Upgrading to a full Microsoft 365 E5 license feels like overkill for a lot of organizations from both a feature and cost perspective. Microsoft’s answer to this? Microsoft Defender Suite, formerly known as Microsoft 365 E5 Security Add-On.
Microsoft Defender Suite is an add-on to Microsoft 365 Business Premium, Microsoft 365 E3, and Office 365 E3 + Enterprise Mobility and Security E3. It provides advanced security features without paying for the full Microsoft 365 E5.
Let’s break down how it works, what’s included, and how to decide if it’s the right fit for your organization.
What You Need to Know
The Microsoft Defender Suite is a bundle of Microsoft’s advanced security tools. Previously known as the Microsoft 365 E5 Security Add-On, it is designed to give organizations the high value security components of Microsoft 365 E5 instead of paying for the full Microsoft 365 E5 Suite
This is why searches like E5 Security add-on price are increasing. Organizations want to strengthen security capabilities without the operational and financial jump to full E5.
To be eligible for the Defender Suite, you must have one of the required licenses:
No. The Defender Suite only includes the security tools, not the compliance, data governance, or productivity enhancements you get with a full Microsoft 365 E5 license.
Here’s a high-level look at the security and compliance differences between Microsoft Defender suite vs. Microsoft 365 E5.
| Feature Area | Defender Suite (formerly E5 Security Add-On) | Microsoft 365 E5 (Full Suite) |
| Threat Protection | Includes Microsoft Defender for Endpoint Plan 2, Defender for Office 365 Plan 2, Defender for Cloud Apps, App Governance, Defender for Identity, Defender for IoT – eIOT | Same as Defender Suite |
| Identity & Access Management | Includes Microsoft Entra ID P2 (formerly Azure AD Premium P2) | Same as Defender Suite |
| Information Protection | Not included | Includes Microsoft Purview Information Protection, DLP, and auto-labeling |
| Insider Risk Management | Not included | Includes Insider Risk Management and Communication Compliance |
| Compliance & Data Governance | Not included | Includes Advanced eDiscovery, Advanced Audit, and Records Management |
| Security Management | Includes Secure Score, Access Reviews, Security Baselines, Risk-based Conditional Access Policies, Privileged Identity Management | Same as Defender Suite |
Check out our breakdown comparing
The Defender Suite (E5 Security Add-On) costs $12/user/month. Buying the same tools individually would cost $28.20/user/month, saving you around 57%.
But the savings go deeper than licensing.
By consolidating your security stack within the Microsoft ecosystem, you reduce the time, complexity, and administrative overhead of managing multiple point security solutions. That means:
When tools are integrated with E5 Security, your team has centralized visibility, faster detection and response, and automated workflows. That leads to reduced risk, minimized downtime, and less damage if an incident does occur.
Here’s what you get with the Defender Suite bundle:
Identity and Access Controls: Microsoft Entra ID Plan 2
Identity Protection: Microsoft Defender for Identity
Device Security: Microsoft Defender for Endpoint Plan 2
Collaboration & Email Security: Microsoft Defender for Office 365 Plan 2
SaaS Security: Microsoft Defender for Cloud Apps
Enterprise IoT (Internet of Things) Security: Microsoft Defender for IoT
This bundle is ideal for organizations that:
If your priorities are security and operational efficiency, Defender Suite is often the most cost-effective path.
Choosing the right Microsoft security licensing is just the beginning. You need a partner who can configure, optimize, and actively manage your environment.
That’s where ProArch comes in. As a top Microsoft Solutions Partner and proud member of the Microsoft Intelligent Security Association (MISA), we help you:
Ready to take your security to the next level without paying full E5 price?
Contact us to talk Microsoft 365 E5 Security.