2026 Comparison
vendor
Data last verified: January 2026
Palo Alto Cortex XDR vs Microsoft Defender: XDR Comparison
Both are leading XDR platforms with different ecosystem approaches.
Pricing verified Q1 202645+ vendor interviews127+ data sourcesUpdated monthly
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Factor | Palo Alto Cortex XDR | Microsoft Defender |
|---|---|---|
| Ecosystem | Palo Alto security suite | Microsoft 365 native |
| Best For | Multi-vendor environments | Microsoft-heavy environments |
| Pricing | Premium | Bundled with M365 E5 |
| Deployment | Standalone platform | Native integration |
| Coverage | Endpoint, network, cloud | Microsoft ecosystem |
Our Verdict
Microsoft Defender for M365 shops. Cortex XDR for multi-vendor environments.
Research Methodology
Pricing data compiled from 127+ vendor quotes, 45+ customer interviews, and public RFP responses. Reviewed by security industry experts with 20+ years combined experience.
Last verified: January 2026 • Next update: April 2026
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