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Azure Sphere vs Microsoft Defender for IoT comparison

Azure Sphere and Microsoft Defender for IoT are both solutions in the IoT Security category. Azure Sphere is ranked #7 with an average rating of 9.0, while Microsoft Defender for IoT is ranked #5 with an average rating of 8.5. Azure Sphere holds a 1.5% mindshare in IS, compared to Microsoft Defender for IoT’s 10.7% mindshare. Additionally, 100% of Azure Sphere users are willing to recommend the solution, compared to 100% of Microsoft Defender for IoT users who would recommend it.
Azure Sphere
Read 3 Azure Sphere reviews
  • 137 Views
  • 56 Comparison Views
100% willing to recommend
Microsoft Defender for IoT
Read 2 Microsoft Defender for IoT reviews
  • 574 Views
  • 441 Comparison Views
100% willing to recommend
 

Comparison Buyer's Guide

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Executive SummaryUpdated on Feb 3, 2025

Azure Sphere and Microsoft Defender for IoT compete in the IoT security domain. Azure Sphere offers a comprehensive end-to-end solution, making it preferable for users prioritizing seamless management and security. However, Microsoft Defender for IoT has an edge in threat detection and analytics, appealing to those needing adaptable security frameworks.

Features: Azure Sphere provides secure boot, secured updates, and a dedicated security service. Microsoft Defender for IoT offers advanced threat detection, anomaly detection, and integration with SIEMs.

Ease of Deployment and Customer Service: Azure Sphere integrates seamlessly with predefined hardware, simplifying deployment and maintenance, supported by streamlined service. Microsoft Defender for IoT requires more complex setup due to integration needs but benefits from versatile deployment options and strong support for targeted assistance.

Pricing and ROI: Azure Sphere has a lower upfront setup cost due to bundled hardware and services, offering faster ROI for comprehensive security needs. Microsoft Defender for IoT may require higher initial investment but provides significant ROI for organizations focusing on custom threat detection strategies.

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Buyer's Guide
Azure Sphere vs. Microsoft Defender for IoT
January 2025
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Review summaries and opinions

We asked business professionals to review the solutions they use. Here are some excerpts of what they said:
 

Categories and Ranking

Azure Sphere
Ranking in IoT Security
7th
Average Rating
7.6
Reviews Sentiment
8.4
Number of Reviews
3
Ranking in other categories
No ranking in other categories
Microsoft Defender for IoT
Ranking in IoT Security
5th
Average Rating
8.6
Reviews Sentiment
7.4
Number of Reviews
2
Ranking in other categories
Operational Technology (OT) Security (6th), Microsoft Security Suite (29th)
 

Mindshare comparison

As of March 2025, in the IoT Security category, the mindshare of Azure Sphere is 1.5%, up from 1.0% compared to the previous year. The mindshare of Microsoft Defender for IoT is 10.7%, up from 10.0% compared to the previous year. It is calculated based on PeerSpot user engagement data.
IoT Security
 

Featured Reviews

Chandrakant Deshmukh - PeerSpot reviewer
Has a learning curve that is easy to deal with for users
With the tool, the learning curve is really good. I don't have to spend time in long training sessions, which is typically required for other platforms. As my company is a Microsoft kind of shop, we have developers, making the learning curve easy compared to other tools. When it comes to integration with the back-end systems, manufacturing companies are still using some other apps in their environment. Getting data or pushing those analytics data back to the back-end systems is relatively simple while using Azure Sphere and other integration points, and so that is why there is a clear direction from our company's end customer that they need an Azure solution.
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William Tuleja - PeerSpot reviewer
Integration with existing tools boosts management efficiency
The only improvement I see is that some detection explanations are vaguely provided by Microsoft, resulting in generic IoT detections that alert me to an issue yet don't specify what's wrong. Often, it just links back to a generic KB article without additional information. When it happens, it requires extra detective work. This issue doesn't occur often but can be annoying.
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Quotes from Members

We asked business professionals to review the solutions they use. Here are some excerpts of what they said:
 

Pros

"It's stable and the performance has been great."
"I think my team is comfortable with the installation of the product."
"When you use this solution, you get a dual processor with all the necessary security and Microsoft updates supplied. You don't have to be concerned about the security aspect related to IoT because Microsoft takes care of this."
"I believe it is best suited for cloud services and is unmatched by other cloud security solutions."
"I find Microsoft Defender very effective in vulnerability management and it provides good attack reduction, making it a next-generation protection solution."
"Mainly, it is manageable and integrates with other Microsoft products, which is crucial for me."
"It is manageable and integrates with other Microsoft products, which is crucial for me."
 

Cons

"The lack of awareness of the products among our company's customers is a challenge that needs to be looked at and improved by Microsoft."
"The type of edge devices being addressed through the suite was limited."
"One of the pain points of this solution is that the full Linux box is not exposed to all developers. This restricts what the applications can do as they cant be adjusted."
"Customer service and support from Microsoft are costly. The execution by engineers is expensive, and the service is neither free nor toll-free, making it less accessible for customers."
"The only improvement I see is that some detection explanations are vaguely provided by Microsoft, resulting in generic IoT detections that alert me to an issue yet don't specify what's wrong."
"The primary area that needs improvement is compatibility with the latest IoT technologies."
"The only improvement I see is that some detection explanations are vaguely provided by Microsoft, resulting in generic IoT detections that alert me to an issue yet don't specify what's wrong."
 

Pricing and Cost Advice

"This solution offers secure IoT communication to the cloud at a fairly low cost."
Information not available
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Top Industries

By visitors reading reviews
No data available
Manufacturing Company
16%
Computer Software Company
16%
Energy/Utilities Company
10%
Government
5%
 

Company Size

By reviewers
Large Enterprise
Midsize Enterprise
Small Business
No data available
No data available
 

Questions from the Community

What is your experience regarding pricing and costs for Azure Sphere?
I think the license part is good enough as of now because as a company, we don't handle the license part. My company has a partner from Microsoft who manages everything for us, so we don't deal dir...
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What needs improvement with Azure Sphere?
When it comes to the challenges or drawbacks associated with the product, I will not talk about the system. Our company's customers who are into manufacturing and other such businesses are not very...
See all answers
What is your primary use case for Azure Sphere?
I use the solution in my company for process automation. Based on the kind of devices and architecture our company's customers use, our company is now fetching those data points and integrating the...
See all answers
What is your experience regarding pricing and costs for Microsoft Defender for IoT?
The solution is relatively expensive with licensing being based on each device. The cost per license might not be affordable for every organization, and I would rate it around six out of ten on a s...
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What needs improvement with Microsoft Defender for IoT?
The primary area that needs improvement is compatibility with the latest IoT technologies. Microsoft needs flexibility to ensure good compatibility with new IoT solutions, which frequently introduc...
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What is your primary use case for Microsoft Defender for IoT?
My primary use case for Microsoft Defender for IoT is security. It helps with vulnerability management and provides significant attack reduction. It functions as a next-generation protection soluti...
See all answers
 

Comparisons

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Compared 7% of the time
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Product Reports

Buyer's Guide
IoT Security
February 2025
Azure Sphere reportDownload Azure Sphere product report
Buyer's Guide
IoT Security
February 2025
Microsoft Defender for IoT reportDownload Microsoft Defender for IoT product report
 

Also Known As

No data available
Azure Defender for IoT
 

Overview

Azure Sphere development kits provide everything you need to start prototyping and developing Azure Sphere applications. Order yours today and start taking advantage of the rich development experience in Visual Studio.

Microsoft

Microsoft Defender for IoT offers advanced security designed to protect IoT environments from sophisticated threats. Its deep integration with Azure reinforces security across devices and networks.

Microsoft Defender for IoT provides scalable threat detection and security intelligence tailored for IoT devices. Leveraging cloud-powered analytics, it ensures protection against emerging threats while supporting diverse device landscapes. The platform's compatibility with Azure Sentinel offers robust security operations and management capabilities.

What are the core features of Microsoft Defender for IoT?
  • Threat Intelligence: Provides real-time insights and threat detection using cloud-powered analytics.
  • Device Management: Simplifies the monitoring and management of IoT devices across networks.
  • Integrated Security: Seamlessly integrates with Azure Sentinel for comprehensive security operations.
What benefits and ROI should users consider?
  • Improved Security Posture: Strengthens the protection of IoT ecosystems against cyber threats.
  • Cost Efficiency: Reduces the complexities and costs associated with managing IoT security.
  • Scalability: Supports growth and adaptation to expanding IoT networks.

In manufacturing, Microsoft Defender for IoT aids in maintaining operational efficiency by preventing unauthorized access to industrial control systems. Healthcare providers utilize it to protect sensitive patient data transmitted through connected devices. Retailers benefit from secure management of inventory systems and customer data across smart devices.

Microsoft
Buyer's Guide
Azure Sphere vs. Microsoft Defender for IoT
January 2025
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