EDR vs MDR: What's the Difference (and Which You Need) — 2026

EDR and MDR solve the same problem — stopping endpoint attacks — but one is software you run and the other is a service that runs it for you.

EDR vs MDR in one line

EDR (Endpoint Detection & Response) is the tooling: an agent that detects, isolates and remediates threats on laptops and servers. You (or your MSP) operate the console, triage alerts and respond.

MDR (Managed Detection & Response) wraps EDR (or its own sensors) in a 24/7 human SOC that monitors, investigates and responds on your behalf — closing the gap when you don’t have round-the-clock analysts.

Choose EDR if…

you have the in-house security staff (or MSP capacity) to watch alerts and respond, and want the lowest per-endpoint cost.

Choose MDR if…

you need 24/7 coverage and expert response without hiring a SOC team — the premium buys you analysts, not just software.

Leading EDR tools we track

Best EDR pick: SentinelOne Singularity — 8.4/10, from $69.99/endpoint/yr. See best endpoint security & edr software.

Leading MDR tools we track

Best MDR pick: Huntress — 8.6/10, on custom-quote pricing. See best mdr / xdr software.