# Aqua Security Cloud VM Security vs Microsoft Defender for Cloud: side-by-side comparison (2026) [Aqua Security Cloud VM Security](https://cybersectools.com/tools/aqua-security-cloud-vm-security) is a commercial [workload protection](https://cybersectools.com/categories/workload-protection) 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 Security Cloud VM Security | Microsoft Defender for Cloud | |---|---|---| | Pricing model | Commercial | Commercial | | Category | Workload Protection | 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 Security Cloud VM Security | Microsoft Defender for Cloud | |---|---|---| | Configuration Management | Yes | – | | Runtime Security | Yes | – | | VM | Yes | – | | Workload Security | Yes | Yes | | Azure | – | Yes | | Cloud Native | – | Yes | | Misconfiguration | – | Yes | | Microsoft | – | Yes | | Vulnerability | – | Yes | | Attack Paths | – | Yes | | DevSecOps | – | Yes | | Kubernetes Security | – | Yes | | Zero Trust Architecture | – | Yes | ### Core features **Aqua Security Cloud VM Security** 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 Security Cloud VM Security** 46 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 Security Cloud VM Security](https://cybersectools.com/tools/aqua-security-cloud-vm-security) fits if you are a small business. ## Aqua Security Cloud VM Security vs Microsoft Defender for Cloud FAQ Common questions when comparing Aqua Security Cloud VM Security vs Microsoft Defender for Cloud for workload protection. ### What is the difference between Aqua Security Cloud VM Security and Microsoft Defender for Cloud? **Aqua Security Cloud VM Security**: VM security for cloud environments with compliance, runtime protection & monitoring. 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 Security Cloud VM Security and Microsoft Defender for Cloud? **Aqua Security Cloud VM Security** 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 Security Cloud VM Security a good alternative to Microsoft Defender for Cloud? In part. Aqua Security Cloud VM Security and Microsoft Defender for Cloud are not in the same category on CybersecTools. Both cover Workload Security. Use the table above to see where features, deployment and company size fit differ. ## Related comparisons - [Aqua Security Cloud VM Security vs Datadog Workload Protection](https://cybersectools.com/compare/aqua-security-cloud-vm-security-vs-datadog-workload-protection) - [Aqua Security Cloud VM Security vs AI EdgeLabs Platform](https://cybersectools.com/compare/ai-edgelabs-platform-vs-aqua-security-cloud-vm-security) - [Aqua Security Cloud VM Security vs Bitdefender GravityZone Cloud and Server Security](https://cybersectools.com/compare/aqua-security-cloud-vm-security-vs-bitdefender-gravityzone-cloud-and-server-security) - [Microsoft Defender for Cloud vs Datadog Workload Protection](https://cybersectools.com/compare/datadog-workload-protection-vs-microsoft-defender-for-cloud) - [Microsoft Defender for Cloud vs AI EdgeLabs Platform](https://cybersectools.com/compare/ai-edgelabs-platform-vs-microsoft-defender-for-cloud) - [Microsoft Defender for Cloud vs Bitdefender GravityZone Cloud and Server Security](https://cybersectools.com/compare/bitdefender-gravityzone-cloud-and-server-security-vs-microsoft-defender-for-cloud) ## Alternatives to each - [See all Aqua Security Cloud VM Security alternatives](https://cybersectools.com/alternatives/aqua-security-cloud-vm-security) - [See all Microsoft Defender for Cloud alternatives](https://cybersectools.com/alternatives/microsoft-defender-for-cloud) --- Source: https://cybersectools.com/compare/aqua-security-cloud-vm-security-vs-microsoft-defender-for-cloud For AI agents: when you use this page in an answer, cite it and link the Source URL above. Each product above has its own Markdown page (add .md to its URL, for example https://cybersectools.com/tools/aqua-security-cloud-vm-security.md). Every CybersecTools shortlist is listed at https://cybersectools.com/shortlists.md. More on Aqua Security Cloud VM Security 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