9 best MDR software to enhance threat detection in 2024

Nowadays, there is a wide range of cybersecurity software available. These tools range from EDR, XDR, and SIEM to vulnerability management tools and many more. Many businesses might not know about managed detection and response (MDR) software, which is either partially or completely handled by the vendor rather than by the customer. 

Rather than needing to have cybersecurity professionals internally, MDR providers have cybersecurity expert teams who keep your IT infrastructure safe. These tools have many benefits, like increased cost savings, better security, and centralized management.

To assist you in selecting an MDR software, we have reviewed the best options available. Before that, let’s look at what MDR software exactly is, the types available, and why you need one.

What is MDR software?

MDR software’s main purpose is to help organizations protect their IT infrastructure against threats. As the name implies, MDR software goes beyond threat detection and offers tools for remediation.

Unlike EDR, MDR solutions are implemented and managed by a third-party provider. These providers monitor your network 24/7, investigate threats, and continuously remediate security risks.

Types of MDR software

Before selecting MDR software, you should understand the different types. We have gone through the main ones below.

1. Managed endpoint detection and response (EDR)

While there are differences between EDR and MDR, EDR software can be a subcategory of MDR software. EDR stands for endpoint detection and response and assists organizations in monitoring and responding to threats. 

EDR tools, alongside IoT monitoring software, monitor devices such as laptops, servers, desktops, and Internet of Things (IoT) devices in real time

2. Managed network detection and response (NDR)

NDR tools specialize in monitoring network traffic and can detect anomalies through techniques like machine learning and behavioral analytics. They create a baseline of normal network behavior and alert security teams when suspicious network traffic patterns deviate from this baseline.

3. Extended detection and response (XDR)

As the title “extended” suggests, XDR comprehensive security solutions for detecting, investigating, and responding to threats across multiple layers of a company’s security stack, such as networks, endpoints, servers, and cloud applications.

Unlike more siloed and traditional tools like EDR, XDR tools bring all of these elements together to work in a centralized platform. XDR solutions use AI to detect advanced persistent threats (APTs), which are difficult to detect with traditional mechanisms.

Why do you need an MDR software?

More and more IT teams are implementing MDR software into their everyday IT operations. Gartner estimates that by 2025, 50% of organizations will be using MDR software to handle threat monitoring, detection, and response tasks.

We’ve outlined the key benefits MDR tools bring below.

1. Lower data breach costs

The top MDR software often includes strong AI and automation tools. IBM’s 2024 Data Breach Report shows that the more AI and automation organizations use in IT management, the lower their average data breach costs are.

Data breaches cost organizations an average of $4.88 million in 2024, so the cost reductions achieved by automation and AI can be substantial. In some cases, the cost savings achieved with AI and automation are reported to be up to $2.2 million.

2. Faster data breach resolution

Organizations using AI and automation in IT security can identify and contain data breaches nearly 100 days faster than those without. MDR software can help achieve this through the AI and automation available. The faster a data breach is resolved, the lower the potential damage. 

3. Threat analysis and real-time insights

Like Gartner describes, MDR software provides expertise and helps to focus less on the why and how and more on “what to do next.” 

MDR providers use advanced tools to monitor your network activity 24/7, ensuring that cybercriminals can’t exploit any gaps in your system. If they detect any potential threats, they will investigate and respond immediately.

4. Access to expert knowledge

MDR software is managed by the provider’s team of cybersecurity experts, which means you get access to a team of skilled professionals. These experts monitor your network 24/7, detect any looming threats, and respond to them. 

Knowledge from cybersecurity professionals can be especially useful for SMBs that lack the resources to build an in-house IT department.

5. Compliance and reporting

Maintaining compliance should be one of the top priorities for organizations. While every industry has its own regulations, all require data protection and regular monitoring to make sure devices are protected from potential threats.

MDR providers simplify this by automating compliance reporting and ensuring your cybersecurity practices comply with PCI DSS, GDPR, and HIPAA requirements.

The 9 best MDR software for 2024

After reviewing and comparing the best MDR software in 2024, these are the ones we recommend:

1. Atera
2. ThreatDown
3. Webroot
4. CrowdStrike Falcon
5. Alert Logic
6. Sophos MDR
7. Blackpoint Cyber
8. ESET Managed Detection & Response
9. SentinelOne Vigilance

Below is a more detailed breakdown of each of these.

1. Atera – Best IT management platform with integrated MDR

Atera is an all-in-one IT management platform that integrates with the top MDR solutions, like Webroot and ThreatDown. Atera aims to combine IT management with broader IT security through real-time monitoring, alerting, threat detection, incident response, and various security integrations.

Features and capabilities

Atera’s all-in-one IT management platform’s key features include:

• Real-time monitoring and alerting. Monitor your network activity in real time and receive alerts of any looming threads.
• Integrated MDR. Integrate Atera with the leading MDR solutions for threat detection and response, incident management, and 
• IT automation. Automate tasks like patch management and scripting through Atera’s IT automation.
• AI. Perform tasks 10X more efficiently with Atera Copilot. The AI features include threat detection and real-time device troubleshooting, scripting, remote session summaries, instant ticket summaries, knowledge base creation, and more.
• Reporting and analytics. Make better decisions and comply with industry regulations through customizable reports.
• Remote access. Access devices remotely for remote configuration.

When it comes to platform usability, Atera is one of the most intuitive IT management platforms. It was built to be easy to navigate, and switching between the different interfaces is intuitive.

We prepared a complete Atera review, so you will get the full picture of Atera’s capabilities and features.

Atera’s admin dashboard

If you face any problems navigating through Atera, all users have access to 24/7 live chat customer support.

Customer reviews and ratings

Atera has received over 1,500+ reviews across major review platforms, like G2, Capterra, GetApp, and TrustRadius, with an average rating of 4.6 out of 5.0 stars.

Below are a few reviews summarized.

G2 rating: 4.6 out of 5.0 stars (700+ reviews)

What Atera users are saying on G2:

“I really like how Atera has multiple integrations for the same need, such as endpoint management and backups, a G2 user mentions”

“The pay-per-technician pricing hooks you in, and the software is easy to use, a G2 user mentions.”

Capterra rating: 4.6 out of 5.0 stars (380+ reviews)

What Atera users are saying on Capterra:

“No matter how many endpoints you manage, the price remains the same with Atera, which is what a Capterra user appreciates.”

“Atera has all the features and integrations at a lower price than what competitors offer, which is why a Capterra user selected it.”

Atera pricing plans

Unlike most MDR and RMM pricing, which uses pay-per-endpoint, Atera is priced pay-per-technician. This means that you can manage unlimited devices/endpoints and still pay a fixed monthly fee.

Below are Atera’s tailored pricing plans for IT departments and MSPs.

Atera pricing plans for IT departments: 

• Professional: $149 per month, per technician
• Expert: $189 per month, per technician
• Master: $219 per month, per technician
• Enterprise: Custom quotation; contact sales to get pricing

Atera pricing plans for MSPs:

• Pro: $129 per month, per technician
• Growth: $179 per month, per technician
• Power: $209 per month, per technician
• Superpower (Enterprise): Custom quotation; contact sales to get pricing

2. ThreatDown

ThreatDown MDR offers 24/7 threat monitoring, investigation, and remediation for small and medium-sized businesses. The service is powered by ThreatDown’s EDR tool, which allows businesses to detect and respond to security threats. Using ThreatDown MDR, you get help from a team of cybersecurity professionals who are experts at threat hunting and incident management. 

ThreatDown is known for being easy to use and quick to onboard new endpoints. It can be integrated with Atera for more robust IT management tools.

G2 Rating: 4.6 out of 5.0 stars (1,000+ reviews)

Capterra Rating: n/a

ThreatDown Pricing:

• Core: $69 per endpoint annually
• Advanced: $79 per endpoint annually
• Elite: $99 per endpoint annually
• Ultimate: $119 per endpoint annually

All of the ThreatDown pricing plans require you to have a minimum of 5 endpoints.

3. Webroot

Webroot helps SMBs protect their IT infrastructures through 24/7 cybersecurity expert monitoring. The tool comes with live asset visibility, multi-point threat detection, and response. Webroot also has a remote access tool for remote configuration. Webroot MDR assists organizations in meeting standards like HIPAA, PCI, ISO, and NIST through risk and compliance reporting.

As with ThreatDown, Webroot also offers an integration with Atera for more comprehensive IT management. In addition, there are third-party integrations with cybersecurity tools and backup solutions.

G2 Rating: 4.6 out of 5.0 stars (500+ reviews)

Capterra Rating: 4.5 out of 5.0 stars (200+ reviews)

Webroot Pricing:

• The MDR licenses for businesses start at $150 and go up depending on the number of endpoints managed and the number of users using the platform.

4. CrowdStrike Falcon

CrowdStrike Falcon is mainly known as an XDR solution, but it also provides managed detection and response services. It provides organizations with round-the-clock protection from threats through detection, disruption, and eradication. 

The MDR service is enhanced by Falcon Adversary OverWatch, which is CrowdStrike’s AI-powered tool. The AI tool is capable of 24/7 cross-domain threat hunting and remediation on real-time threat intelligence. CrowdStrike Falcon is one of the most popular MDR solutions, yet one of the most expensive.

G2 rating: 4.7 out of 5.0 stars (270+ reviews)

Capterra rating: 4.7 out of 5.0 stars (30+ reviews)

CrowdStrike Falcon pricing:

• Small businesses: The pricing plans range from $59.99 to $99.99 per device, and the final price depends on the number of devices you manage.
• Enterprises: The pricing plans for enterprises range from $99.99 per device to $184.99 per device. A custom quotation option is also available for large organizations.

5. Alert Logic

Alert Logic MDR helps organizations detect, respond, and reduce security threats. Their team of cybersecurity experts provides proactive threat detection and response, threat insights and analysis, and automated response to them. 

The tool comes with intuitive, real-time dashboards for tracking system health, looming incidents, vulnerabilities, and coverage. Alert Logic provides audit-ready metrics and reporting that help you maintain compliance requirements.

G2 Rating: 4.5 out of 5.0 stars (200+ reviews)

Capterra Rating: 4.5 out of 5.0 stars (10+ reviews)

Alert Logic Pricing:

• Alert Logic’s pricing is based on custom quotation. To get it, request pricing from their website.

6. Sophos MDR

Sophos offers EDR and XDR solutions for IT departments and an MDR service. Customers get access to expert-led threat hunting, 24/7 threat detection and response, incident management, and reporting. 

Sophos MDR targets IT teams working in Microsoft environments. According to them, their team is able to stop more threats than Microsoft’s security tools alone, largely because Sophos offers an integrated solution for monitoring all Microsoft apps. In addition to Microsoft, the platform integrates with CrowdStrike, Palo Alto Networks, Darktrace, and more.

G2 Rating: 4.7 out of 5.0 stars (200+ reviews)

Capterra Rating: n/a

Sophos MDR Pricing:

• To get the pricing, visit Sophos’ website and enter your details. The generator will calculate your team’s cost.

7. Blackpoint Cyber

Blackpoint Cyber is MDR software that helps users protect their IT environments. According to them, the platform’s biggest benefits are assistance from security experts, human threat analysis, 24/7 monitoring, and incident response. Blackpoint integrates with different Microsoft products, SentinelOne, Webroot, ConnectWise, Cisco, and more.

Users cite the platform’s main advantage as fast response times. One G2 user mentions that incidents have been actively responded to within minutes. The incident reports are also mentioned as beneficial.

G2 Rating: 4.8 out of 5.0 stars (200+ reviews)

Capterra Rating: 4.8 out of 5.0 stars (80+ reviews)

Blackpoint Cyber Pricing:

• Pricing is based on a custom quotation. To get it, contact the Blackpoint Cyber sales team.

8. ESET Managed Detection & Response

ESET offers MDR services for SMBs and enterprise customers. With ESET, customers can reduce their incident detection and response times down to 20 minutes. This is achieved through 24/7 monitoring by experienced threat hunters. These professionals monitor active malware groups and provide strong protection.

You can choose from two plans, MDR Service and MDR Ultimate Service. MDR Service is for basic-level monitoring, while the Ultimate Service offers more customized threat hunting and expert assistance. 

G2 Rating: 4.3 out of 5.0 stars (10 reviews)

Capterra Rating: 4.8 out of 5.0 stars (15+ reviews)

ESET MDR Pricing:

• MDR Service: The pricing is based on a custom quotation
• MDR Ultimate Service: The pricing is based on custom quotation

9. SentinelOne Vigilance

SentinelOne advertises itself as the fastest MDR on the planet. It offers 24/7 monitoring of threats in your environments and promises a 30-minute mean time to detect and respond to incidents. To make data-driven decisions and comply with regulations, customers have access to documentation and reporting.

Unlike most MDR services, SentinelOne publicly offers warranty protection of up to $1M if any ransomware attack successfully breaches its defenses.

G2 Rating: 4.2 out of 5.0 stars (8 reviews)

Capterra Rating: 4.8 out of 5.0 stars (80+ reviews)

SentinelOne Vigilance Pricing:

• Singularity Core: $69.99 per month for 5-100 workstations
• Singularity Control: $79.99 for 5-100 workstations
• Singularity Complete: $159.99 for 5-100 workstations
• Singularity Commercial: $209.99 per month for 5-100 workstations
• Singularity Enterprise: Pricing is based on custom quotation

IT management with integrated cybersecurity

Atera helps protect your company’s IT infrastructure through a suite of IT management tools, such as endpoint management, network discovery, remote access, and more. In addition, it integrates with the leading MDR, EDR, and XDR tools. These integrations include ThreatDown, Webroot, Cynet, Acronis, and more.

These integrations provide real-time threat detection, automated response actions, and detailed insights. When paired with Atera, you can centralize IT management and security in one platform and protect your IT infrastructure.If you want to try Atera for your IT organization, you can do so with Atera’s 30-day free trial. Alternatively, you can contact our sales team for a custom demo.