KnowBe4 Cloud Email Security is a commercial email security platforms solution by KnowBe4. Microsoft Defender for Office 365 is a commercial email security platforms solution by Microsoft. Features, integrations, deployment and the company behind each one, side by side.
What our shortlists say about the one we picked.
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, Fall 2026
Reviewed by Nika (Nikoloz) Kokhreidze.
AI-driven email security platform for Microsoft 365 inbound/outbound threats
Email and collaboration security for Microsoft 365 environments
See more solutions in this category, or build a security stack from your picks.
Common questions when comparing KnowBe4 Cloud Email Security vs Microsoft Defender for Office 365 for email security platforms.
KnowBe4 Cloud Email Security: AI-driven email security platform for Microsoft 365 inbound/outbound threats. Built by KnowBe4.
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.
KnowBe4 Cloud Email Security is made by KnowBe4. 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.
Often, yes. KnowBe4 Cloud Email Security and Microsoft Defender for Office 365 are both Email Security Platforms products, and both cover Microsoft 365. Use the table above to see where features, deployment and company size fit differ.
Need the answer fast? Best Email Security Solutions for Business picks Proofpoint Core Email Protection, Microsoft Defender for Office 365, Mimecast Advanced Email Security and 4 more.See the shortlist