurations** | 7.3 (22 reviews) | 7.0 (24 reviews) | 
| **Integrate** | 8.3 (27 reviews) | 8.3 (26 reviews) | 
| **Visability** | 8.3 (26 reviews) | 8.6 (26 reviews) | 
| **Continuous Monitoring** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 

#### Remediation

| Feature | Microsoft Defender for Identity | Microsoft Entra Identity Protection | 
|---|---|---|
| **Remediation** | 8.1 (27 reviews) | 8.9 (25 reviews) | 
| **Audit** | 8.3 (27 reviews) | 9.1 (26 reviews) | 

#### Additional Functionality

| Feature | Microsoft Defender for Identity | Microsoft Entra Identity Protection | 
|---|---|---|
| **Role-Based Permissions** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Data Analysis Tools** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Anomaly/Malware Detection** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Risk Alerts** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Password Management** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Access Management** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Data Classification** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Access Control** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Incident Response Checklists** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Active Directory Integration** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Multi-Factor Authentication** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Search/Filter** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Real-time Alerts** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Remediation Management** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Risk-Based Authentication** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Configuration Management** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Generative AI** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Activity Dashboard** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **AI Copilot** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Prioritization** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Deception Management** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Root Cause Analysis** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Identity Verification** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Access Certification** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Behavioral Analytics** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 

### User and Entity Behavior Analytics (UEBA)

| Product | Score | Reviews |
|---|---|---|
| **Microsoft Defender for Identity** | 8.3/10 | 30 |
| **Microsoft Entra Identity Protection** | N/A | N/A |

#### Agentic AI - User and Entity Behavior Analytics (UEBA)

| Feature | Microsoft Defender for Identity | Microsoft Entra Identity Protection | 
|---|---|---|
| **Autonomous Task Execution** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Multi-step Planning** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Proactive Assistance** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Decision Making** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 

#### Analysis

| Feature | Microsoft Defender for Identity | Microsoft Entra Identity Protection | 
|---|---|---|
| **Continuous Analysis** | 8.2 (24 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Behavioral Analysis** | 8.0 (25 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Data Context** | 8.1 (26 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Activity Logging** | 8.2 (28 reviews) | Not enough data | 

#### Detection

| Feature | Microsoft Defender for Identity | Microsoft Entra Identity Protection | 
|---|---|---|
| **Anomaly Detection** | 8.3 (26 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Incident Alerts** | 8.3 (26 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Activity Monitoring** | 8.3 (25 reviews) | Not enough data | 

---
## Categories
**Shared Categories (1):** [Identity Threat Detection and Response (ITDR)  Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/identity-threat-detection-and-response-itdr)

**Unique to Microsoft Defender for Identity (1):** [User and Entity Behavior Analytics (UEBA) Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/user-and-entity-behavior-analytics-ueba)



---
## Reviewer Demographics

### By Company Size

| Segment | Microsoft Defender for Identity | Microsoft Entra Identity Protection | 
|---|---|---|
| **Small-Business** | 32.3% | 22.0% | 
| **Mid-Market** | 31.2% | 26.8% | 
| **Enterprise** | 36.6% | 51.2% | 

### By Industry

#### Microsoft Defender for Identity

- **Information Technology and Services:** 28.3%
- **Computer & Network Security:** 8.7%
- **Computer Software:** 7.6%
- **Banking:** 6.5%
- **Electrical/Electronic Manufacturing:** 4.3%
- **Financial Services:** 4.3%
- **Management Consulting:** 4.3%
- **Accounting:** 4.3%
- **Retail:** 2.2%
- **Telecommunications:** 2.2%
- **Other:** 27.2%

#### Microsoft Entra Identity Protection

- **Information Technology and Services:** 19.5%
- **Computer Software:** 12.2%
- **Computer & Network Security:** 9.8%
- **Accounting:** 7.3%
- **Banking:** 4.9%
- **Broadcast Media:** 4.9%
- **Education Management:** 4.9%
- **Retail:** 4.9%
- **Telecommunications:** 4.9%
- **Financial Services:** 2.4%
- **Other:** 24.4%

---
## Alternatives

### Alternatives to Microsoft Defender for Identity

- [CrowdStrike Falcon Endpoint Protection Platform](https://www.g2.com/products/crowdstrike-falcon-endpoint-protection-platform/reviews) — 4.7/5 stars (581 reviews)
- [Falcon Identity protection](https://www.g2.com/products/falcon-identity-protection/reviews) — 4.2/5 stars (18 reviews)
- [SentinelOne Singularity Endpoint](https://www.g2.com/products/sentinelone-singularity-endpoint/reviews) — 4.7/5 stars (212 reviews)
- [IBM QRadar SIEM](https://www.g2.com/products/ibm-ibm-qradar-siem/reviews) — 4.4/5 stars (339 reviews)
- [Okta](https://www.g2.com/products/okta/reviews) — 4.5/5 stars (1427 reviews)
- [ActivTrak](https://www.g2.com/products/activtrak/reviews) — 4.3/5 stars (342 reviews)
- [CyberArk Workforce Identity](https://www.g2.com/products/cyberark-workforce-identity/reviews) — 4.5/5 stars (130 reviews)
- [Cynet](https://www.g2.com/products/cynet/reviews) — 4.7/5 stars (261 reviews)
- [SailPoint](https://www.g2.com/products/sailpoint/reviews) — 4.6/5 stars (238 reviews)
- [IBM MaaS360](https://www.g2.com/products/ibm-maas360/reviews) — 4.2/5 stars (212 reviews)

### Alternatives to Microsoft Entra Identity Protection

- [CrowdStrike Falcon Endpoint Protection Platform](https://www.g2.com/products/crowdstrike-falcon-endpoint-protection-platform/reviews) — 4.7/5 stars (581 reviews)
- [Okta](https://www.g2.com/products/okta/reviews) — 4.5/5 stars (1427 reviews)
- [SentinelOne Singularity Endpoint](https://www.g2.com/products/sentinelone-singularity-endpoint/reviews) — 4.7/5 stars (212 reviews)
- [SailPoint](https://www.g2.com/products/sailpoint/reviews) — 4.6/5 stars (238 reviews)
- [IBM MaaS360](https://www.g2.com/products/ibm-maas360/reviews) — 4.2/5 stars (212 reviews)
- [WithSecure Elements Extended Detection and Response (XDR)](https://www.g2.com/products/withsecure-elements-extended-detection-and-response-xdr/reviews) — 4.4/5 stars (132 reviews)
- [CyberArk Workforce Identity](https://www.g2.com/products/cyberark-workforce-identity/reviews) — 4.5/5 stars (130 reviews)
- [Guardz](https://www.g2.com/products/guardz/reviews) — 4.6/5 stars (126 reviews)
- [Huntress Managed ITDR](https://www.g2.com/products/huntress-managed-itdr/reviews) — 4.8/5 stars (117 reviews)
- [Silverfort](https://www.g2.com/products/silverfort/reviews) — 4.8/5 stars (18 reviews)

---
## Top Discussions

### Microsoft Defender for Identity

- Title: [The best](https://www.g2.com/discussions/36626-the-best) — 1 comment, 1 upvote
  > **Top comment:** "Always the best to provide additional insights while investigating potential threats"

### Microsoft Entra Identity Protection

No discussions available for this product.

---
**Source:** [G2.com](https://www.g2.com) | [Comparison Page](https://www.g2.com/compare/microsoft-defender-for-identity-vs-microsoft-entra-identity-protection)