Microsoft Sentinel vs Splunk: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Microsoft Sentinel and Splunk comes down to understanding what each tool does best. This comparison breaks down the key differences so you can make an informed decision based on your specific needs, not marketing claims.
By Toolradar Team · Last updated February 28, 2026 · Methodology
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
Microsoft Sentinel
Cloud-native SIEM by Microsoft
Best for you if:
- • You need ai agents features specifically
- • Microsoft Sentinel is a cloud-native SIEM and SOAR platform on Azure
- • It provides security analytics, threat detection, and automated response
Splunk
Data platform for security and observability
Best for you if:
- • You need data visualization features specifically
- • Log management and analysis platform
- • Search terabytes of logs in seconds
| At a Glance |  Microsoft Sentinel |  Splunk |
|---|---|---|
Price | Paid | Paid |
Best For | AI Agents | Data Visualization |
Rating | 84/100 | 84/100 |
| Feature | Microsoft Sentinel | Splunk |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Paid | Paid |
| Editorial Score | 84 | 84 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | AI AgentsLog Management | Data VisualizationLog Management |
How Microsoft Sentinel and Splunk Compare
Microsoft Sentinel
Cloud-native SIEM by Microsoft
Paid · 84/100 score
Splunk
Data platform for security and observability
Paid · 84/100 score
Microsoft Sentinel is a ai agents tool. Splunk is in data visualization.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Both are paid. Compare plans on their websites.
Go with: Microsoft Sentinel
Want the highest-rated option?
Microsoft Sentinel: 84/100. Splunk: 84/100.
Go with: Microsoft Sentinel
Value user reviews?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: Microsoft Sentinel
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Both are paid. Pricing won't help you decide here.
What's your use case?
Microsoft Sentinel is a ai agents tool. Splunk is in data visualization. Pick the category that matches your needs.
How important are ratings?
Both score 84/100.
Key Takeaways
Microsoft Sentinel
- Our pick for this comparison
Splunk
- Better fit for data visualization
The Bottom Line
Microsoft Sentinel (84/100) is our pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Microsoft Sentinel or Splunk better?
Microsoft Sentinel scores 84/100 in our evaluation. Both are paid.
What are Microsoft Sentinel and Splunk used for?
Microsoft Sentinel: Cloud-native SIEM by Microsoft. Splunk: Data platform for security and observability.
What does Microsoft Sentinel cost vs Splunk?
Microsoft Sentinel is a paid tool. Splunk is a paid tool. Visit their websites for detailed pricing.