Link copied to clipboard # Microsoft Defender for Office 365 vs Proofpoint Essentials for Small Business Comparison - What are their main differences? Share [ Export ](/compare/microsoft-microsoft-defender-for-office-365/proofpoint-essentials-for-small-business/export.csv) Microsoft Defender for...Proofpoint Essentials for...[+ Add Product](#) Pricing **Microsoft Defender for Office 365** **$2.00** 1 User Per Month · Microsoft Defender for Office Plan 1 **Proofpoint Essentials for Small Business** No pricing available **Pricing Insights** from reviews Time to Implement **Microsoft Defender for Office 365** 2 months Based on 10 responses **Proofpoint Essentials for Small Business** Not enough reviews yet Return on Investment **Microsoft Defender for Office 365** 14 months Based on 7 responses **Proofpoint Essentials for Small Business** Not enough reviews yet Perceived Cost **Microsoft Defender for Office 365** $$$$$ **Proofpoint Essentials for Small Business** $$$$$ Average Discount **Microsoft Defender for Office 365** 12% **Proofpoint Essentials for Small Business** Not enough reviews yet **Pros & Cons** from reviews **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) **Proofpoint Essentials for Small Business** Not enough data Integrations **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) **Proofpoint Essentials for Small Business** Not enough data Screenshots **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) **Proofpoint Essentials for Small Business** No screenshot available **Ratings** from reviews Meets Requirements **Microsoft Defender for Office 365** 9.0 9.0232 **Proofpoint Essentials for Small Business** 8.9 8.919 Ease of Use **Microsoft Defender for Office 365** 8.9 8.9235 **Proofpoint Essentials for Small Business** 8.8 8.820 Ease of Setup **Microsoft Defender for Office 365** 8.7 8.7119 **Proofpoint Essentials for Small Business** 8.8 8.813 Ease of Admin **Microsoft Defender for Office 365** 8.9 8.9101 **Proofpoint Essentials for Small Business** 8.5 8.512 Quality of Support **Microsoft Defender for Office 365** 8.7 8.7226 **Proofpoint Essentials for Small Business** 8.2 8.214 Has the product been a good partner in doing business? **Microsoft Defender for Office 365** 8.7 8.7102 **Proofpoint Essentials for Small Business** 8.9 8.911 Product Direction (% positive) **Microsoft Defender for Office 365** 9.4 9.4223 **Proofpoint Essentials for Small Business** 7.3 7.317 **Features** ratings from reviews Cloud Email Security 8.8 164 Not enough data Intelligent Email Protection 8.9 5 Not enough data Email Anti-spam 7.8 15 Not enough data User Insights **Reviewers' Company Size** 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% Small-Business(50 or fewer emp.) 34.8% Mid-Market(51-1000 emp.) 56.5% Enterprise(\> 1000 emp.) 8.7% Small-Business(50 or fewer emp.) 34.8% Mid-Market(51-1000 emp.) 56.5% Enterprise(\> 1000 emp.) 8.7% **Reviewers' Industry** [![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% [![Proofpoint Essentials for Small Business](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/4a1907b139c4a010357e1e43943f0717/proofpoint-essentials-for-small-business.svg "Proofpoint Essentials for Small Business")](https://www.g2.com/products/proofpoint-essentials-for-small-business/reviews) Proofpoint Essentials for Small Business Information Technology and Services 22.7% Non-Profit Organization Management 13.6% Mechanical or Industrial Engineering 9.1% Manufacturing 4.5% Wholesale 4.5% Other 45.5% Alternatives **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) **Proofpoint Essentials for Small Business Alternatives** ![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) ![Paubox](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/57b768928a3f3f68b3afeb8a9c97e31b/paubox.svg "Paubox") [ Paubox ](/products/paubox/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) ![SoSafe](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/dab9915638282ec86d48734c3f11f003/sosafe.svg "SoSafe") [ SoSafe ](/products/sosafe/reviews) ## Microsoft Defender for... vs Proofpoint Essentials for... FAQs Generated using AI Last updated: August 14, 2026 ### What is the difference between Proofpoint Essentials for... vs Microsoft Defender for...? Microsoft Defender for Office 365 stands out for its higher G2 rating, stronger support score, and deeper Office 365 integration, while Proofpoint Essentials for Small Business is noted for its straightforward setup and robust spam filtering. | | [Proofpoint Essentials for Small Business](https://www.g2.com/products/proofpoint-essentials-for-small-business/reviews) | [Microsoft Defender for Office 365](https://www.g2.com/products/microsoft-microsoft-defender-for-office-365/reviews) | | --- | --- | --- | | G2 Rating (reviews) | 4.0/5 (24 reviews) | 4.5/5 (299 reviews) | | Largest Segment | Mid-Market | Mid-Market | | Ease of Setup score | 8.8 | 8.7 | | Quality of Support score | 8.2 | 8.7 | | Top Reviewer-Cited Strength | Straightforward setup and effective spam filtering | Office 365 integration and advanced threat protection | ### How do the pricing models of Proofpoint Essentials for... and Microsoft Defender for... compare? Microsoft Defender for Office 365 is rated higher for value, with reviewers expressing greater satisfaction with its pricing and included features. - **Proofpoint Essentials for Small Business:** In recent reviews, buyers appreciate the product's fit-for-purpose bundles but note that reporting limitations and feature gaps can impact perceived value. - **Microsoft Defender for Office 365:** Reviewers consistently highlight the value of Defender being included with Microsoft 365 subscriptions, reducing the need for additional spend on third-party tools. - **Switching reasons:** Recent reviewers cite consolidation of security tools and cost savings as key reasons for moving to Microsoft Defender for Office 365. ### What are the best alternatives to Proofpoint Essentials for... and Microsoft Defender for...? The top three alternatives to Proofpoint Essentials for Small Business 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 | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | [Proofpoint Essentials for Small Business](https://www.g2.com/products/proofpoint-essentials-for-small-business/reviews) | 4.0/5 (24 reviews) | Mid-Market | — | Straightforward setup and effective spam filtering | | [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 subscriptions | Office 365 integration and advanced threat protection | | [Proofpoint Core Email Protection](https://www.g2.com/products/proofpoint-core-email-protection/reviews) | 4.6/5 (601 reviews) | Enterprise | — | Comprehensive threat detection and enterprise-grade controls | | [Mimecast Advanced Email Security](https://www.g2.com/products/mimecast-advanced-email-security/reviews) | 4.4/5 (350 reviews) | Mid-Market | — | Advanced threat protection and reliability | | [SpamTitan Email Security](https://www.g2.com/products/spamtitan-email-security/reviews) | 4.5/5 (199 reviews) | Small-Business | — | Strong spam filtering and ease of use | ### Which Cloud Email Security features should I prioritize when comparing Proofpoint Essentials for... and Microsoft Defender for...? Buyers should prioritize Quarantine, Office 365 integration, spam and phishing protection, reporting, and ease of administration when comparing Proofpoint Essentials for Small Business and Microsoft Defender for Office 365. - **Quarantine:** Both products are frequently cited for their quarantine capabilities, with Quarantine being the most mentioned feature in reviews. - **Office 365 integration:** Microsoft Defender for Office 365 is cited in 8 all-time reviews for its Office 365 integration, while Proofpoint Essentials for Small Business is noted for integration capabilities in recent reviews. - **Spam and phishing protection:** Microsoft Defender for Office 365 is cited in 8 reviews for email security and 6 for phishing protection; Proofpoint Essentials for Small Business is praised in recent reviews for spam and phishing filtering. - **Reporting:** Recent reviews of Proofpoint Essentials for Small Business mention limitations in reporting, while Microsoft Defender for Office 365 has 4 all-time mentions of limited reporting. - **Ease of administration:** Microsoft Defender for Office 365 scores 8.9 on Ease of Admin, while Proofpoint Essentials for Small Business scores 8.5. ### What are the pros and cons of Proofpoint Essentials for... vs Microsoft Defender for...? Microsoft Defender for Office 365's headline strength is its deep Office 365 integration and advanced threat protection, while Proofpoint Essentials for Small Business is praised for straightforward setup and effective spam filtering. - **Proofpoint Essentials for Small Business strengths:** Reviewers highlight straightforward setup, effective spam and phishing filtering, and user-friendly quarantine management. - **Proofpoint Essentials for Small Business trade-offs:** Recent reviews note limited reporting capabilities and occasional UI challenges. - **Microsoft Defender for Office 365 strengths:** 8 all-time reviews cite Office 365 integration, 9 mention security, 8 mention email security, and 6 mention phishing protection. Reviewers also praise advanced threat protection and automated investigation features. - **Microsoft Defender for Office 365 trade-offs:** 8 all-time reviews mention complexity, 6 mention false positives, and 4 mention configuration difficulties and limited reporting. ### Is Proofpoint Essentials for... or Microsoft Defender for... better for small businesses? SpamTitan Email Security is the top-rated alternative for small businesses, but between Proofpoint Essentials for Small Business and Microsoft Defender for Office 365, both primarily serve the mid-market segment with strong small-business sentiment in recent reviews. - **Proofpoint Essentials for Small Business:** Largest segment is Mid-Market; recent reviews from small-business users highlight ease of setup and effective spam filtering as key benefits. - **Microsoft Defender for Office 365:** Largest segment is Mid-Market; recent small-business reviewers value its inclusion with Microsoft 365 and strong integration, but note complexity in configuration. ### Which Cloud Email Security platform has better integrations? Microsoft Defender for Office 365 is favored for integrations, especially with Microsoft 365 and related tools. - **Proofpoint Essentials for Small Business:** Recent reviews mention integration with Office 365 and Azure AD, but no all-time mention counts are available. - **Microsoft Defender for Office 365:** Microsoft 365 integration is cited in 13 all-time reviews, with additional mentions for integration with Splunk and Argus portal in recent reviews. ### How do Proofpoint Essentials for... and Microsoft Defender for... compare on customer support? Microsoft Defender for Office 365 scores higher on Quality of Support, with a 0.5-point advantage over Proofpoint Essentials for Small Business. - **Proofpoint Essentials for Small Business:** Reviewers describe support as responsive and helpful, with several citing positive experiences resolving issues quickly. - **Microsoft Defender for Office 365:** Reviewers note strong support in many cases, but some mention slow response times and challenges reaching support directly; overall, the higher score reflects more consistent satisfaction. ### Which is easier to implement, Proofpoint Essentials for... or Microsoft Defender for...? Proofpoint Essentials for Small Business and Microsoft Defender for Office 365 score within a tenth of a point on Ease of Setup, indicating near parity. - **Proofpoint Essentials for Small Business:** Reviewers consistently describe the setup as straightforward and quick, with several citing ease of onboarding and configuration. - **Microsoft Defender for Office 365:** Reviewers note that setup is generally easy, especially for organizations already using Microsoft 365, but some mention complexity in advanced policy configuration and multiple admin portals. ### Which product has better Quarantine? Both Proofpoint Essentials for Small Business and Microsoft Defender for Office 365 are highly rated for their Quarantine features, with frequent positive mentions in recent reviews. - **Proofpoint Essentials for Small Business:** Reviewers highlight user-friendly quarantine management and customizable digest notifications; Quarantine is the most frequently mentioned feature in reviews. - **Microsoft Defender for Office 365:** Reviewers praise robust quarantine controls, integration with automated threat response, and the ability to manage quarantined items across the Microsoft 365 ecosystem; Quarantine is also the most frequently mentioned feature in reviews. ## Microsoft Defender for Office 365 vs Proofpoint Essentials for Small Business When assessing the two solutions, reviewers found Microsoft Defender for Office 365 easier to use and administer. However, reviewers preferred the ease of set up, and doing business with Proofpoint Essentials for Small Business overall. - Reviewers felt that Microsoft Defender for Office 365 meets the needs of their business better than Proofpoint Essentials for Small Business. - When comparing quality of ongoing product support, reviewers felt that Microsoft Defender for Office 365 is the preferred option. - For feature updates and roadmaps, our reviewers preferred the direction of Microsoft Defender for Office 365 over Proofpoint Essentials for Small Business.