# eXate Data Discovery & Classification vs Microsoft Purview Data Security: side-by-side comparison (2026)

[eXate Data Discovery & Classification](https://cybersectools.com/tools/exate-data-discovery-and-classification) is a commercial [data classification](https://cybersectools.com/categories/data-classification) solution by [eXate](https://cybersectools.com/companies/exate). [Microsoft Purview Data Security](https://cybersectools.com/tools/microsoft-purview-information-protection) is a commercial [data classification](https://cybersectools.com/categories/data-classification) 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 Purview Data Security](https://cybersectools.com/tools/microsoft-purview-information-protection)

Best for: Teams that run on Microsoft 365

It earns its place because the labels sit inside the apps your staff already use, and it is built into Microsoft 365, so you may already own part of it. That makes it a natural first layer for a Microsoft estate of any size. Weigh that labels only protect what gets labeled, so plan who sets the classification rules and how you will check them.

From [Best Data Protection Solutions for Business](https://cybersectools.com/shortlists/best-data-protection-solutions), Fall 2026.

Reviewed by [Nika (Nikoloz) Kokhreidze](https://cybersectools.com/about).

## Side-by-side comparison

| | eXate Data Discovery & Classification | Microsoft Purview Data Security |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing model | Commercial | Commercial |
| Category | Data Classification | Data Classification |
| Verified | No | No |
| Deployment type | Cloud | Hybrid |
| Company size fit | SMB, Mid-Market, Enterprise | SMB, Mid-Market, Enterprise |
| Company | eXate | Microsoft |
| Headquarters | – | – |

### Use cases and capabilities

| | eXate Data Discovery & Classification | Microsoft Purview Data Security |
|---|---|---|
| PII | Yes | – |
| GDPR | Yes | – |
| Sensitive Data | Yes | Yes |
| Microsoft 365 | – | Yes |

### Core features

**eXate Data Discovery & Classification**

10 features listed. Sign in on the page to see them.

**Microsoft Purview Data Security**

10 features listed. Sign in on the page to see them.

### Integrations

**eXate Data Discovery & Classification**

No integrations listed.

**Microsoft Purview Data Security**

20 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.

- [eXate Data Discovery & Classification](https://cybersectools.com/tools/exate-data-discovery-and-classification) fits if you want a cloud product.
- [Microsoft Purview Data Security](https://cybersectools.com/tools/microsoft-purview-information-protection) fits if you need both cloud and on-premises options.

## eXate Data Discovery & Classification vs Microsoft Purview Data Security FAQ

Common questions when comparing eXate Data Discovery & Classification vs Microsoft Purview Data Security for data classification.

### What is the difference between eXate Data Discovery & Classification and Microsoft Purview Data Security?

**eXate Data Discovery & Classification**: Automated sensitive data discovery and classification for compliance. Built by eXate.

**Microsoft Purview Data Security**: Data classification and protection solution for Microsoft environments. Built by Microsoft.

The table above shows where their features, integrations, deployment and company size fit differ.

### Who makes eXate Data Discovery & Classification and Microsoft Purview Data Security?

**eXate Data Discovery & Classification** is made by eXate. **Microsoft Purview Data Security** 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 eXate Data Discovery & Classification a good alternative to Microsoft Purview Data Security?

Often, yes. eXate Data Discovery & Classification and Microsoft Purview Data Security are both Data Classification products, and both cover Sensitive Data. Use the table above to see where features, deployment and company size fit differ.

## Related comparisons

- [eXate Data Discovery & Classification vs PII Crawler PII Scanner](https://cybersectools.com/compare/exate-data-discovery-and-classification-vs-pii-crawler)
- [eXate Data Discovery & Classification vs SISA Radar](https://cybersectools.com/compare/exate-data-discovery-and-classification-vs-sisa-radar)
- [eXate Data Discovery & Classification vs SecurEnvoy Data Discovery Platform](https://cybersectools.com/compare/exate-data-discovery-and-classification-vs-securenvoy-data-discovery-platform)
- [Microsoft Purview Data Security vs PII Crawler PII Scanner](https://cybersectools.com/compare/microsoft-purview-information-protection-vs-pii-crawler)
- [Microsoft Purview Data Security vs SISA Radar](https://cybersectools.com/compare/microsoft-purview-information-protection-vs-sisa-radar)
- [Microsoft Purview Data Security vs SecurEnvoy Data Discovery Platform](https://cybersectools.com/compare/microsoft-purview-information-protection-vs-securenvoy-data-discovery-platform)

## Alternatives to each

- [See all eXate Data Discovery & Classification alternatives](https://cybersectools.com/alternatives/exate-data-discovery-and-classification)
- [See all Microsoft Purview Data Security alternatives](https://cybersectools.com/alternatives/microsoft-purview-information-protection)

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Source: https://cybersectools.com/compare/exate-data-discovery-and-classification-vs-microsoft-purview-information-protection

For AI agents: each product above has its own Markdown page (add .md to its URL, for example https://cybersectools.com/tools/exate-data-discovery-and-classification.md). Every CybersecTools shortlist is listed at https://cybersectools.com/shortlists.md.

More on eXate Data Discovery & Classification and Microsoft Purview Data Security: 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
