# Microsoft Defender XDR vs Wazuh: side-by-side comparison (2026)

[Microsoft Defender XDR](https://cybersectools.com/tools/microsoft-defender-xdr) is a commercial [extended detection and response](https://cybersectools.com/categories/xdr) solution by [Microsoft](https://cybersectools.com/companies/microsoft). [Wazuh](https://cybersectools.com/tools/wazuh) is a free [extended detection and response](https://cybersectools.com/categories/xdr) solution. Features, integrations, deployment and the company behind each one, side by side.

## Side-by-side comparison

| | Microsoft Defender XDR | Wazuh |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing model | Commercial | Free |
| Category | Extended Detection and Response | Extended Detection and Response |
| Verified | No | No |
| Deployment type | Cloud | Hybrid |
| Company size fit | SMB, Mid-Market, Enterprise | Startup, SMB, Mid-Market, Enterprise |
| Company | Microsoft | – |
| Headquarters | – | – |

### Use cases and capabilities

| | Microsoft Defender XDR | Wazuh |
|---|---|---|
| MITRE ATT&CK | Yes | – |
| Open Source | – | Yes |

### Core features

**Microsoft Defender XDR**

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

**Wazuh**

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

### Integrations

**Microsoft Defender XDR**

3 integrations listed. Sign in on the page to see them.

**Wazuh**

3 integrations listed. Sign in on the page to see them.

## Which one fits you

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

- [Microsoft Defender XDR](https://cybersectools.com/tools/microsoft-defender-xdr) fits if you want a cloud product.
- [Wazuh](https://cybersectools.com/tools/wazuh) fits if you need both cloud and on-premises options, you are a startup and you need a free product.

## Microsoft Defender XDR vs Wazuh FAQ

Common questions when comparing Microsoft Defender XDR vs Wazuh for extended detection and response.

### What is the difference between Microsoft Defender XDR and Wazuh?

**Microsoft Defender XDR**: XDR solution for unified detection and response across Microsoft 365. Built by Microsoft.

**Wazuh**: Wazuh is an open-source security platform offering unified XDR and SIEM protection for endpoints and cloud workloads, integrating various security functions into a single architecture.

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

### Is Microsoft Defender XDR a good alternative to Wazuh?

Often, yes. Microsoft Defender XDR and Wazuh are both Extended Detection and Response products. Key differences: Microsoft Defender XDR is Commercial while Wazuh is Free. Use the table above to see where features, deployment and company size fit differ.

## Related comparisons

- [Microsoft Defender XDR vs Palo Alto Networks Cortex XSIAM](https://cybersectools.com/compare/microsoft-defender-xdr-vs-palo-alto-networks-cortex-xsiam)
- [Microsoft Defender XDR vs Wazuh Extended Detection and Response (XDR)](https://cybersectools.com/compare/microsoft-defender-xdr-vs-wazuh-extended-detection-and-response-xdr)
- [Microsoft Defender XDR vs ThreatDefence SecOps Platform](https://cybersectools.com/compare/microsoft-defender-xdr-vs-threatdefence-secops-platform)
- [Wazuh vs Palo Alto Networks Cortex XSIAM](https://cybersectools.com/compare/palo-alto-networks-cortex-xsiam-vs-wazuh)
- [Wazuh vs Wazuh Extended Detection and Response (XDR)](https://cybersectools.com/compare/wazuh-vs-wazuh-extended-detection-and-response-xdr)
- [Wazuh vs ThreatDefence SecOps Platform](https://cybersectools.com/compare/threatdefence-secops-platform-vs-wazuh)

## Alternatives to each

- [See all Microsoft Defender XDR alternatives](https://cybersectools.com/alternatives/microsoft-defender-xdr)
- [See all Wazuh alternatives](https://cybersectools.com/alternatives/wazuh)

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Source: https://cybersectools.com/compare/microsoft-defender-xdr-vs-wazuh

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More on Microsoft Defender XDR and Wazuh: 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
