Best SIEM Software · 2026
Microsoft Sentinel vs 
Splunk Enterprise Security Microsoft Sentinel vs Splunk Enterprise Security: on our data-weighted scoring, Microsoft Sentinel edges ahead (8.1 vs 8.1/10). Microsoft Sentinel starts at $4.3/GB ingested (PAYG, East US) and is best for microsoft-centric orgs wanting a cloud-native siem with deep entra/defender integration; Splunk Enterprise Security starts at Custom quote and is best for large enterprises needing deep, mature siem with extensive integrations and log analytics. Choose Microsoft Sentinel for the stronger overall track record; consider Splunk Enterprise Security if its pricing model or fit matches your environment better. Side-by-side table below.
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Six criteria, each scored 0–10 on the same scale from real review data, public pricing and feature coverage. See our methodology →
| Criterion | Microsoft Sentinel | Splunk Enterprise Security |
|---|---|---|
| Editorial | 8.1 | 8.1 |
| User reviews | 8.8 | 8.6 |
| Adoption | 6.5 | 6.2 |
| Affordability | 7.0 | 5.0 |
| Feature breadth | 6.0 | 7.0 |
| Ease of trial | 6.0 | 6.0 |
| Microsoft Sentinel | Splunk Enterprise Security | |
|---|---|---|
| Starting price | $4.3/GB ingested (PAYG, East US) | Custom quote |
| Pricing model | per gb | quote |
| Free trial / tier | 31 days | 14 days |
| Best for | Microsoft-centric orgs wanting a cloud-native SIEM with deep Entra/Defender integration | Large enterprises needing deep, mature SIEM with extensive integrations and log analytics |
| Deployment | Cloud | Cloud + on-prem |
| G2 rating | 4.4/5 (289) | 4.3/5 (222) |
| Capterra rating | — | — |
| Our score | 8.1 | 8.1 |
You need microsoft-centric orgs wanting a cloud-native siem with deep entra/defender integration.
You need large enterprises needing deep, mature siem with extensive integrations and log analytics.
Microsoft Sentinel bills on a per gb model from $4.3/GB ingested (PAYG, East US) (31 days trial), while Splunk Enterprise Security uses a quote model from Custom quote (14 days trial). Because the models differ, the cheaper option flips depending on your fleet size — model both at your seat/endpoint count.
Microsoft Sentinel ships 6 headline capabilities (Cloud-native SIEM + SOAR, Native Entra ID + Defender + M365 connectors, KQL hunting + analytics rules, UEBA + ML anomaly detection) and deploys Cloud. Splunk Enterprise Security ships 7 (Industry-leading SPL search + analytics, Risk-based alerting + correlation, 2, 800+ integrations), deploying Cloud + on-prem.
Microsoft Sentinel holds 4.4/5 (~289 G2 reviews); Splunk Enterprise Security holds 4.3/5 (~222 G2 reviews). On our data-weighted score, Microsoft Sentinel edges ahead (8.1 vs 8.1/10). Pick Splunk Enterprise Security instead when large enterprises needing deep, mature siem with extensive integrations and log analytics. See Microsoft Sentinel alternatives or Splunk Enterprise Security alternatives.