Microsoft Defender for Endpoint vs ThreatLocker
Updated June 2026 · A structured head-to-head comparison.
Enterprise endpoint detection and response
Application allowlisting and zero trust endpoint control
The verdict
Both Microsoft Defender for Endpoint and ThreatLocker are credible antivirus tools, and the right pick comes down to your priorities.
Choose Microsoft Defender for Endpoint if you want a lower starting price (from $5.50/user/mo). Enterprise endpoint detection and response
Choose ThreatLocker if you'd rather have a longer free trial (30 days) and a higher overall rating (4.8/5). Application allowlisting and zero trust endpoint control
Microsoft Defender for Endpoint vs ThreatLocker: side by side
| Dimension | Microsoft Defender for Endpoint | ThreatLocker |
|---|---|---|
| Starting price | From $5.50/user/moWinner | Custom |
| Free plan | No | No |
| Free trial | — | 30 daysWinner |
| Pricing model | Subscription | Subscription |
| Best for | Enterprise, It Teams, Microsoft Shops | Smb, Msp, It Teams |
| Platforms | Windows, Mac, Linux, Ios, Android | Windows, Mac, Linux, Api |
| Rating | 4.5/5 | 4.8/5Winner |
Microsoft Defender for Endpoint key facts
- Vendor
- Microsoft
- Pricing
- Subscription — From $5.50/user/mo
- Free tier
- No
- Platforms
- Windows, Mac, Linux, Ios, Android
- Best for
- Enterprise, It Teams, Microsoft Shops
- Editor rating
- 4.5 / 5
- Founded
- 2018
- Headquarters
- Redmond, USA
ThreatLocker key facts
- Vendor
- ThreatLocker
- Pricing
- Subscription — Custom
- Free tier
- Free trial (30 days)
- Platforms
- Windows, Mac, Linux, Api
- Best for
- Smb, Msp, It Teams
- Editor rating
- 4.8 / 5
- Founded
- 2017
- Headquarters
- Orlando, USA
Frequently asked questions
Is Microsoft Defender for Endpoint better than ThreatLocker?
Neither is universally better — ThreatLocker edges ahead on overall rating, but the best choice depends on price, platforms, and your use case. See the side-by-side table above.
Is Microsoft Defender for Endpoint or ThreatLocker cheaper?
Microsoft Defender for Endpoint is the more affordable of the two to get started, at from $5.50/user/mo. Microsoft Defender for Endpoint starts at from $5.50/user/mo; ThreatLocker starts at custom.
Can Microsoft Defender for Endpoint replace ThreatLocker?
Yes for most teams — both are antivirus tools with heavily overlapping features. The main trade-offs are pricing and platform support, covered in the comparison above.