In general, we use it for OneDrive and Office tools.
Senior Network Analyst at a financial services firm with 1,001-5,000 employees
A stable, scalable, and resilient security solution
Pros and Cons
- "At the moment we are satisfied with this product. It's a stable, scalable, and resilient solution for us."
- "It would be better if it were more scalable. It depends on the architecture, but we would like to make it more scalable for both data centers."
What is our primary use case?
What is most valuable?
At the moment we are satisfied with this product. It's a stable, scalable, and resilient solution for us.
What needs improvement?
It would be better if it were more scalable. It depends on the architecture, but we would like to make it more scalable for both data centers.
For how long have I used the solution?
I have been working with Microsoft Defender for Office 365 for almost seven years.
Buyer's Guide
Microsoft Defender for Office 365
January 2026
Learn what your peers think about Microsoft Defender for Office 365. Get advice and tips from experienced pros sharing their opinions. Updated: January 2026.
881,821 professionals have used our research since 2012.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
Microsoft Defender for Office 365 is very stable.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
Microsoft Defender for Office 365 is very scalable. Because we have our issues on principle access, we can be scalable and resilient.
How are customer service and support?
Technical support is excellent and very helpful.
What other advice do I have?
I would recommend the solution because it's very helpful as a scalable and resilient solution. It's useful for our users here every day.
On a scale from one to ten, I would give Microsoft Defender for Office 365 a nine.
Which deployment model are you using for this solution?
Public Cloud
Disclosure: My company has a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer. Partner
Information Technology Manager at a performing arts with 51-200 employees
Easy to set up with no configuration required, and the support is good
Pros and Cons
- "The good part is that you don't have to configure it, which is very convenient."
- "We need a separate license and we don't know how to get the license that is required."
What is our primary use case?
We are using it with Laptops that go directly to the end-user. We used the Defender because it was already there.
What is most valuable?
The good part is that you don't have to configure it, which is very convenient.
What needs improvement?
We are waiting for better software to block viruses. The feedback that we receive is that it is weaker when compared with other products such as Cisco and Palo Alto.
The only concern that we have is that this product is user-based, but we have requirements to run separate PCs or servers that are not on the same subscription. We need a separate license and we don't know how to get the license that is required.
We also wonder if it can prevent attacks from new types of viruses such as Widefire.
For how long have I used the solution?
We started using Microsoft Defender for Office 365 after the pandemic started.
How are customer service and technical support?
Technical support is very good. They are knowledgeable and respond quickly.
We have had other issues with Word, but we have not had any issues with the Defender product.
Which solution did I use previously and why did I switch?
Previously, we used Symantec Endpoint Protection. They seemed to have some sort of software issue where you couldn't renew your license.
How was the initial setup?
The initial setup was quite straightforward. There was nothing complex for both IT and the user.
There is no installation, you just enable it on the cloud to have it work automatically.
It's very convenient for remote support or remote installation.
What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?
It's a user-base subscription.
Licensing is on a monthly basis. It's part of Office 365, so you really can't tell how much it costs. It's part of the bundle.
It's difficult to compare prices with other companies.
What other advice do I have?
I feel Defender is a product that is good enough, especially for small to medium-size businesses.
I would rate this solution an eight out of ten.
Disclosure: My company does not have a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer.
Buyer's Guide
Microsoft Defender for Office 365
January 2026
Learn what your peers think about Microsoft Defender for Office 365. Get advice and tips from experienced pros sharing their opinions. Updated: January 2026.
881,821 professionals have used our research since 2012.
IT Specialist at a government with 51-200 employees
Stops evolving threats and offers peace of mind
Pros and Cons
- "The product is not resource-intensive."
- "We need to be able to whitelist data at the backend."
What is our primary use case?
We use the solution for wireless scanning, reporting, and monitoring.
How has it helped my organization?
The product is not resource-intensive.
What is most valuable?
The tool's most valuable feature is virus scanning, which has saved us from malware and ransomware.
What needs improvement?
We need to be able to whitelist data at the backend.
For how long have I used the solution?
I have been using the product for three years.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
Microsoft Defender for Office 365 is stable.
What was our ROI?
We have seen ROI with the product's use.
What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?
The tool's pricing is reasonable.
What other advice do I have?
Microsoft Defender for Office 365 can stop evolving threats, which provides peace of mind.
The solution has helped us discontinue other security products. It has helped us save time and money.
I rate the product a nine out of ten.
Disclosure: My company does not have a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer.
Cloud Services Director at a tech services company with 11-50 employees
Has an easy initial setup and is scalable
Pros and Cons
- "The initial setup was easy."
- "There is room for improvement in terms of reporting."
What needs improvement?
There is room for improvement in terms of reporting. There could be more features around it.
For how long have I used the solution?
I have been using this solution for a year.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
There are around ten users in our organization. We are planning to extend our usage to 50 people.
Which solution did I use previously and why did I switch?
I worked with ESET. I switched to Defender because it was free with Office 365.
How was the initial setup?
The initial setup was easy. It took a few hours.
What other advice do I have?
Overall, I would rate the solution an eight out of ten. The reporting features have room for improvement.
Which deployment model are you using for this solution?
Public Cloud
If public cloud, private cloud, or hybrid cloud, which cloud provider do you use?
Microsoft Azure
Disclosure: My company does not have a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer.
Buyer's Guide
Download our free Microsoft Defender for Office 365 Report and get advice and tips from experienced pros
sharing their opinions.
Updated: January 2026
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Buyer's Guide
Download our free Microsoft Defender for Office 365 Report and get advice and tips from experienced pros
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