Microsoft Defender for Office 365 is a commercial email security platforms solution by Microsoft. MX Layer Outbound Email Filtering is a commercial email security platforms solution by MX Layer. 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.
Email and collaboration security for Microsoft 365 environments
Outbound email filtering platform for spam prevention and IP reputation mgmt
See more solutions in this category, or build a security stack from your picks.
Based on what each listing shows: deployment, company size, price and open source.
MX Layer Outbound Email Filtering fits if you are a startup.
Common questions when comparing Microsoft Defender for Office 365 vs MX Layer Outbound Email Filtering for email security platforms.
Microsoft Defender for Office 365: Email and collaboration security for Microsoft 365 environments. Built by Microsoft.
MX Layer Outbound Email Filtering: Outbound email filtering platform for spam prevention and IP reputation mgmt. Built by MX Layer.
The table above shows where their features, integrations, deployment and company size fit differ.
Microsoft Defender for Office 365 is made by Microsoft. MX Layer Outbound Email Filtering is made by MX Layer. The vendor behind a product decides its roadmap, support, and longevity, so check each company's profile before you commit.
Often, yes. Microsoft Defender for Office 365 and MX Layer Outbound Email Filtering are both Email Security Platforms products. 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