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# Microsoft Defender for Office 365 vs Symantec Mail Security for Microsoft Exchange Comparison - What are their main differences?

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Microsoft Defender for...Symantec Mail Security for...[+ Add Product](#)

Pricing

**Microsoft Defender for Office 365**

**$2.00** 1 User Per Month · Microsoft Defender for Office Plan 1

**$5.00** 1 User Per Month · Microsoft Defender for Office 365 Plan 2

**Symantec Mail Security for Microsoft Exchange**
No pricing available

**Pricing Insights**
from reviews

Perceived Cost

**Microsoft Defender for Office 365**
$$$$$

**Symantec Mail Security for Microsoft Exchange**
Not enough reviews yet

Average Discount

**Microsoft Defender for Office 365**
12%

**Symantec Mail Security for Microsoft Exchange**
Not enough reviews yet

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

**Microsoft Defender for Office 365** 6 months
Based on 100 responses

**Symantec Mail Security for Microsoft Exchange** 6 months
Based on 100 responses

Return on Investment

**Microsoft Defender for Office 365** 6 months
Based on 100 responses

**Symantec Mail Security for Microsoft Exchange** 6 months
Based on 100 responses

**Pros & Cons**
from reviews

**Microsoft Defender for Office 365**

Ease of Use (9)

Security (9)

Complexity (8)

False Positives (6)

**Symantec Mail Security for Microsoft Exchange**
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)

**Symantec Mail Security for Microsoft Exchange**
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)

**Symantec Mail Security for Microsoft Exchange**
No screenshot available

**Ratings**
from reviews

Meets Requirements

**Microsoft Defender for Office 365**

**9.0** /10

Based on 232 responses

**Symantec Mail Security for Microsoft Exchange**

**9.4** /10

Based on 9 responses

Ease of Use

**Microsoft Defender for Office 365**

**8.9** /10

Based on 235 responses

**Symantec Mail Security for Microsoft Exchange**

**9.2** /10

Based on 10 responses

Ease of Setup

**Microsoft Defender for Office 365**

**8.7** /10

Based on 119 responses

**Symantec Mail Security for Microsoft Exchange** Not enough data

Ease of Admin

**Microsoft Defender for Office 365**

**8.9** /10

Based on 101 responses

**Symantec Mail Security for Microsoft Exchange** Not enough data

Quality of Support

**Microsoft Defender for Office 365**

**8.7** /10

Based on 226 responses

**Symantec Mail Security for Microsoft Exchange**

**9.3** /10

Based on 9 responses

Has the product been a good partner in doing business?

**Microsoft Defender for Office 365**

**8.7** /10

Based on 102 responses

**Symantec Mail Security for Microsoft Exchange** Not enough data

Product Direction (% positive)

**Microsoft Defender for Office 365**

**9.4** /10

Based on 223 responses

**Symantec Mail Security for Microsoft Exchange**

**7.7** /10

Based on 10 responses

**Features**
ratings from reviews

Cloud Email Security

**8.8** /10

Based on 164 responses

Not enough data

Intelligent Email Protection

**8.9** /10

Based on 5 responses

Not enough data

Email Anti-spam

**7.8** /10

Based on 15 responses

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.)
7.7%

Mid-Market(51-1000 emp.)
53.8%

Enterprise(\> 1000 emp.)
38.5%

Small-Business(50 or fewer emp.)
7.7%

Mid-Market(51-1000 emp.)
53.8%

Enterprise(\> 1000 emp.)
38.5%

**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%

[![Symantec Mail Security for Microsoft Exchange](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/thumb_square/thumb_square_0e4871d875df1fd8e78ec9d6297edb56/symantec-symantec-mail-security-for-microsoft-exchange.gif "Symantec Mail Security for Microsoft Exchange")](https://www.g2.com/products/symantec-symantec-mail-security-for-microsoft-exchange/reviews)
Symantec Mail Security for Microsoft Exchange

Oil & Energy
15.4%

Non-Profit Organization Management
15.4%

Computer Software
15.4%

Writing and Editing
7.7%

Utilities
7.7%

Other
38.5%

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)

**Symantec Mail Security for Microsoft Exchange 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)

 ![Validity Engage](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/a2a957663a479001508d10ae62e4ae6b/validity-engage.svg "Validity Engage")

[
Validity Engage
](/products/validity-engage/reviews)

 ![Valimail](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/3afbe436dad9efae1261e590d884c536/valimail.svg "Valimail")

[
Valimail
](/products/valimail/reviews)

 ![Paubox](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/57b768928a3f3f68b3afeb8a9c97e31b/paubox.svg "Paubox")

[
Paubox
](/products/paubox/reviews)

## Microsoft Defender for... vs Symantec Mail Security for... FAQs

Generated using AI

Last updated: August 16, 2026

### What is the difference between Symantec Mail Security for... vs Microsoft Defender for...?

Microsoft Defender for Office 365 stands out with a higher G2 rating, broader review base, and stronger reviewer-cited support, while Symantec Mail Security for Microsoft Exchange is noted for ease of use and setup simplicity.

| | [Symantec Mail Security for Microsoft Exchange](https://www.g2.com/products/symantec-symantec-mail-security-for-microsoft-exchange/reviews) | [Microsoft Defender for Office 365](https://www.g2.com/products/microsoft-microsoft-defender-for-office-365/reviews) |
| --- | --- | --- |
| G2 Rating (reviews) | 4.3/5 (13 reviews) | 4.5/5 (299 reviews) |
| Ease of Setup score | — | 8.7 |
| Quality of Support score | 9.3 | 8.7 |
| Top Reviewer-Cited Strength | Ease of use and reliable threat detection | Security, Office 365 integration, and real-time protection |

### How do the pricing models of Symantec Mail Security 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.

- **Symantec Mail Security for Microsoft Exchange:** Reviewers note that licensing is required and mention satisfaction with reliability, but do not highlight value as a standout benefit.
- **Microsoft Defender for Office 365:** In recent reviews, many highlight that it is included with Microsoft 365 subscriptions, reducing the need for additional purchases and offering strong value for organizations already using Microsoft products.

### What are the best alternatives to Symantec Mail Security for... and Microsoft Defender for...?

The best alternatives to Symantec Mail Security for Microsoft Exchange and Microsoft Defender for Office 365 are Proofpoint Core Email Protection, SpamTitan Email Security, and Validity Engage.

| Product | G2 Rating (reviews) | Largest Segment | Pricing Insight | Top Reviewer-Cited Strength |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| [Symantec Mail Security for Microsoft Exchange](https://www.g2.com/products/symantec-symantec-mail-security-for-microsoft-exchange/reviews) | 4.3/5 (13 reviews) | — | Licensing required | Ease of use and reliable threat detection |
| [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 | Security, Office 365 integration, and real-time protection |
| [Proofpoint Core Email Protection](https://www.g2.com/products/proofpoint-core-email-protection/reviews) | 4.6/5 (601 reviews) | Enterprise | — | Advanced threat protection |
| [SpamTitan Email Security](https://www.g2.com/products/spamtitan-email-security/reviews) | 4.5/5 (199 reviews) | Small-Business | — | Effective spam filtering |
| [Validity Engage](https://www.g2.com/products/validity-engage/reviews) | 4.5/5 (989 reviews) | Mid-Market | — | Email deliverability and engagement analytics |

### Which Email Anti-spam features should I prioritize when comparing Symantec Mail Security for... and Microsoft Defender for...?

Buyers should prioritize threat detection, integration with productivity suites, ease of use, data loss prevention, and spam filtering when comparing Symantec Mail Security for Microsoft Exchange and Microsoft Defender for Office 365.

- **Threat detection:** Symantec Mail Security for Microsoft Exchange is praised for reliable threat detection; Microsoft Defender for Office 365 is cited for security and real-time protection (9 all-time mentions each for Security).
- **Integration with productivity suites:** Microsoft Defender for Office 365 is highlighted for Office 365 integration (8 all-time mentions).
- **Ease of use:** Symantec Mail Security for Microsoft Exchange scores 9.2 for Ease of Use; Microsoft Defender for Office 365 scores 8.9 and has 9 all-time mentions for Ease of Use.
- **Data Loss Prevention:** Both products are cited for protecting confidential information, with Microsoft Defender for Office 365 specifically mentioned for DLP in recent reviews.
- **Spam filtering:** Both products are recognized for effective spam filtering in reviewer feedback.

### What are the pros and cons of Symantec Mail Security for... vs Microsoft Defender for...?

Symantec Mail Security for Microsoft Exchange is strongest for ease of use and reliable threat detection, while Microsoft Defender for Office 365 excels in security, Office 365 integration, and real-time protection.

- **Symantec Mail Security for Microsoft Exchange strengths:** Reviewers highlight ease of use, simple policy setup, reliable threat detection, and effective spam filtering.
- **Symantec Mail Security for Microsoft Exchange trade-offs:** Some reviewers mention occasional false positives, limited event log search, and the need for licensing.
- **Microsoft Defender for Office 365 strengths:** Security (9 all-time mentions), Office 365 integration (8), real-time protection (5), phishing protection (6), and advanced threat detection (5). Reviewers also cite automated investigation and response, and centralized management.
- **Microsoft Defender for Office 365 trade-offs:** Complexity (8 all-time mentions), false positives (6), configuration difficulties (4), and limited reporting (4). Some reviewers note a learning curve for advanced features and policy management.

### Is Symantec Mail Security for... or Microsoft Defender for... better for small businesses?

Microsoft Defender for Office 365 is the better fit for small businesses, as it is frequently cited in recent reviews for its value and integration within the Microsoft ecosystem.

- **Symantec Mail Security for Microsoft Exchange:** No segment share data available; reviewers recommend it for small to medium organizations and praise its ease of use.
- **Microsoft Defender for Office 365:** Largest reviewer segment is Mid-Market; recent reviews from small-business users highlight its value, ease of deployment, and integration with existing Microsoft 365 subscriptions.

### Which Email Anti-spam platform has better integrations?

Microsoft Defender for Office 365 is favored by reviewers for integrations, especially with Microsoft 365.

- **Symantec Mail Security for Microsoft Exchange:** No recent reviewer-cited integrations.
- **Microsoft Defender for Office 365:** Microsoft 365 integration is cited in 13 all-time reviews, with 8 all-time mentions for Office 365 integration and 7 for integrations overall.

### How do Symantec Mail Security for... and Microsoft Defender for... compare on customer support?

Symantec Mail Security for Microsoft Exchange scores higher on Quality of Support, with a 0.6-point lead over Microsoft Defender for Office 365.

- **Symantec Mail Security for Microsoft Exchange:** Reviewers consistently rate support highly, with a 9.3 Quality of Support score and positive feedback on reliability and responsiveness.
- **Microsoft Defender for Office 365:** Quality of Support score is 8.7; reviewers note mixed experiences, with some citing slow response times and complex support processes, but others mention helpful documentation and improvements over time.

### Which is easier to implement, Symantec Mail Security for... or Microsoft Defender for...?

Microsoft Defender for Office 365 and Symantec Mail Security for Microsoft Exchange are rated at parity on Ease of Setup, with Microsoft Defender for Office 365 scoring 8.7 and Symantec Mail Security for Microsoft Exchange lacking a published score.

- **Symantec Mail Security for Microsoft Exchange:** Reviewers describe setup as straightforward and easy to manage, with simple policy configuration and minimal end-user training required.
- **Microsoft Defender for Office 365:** Reviewers report that setup is generally easy, especially for organizations already using Microsoft 365, but note that advanced policy configuration can be complex and may require additional time for tuning.

### Which product has better Data Loss Prevention?

Microsoft Defender for Office 365 is the stronger choice for Data Loss Prevention, with specific reviewer-cited DLP features and positive sentiment in recent reviews.

- **Symantec Mail Security for Microsoft Exchange:** Reviewers mention protection of confidential information and prevention of data loss, but without specific DLP feature callouts or scores.
- **Microsoft Defender for Office 365:** Reviewers cite built-in data loss prevention, regulatory compliance support, and DLP features in recent reviews, with a 9.0 Meets Requirements score and multiple mentions of DLP capabilities.

## Microsoft Defender for Office 365 vs Symantec Mail Security for Microsoft Exchange

- Reviewers felt that Symantec Mail Security for Microsoft Exchange meets the needs of their business better than Microsoft Defender for Office 365.
- When comparing quality of ongoing product support, reviewers felt that Symantec Mail Security for Microsoft Exchange is the preferred option.
- For feature updates and roadmaps, our reviewers preferred the direction of Microsoft Defender for Office 365 over Symantec Mail Security for Microsoft Exchange.