# AWS Cloud Security vs Microsoft Defender for Cloud: side-by-side comparison (2026) [AWS Cloud Security](https://cybersectools.com/tools/aws-cloud-security) is a free [cloud-native application protection platform](https://cybersectools.com/categories/cnapp) solution by [Amazon Web Services, Inc](https://cybersectools.com/companies/amazon-web-services-inc). [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 | | AWS Cloud Security | Microsoft Defender for Cloud | |---|---|---| | Pricing model | Free | 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 | Amazon Web Services, Inc. | Microsoft | | Headquarters | – | – | ### Use cases and capabilities | | AWS Cloud Security | Microsoft Defender for Cloud | |---|---|---| | AWS | 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 **AWS Cloud Security** No features listed. **Microsoft Defender for Cloud** 10 features listed. Sign in on the page to see them. ### Integrations **AWS Cloud Security** No integrations listed. **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. - [AWS Cloud Security](https://cybersectools.com/tools/aws-cloud-security) fits if you are a small business and you need a free product. ## AWS Cloud Security vs Microsoft Defender for Cloud FAQ Common questions when comparing AWS Cloud Security vs Microsoft Defender for Cloud for cloud-native application protection platform. ### What is the difference between AWS Cloud Security and Microsoft Defender for Cloud? **AWS Cloud Security**: AWS Cloud Security offers security services and compliance tools for securing data and applications on AWS. Built by Amazon Web Services, Inc. **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 AWS Cloud Security and Microsoft Defender for Cloud? **AWS Cloud Security** is made by Amazon Web Services, Inc. **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 AWS Cloud Security a good alternative to Microsoft Defender for Cloud? Often, yes. AWS Cloud Security and Microsoft Defender for Cloud are both Cloud-Native Application Protection Platform products. Key differences: AWS Cloud Security is Free while Microsoft Defender for Cloud is Commercial. Use the table above to see where features, deployment and company size fit differ. ## Related comparisons - [AWS Cloud Security vs Upwind Security Posture](https://cybersectools.com/compare/aws-cloud-security-vs-upwind-cloud-runtime-visibility) - [AWS Cloud Security vs Native Security Platform](https://cybersectools.com/compare/aws-cloud-security-vs-native-security-platform) - [AWS Cloud Security vs MoreSec CNPP](https://cybersectools.com/compare/aws-cloud-security-vs-moresec-cnpp) - [Microsoft Defender for Cloud vs Upwind Security Posture](https://cybersectools.com/compare/microsoft-defender-for-cloud-vs-upwind-cloud-runtime-visibility) - [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) ## Alternatives to each - [See all AWS Cloud Security alternatives](https://cybersectools.com/alternatives/aws-cloud-security) - [See all Microsoft Defender for Cloud alternatives](https://cybersectools.com/alternatives/microsoft-defender-for-cloud) --- Source: https://cybersectools.com/compare/aws-cloud-security-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/aws-cloud-security.md). Every CybersecTools shortlist is listed at https://cybersectools.com/shortlists.md. More on AWS Cloud 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