Microsoft Defender for Office 365 is a commercial email security platforms solution by Microsoft. SmarterTools SmarterMail is a commercial email security platforms solution by SmarterTools. 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
Email server with antispam, antivirus, and security features for Linux/Windows
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.
Microsoft Defender for Office 365 fits if you want a cloud product.
SmarterTools SmarterMail fits if you need to run it on your own servers and you are a startup.
Common questions when comparing Microsoft Defender for Office 365 vs SmarterTools SmarterMail for email security platforms.
Microsoft Defender for Office 365: Email and collaboration security for Microsoft 365 environments. Built by Microsoft.
SmarterTools SmarterMail: Email server with antispam, antivirus, and security features for Linux/Windows. Built by SmarterTools.
The table above shows where their features, integrations, deployment and company size fit differ.
Microsoft Defender for Office 365 is made by Microsoft. SmarterTools SmarterMail is made by SmarterTools. 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 SmarterTools SmarterMail 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