# Microsoft Defender vs ThreatLocker Application Allowlisting: side-by-side comparison (2026)

[Microsoft Defender](https://cybersectools.com/tools/microsoft-defender) is a commercial [endpoint protection platform](https://cybersectools.com/categories/epp) solution by [Microsoft](https://cybersectools.com/companies/microsoft). [ThreatLocker Application Allowlisting](https://cybersectools.com/tools/threatlocker-application-allowlisting) is a commercial [endpoint protection platform](https://cybersectools.com/categories/epp) solution by [ThreatLocker](https://cybersectools.com/companies/threatlocker). Features, integrations, deployment and the company behind each one, side by side.

## Side-by-side comparison

| | Microsoft Defender | ThreatLocker Application Allowlisting |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing model | Commercial | Commercial |
| Category | Endpoint Protection Platform | Endpoint Protection Platform |
| Verified | No | No |
| Deployment type | Cloud | On-Premises |
| Company size fit | Startup | Startup, SMB, Mid-Market, Enterprise |
| Company | Microsoft | ThreatLocker |
| Headquarters | – | – |

### Use cases and capabilities

| | Microsoft Defender | ThreatLocker Application Allowlisting |
|---|---|---|
| Whitelist | – | Yes |
| Ransomware Prevention | – | Yes |

### Core features

**Microsoft Defender**

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

**ThreatLocker Application Allowlisting**

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

### Integrations

**Microsoft Defender**

1 integration listed. Sign in on the page to see them.

**ThreatLocker Application Allowlisting**

No integrations listed.

## Which one fits you

Based on what each listing shows: deployment, company size, price and open source.

- [Microsoft Defender](https://cybersectools.com/tools/microsoft-defender) fits if you want a cloud product.
- [ThreatLocker Application Allowlisting](https://cybersectools.com/tools/threatlocker-application-allowlisting) fits if you need to run it on your own servers and you are a small business or a mid-market company or an enterprise.

## Microsoft Defender vs ThreatLocker Application Allowlisting FAQ

Common questions when comparing Microsoft Defender vs ThreatLocker Application Allowlisting for endpoint protection platform.

### What is the difference between Microsoft Defender and ThreatLocker Application Allowlisting?

**Microsoft Defender**: Security app for individuals/families protecting devices from online threats. Built by Microsoft.

**ThreatLocker Application Allowlisting**: Application allowlisting that blocks unauthorized software by default. Built by ThreatLocker.

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

### Who makes Microsoft Defender and ThreatLocker Application Allowlisting?

**Microsoft Defender** is made by Microsoft. **ThreatLocker Application Allowlisting** is made by ThreatLocker. The vendor behind a product decides its roadmap, support, and longevity, so check each company's profile before you commit.

### Is Microsoft Defender a good alternative to ThreatLocker Application Allowlisting?

Often, yes. Microsoft Defender and ThreatLocker Application Allowlisting are both Endpoint Protection Platform products. Use the table above to see where features, deployment and company size fit differ.

## Related comparisons

- [Microsoft Defender vs PC Matic SuperShield](https://cybersectools.com/compare/microsoft-defender-vs-pc-matic-supershield)
- [Microsoft Defender vs PC Matic](https://cybersectools.com/compare/microsoft-defender-vs-pc-matic)
- [Microsoft Defender vs Airlock Digital Cyber Resilience](https://cybersectools.com/compare/airlock-digital-cyber-resilience-vs-microsoft-defender)
- [ThreatLocker Application Allowlisting vs PC Matic SuperShield](https://cybersectools.com/compare/pc-matic-supershield-vs-threatlocker-application-allowlisting)
- [ThreatLocker Application Allowlisting vs PC Matic](https://cybersectools.com/compare/threatlocker-application-allowlisting-vs-pc-matic)
- [ThreatLocker Application Allowlisting vs Airlock Digital Cyber Resilience](https://cybersectools.com/compare/airlock-digital-cyber-resilience-vs-threatlocker-application-allowlisting)

## Alternatives to each

- [See all Microsoft Defender alternatives](https://cybersectools.com/alternatives/microsoft-defender)
- [See all ThreatLocker Application Allowlisting alternatives](https://cybersectools.com/alternatives/threatlocker-application-allowlisting)

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Source: https://cybersectools.com/compare/microsoft-defender-vs-threatlocker-application-allowlisting

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

More on Microsoft Defender and ThreatLocker Application Allowlisting: 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