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# Microsoft Defender Vulnerability Management vs Tenable Nessus Comparison - What are their main differences?

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Microsoft Defender...Tenable Nessus[+ Add Product](#)

Pricing

**Microsoft Defender Vulnerability Management**
No pricing available

**Tenable Nessus**
Free Trial

**$3,390.00** 1 License With One-Time Purchase · Pro - 1 Year

**$3,790.00** · Pro - 1 Year + Advanced Support

**$4,990.00** 1 License · Expert - 1 Year

**$5,390.00** 1 License · Expert - 1 Year + Advanced Support

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**Pricing Insights**
from reviews

Perceived Cost

**Microsoft Defender Vulnerability Management**
$$$$$

**Tenable Nessus**
$$$$$

Average Discount

**Microsoft Defender Vulnerability Management**
Not enough reviews yet

**Tenable Nessus**
8%

Uncover valuable pricing insights from real user feedback to improve your shopping experience.
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Time to Implement

**Microsoft Defender Vulnerability Management** 6 months
Based on 100 responses

**Tenable Nessus** 6 months
Based on 100 responses

Return on Investment

**Microsoft Defender Vulnerability Management** 6 months
Based on 100 responses

**Tenable Nessus** 6 months
Based on 100 responses

**Pros & Cons**
from reviews

**Microsoft Defender Vulnerability Management**
Not enough data

**Tenable Nessus**

Vulnerability Identification (21)

Vulnerability Detection (19)

Slow Scanning (8)

Expensive (6)

Integrations

**Microsoft Defender Vulnerability Management**
Not enough data

**Tenable Nessus**
[

 ![Product Avatar Image](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/vendor/image/10784/large_detail_e5444efc9ea5f28707b4aa4de0a3088f.jpeg "Product Avatar Image")

Security Center

](https://www.g2.com/products/security-center/reviews)[

 ![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)[

 ![Product Avatar Image](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/large_detail/large_detail_91bcb2c063fcfb0a82dfedcf1a6463d1/splunk-enterprise.jpg "Product Avatar Image")

Splunk Enterprise

](https://www.g2.com/products/splunk-enterprise/reviews)[

 ![Product Avatar Image](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/large_detail/large_detail_cbd3fb3d7b519da99e67a6ef0172fadf/tenable-security-center.png "Product Avatar Image")

Tenable Security Center

](https://www.g2.com/products/tenable-security-center/reviews)[
View all
](https://www.g2.com/products/tenable-nessus/integrations)

Screenshots

**Microsoft Defender Vulnerability Management**
 ![Microsoft Defender Vulnerability Management 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/1300489/DVM-Screenshot.jpg)

**Tenable Nessus**
 ![Tenable Nessus 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/91875/grouped-view-1.png)

**Ratings**
from reviews

Meets Requirements

**Microsoft Defender Vulnerability Management**

**8.5** /10

Based on 31 responses

**Tenable Nessus**

**9.0** /10

Based on 264 responses

Ease of Use

**Microsoft Defender Vulnerability Management**

**8.7** /10

Based on 31 responses

**Tenable Nessus**

**8.9** /10

Based on 267 responses

Ease of Setup

**Microsoft Defender Vulnerability Management**

**8.1** /10

Based on 15 responses

**Tenable Nessus**

**8.8** /10

Based on 189 responses

Ease of Admin

**Microsoft Defender Vulnerability Management**

**8.9** /10

Based on 14 responses

**Tenable Nessus**

**8.9** /10

Based on 174 responses

Quality of Support

**Microsoft Defender Vulnerability Management**

**8.7** /10

Based on 30 responses

**Tenable Nessus**

**8.4** /10

Based on 244 responses

Has the product been a good partner in doing business?

**Microsoft Defender Vulnerability Management**

**8.6** /10

Based on 15 responses

**Tenable Nessus**

**8.7** /10

Based on 162 responses

Product Direction (% positive)

**Microsoft Defender Vulnerability Management**

**8.9** /10

Based on 33 responses

**Tenable Nessus**

**8.9** /10

Based on 250 responses

**Features**
ratings from reviews

Vulnerability Scanner

Not enough data

**8.4** /10

Based on 174 responses

Risk-Based Vulnerability Management

**8.7** /10

Based on 27 responses

Not enough data

Attack Surface Management

Not enough data

**8.4** /10

Based on 7 responses

User Insights

**Reviewers' Company Size**

Small-Business(50 or fewer emp.)
41.2%

Mid-Market(51-1000 emp.)
23.5%

Enterprise(\> 1000 emp.)
35.3%

Small-Business(50 or fewer emp.)
41.2%

Mid-Market(51-1000 emp.)
23.5%

Enterprise(\> 1000 emp.)
35.3%

Small-Business(50 or fewer emp.)
25.4%

Mid-Market(51-1000 emp.)
40.3%

Enterprise(\> 1000 emp.)
34.3%

Small-Business(50 or fewer emp.)
25.4%

Mid-Market(51-1000 emp.)
40.3%

Enterprise(\> 1000 emp.)
34.3%

**Reviewers' Industry**

[![Microsoft Defender Vulnerability Management](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/thumb_square/thumb_square_0b5e1380b077d4b7e375fb3053da7b3a/microsoft-defender-vulnerability-management.jpg "Microsoft Defender Vulnerability Management")](https://www.g2.com/products/microsoft-defender-vulnerability-management/reviews)
Microsoft Defender Vulnerability Management

Computer & Network Security
14.7%

Information Technology and Services
11.8%

Higher Education
8.8%

Retail
5.9%

Computer Software
5.9%

Other
52.9%

[![Tenable Nessus](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/127e03b7d601741c15306f07b0f8cf84/tenable-nessus.svg "Tenable Nessus")](https://www.g2.com/products/tenable-nessus/reviews)
Tenable Nessus

Information Technology and Services
25.2%

Computer & Network Security
16.6%

Financial Services
7.0%

Computer Software
5.6%

Banking
5.0%

Other
40.5%

Alternatives

**Microsoft Defender Vulnerability Management Alternatives**

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

[
Qualys VMDR
](/products/qualys-vmdr/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)

 ![Qualys VM](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/thumb_square/thumb_square_2edfb1fa70190bf6a364f82ceb56b20e/qualys-vm.jpg "Qualys VM")

[
Qualys VM
](/products/qualys-vm/reviews)

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

[
Wiz
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**Tenable Nessus Alternatives**

 ![Intruder](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/1539808658/intruder.svg "Intruder")

[
Intruder
](/products/intruder/reviews)

 ![Invicti](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/3bee4d2b732dab5368b9a8aa21f05e30/invicti.svg "Invicti")

[
Invicti
](/products/invicti/reviews)

 ![Detectify](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/thumb_square/thumb_square_b3060aea2f789d838e7b2fa172ee4fdf/detectify.png "Detectify")

[
Detectify
](/products/detectify/reviews)

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

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

## Microsoft Defender... vs Tenable Nessus FAQs

Generated using AI

Last updated: August 15, 2026

### What is the difference between Tenable Nessus vs Microsoft Defender...?

Tenable Nessus stands out for its higher G2 rating, larger review base, and stronger Ease of Setup score, while Microsoft Defender... is favored for Quality of Support.

| | [Tenable Nessus](https://www.g2.com/products/tenable-nessus/reviews) | [Microsoft Defender...](https://www.g2.com/products/microsoft-defender-vulnerability-management/reviews) |
| --- | --- | --- |
| G2 Rating (reviews) | 4.5/5 (305 reviews) | 4.4/5 (34 reviews) |
| Largest Segment | Mid-Market | Small-Business |
| Ease of Setup score | 8.8 | 8.1 |
| Quality of Support score | 8.4 | 8.7 |
| Top Reviewer-Cited Strength | Vulnerability Identification (20 all-time mentions) | — |

### How do the pricing models of Tenable Nessus and Microsoft Defender... compare?

Tenable Nessus is rated higher for price satisfaction, making it the stronger value compared to Microsoft Defender....

- **Tenable Nessus:** Reviewers note that while costs have increased, the product is considered cost-effective for its capabilities and within budget for many organizations.
- **Microsoft Defender...:** Reviewers appreciate that it is often included with existing Microsoft licensing, but some mention challenges with cost-effectiveness for smaller businesses and limited flexibility in pricing options.

### What are the best alternatives to Tenable Nessus and Microsoft Defender...?

The top 3 alternatives to Tenable Nessus and Microsoft Defender... are Qualys VMDR, Intruder, and Invicti.

| Product | G2 Rating (reviews) | Largest Segment | Pricing Insight | Top Reviewer-Cited Strength |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| [Tenable Nessus](https://www.g2.com/products/tenable-nessus/reviews) | 4.5/5 (305 reviews) | Mid-Market | Reviewers note increasing costs but strong value for features | Vulnerability Identification (20 all-time mentions) |
| [Microsoft Defender...](https://www.g2.com/products/microsoft-defender-vulnerability-management/reviews) | 4.4/5 (34 reviews) | Small-Business | Often included with Microsoft licensing, but cost-effectiveness varies | Integration with Microsoft ecosystem |
| [Qualys VMDR](https://www.g2.com/products/qualys-vmdr/reviews) | 4.4/5 (168 reviews) | Enterprise | — | Comprehensive vulnerability management |
| [Intruder](https://www.g2.com/products/intruder/reviews) | 4.8/5 (209 reviews) | — | — | High reviewer satisfaction and ease of use |
| [Invicti](https://www.g2.com/products/invicti/reviews) | 4.5/5 (72 reviews) | Enterprise | — | Enterprise-grade vulnerability scanning |

### Which Vulnerability Scanner features should I prioritize when comparing Tenable Nessus and Microsoft Defender...?

Buyers should prioritize vulnerability identification, ease of use, automated scanning, reporting capabilities, and integration options when comparing Tenable Nessus and Microsoft Defender....

- **Vulnerability Identification:** Tenable Nessus (20 all-time mentions), Microsoft Defender... (recent reviews highlight strong detection for Windows environments)
- **Ease of Use:** Tenable Nessus 8.9, Microsoft Defender... 8.7
- **Automated Scanning:** Tenable Nessus (15 all-time mentions), Microsoft Defender... (recent reviews cite automation and real-time updates)
- **Reporting Capabilities:** Tenable Nessus (detailed, actionable reports frequently cited), Microsoft Defender... (recent reviews mention comprehensive dashboards and reporting, but some desire more customization)
- **Integration Options:** Tenable Nessus (recent reviews mention integration with HCL BigFix and APIs), Microsoft Defender... (strong integration with Microsoft ecosystem, including Intune and Azure)

### What are the pros and cons of Tenable Nessus vs Microsoft Defender...?

Tenable Nessus is strongest for vulnerability identification and ease of use, while Microsoft Defender... is praised for integration with the Microsoft ecosystem and real-time protection.

- **Tenable Nessus strengths:** Vulnerability Identification (20 all-time mentions), Vulnerability Detection (18), Ease of Use (16), Automated Scanning (15), Features (13), User Interface (13), Security (9), Scanning Technology (7), Automation (6), Security Testing (6), Software Updates (6), Customer Support (5), Detailed Information (5), Flexibility (5), Setup Ease (5)
- **Tenable Nessus trade-offs:** Slow Scanning (7), Expensive (6), Limited Features (6), Complexity (5), False Positives (5)
- **Microsoft Defender... strengths:** Integration with Microsoft ecosystem, real-time vulnerability updates, automated scanning, comprehensive dashboards, and reporting capabilities
- **Microsoft Defender... trade-offs:** Limited third-party integrations, reporting customization limitations, platform coverage focused on Microsoft environments, and cost-effectiveness concerns for smaller businesses

### Is Tenable Nessus or Microsoft Defender... better for small businesses?

Microsoft Defender... is better suited for small businesses, as indicated by its largest reviewer segment and supporting sentiment.

- **Tenable Nessus:** Largest segment is Mid-Market; reviewers highlight ease of use and setup but note increasing costs may be a barrier for smaller organizations.
- **Microsoft Defender...:** Largest segment is Small-Business; reviewers appreciate its inclusion with Microsoft licensing and straightforward onboarding for small teams.

### Which Vulnerability Scanner platform has better integrations?

Reviewers indicate parity between Tenable Nessus and Microsoft Defender... for integrations, with each product favored for integration within its ecosystem.

- **Tenable Nessus:** Recent reviews mention integration with HCL BigFix and APIs, supporting hybrid environments and export features.
- **Microsoft Defender...:** Reviewers highlight integration with Intune and Azure, with strong alignment to the Microsoft security suite.

### How do Tenable Nessus and Microsoft Defender... compare on customer support?

Microsoft Defender... scores higher on Quality of Support by 0.3 points, making it the reviewer favorite for support experiences.

- **Tenable Nessus:** Reviewers describe support as helpful and responsive, with several citing quick assistance and clear guidance, though a few mention delays in scheduling support calls.
- **Microsoft Defender...:** Reviewers consistently praise support quality, noting comprehensive documentation, online resources, and dedicated customer support, with a Quality of Support score of 8.7.

### Which is easier to implement, Tenable Nessus or Microsoft Defender...?

Tenable Nessus leads on Ease of Setup by 0.7 points, making it easier to implement than Microsoft Defender....

- **Tenable Nessus:** Reviewers frequently cite straightforward installation, quick setup, and an intuitive interface, with an Ease of Setup score of 8.8.
- **Microsoft Defender...:** Reviewers note that onboarding is generally straightforward, especially for organizations already using Microsoft products, but some mention challenges with device configuration and dashboard complexity, with an Ease of Setup score of 8.1.

### Which product has better False Positives?

Tenable Nessus is favored for lower false positives, with reviewers consistently highlighting its accuracy and low false positive rate compared to Microsoft Defender....

- **Tenable Nessus:** False Positives (5 all-time mentions); reviewers describe the scanner as "low in FP's" and cite accurate vulnerability detection.
- **Microsoft Defender...:** Recent reviews mention issues with false positives as a downside, with several teams actively working to address them.