# KnowBe4 Cloud Email Security vs Microsoft Defender for Office 365: side-by-side comparison (2026) [KnowBe4 Cloud Email Security](https://cybersectools.com/tools/knowbe4-cloud-email-security) is a commercial [email security platforms](https://cybersectools.com/categories/email-security-platforms) solution by [KnowBe4](https://cybersectools.com/companies/knowbe4). [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 | | KnowBe4 Cloud 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 | KnowBe4 | Microsoft | | Headquarters | – | – | ### Use cases and capabilities | | KnowBe4 Cloud Email Security | Microsoft Defender for Office 365 | |---|---|---| | Microsoft 365 | Yes | Yes | | Ransomware Prevention | Yes | – | ### Core features **KnowBe4 Cloud 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 **KnowBe4 Cloud Email Security** 5 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. ## KnowBe4 Cloud Email Security vs Microsoft Defender for Office 365 FAQ Common questions when comparing KnowBe4 Cloud Email Security vs Microsoft Defender for Office 365 for email security platforms. ### What is the difference between KnowBe4 Cloud Email Security and Microsoft Defender for Office 365? **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. ### Who makes KnowBe4 Cloud Email Security and Microsoft Defender for Office 365? **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. ### Is KnowBe4 Cloud Email Security a good alternative to Microsoft Defender for Office 365? 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. ## Related comparisons - [KnowBe4 Cloud Email Security vs ConnectWise Email Security](https://cybersectools.com/compare/connectwise-email-security-vs-knowbe4-cloud-email-security) - [KnowBe4 Cloud Email Security vs Cellopoint Cloud Email Security Solution](https://cybersectools.com/compare/cellopoint-cloud-email-security-solution-vs-knowbe4-cloud-email-security) - [KnowBe4 Cloud Email Security vs ESET Cloud Office Security](https://cybersectools.com/compare/eset-cloud-office-security-vs-knowbe4-cloud-email-security) - [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 Cellopoint Cloud Email Security Solution](https://cybersectools.com/compare/cellopoint-cloud-email-security-solution-vs-microsoft-defender-for-office-365) - [Microsoft Defender for Office 365 vs ESET Cloud Office Security](https://cybersectools.com/compare/eset-cloud-office-security-vs-microsoft-defender-for-office-365) ## Alternatives to each - [See all KnowBe4 Cloud Email Security alternatives](https://cybersectools.com/alternatives/knowbe4-cloud-email-security) - [See all Microsoft Defender for Office 365 alternatives](https://cybersectools.com/alternatives/microsoft-defender-for-office-365) --- Source: https://cybersectools.com/compare/knowbe4-cloud-email-security-vs-microsoft-defender-for-office-365 For AI agents: each product above has its own Markdown page (add .md to its URL, for example https://cybersectools.com/tools/knowbe4-cloud-email-security.md). Every CybersecTools shortlist is listed at https://cybersectools.com/shortlists.md. More on KnowBe4 Cloud 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