Best MDR / XDR Software · 2026

Expel logoExpel vs UnderDefense logoUnderDefense

Expel vs UnderDefense: on our data-weighted scoring, UnderDefense edges ahead (8.1 vs 7.5/10). Expel starts at Custom quote and is best for mid-market/enterprise wanting transparent MDR across their existing tools; UnderDefense starts at $11/endpoint/mo and is best for teams that want an agentic AI SOC on top of the SIEM or XDR they already run. Choose UnderDefense for the stronger overall track record; consider Expel if its pricing model or fit matches your environment better. Side-by-side table below.

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Expel

7.5/10
MSP Compared score
Starting price
Custom quote
Reviews
4.7/5 (~90 G2 reviews)
Free trial
—
Deployment
Cloud
Best for
Mid-market/enterprise wanting transparent MDR across their existing tools
Visit Expel →
Our pick

UnderDefense

8.1/10
MSP Compared score
Starting price
$11/endpoint/mo
Reviews
4.9/5 (~29 G2 reviews)
Free trial
14 days
Deployment
Cloud + on-prem
Best for
Teams that want an agentic AI SOC on top of the SIEM or XDR they already run
Visit UnderDefense →

Strengths at a glance

Six criteria, each scored 0–10 on the same scale from real review data, public pricing and feature coverage. See our methodology →

EditorialUser reviewsAdoptionAffordabilityFeature breadthEase of trial
ExpelUnderDefense
CriterionExpelUnderDefense
Editorial 7.5 8.1
User reviews 9.4 9.8
Adoption 5.2 3.9
Affordability 5.0 4.1
Feature breadth 4.0 6.0
Ease of trial 3.0 6.0

Expel vs UnderDefense: head-to-head

Expel vs UnderDefense — specs and pricing
ExpelUnderDefense
Starting price Custom quote $11/endpoint/mo
Pricing model quote per endpoint
Free trial / tier — 14 days
Best for Mid-market/enterprise wanting transparent MDR across their existing tools Teams that want an agentic AI SOC on top of the SIEM or XDR they already run
Deployment Cloud Cloud + on-prem
G2 rating 4.7/5 (90) 4.9/5 (29)
Capterra rating — —
Our score 7.5 8.1

Choose Expel if…

You need mid-market/enterprise wanting transparent mdr across their existing tools.

✓ Pros

  • Vendor-agnostic
  • Transparent investigations
  • Strong cloud coverage

✕ Cons

  • Premium pricing
  • Quote-only
  • Enterprise focus

Expel pricing · review

Choose UnderDefense if…

You need teams that want an agentic ai soc on top of the siem or xdr they already run.

✓ Pros

  • Published per-endpoint floor (rare in this category)
  • Runs on the SIEM/XDR you already own
  • 14-day trial

✕ Cons

  • G2 volume still small vs Huntress or Arctic Wolf
  • Higher tiers are contact-sales
  • Annual contracts

UnderDefense pricing · review

In depth

Pricing: UnderDefense vs Expel

UnderDefense bills on a per endpoint model from $11/endpoint/mo (14 days trial), while Expel uses a quote model from Custom quote. Because the models differ, the cheaper option flips depending on your fleet size — model both at your seat/endpoint count.

Features & deployment

UnderDefense ships 6 headline capabilities (Agentic AI SOC overlay, Vendor-agnostic SIEM/XDR connectors, 24/7 concierge analysts, Co-managed SIEM) and deploys Cloud + on-prem. Expel ships 4 (MDR across cloud + endpoint + SIEM, Transparent workbench, Automation, Clear remediation steps), deploying Cloud.

Ratings & verdict

UnderDefense holds 4.9/5 (~29 G2 reviews); Expel holds 4.7/5 (~90 G2 reviews). On our data-weighted score, UnderDefense edges ahead (8.1 vs 7.5/10). Pick Expel instead when mid-market/enterprise wanting transparent mdr across their existing tools. See UnderDefense alternatives or Expel alternatives.

Frequently asked questions

Expel vs UnderDefense: which is better?
Expel vs UnderDefense: on our data-weighted scoring, UnderDefense edges ahead (8.1 vs 7.5/10). Expel starts at Custom quote and is best for mid-market/enterprise wanting transparent MDR across their existing tools; UnderDefense starts at $11/endpoint/mo and is best for teams that want an agentic AI SOC on top of the SIEM or XDR they already run.
Is Expel cheaper than UnderDefense?
Expel starts at Custom quote and UnderDefense starts at $11/endpoint/mo (see the pricing rows for models and limits).
Data as of November 1, 2026. Sources: expel.com, underdefense.com. Figures are pulled from public vendor and security data and refreshed automatically.