# Datadog Cloud Security vs Microsoft Defender for Cloud: side-by-side comparison (2026)

[Datadog Cloud Security](https://cybersectools.com/tools/datadog-cloud-security) is a commercial [cloud-native application protection platform](https://cybersectools.com/categories/cnapp) solution by [Datadog](https://cybersectools.com/companies/datadog). [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

| | Datadog Cloud Security | 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 | Datadog | Microsoft |
| Headquarters | – | – |

### Use cases and capabilities

| | Datadog Cloud Security | Microsoft Defender for Cloud |
|---|---|---|
| Cloud Native | Yes | Yes |
| Misconfiguration | Yes | Yes |
| Azure | – | Yes |
| Workload Security | – | Yes |
| Microsoft | – | Yes |
| Vulnerability | – | Yes |
| Attack Paths | – | Yes |
| DevSecOps | – | Yes |
| Kubernetes Security | – | Yes |
| Zero Trust Architecture | – | Yes |

### Core features

**Datadog Cloud Security**

7 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

**Datadog Cloud Security**

5 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.

- [Datadog Cloud Security](https://cybersectools.com/tools/datadog-cloud-security) fits if you are a small business.

## Datadog Cloud Security vs Microsoft Defender for Cloud FAQ

Common questions when comparing Datadog Cloud Security vs Microsoft Defender for Cloud for cloud-native application protection platform.

### What is the difference between Datadog Cloud Security and Microsoft Defender for Cloud?

**Datadog Cloud Security**: Cloud security platform with CSPM, CIEM, vulnerability mgmt, and compliance. Built by Datadog.

**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 Datadog Cloud Security and Microsoft Defender for Cloud?

**Datadog Cloud Security** is made by Datadog. **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 Datadog Cloud Security a good alternative to Microsoft Defender for Cloud?

Often, yes. Datadog Cloud Security and Microsoft Defender for Cloud are both Cloud-Native Application Protection Platform products, and both cover Cloud Native, Misconfiguration. Use the table above to see where features, deployment and company size fit differ.

## Related comparisons

- [Datadog Cloud Security vs Native Security Platform](https://cybersectools.com/compare/datadog-cloud-security-vs-native-security-platform)
- [Datadog Cloud Security vs Upwind Security Posture](https://cybersectools.com/compare/datadog-cloud-security-vs-upwind-cloud-runtime-visibility)
- [Datadog Cloud Security vs MoreSec CNPP](https://cybersectools.com/compare/datadog-cloud-security-vs-moresec-cnpp)
- [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 Upwind Security Posture](https://cybersectools.com/compare/microsoft-defender-for-cloud-vs-upwind-cloud-runtime-visibility)
- [Microsoft Defender for Cloud vs MoreSec CNPP](https://cybersectools.com/compare/microsoft-defender-for-cloud-vs-moresec-cnpp)

## Alternatives to each

- [See all Datadog Cloud Security alternatives](https://cybersectools.com/alternatives/datadog-cloud-security)
- [See all Microsoft Defender for Cloud alternatives](https://cybersectools.com/alternatives/microsoft-defender-for-cloud)

---

Source: https://cybersectools.com/compare/datadog-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/datadog-cloud-security.md). Every CybersecTools shortlist is listed at https://cybersectools.com/shortlists.md.

More on Datadog 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