Microsoft Defender for Endpoint vs CrowdStrike Falcon
Side-by-side from the Top 11 ranking of Top 11 Endpoint Protection Software. Last verified July 4, 2026.
The short answer
CrowdStrike Falcon ranks higher on Top 11 (#1 vs #2) for IT and security leaders. One lightweight agent, leading detection and managed hunting.
At a glance
| Microsoft Defender for Endpoint | CrowdStrike Falcon | |
|---|---|---|
| Top 11 rank | #2 / Top 11 Endpoint Protection Software | #1 / Top 11 Endpoint Protection Software |
| Score (out of 9.4) | 9.1 | 9.3 |
| Best for | Best native option for Microsoft estates | Best overall for EDR and threat hunting |
| Pricing | $ ($3/endpoint/mo Plan 1, or bundled in Microsoft 365 E5) | $$$ (roughly $60 to $185 per endpoint per year by tier) |
| HQ | Redmond, USA | Austin, USA |
| Founded | 2019 | 2011 |
Microsoft Defender for Endpoint
Enterprise EDR built into Windows and E5.
www.microsoft.com/en-us/security/business/endpoint-security/microsoft-defender-endpointCrowdStrike Falcon
One lightweight agent, leading detection and managed hunting.
www.crowdstrike.com/platform/Methodology and scoring weights live at /methodology. No vendor pays for placement — see about.