Microsoft Defender for Endpoint vs Palo Alto Cortex XDR
Side-by-side from the Top 11 ranking of Top 11 Endpoint Protection Software. Last verified July 4, 2026.
The short answer
Microsoft Defender for Endpoint ranks higher on Top 11 (#2 vs #4) for IT and security leaders. Enterprise EDR built into Windows and E5.
At a glance
| Microsoft Defender for Endpoint | Palo Alto Cortex XDR | |
|---|---|---|
| Top 11 rank | #2 / Top 11 Endpoint Protection Software | #4 / Top 11 Endpoint Protection Software |
| Score (out of 9.4) | 9.1 | 8.9 |
| Best for | Best native option for Microsoft estates | Best for network plus endpoint XDR |
| Pricing | $ ($3/endpoint/mo Plan 1, or bundled in Microsoft 365 E5) | $$$ (custom, per-endpoint enterprise pricing) |
| HQ | Redmond, USA | Santa Clara, USA |
| Founded | 2019 | 2005 |
Microsoft Defender for Endpoint
Enterprise EDR built into Windows and E5.
www.microsoft.com/en-us/security/business/endpoint-security/microsoft-defender-endpointPalo Alto Cortex XDR
Fuses endpoint, network, and cloud into one XDR.
www.paloaltonetworks.com/cortex/cortex-xdrMethodology and scoring weights live at /methodology. No vendor pays for placement — see about.