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Microsoft Defender Threat Intelligence [EOL] vs VirusTotal comparison

Microsoft and VirusTotal are both solutions in the Threat Intelligence Platforms (TIP) category. Additionally, 93% of Microsoft users are willing to recommend the solution, compared to 100% of VirusTotal users who would recommend it.
VirusTotal
Read 11 VirusTotal reviews
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100% willing to recommend
 

Comparison Buyer's Guide

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Executive SummaryUpdated on Oct 16, 2025

VirusTotal and Microsoft Defender Threat Intelligence [EOL] are security solutions aimed at threat detection and management. While VirusTotal stands out with its user-friendly pricing and support, Microsoft Defender Threat Intelligence [EOL] takes the lead with its comprehensive features suited for enterprises.

Features: VirusTotal's key offerings include malware scanning with multiple engines, real-time threat analysis, and a community-driven threat intelligence database. Microsoft Defender Threat Intelligence offers extensive integration with Microsoft services, a broad threat landscape view, and seamless data protection within the Microsoft ecosystem.

Room for Improvement: VirusTotal could enhance its enterprise-focused features and provide more detailed insights into threat behavior. Additional customization options for alerts and reporting would also benefit users. Microsoft Defender Threat Intelligence could simplify its setup process and improve integration with non-Microsoft products. Enhancing real-time collaboration features and expanding its threat intelligence offerings outside the typical Microsoft environment could prove advantageous.

Ease of Deployment and Customer Service: VirusTotal is easy to deploy, offering straightforward integration and reliable customer service. Its simplicity suits small-scale applications. Conversely, Microsoft Defender Threat Intelligence's deployment is more complex due to its integration within the broader Microsoft suite, but it excels in support services that align well with its expansive features, catering to complex enterprise environments.

Pricing and ROI: VirusTotal provides an attractive pricing model ideal for businesses focusing on threat scanning with lower setup costs, offering a good return on investment for small and medium-scale operations. Although Microsoft Defender Threat Intelligence comes with a higher setup cost, its extensive features and integration capabilities lead to a higher ROI, especially appealing for organizations requiring comprehensive security solutions. The pricing reflects the depth of its features, making it a viable option for larger enterprises.

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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

Microsoft Defender Threat I...
Average Rating
8.4
Reviews Sentiment
7.3
Number of Reviews
32
Ranking in other categories
No ranking in other categories
VirusTotal
Average Rating
8.8
Reviews Sentiment
7.3
Number of Reviews
11
Ranking in other categories
Anti-Malware Tools (4th), Threat Intelligence Platforms (TIP) (3rd)
 

Featured Reviews

Charles Mokoena - PeerSpot reviewer
Has strengthened our ability to detect threats in real time and improved internal security decision-making
The features that I find most valuable in Microsoft Defender Threat Intelligence include the Sentinel part of it. There are several features we've looked at, including Sentinel as well as extended Defender, which is XDR. I've used those two, and that's what I've found quite useful for us, especially in the hardening and analysis part of the whole threat analysis. We use the real-time threat detection features in Microsoft Defender Threat Intelligence. If it wasn't for that real-time threat detection on the vulnerability, I think we would not have survived the attack. The integration capabilities of Microsoft Defender Threat Intelligence with other Microsoft security tools have benefited our organization's threat management process by initially being quite a challenge, especially coming from other security tools such as Fortinet and Check Point. However, once you've gotten used to it, it's quite easy and user-friendly. The dashboard, especially the threat analysis dashboard, is quite detailed in terms of providing a view of which areas in our environment need attention, making it quite useful.
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Chinmay Banerjee - PeerSpot reviewer
Helps businesses collect threat data while keeping privacy in mind and apable of detecting, blocking, and removing viruses and malware
There are two gray areas I still need to explore. I have worked with VirusTotal because it easily integrates with over seventy antivirus scanners and blacklisting services. In addition to those there is much scope to improve and add other services or integrations. The areas for improvement are that VirusTotal is not using much AI or generative AI models, while other competitors are starting to build them. For example, VirusTotal's work is based on the setup done by their engineers. If you want to do scanning or protection activities for a specific site, app, or device, that is the area VirusTotal is currently focused on. But other competitors are building AI models that can do things like left-side scanning and provide auto-generated reports. VirusTotal has predefined reports, but there is a lot of manual effort involved. Secondly, the API is very limited if I want to integrate VirusTotal with other applications. They need to build more connectors and provide support for Webhook connectors for the API. If you can't build your own connector, it's always good to have provisions for Webhook setup connectors across platforms. Thirdly, Kaspersky, a competitor of VirusTotal, is using a methodology called "gatekeeper." A gatekeeper is a security system that protects the inside of a building from outside threats. This is the model Kaspersky is currently using. You have your website set up, but the entire army of VirusTotal or Kaspersky is standing guard, protecting you from the first gate itself. Right now, VirusTotal detects threats from your domain, but it is always better to verify inside the domain and protect it from the first level when people or malware are entering. This first level of protection is lacking in VirusTotal right now. The security bridge and protection gate are missing.
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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

"The most valuable aspects are its integration capabilities with other Microsoft products like Intune, Office 365, and Azure cloud applications."
"If it wasn't for that real-time threat detection on the vulnerability, I think we would not have survived the attack."
"I value how Threat Intelligence integrates with the different platforms in Microsoft."
"The global review and remediation of malicious code is probably the most valuable feature."
"Microsoft Defender Threat Intelligence helps to make sure that our systems are intact and not vulnerable."
"The technical support services are excellent."
"One of the best features is that it provides a certain level of customization, allowing us to set our spam confidence levels."
"The tool can proactively detect potential incidents."
More Microsoft Defender Threat Intelligence [EOL] pros
"VirusTotal provides 95% to 98% accurate information."
"With VirusTotal, I can check for any hash, malware, file, domain, IP URL, or malicious URL, and Kaspersky stays clean."
"I have never had any problems with stability or bugs while using VirusTotal."
"It gives detailed information about suspicious IPs, which is one of its most valuable features."
"It can scan the dark web and find if an email ID has been compromised. This is another area that we have not explored yet."
"It is quite simple for anyone if they just want to check some suspicious URLs."
"The most valuable feature is the worldwide malware information database."
"The product is easy to use with coding, such as Python or Java, via its API."
More VirusTotal pros
 

Cons

"The stability of the product is an area of concern where improvements are required."
"Having up-to-date documentation and real-time reflections in all portals would be beneficial to keep users informed about any changes. Additionally, the frequent changes in Microsoft's UI and the movement of features between different products in the set pose difficulties."
"There could be AI functionality included for features like reporting and dashboard preparation."
"One area where Microsoft Defender could be improved is in its support for non-Microsoft products, particularly for systems running Linux or other open-source platforms across ecosystems."
"The solution could be more stable and precise because, at times, the threats detected are not legitimate."
"There could be a better notification system."
"Microsoft Defender Threat Intelligence should integrate with different platforms."
"I would like to see more frequent updates, which is always better for security because of daily threats."
More Microsoft Defender Threat Intelligence [EOL] cons
"VirusTotal has predefined reports, but there is a lot of manual effort involved."
"I would like to see an improved user interface and some automation."
"There is room for improvement, particularly in making some of the most useful features more accessible in the non-paid version."
"They can improve the telemetry. Whenever we handle a sample, they cannot provide any information about a victim."
"I would like to see improvements in the score consistency and accuracy."
"VirusTotal has different versions, and sometimes the parameters of the API are not very clear."
"The platform could improve in the areas of endpoints and networks."
"VirusTotal is hard to understand because you need to know Google Docs to create queries, and it doesn't have documentation for that."
More VirusTotal cons
 

Pricing and Cost Advice

"The solution can be licensed, but most users would already have it in their Office 365 license."
"They offer two license plans: Microsoft Defender for endpoints and Microsoft Defender for businesses."
"The solution's pricing is reasonable and not very expensive."
"I use the product's default version, which is a free one and not the licensed version."
"It's reasonably priced, though there's room for further improvement."
"Considering Microsoft is constantly changing licensing, I would give it a seven out of ten. It can be difficult to get your head around it, especially for small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs)."
"It is an expensive product."
"On a scale from one to ten, where one is cheap and ten is expensive, I rate the solution's pricing a six or seven out of ten."
More Microsoft Defender Threat Intelligence [EOL] pricing and cost advice
"The pricing is very economical."
"VirusTotal is an expensive solution."
"The pricing is reasonable."
"We are using VirusTotal with free licenses, managing the license limits across three or four accounts, thus incurring no costs."
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Top Industries

By visitors reading reviews
Financial Services Firm
16%
Computer Software Company
13%
Educational Organization
10%
Manufacturing Company
10%
Computer Software Company
18%
Financial Services Firm
9%
Government
8%
University
7%
 

Company Size

By reviewers
Large Enterprise
Midsize Enterprise
Small Business
By reviewers
Company SizeCount
Small Business16
Midsize Enterprise2
Large Enterprise15
By reviewers
Company SizeCount
Small Business4
Midsize Enterprise2
Large Enterprise5
 

Questions from the Community

What do you like most about Microsoft Defender Threat Intelligence?
It just runs in the background. I don't have to worry about, making sure it's Intelligence. So, you know, this kind of makes it very easy, have to worry about installing. It is easy to use.
See all answers
What needs improvement with Microsoft Defender Threat Intelligence?
From the telemetry data standpoint, I would prefer Defender data to be more open in future updates.
See all answers
What is your primary use case for Microsoft Defender Threat Intelligence?
We have tried Microsoft Defender Threat Intelligence. I have expertise with Microsoft Defender products. I am not familiar with Microsoft Defender for IoT because we did not use that in our environ...
See all answers
What do you like most about VirusTotal?
With VirusTotal, I can check for any hash, malware, file, domain, IP URL, or malicious URL, and Kaspersky stays clean.
See all answers
What is your experience regarding pricing and costs for VirusTotal?
I do not know about the pricing or licensing as our organization services VirusTotal for our clients.
See all answers
What needs improvement with VirusTotal?
I would like to see improvements in the score consistency and accuracy. VirusTotal should add more details like those from competitors such as URL Void or Symantec URL Checker, which show the categ...
See all answers
 

Comparisons

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Compared 15% of the time
Microsoft Defender for Endpoint vs Microsoft Defender Threat Intelligence [EOL] Logo
Microsoft Defender for Endpoint vs Microsoft Defender Threat Intelligence [EOL]
Compared 11% of the time
CrowdStrike Falcon vs Microsoft Defender Threat Intelligence [EOL] Logo
CrowdStrike Falcon vs Microsoft Defender Threat Intelligence [EOL]
Compared 10% of the time
Anomali vs Microsoft Defender Threat Intelligence [EOL] Logo
Anomali vs Microsoft Defender Threat Intelligence [EOL]
Compared 10% of the time
Cisco Threat Grid vs Microsoft Defender Threat Intelligence [EOL] Logo
Cisco Threat Grid vs Microsoft Defender Threat Intelligence [EOL]
Compared 9% of the time
More Microsoft Defender Threat Intelligence [EOL] Competitors
MetaDefender vs VirusTotal Logo
MetaDefender vs VirusTotal
Compared 14% of the time
Microsoft Defender for Endpoint vs VirusTotal Logo
Microsoft Defender for Endpoint vs VirusTotal
Compared 11% of the time
ANY.RUN vs VirusTotal Logo
ANY.RUN vs VirusTotal
Compared 9% of the time
Recorded Future vs VirusTotal Logo
Recorded Future vs VirusTotal
Compared 9% of the time
Cuckoo Sandbox vs VirusTotal Logo
Cuckoo Sandbox vs VirusTotal
Compared 8% of the time
More VirusTotal Competitors
 

Product Reports

Buyer's Guide
Microsoft Defender Threat Intelligence [EOL]
October 2025
Microsoft Defender Threat Intelligence [EOL] reportDownload Microsoft Defender Threat Intelligence [EOL] product report
Buyer's Guide
Anti-Malware Tools
January 2025
VirusTotal reportDownload VirusTotal product report
 

Overview

Microsoft Defender Threat Intelligence [EOL] offers comprehensive security by integrating with Microsoft platforms, retaining data within tenants, and providing real-time threat detection and collaboration. It's designed for both enterprise and SMB environments.

Microsoft Defender Threat Intelligence enhances cybersecurity operations by integrating with Azure Sentinel and Microsoft products like Intune and Azure. Its capabilities in endpoint, email, and cloud security ensure robust protection against a wide range of threats. With global threat data, anti-spam features, and customization options, it addresses threat prevention and vulnerability management. Seamless scaling and proactive incident prevention make it a reliable choice for enterprises looking for collaborative, efficient security management.

What are the key features of Microsoft Defender Threat Intelligence?
  • Integration with Microsoft Products: Enhances usability by working seamlessly with Intune and Azure.
  • Real-time Threat Detection: Quickly identifies and responds to emerging threats.
  • Email and Cloud Security: Protects critical communication channels and cloud environments.
  • Global Threat Data: Offers extensive threat intelligence from various regions.
  • Comprehensive Reporting: Provides detailed insights into security activities and incidents.
  • Automation and Insights: Streamlines threat management with advanced automation capabilities.
What benefits should users look for in reviews?
  • Proactive Incident Prevention: Reduces the risk of breaches by anticipating threats.
  • Seamless Deployment: Ensures efficient integration within existing infrastructure.
  • Customization: Flexible settings to meet specific security requirements.
  • Collaboration Across Regions: Enables coordinated defense strategies globally.
  • Efficient Security Management: Improves operations through automated and integrated systems.

Microsoft Defender Threat Intelligence is crucial for industries that value data retention and comprehensive threat analyses in safeguarding their operations. Financial institutions, healthcare providers, and technology firms implement this solution to secure their environments by updating security protocols and ensuring compliance with various industry standards. The focus on integration and customization helps these organizations adapt to evolving cybersecurity threats effectively.

Microsoft

VirusTotal provides a comprehensive digital security platform by leveraging a vast malware database. It integrates numerous antivirus scanners for robust malware and virus detection, offering valuable insights for threat intelligence and security analysis.

VirusTotal is widely used for malware analysis and cybersecurity investigations, relying on its extensive capabilities in file and IP analysis. It integrates seamlessly with various antivirus engines, ensuring detailed threat intelligence. The platform excels at performing automated reputation checks, gleaning insights from a robust community, and delivering comprehensive information on suspicious activities. With an API system, it facilitates deeper analysis and integration into existing security workflows.

What are the standout features of VirusTotal?
  • Vast Malware Database: A comprehensive repository for malware intelligence.
  • Integration with Antivirus Scanners: Collaborates with multiple scanners for enhanced detection.
  • File and IP Analysis: Detailed insights into files and IP addresses.
  • Automated Reputation Checks: Efficiently verifies file and domain safety.
  • Community Insights: Gathers valuable data from an active community.
What benefits and ROI should be considered?
  • Threat Intelligence: Informs strategic security decisions with detailed malware data.
  • Enhanced Detection: Supports comprehensive threat identification and response.
  • Contextual Analysis: Provides extensive details for thorough investigation of threats.

In sectors like retail, FinTech, and GRC, VirusTotal is integrated into cybersecurity workflows to enhance incident response capabilities. It is invaluable for analyzing phishing websites, inspecting URLs, identifying compromised information, and generating alerts for specific threats. APIs enable deeper examination of suspicious activity, supporting comprehensive cybersecurity operations.

VirusTotal
Buyer's Guide
Threat Intelligence Platforms (TIP)
October 2025
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