We’ve helped businesses choose antivirus solutions, and the question of Sophos versus Microsoft Defender comes up regularly. Both are solid options, but they’re different. Which one makes sense depends on what you actually need.
Microsoft Defender for Endpoint is Microsoft’s enterprise security solution. It’s built into Windows, but the business version offers more features than the free consumer version. Sophos is a third-party security vendor that’s been around for years and offers comprehensive endpoint protection.
We’ve worked with both, and we’ve seen businesses succeed with either one. The choice usually comes down to what features you need, how much management you want to do, and what fits your budget. Here’s what we’ve learned from working with both solutions.
Microsoft Defender for Endpoint: The Integrated Option
Microsoft Defender for Endpoint is part of the Microsoft 365 ecosystem. If you’re already using Microsoft 365, it integrates seamlessly. You manage it through the same admin portal you use for everything else, which simplifies things if you’re already comfortable with Microsoft’s tools.
It provides good protection. Microsoft has invested heavily in security, and Defender uses machine learning, behavioural analysis, and cloud-based threat intelligence to detect and block threats. It’s not just basic antivirus. It includes endpoint detection and response capabilities, which means it can detect suspicious activity and respond automatically.
The integration with Microsoft 365 is valuable. If you’re using Microsoft 365 for email, files, and collaboration, having your security integrated with the same platform makes sense. You get unified reporting, and security events can be correlated with other Microsoft 365 activity.
Pricing is straightforward if you’re already on Microsoft 365. It’s included with certain Microsoft 365 plans, or you can add it as an additional service. The cost depends on which Microsoft 365 plan you have, but it’s usually competitive with third-party solutions.
Management is relatively simple if you’re familiar with Microsoft’s admin interfaces. The console is web-based, so you can manage policies, view threats, and respond to incidents from one place. If you’re already managing Microsoft 365, the learning curve is minimal.
Sophos: The Dedicated Security Option
Sophos is a security-focused company. They’ve been doing antivirus and endpoint security for decades, and it shows in the depth of their features. They offer comprehensive protection that goes beyond basic antivirus, including firewall, web filtering, device control, and more.
The management console is powerful. Sophos Central provides a single dashboard for managing all your endpoints, viewing threats, and configuring policies. It’s designed specifically for security management, so it’s more detailed than Microsoft’s integrated approach.
Sophos offers strong protection. They have good detection rates, and their threat intelligence is solid. They also offer features like web filtering and application control, which can prevent threats before they reach your devices. If you want granular control over what users can do, Sophos gives you more options.
Support is generally good. Sophos has dedicated support for their security products, and they’re responsive when you need help. If you prefer working with a security-focused vendor rather than a general technology company, Sophos might appeal to you.
Pricing is per device, and it’s usually competitive. You pay for what you use, with different tiers depending on which features you need. It’s not free, but the cost is reasonable for what you get.
Comparing the Two
Protection quality is similar. Both Microsoft Defender and Sophos provide good protection against malware, ransomware, and other threats. Neither is perfect, but both are effective. The difference is usually in features and management, not in how well they detect threats.
Microsoft Defender integrates better with Microsoft 365. If you’re using Microsoft 365 for everything, having security integrated with the same platform is convenient. You get unified reporting, and security events are visible alongside other Microsoft 365 activity. If you’re not using Microsoft 365, this advantage doesn’t matter.
Sophos offers more granular control. If you want to control which websites users can visit, which applications they can run, or how USB devices are handled, Sophos gives you more options. Microsoft Defender can do some of this, but Sophos is more comprehensive in this area.
Management complexity differs. Microsoft Defender is simpler if you’re already managing Microsoft 365, because it’s all in one place. Sophos requires a separate management console, but it’s more detailed and security-focused. Which is better depends on whether you prefer simplicity or detailed control.
Cost varies. Microsoft Defender is often included with Microsoft 365 plans, or it’s an add-on that integrates with your existing subscription. Sophos is a separate subscription. For small businesses, the cost is usually similar, but it depends on your Microsoft 365 licensing and how many devices you have.
When to Choose Microsoft Defender
Choose Microsoft Defender if you’re already using Microsoft 365. The integration is valuable, and managing everything from one place simplifies things. If you’re comfortable with Microsoft’s admin interfaces, Defender fits naturally into your workflow.
It’s also a good choice if you want simplicity. Defender is straightforward to set up and manage, especially if you’re already managing Microsoft 365. You don’t need to learn a new system, and you don’t need to manage separate subscriptions.
If cost is a concern and you’re already paying for Microsoft 365, Defender might be included or available as a relatively inexpensive add-on. It’s worth checking what’s included in your Microsoft 365 plan before looking at third-party options.
And if you don’t need advanced features like web filtering or application control, Defender’s built-in capabilities are usually sufficient. For most small businesses, basic endpoint protection is enough, and Defender provides that.
When to Choose Sophos
Choose Sophos if you need more control. If you want to filter web traffic, control which applications users can run, or manage USB devices, Sophos offers more granular options. Microsoft Defender can do some of this, but Sophos is more comprehensive.
It’s also a good choice if you’re not using Microsoft 365, or if you’re using a mix of platforms. Sophos works with Windows, Mac, and mobile devices, and it doesn’t require Microsoft 365. If you’re not invested in the Microsoft ecosystem, Sophos is platform-agnostic.
If you prefer working with a security-focused vendor, Sophos might appeal to you. They specialise in security, and their support and documentation reflect that. If you want dedicated security expertise and support, Sophos provides that.
And if you need features that Microsoft Defender doesn’t offer, Sophos might be the better choice. Web filtering, application control, device control, these are areas where Sophos is stronger. If these features matter for your business, Sophos is worth considering.
The Reality of Both
Both solutions work. We’ve seen businesses succeed with either one. The choice usually comes down to what fits your situation, not which one is objectively better. Microsoft Defender is better if you’re already using Microsoft 365 and want simplicity. Sophos is better if you need more control or you’re not using Microsoft 365.
Neither is perfect. Both will miss some threats, and both require proper configuration to be effective. Having good security practices matters more than which antivirus you choose. Training your team, keeping software updated, using strong passwords, these things matter more than the specific antivirus product.
For most small businesses, either solution is sufficient. The important thing is to have something, configure it properly, and keep it updated. Whether that’s Microsoft Defender or Sophos matters less than having proper security in place.
Making the Decision
If you’re already using Microsoft 365, start with Microsoft Defender. It’s integrated, it’s usually included or inexpensive, and it’s sufficient for most businesses. You can always switch to Sophos later if you need features that Defender doesn’t provide.
If you’re not using Microsoft 365, or if you need advanced features like web filtering, consider Sophos. It’s a solid solution, and it offers more granular control. The separate management console is a bit more complex, but it’s manageable.
And remember that antivirus is just one part of security. You still need to train your team, keep software updated, use strong passwords, enable multi-factor authentication, and follow other security best practices. No antivirus solution replaces good security practices.
If you’re not sure which solution makes sense for your business, or if you need help setting up either one, get in touch. We’ve helped businesses implement both Microsoft Defender and Sophos and can help you understand what you need and how to set it up properly.