# Microsoft Defender for Office 365 Reviews 2026. Verified Reviews, Pros & Cons | Capterra > Is Microsoft Defender for Office 365 the right Email Security solution for you? Explore 235 verified user reviews from people in industries like yours to make a confident choice. Source: https://www.capterra.com/p/219685/Microsoft-Defender-for-Office-365/reviews --- Microsoft Defender for Office 365 4.6 (235) [View alternatives](https://www.capterra.com/p/219685/Microsoft-Defender-for-Office-365/alternatives/) Provider data verified by our Software Research team, and reviews moderated by our Reviews Verification team. [Learn more](https://www.capterra.com/our-story/) * * * Last updated March 15th, 2026 # Reviews of Microsoft Defender for Office 365 Ease of use 4.5 Customer Service 4.3 ## Pros and Cons in Reviews NY Natalie Y Office AssistantAccounting, 11 - 50 employeesUsed the software for: 1-2 years. “The thing I like most is it filters all the spam emails very well.“ March 8, 2026 Gerald W PresidentEntertainment, Self-employedUsed the software for: More than 2 years. “I use Malwarebytes as well and that gives me a lot of false positives which can be a real nuisance.“ January 21, 2025 SH Shari H Independent ContractorE-Learning, Self-employedUsed the software for: More than 2 years. “I also like using the other Microsoft suites as well, such as publisher OneNote or any other new product that may be out there.“ June 30, 2025 Gerald W PresidentEntertainment, Self-employedUsed the software for: More than 2 years. “I haven't been able to find any way to contact direct customer support with a real person.“ January 21, 2025 HG Harley G Sr. IT TechnicianInformation Technology and Services, 2 - 10 employeesUsed the software for: More than 2 years. “We use it for all of our clients, and once we learned how to set it up correctly it worked a treat.“ July 28, 2025 Gerald W PresidentEntertainment, Self-employedUsed the software for: More than 2 years. “A few years back I had some false positives, but not for a long time.“ January 21, 2025 AK Ajaykumar K SpecialistInformation Technology and Services, 10,001+ employeesUsed the software for: More than 2 years. “Microsoft defender is used to protect our data and secure our organization resources“ January 12, 2025 Gerald W PresidentEntertainment, Self-employedUsed the software for: More than 2 years. “The instructions are not very clear.“ January 21, 2025 ## Showing most helpful reviews Showing 1-25 of 235 Reviews Sort by: Most Helpful Rating Company Size Reviewer's Role Length of Use Frequency of Use Gerald W. President Entertainment Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Good, free security suite, if you have Microsoft 365." January 21, 2025 4.0 It works in the background so I'm never really aware of it. A few years back I had some false positives, but not for a long time. I use Malwarebytes as well and that gives me a lot of false positives which can be a real nuisance. Pros Free suite of security tools that is integrated with Windows. Don't really need any other anti-virus. Cons The instructions are not very clear. It takes a while to figure out what's what and the various modules have very slight or no explanations. I haven't been able to find any way to contact direct customer support with a real person. Review Source AK Ajaykumar K. Specialist Information Technology and Services Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Microsoft Defender" January 12, 2025 4.0 Pros Microsoft defender is used to protect our data and secure our organization resources Cons Microsoft defender its not suitable for dealing with High level cyber attacks Alternatives considered [Symantec Endpoint Security](https://www.capterra.com/p/227396/Symantec-Endpoint-Protection/) Reason for choosing Microsoft Defender for Office 365 Microsoft defender is easy to use and providing lot options for email protection Review Source NY Natalie Y. Office Assistant Accounting Used the software for: 1-2 years ### "Microsoft 365 helps our business" March 8, 2026 5.0 Overall, it’s a great program our small business uses it for multiple emails and it has detected many severe threats.overall for the amount of money we spend each year it is very worth it! Pros The thing I like most is it filters all the spam emails very well. It detects threats right away and I like that it keeps it separate from the focused email. The set up is very easy and self explanatory. Cons The one thing I don’t like the most is file syncing. While syncing files a very slow performance with file version conflicting. Review Source Heather A. Senior Loan Processor Financial Services Used the software for: 2+ years ### "I hope Microsoft really focuses more on this software again. " June 9, 2022 2.0 Pros What I like most about this software is how inexpensive it is. When you buy a new computer that has Microsoft Windows on it, it is already ready to go for the user to use. Cons What I like least is this product worked for a while but now it is back to not feeling safe when it is running. You really have to really look into this software because you have to put some effort into it. Switched from [Trellix Endpoint Security](https://www.capterra.com/p/151734/McAfee-Endpoint-Security/) Because I read reviews and I felt I could believe what I was reading when it says this product has become safer and more up-to-date compared to years ago when it did not work at all. Review Source MW Mekailah W. Ceo Entertainment Used the software for: Less than 6 months ### "What I think is important." January 24, 2026 4.0 It’s often praised for giving organizations confidence that inboxes are protected with real-time scanning and advanced threat intelligence. Pros It gives security teams confidence that sophisticated threats — like malicious links and dangerous attachments — are caught early. Cons Some advanced phishing or spoofing protections aren’t perfect and may miss high-level impersonation attacks without additional layers or tuning. Review Source HG Harley G. Sr. IT Technician Information Technology and Services Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Solid workhorse system, would recommend for any 365 based companies" July 28, 2025 4.0 We've had a good experience with it so far. We use it for all of our clients, and once we learned how to set it up correctly it worked a treat. We had a few issues with allowing mailing lists, as the phishing defence might have been a little too good at it's job, but aside from that it's been great. Pros Good system, feature rich and well priced. E-mail defence systems are extremely good and allow great granular control. Cons Customer support is slow, documentation can be a bit daunting for newer users, but once it's set up it's solid. Anti-impersonation systems might not always work, so don't rely on that system. Review Source SH Shari H. Independent Contractor E-Learning Used the software for: 2+ years ### "The Microsoft defender review" June 30, 2025 5.0 My overall experience with Microsoft office 365 is a great experience. I love that I can use all three suites ranging for Microsoft Office word PowerPoint or access if needed. I also like using the other Microsoft suites as well, such as publisher OneNote or any other new product that may be out there. Pros I like that this type of software helps keep your Microsoft accounts protected and also if you’re using Microsoft Office, it helps keep Microsoft Office protected and keeps hackers from trying to get into your accounts when you least expect it. It also keeps viruses and threats from happening as well. Cons I have not seen any cons about the software. The software overall is very good and I trust it when I am using my Microsoft accounts.. Review Source AO Alvin O. Cyber Security Specialist Information Technology and Services Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Anti-phishing controls for active inboxes." August 27, 2025 4.0 Phishing and malware protection were enhanced, auto-quarantine reduced malicious emails, and safe download warnings safeguarded our team files. Pros Real-time spam and threat protection of secure team messages, with guidance for configuring attachments and storage of files. Cons Steep learning curve when configuring advanced rules or email routing, and support documentation isn't always compatible with our usage scenario. Review Source IB Ian B. Prevent Manager Information Technology and Services Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Defend Your Data with MS Defender" January 3, 2025 4.0 I have had very good protection and minimal security issues while using Defender. Pros Its centralized management with O365 makes it convenient to use. Cons It can take some time to learn where to use certain tools and how to track system events. Review Source AS Alisha S. Editor Translation and Localization Used the software for: 1-2 years ### "Great, easy to use scans" May 25, 2025 5.0 Microsoft Defender scans are so good that I don't have to buy an additional software. It is easy to execute, has a clean interface, and covers not only email but also Microsoft Teams. It even scans attachments. Overall, a great product that runs automatically and smoothly. Pros It is literally the easiest antispam program out there. Since it has the big name of Microsoft, I know I'm getting the best protection out there. Cons It would be nice to get some extra information about the files that it scans, just to assure me of everything that was checked. Review Source AB Amber B. Executive Director Health, Wellness and Fitness Used the software for: 6-12 months ### "This is the best defender ever" April 10, 2025 5.0 The protection it offers is amazing. I have liked every touch of the security it offers throughout my emails and onedrive. Pros The security it offers give me relief when it comes to receiving emails. It will actually flag emails and then I get an email weekly stating what emails were blocked and if I would like to open them. Cons The process for logging into different devices is a bit complicated and time consuming. Review Source JL Josh L. Cyber Security Specialist Government Administration Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Good service" June 17, 2024 4.0 Pros Integrated system that folds well into office. When running other office suite products integrated reporting helps to consolidate data. Cons Some of the areas are convoluted and requires specific training to navigate for things that should be simple items. Review Source ME Marco E. Tax Consulty Legal Services Used the software for: 6-12 months ### " Windows Defender is indispensable" September 10, 2021 5.0 Pros WWhen using Windows Defender I got the best responses regarding threat detection, confirming that it is a tool that has infrastructure in the Microsoft cloud environment and that protects deviceshen using Windows Defender I got the best responses regarding threat detection, confirming that it is a tool that has infrastructure in the Microsoft cloud environment and that protects devices Cons Notably, there were situations that during the execution of antivirus functions, the software caused the computer to become a little slow. But not to the point of irritating him out of his mind. Understandable. Review Source TN Tovian N. Manager Non-Profit Organization Management Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Microsoft Defender is a Powerhouse " March 20, 2022 5.0 I communicate with people and use the Internet every day for business and other transactions. Thanks to this powerhouse software, I can perform these daily tasks securely. Pros Users can easily detect, review and respond to incidents and threat alerts. The software works online and the subscription price is affordable. Integration with Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Skype, and Word, Excel) is seamless. Microsoft also offers its users regular automatic updates and additional OneDrive storage. Cons The product is affordable but upgrading is a bit costly. Review Source EA Evelyn A. Sociologist Civic & Social Organization Used the software for: 2+ years ### "The use of Zoom in my daily life" June 29, 2022 5.0 in general I recommend the functions that the software gives, since I have never had problems and I consider that its use is very safe Pros What I like most about the software is the security that is provided for my files, as well as the available functions that make my daily work easier Cons all the functions seem to me extremely important besides that they are very safe, so there is something that I do not like Review Source ME Mazen E. IT Director Hospital & Health Care Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Mazen Review" August 11, 2023 4.0 6 years Pros Antispam & Antivirus & threat detection Alternatives considered [Google Cloud Storage](https://www.capterra.com/p/253631/Google-Cloud-Storage/) Reason for choosing Microsoft Defender for Office 365 More safe & easy for admin Review Source MA Mahmoud A. manager Automotive Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Development 365" June 12, 2023 4.0 SpeedEase of delivery Pros Easy and integrated Easy to learn Suitable for all ages Cons There are aspects that are difficult to use Alternatives considered [WPS Office](https://www.capterra.com/p/126794/WPS-Office/) Reason for choosing Microsoft Defender for Office 365 I didn't know Review Source VR Verified Reviewer Accountant Accounting Used the software for: 1-2 years ### "Microsoft Defender for Office 365 (MDO) Reviews and Product Details" October 14, 2022 4.0 Pros This is a fantastic tool from Microsoft that gives office 365 a variety of functions and protection. Due to the nature of our organization, it helps to secure our emails from phishing and spam. Although it is not extremely robust, the fact that it secures our emails makes up for it, and it is quite simple to set up Cons Microsoft could add more automation options for common cases like unlocking a user in the event of a false positive detection Reason for choosing Microsoft Defender for Office 365 It offers genuine serenity with additional ongoing updates to the extent that what they're searching for rather than a mark based arrangement. Review Source JS Jamal S. Cheif accountant Food Production Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Office 365" August 11, 2023 5.0 It helps me to know how to arraing all data and prapare the reports Easley Pros All is useful and helpful and easy to undrstand it Cons Nothing least I believe it is perfect and good to use it Review Source mK mostafa K. accountant Accounting Used the software for: 2+ years ### "the best to the best" July 27, 2023 5.0 Pros A cloud native security service which provides advanced threat protection for office 365. It has features like anti-phishing, anti-malware, and threat intelligence systems that helps protect against threats to emails and files. Cons All things were excellent, as for me, I see that there is nothing bad for me, and all programs are equal. Review Source MH Mohamed H. Bioinformatician Research Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Mircosoft Defender for Office 365, The best for Windows 10" July 15, 2021 5.0 I started using this software a long time ago since I upgraded from Windows 7 Vista to Windows 10. At first, I was using the default version but then later when I started studying in the university I began to use the institutional account for accessing office 365 products. This version is so amazing and more secure than the default one offering so many features. Pros Offering so much security, real-time protection, and ease to use. It's also customizable allowing the user to select features from different categories allowing full control of all the settings and preferences used. Cons Some files are deleted suddenly which I use in games and other installed programs. In some cases, I can recover those files but in other cases, It's complicated, even the software itself provides a feature to recover the fil. Review Source Ihab G. Managing Director Industrial Automation Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Effective and easy " September 10, 2023 5.0 Pros Easy to use and effective to detect any threats Cons It needs sometime to get used to deal with Review Source AN Ahmed N. head Market Research Used the software for: 2+ years ### "engineering revision" September 15, 2023 5.0 easy to use not expensive fast very useful Pros in work as like be part of company wor team Cons easy to use not expensive fast very useful Review Source Jason G. CEO Entertainment Used the software for: 1-2 years ### "Microsoft Defender" May 16, 2022 5.0 Would highly recommend it, very good at defending against spam and other threats. Pros Love it, no other words, great for protection, didn't think I was going to like it but well, still have it. Cons Nothing really to complain about, does its job with little impact on performance. Review Source mB michael B. reviewer Writing and Editing Used the software for: 2+ years ### "satisfied with product" August 21, 2022 4.0 Pros usability was easy needs for improvement but would recommend Cons the number of spams that get through and prices are overrated Review Source Similar Products Featured