# Aqua Cloud Native Application Protection Platform (CNAPP) vs Microsoft Defender for Cloud: side-by-side comparison (2026) [Aqua Cloud Native Application Protection Platform (CNAPP)](https://cybersectools.com/tools/aqua-cloud-native-application-protection-platform-cnapp) is a commercial [cloud-native application protection platform](https://cybersectools.com/categories/cnapp) solution by [Aqua Security Software Ltd](https://cybersectools.com/companies/aqua-security-software-ltd). [Microsoft Defender for Cloud](https://cybersectools.com/tools/microsoft-defender-for-cloud) is a commercial [cloud-native application protection platform](https://cybersectools.com/categories/cnapp) solution by [Microsoft](https://cybersectools.com/companies/microsoft). Features, integrations, deployment and the company behind each one, side by side. ## Our take What our shortlists say about the one we picked. ### [Microsoft Defender for Cloud](https://cybersectools.com/tools/microsoft-defender-for-cloud) Best for: Companies running mostly on Azure Defender for Cloud earns a spot because it puts posture, compliance tracking, attack paths and workload protection for Azure, AWS and Google Cloud in one place, and Secure Score gives you an ordered list of fixes. It is aimed at mid-market and enterprise estates. The protection plans are separate for servers, containers, databases, storage and APIs, so decide which ones you need before you compare it with the rest. From [Best Cloud Security Solutions for Business](https://cybersectools.com/shortlists/best-cloud-security-solutions), Fall 2026. Reviewed by [Nika (Nikoloz) Kokhreidze](https://cybersectools.com/about). ## Side-by-side comparison | | Aqua Cloud Native Application Protection Platform (CNAPP) | Microsoft Defender for Cloud | |---|---|---| | Pricing model | Commercial | Commercial | | Category | Cloud-Native Application Protection Platform | Cloud-Native Application Protection Platform | | Verified | No | No | | Deployment type | Cloud | Cloud | | Company size fit | SMB, Mid-Market, Enterprise | Mid-Market, Enterprise | | Company | Aqua Security Software Ltd. | Microsoft | | Headquarters | – | – | ### Use cases and capabilities | | Aqua Cloud Native Application Protection Platform (CNAPP) | Microsoft Defender for Cloud | |---|---|---| | Runtime Security | Yes | – | | Software Supply Chain | Yes | – | | Kubernetes | Yes | – | | Azure | – | Yes | | Cloud Native | – | Yes | | Misconfiguration | – | Yes | | Workload Security | – | Yes | | Microsoft | – | Yes | | Vulnerability | – | Yes | | Attack Paths | – | Yes | | DevSecOps | – | Yes | | Kubernetes Security | – | Yes | | Zero Trust Architecture | – | Yes | ### Core features **Aqua Cloud Native Application Protection Platform (CNAPP)** 10 features listed. Sign in on the page to see them. **Microsoft Defender for Cloud** 10 features listed. Sign in on the page to see them. ### Integrations **Aqua Cloud Native Application Protection Platform (CNAPP)** 34 integrations listed. Sign in on the page to see them. **Microsoft Defender for Cloud** 34 integrations listed. Sign in on the page to see them. ## Which one fits you Based on what each listing shows: deployment, company size, price and open source. - [Aqua Cloud Native Application Protection Platform (CNAPP)](https://cybersectools.com/tools/aqua-cloud-native-application-protection-platform-cnapp) fits if you are a small business. ## Aqua Cloud Native Application Protection Platform (CNAPP) vs Microsoft Defender for Cloud FAQ Common questions when comparing Aqua Cloud Native Application Protection Platform (CNAPP) vs Microsoft Defender for Cloud for cloud-native application protection platform. ### What is the difference between Aqua Cloud Native Application Protection Platform (CNAPP) and Microsoft Defender for Cloud? **Aqua Cloud Native Application Protection Platform (CNAPP)**: CNAPP providing security from code to cloud for cloud native and AI apps. Built by Aqua Security Software Ltd. **Microsoft Defender for Cloud**: CNAPP providing CSPM and workload protection across multicloud environments. Built by Microsoft. The table above shows where their features, integrations, deployment and company size fit differ. ### Who makes Aqua Cloud Native Application Protection Platform (CNAPP) and Microsoft Defender for Cloud? **Aqua Cloud Native Application Protection Platform (CNAPP)** is made by Aqua Security Software Ltd. **Microsoft Defender for Cloud** is made by Microsoft. The vendor behind a product decides its roadmap, support, and longevity, so check each company's profile before you commit. ### Is Aqua Cloud Native Application Protection Platform (CNAPP) a good alternative to Microsoft Defender for Cloud? Often, yes. Aqua Cloud Native Application Protection Platform (CNAPP) and Microsoft Defender for Cloud are both Cloud-Native Application Protection Platform products. Use the table above to see where features, deployment and company size fit differ. ## Related comparisons - [Aqua Cloud Native Application Protection Platform (CNAPP) vs Native Security Platform](https://cybersectools.com/compare/aqua-cloud-native-application-protection-platform-cnapp-vs-native-security-platform) - [Aqua Cloud Native Application Protection Platform (CNAPP) vs MoreSec CNPP](https://cybersectools.com/compare/aqua-cloud-native-application-protection-platform-cnapp-vs-moresec-cnpp) - [Aqua Cloud Native Application Protection Platform (CNAPP) vs RoonCyber Runtime CNAPP + CADR](https://cybersectools.com/compare/aqua-cloud-native-application-protection-platform-cnapp-vs-rooncyber-runtime-cnapp-cadr) - [Microsoft Defender for Cloud vs Native Security Platform](https://cybersectools.com/compare/microsoft-defender-for-cloud-vs-native-security-platform) - [Microsoft Defender for Cloud vs MoreSec CNPP](https://cybersectools.com/compare/microsoft-defender-for-cloud-vs-moresec-cnpp) - [Microsoft Defender for Cloud vs RoonCyber Runtime CNAPP + CADR](https://cybersectools.com/compare/microsoft-defender-for-cloud-vs-rooncyber-runtime-cnapp-cadr) ## Alternatives to each - [See all Aqua Cloud Native Application Protection Platform (CNAPP) alternatives](https://cybersectools.com/alternatives/aqua-cloud-native-application-protection-platform-cnapp) - [See all Microsoft Defender for Cloud alternatives](https://cybersectools.com/alternatives/microsoft-defender-for-cloud) --- Source: https://cybersectools.com/compare/aqua-cloud-native-application-protection-platform-cnapp-vs-microsoft-defender-for-cloud For AI agents: each product above has its own Markdown page (add .md to its URL, for example https://cybersectools.com/tools/aqua-cloud-native-application-protection-platform-cnapp.md). Every CybersecTools shortlist is listed at https://cybersectools.com/shortlists.md. More on Aqua Cloud Native Application Protection Platform (CNAPP) and Microsoft Defender for Cloud: funding, momentum, hiring and news, plus the full product and company record, are available through the Mandos MCP Server (paid plans), which connects to AI assistants: https://mandos.io/mcp?utm_source=cybersectools.com&utm_medium=compare-md