# Darktrace Email Security vs Microsoft Defender for Office 365: side-by-side comparison (2026) [Darktrace Email Security](https://cybersectools.com/tools/darktrace-email-security) is a commercial [email security platforms](https://cybersectools.com/categories/email-security-platforms) solution by [Darktrace](https://cybersectools.com/companies/darktrace). [Microsoft Defender for Office 365](https://cybersectools.com/tools/microsoft-defender-for-office-365) is a commercial [email security platforms](https://cybersectools.com/categories/email-security-platforms) 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 Office 365](https://cybersectools.com/tools/microsoft-defender-for-office-365) Best for: Teams running Microsoft 365 It is on the list because it is built into Microsoft 365, and many companies already own it through their license, so the buying question is often settled before you start. That makes it the natural first layer if you run Microsoft 365. Decide whether it covers your risk alone or needs a second product beside it, since it is built to work with other email security products. From [Best Email Security Solutions for Business](https://cybersectools.com/shortlists/best-email-security-platforms), Fall 2026. Reviewed by [Nika (Nikoloz) Kokhreidze](https://cybersectools.com/about). Need the answer fast? [Best Email Security Solutions for Business](https://cybersectools.com/shortlists/best-email-security-platforms) picks Proofpoint Core Email Protection, Microsoft Defender for Office 365, Mimecast Advanced Email Security and 4 more. ## Side-by-side comparison | | Darktrace Email Security | Microsoft Defender for Office 365 | |---|---|---| | Pricing model | Commercial | Commercial | | Category | Email Security Platforms | Email Security Platforms | | Verified | No | No | | Deployment type | Cloud | Cloud | | Company size fit | SMB, Mid-Market, Enterprise | SMB, Mid-Market, Enterprise | | Company | Darktrace | Microsoft | | Headquarters | – | – | ### Use cases and capabilities | | Darktrace Email Security | Microsoft Defender for Office 365 | |---|---|---| | Microsoft 365 | – | Yes | ### Core features **Darktrace Email Security** 10 features listed. Sign in on the page to see them. **Microsoft Defender for Office 365** 10 features listed. Sign in on the page to see them. ### Integrations **Darktrace Email Security** 3 integrations listed. Sign in on the page to see them. **Microsoft Defender for Office 365** 4 integrations listed. Sign in on the page to see them. ## Darktrace Email Security vs Microsoft Defender for Office 365 FAQ Common questions when comparing Darktrace Email Security vs Microsoft Defender for Office 365 for email security platforms. ### What is the difference between Darktrace Email Security and Microsoft Defender for Office 365? **Darktrace Email Security**: AI-powered email security platform detecting threats across email and messaging. Built by Darktrace. **Microsoft Defender for Office 365**: Email and collaboration security for Microsoft 365 environments. Built by Microsoft. The table above shows where their features, integrations, deployment and company size fit differ. ### Who makes Darktrace Email Security and Microsoft Defender for Office 365? **Darktrace Email Security** is made by Darktrace. **Microsoft Defender for Office 365** 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 Darktrace Email Security a good alternative to Microsoft Defender for Office 365? Often, yes. Darktrace Email Security and Microsoft Defender for Office 365 are both Email Security Platforms products. Use the table above to see where features, deployment and company size fit differ. ## Related comparisons - [Darktrace Email Security vs KnowBe4 Cloud Email Security](https://cybersectools.com/compare/darktrace-email-security-vs-knowbe4-cloud-email-security) - [Darktrace Email Security vs ConnectWise Email Security](https://cybersectools.com/compare/connectwise-email-security-vs-darktrace-email-security) - [Darktrace Email Security vs ID Agent Graphus](https://cybersectools.com/compare/darktrace-email-security-vs-id-agent-graphus) - [Microsoft Defender for Office 365 vs KnowBe4 Cloud Email Security](https://cybersectools.com/compare/knowbe4-cloud-email-security-vs-microsoft-defender-for-office-365) - [Microsoft Defender for Office 365 vs ConnectWise Email Security](https://cybersectools.com/compare/connectwise-email-security-vs-microsoft-defender-for-office-365) - [Microsoft Defender for Office 365 vs ID Agent Graphus](https://cybersectools.com/compare/id-agent-graphus-vs-microsoft-defender-for-office-365) ## Alternatives to each - [See all Darktrace Email Security alternatives](https://cybersectools.com/alternatives/darktrace-email-security) - [See all Microsoft Defender for Office 365 alternatives](https://cybersectools.com/alternatives/microsoft-defender-for-office-365) --- Source: https://cybersectools.com/compare/darktrace-email-security-vs-microsoft-defender-for-office-365 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/darktrace-email-security.md). Every CybersecTools shortlist is listed at https://cybersectools.com/shortlists.md. More on Darktrace Email Security and Microsoft Defender for Office 365: 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