Top 11 MDR Tools to Protect Your Business

Managed Detection and Response, or MDR, is a combination threat detection and incident response setup that offers 24x7 oversight and superfast cybersecurity lockdown. MDR tools are popular with businesses that want to improve their security posture and want to take advantage of outsourced expertise and automated reporting.

MDR solutions are typically referred to and marketed as “tools,” but in fact operate as managed services. These are usually supported through off-site teams of professionals using a variety of software and hardware layers (e.g., via VikingCloud security services and our Asgard Platform®). Given the increasing demand for more effective and efficient cybersecurity that can scale, MDR tools are growing ever-popular with businesses of all sizes.

In this guide, we explore the top 11 MDR tools available for business protection right now and offer advice on how to choose the best solution for your needs.

What is MDR?

MDR is Managed Detection and Response, a cybersecurity solution that helps businesses find and react to threats at speed. It combines automation technology and human expertise, offering continuous threat monitoring, deep-dive hunting and investigation, and measured response and remediation.

The core idea behind MDR is that an efficient, accurate, and reliable threat detection and response system should combine professional talent and expertise with the latest in cybersecurity mitigation tools.

For many companies, using MDR services is preferable to running an internal SOC (Security Operations Center), largely for reasons of budgeting, resource allocation, and expertise. Research shows that, while many firms are pleased with their SOC’s capabilities, there are still common struggles:

“Security data quality issues, alert fatigue, and determining the true severity of threats are bogging down SOC efforts. About half of security leaders also say they have ‘major issues’ with retention (47%) and maintaining up-to-date knowledge (46%), skills and expertise (45%) to identify, analyze, and remediate emerging threats.”

KPMG

Now you have a clearer understanding of what MDR is, let’s explore the best tools available to support you, including our own.

Top 11 MDR tools and services

The best MDR tools and services on the market right now include VikingCloud, CrowdStrike Falcon, and Palo Alto Networks Unit 42. However, there are nine more platforms that also offer reliable, efficient threat hunting and remediation off-site.

Please note, this list isn’t ranked, but numbered for readability.

1. VikingCloud Managed Detection & Response Essentials

VikingCloud’s Threat Detection and Response service combines a market-leading cybersecurity event database with a focus on infinite scalability for businesses of all sizes, and a raft of incident management insights and tools via its Asgard platform.

Key Features:

• Mean-time-to-respond of less than 30 minutes
• Dedicated platform offering real-time visibility and threat intelligence
• Billions of daily threat events logged
• User-friendly dashboards to manage endpoints, assets, and findings

Best for: Businesses that need user-friendly, highly scalable MDR services.

2. CrowdStrike Falcon Complete Next-Gen MDR

CrowdStrike’s Falcon MDR covers and protects endpoints, identity protocols, and cloud environments around the clock, with a focus on reducing mean-time-to-detect and respond.

Key Features:

• Extends visibility beyond native telemetry by incorporating third-party data via Falcon Next-Gen SIEM
• 24x7 expert monitoring, not just AI
• Full-cycle remediation for complete threat recovery

Best for: Companies that need premium hands-on remediation support.

3. Palo Alto Networks Unit 42 MDR

Unit 42’s MDR is an extended solution combining the data pulling and processing power of its Cortex XDR, alongside on-demand expertise from hundreds of Unit 42 engineers and analysts.

Key Features:

• Extensive threat investigation and analysis team
• Access to proprietary PAN software
• Automatic report production and update service

Best for: Organizations with limited SOC scope.

4. Microsoft Defender Experts for XDR

Microsoft’s landmark Defender solution is a Managed / Extended Detection & Response offering (MXDR), in that it combines a live MDR dashboard, real-time reporting, and proactive remediation with access to human-led response and on-demand chat support for specific events.

Key Features:

• Easily augments existing Defender XDR solutions
• Ongoing recommendations available from experts to improve your posture
• Highly-rated Experts for Hunting capabilities built into the package

Best for: Firms using Microsoft tools and ecosystems.

5. SentinelOne Wayfinder MDR

Wayfinder MDR supports a single-platform, multi-asset overview covering networks, cloud environments, and more, with continuous, round-the-clock monitoring coverage and AI-enhanced threat detection and response.

Key Features:

• Mean-time-to-respond of less than 30 minutes
• Up to $1M in breach warranty coverage included for additional oversight
• Full MDR customization available via expert advisors

Best for: Organizations with highly complex setups.

6. Sophos MDR

Sophos’s MDR services revolve around an AI-native platform that pulls security information from a vast array of sources, integrating with more than 350 technologies and offering an “AI-accelerated” SOC for superfast threat spotting.  ‍‍

Key Features:

• Full-scale, cap-free incident response regardless of size
• Multiple threat nodes and service packages available for different needs
• 24/7 coverage available from experts based worldwide

Best for: Companies running multiple platforms needing maximum integration support.

7. Arctic Wolf Managed Detection and Response

Arctic Wolf’s dedicated MDR packages provide advanced visibility into potential threats 24 hours a day, with a particular remediation focus on personalized engagement, offering regular face-to-face meetings to ensure cause analyses and neutralization efforts are optimized for your setup.

Key Features:

• Large team of 600+ security engineers
• Dedicated business restoration and digital forensics crew
• $3 million cybersecurity assistance with the full bundle

Best for: Teams preferring a human approach to cybersecurity.

8. Rapid7 Managed Detection and Response

Like Microsoft’s Defender Experts package, Rapid7’s MDR promises a native XDR layer as part of a full MXDR ecosystem, covering endpoints, identity tools, cloud applications, and third-party ecosystems, alongside a full SOC and specialist malware analysts on the team.

Key Features:

• Full-scope incident response with zero capping
• Extensive team comprising threat hunters, malware experts, response consultants, and a full SOC
• Tiered subscriptions to suit different business sizes

Best for: Companies going all-in on outsourcing cybersecurity.

9. Red Canary MDR

Red Canary’s MDR focuses on augmenting in-house teams rather than replacing them outright, and positions itself as the leader in ransomware threat investigations via endpoint detection and response (EDR).

Key Features:

• Endpoint, cloud, and identity specialism
• Reported to offer a 99+% true positive rate on threat alerts
• Balances 24x7 expert monitoring with ad hoc advice and collaboration

Best for: Teams particularly concerned with ransomware threats.

10. Huntress Managed EDR + ITDR

Huntress’s MDR solution provides an AI-assisted SOC with 24x7 coverage and enterprise-grade protections. Its Managed ITDR solution, purpose-built for Microsoft 365 environments, delivers a mean-time-to-respond of less than three minutes on identity threats, while its Managed EDR provides an eight-minute average MTTR across endpoint incidents.

Key Features:

• Security incident simulation for both EDR and ITDR
• Protection against shadow workflows, VPN anomalies, rogue apps, and ID theft
• Designed to offer complete protection within minutes of deployment across all Microsoft license levels

Best for: Organizations that want fast deployment and identity-focused threat coverage alongside endpoint protection.

11. eSentire Managed Detection and Response

eSentire’s MDR offers a proprietary SecOps platform with AI agents trained to replicate the talents and actions of their experts, a key part of its customizable trio of packages supporting multi-signal coverage and protection.

Key Features:

• The proprietary Atlas XDR platform automates sophisticated threat blocking
• Routine vulnerability scanning backed up by expert advice
• Expert-level AI agents offer professional guidance, super-fast

Best for: Firms who are keen to go all-in on AI-heavy security.

What to look for in an MDR tool or service

The key features to look for in an MDR tool include 24x7 monitoring, rapid response, real-time investigation, superfast remediation, expert analysis, threat coverage, scalability, and integrations.

Here’s why you need to prioritize these features when selecting an MDR:

• 24x7 monitoring ensures complete surveillance of your whole infrastructure at all times, an asset given that threats have no schedule
• Rapid response services ensure that critical events or red flags are locked down as soon as they emerge, meaning companies can react and remediate fast, limiting potential damage.
• Real-time investigations ensure that emerging threats are handled as-is, helping firms to learn quickly about what caused incidents so they’re better protected ASAP.
• Superfast remediation takes care of threats and damage caused as an immediate priority, helping companies bounce back and return to operation with minimal disruption.
• Expert analysis should go without saying, but the best MDR tools deploy cybersecurity pros to assess patterns and risk insights pulled by automated software to strengthen future strategies.
• Expansive threat coverage ensures that no element of your infrastructure is left wide open. Always check that an MDR can protect the systems, networks, and cloud environments vital to your business.
• An MDR with scalability offers adaptive, responsive detection and remediation as your business grows, with the tools and expertise to handle increasingly complex networks.
• An MDR that supports flexible integrations will slide more easily into your existing infrastructure and security posture. Always enquire about how an MDR operator can adapt to your current profile.

Of course, it is also wise to compare pricing between MDR packages, but consider the value of the service you receive. Prioritizing the cheapest, entry-level package service, for example, is unlikely to grant you the protection and expert support you need for your specific posture. Similarly, when considering value, the high-end services may not be worth the spend.

Questions to ask MDR providers

Before choosing an MDR tool, consider asking the following questions to gauge value and peace of mind. In many cases, the basics (such as scope) will be covered in the marketing, but always make sure you know what levels of service you are receiving from these tools. We encourage you to ask these questions and more when you consult with us:

• What is your mean-time-to-detect and mean-time-to-respond?
• Can you customize your MDR offering to support our specific needs?
• How can your team integrate smoothly with our existing operation?
• Can you guarantee 24x7 protection?
• What software/layers do you use to provide your MDR service?
• Are you able to augment our internal SOC, or do you operate purely out-of-the-box?
• What sets your MDR offerings apart from the competition?
• What is your standard procedure for responding to a true positive?
• Do you offer ad hoc advice and guidance?
• How does your tool use AI, how do you use our data, and what guardrails are in place?
• Can we see a demo of the platform in action?

Naturally, you may have additional questions you’d like to ask, tailored to your specific requirements.

MDR vs. Other Security Solutions

MDR sits above individual security tools like EDR, NDR, and XDR by combining their detection capabilities with 24/7 threat hunting, expert-led investigation, and active response. While EDR focuses on endpoints, NDR on network traffic, and XDR on correlating signals across multiple environments, these are primarily technologies that still require skilled teams to operate effectively. MDR wraps these tools into a centralized, managed service, ensuring alerts are validated, threats are contained, and remediation happens fast—without the burden of running a full internal SOC.

Compared to traditional managed security services providers (MSSPs), MDR is more proactive and outcome-driven. Instead of simply forwarding alerts or managing logs, MDR providers investigate true positives in real time and respond on the organization’s behalf. This makes MDR a strong choice for businesses that need comprehensive coverage, rapid response, and security operations leadership without the cost and complexity of maintaining in-house expertise.

Conclusion

Given that cybersecurity is a necessity in modern business, it is unsurprising that there are so many different MDR tools out there to choose from. And, it’s important to carefully compare their strengths and limitations (as well as ongoing costs).

VikingCloud’s MDR positions itself as a leader in threat event intelligence and scalability for security-focused businesses of all sizes. Contact our team today to set up a consultation and learn more.

FAQs

Let’s close our guide with a quick breakdown of some commonly asked questions.

Which MDR is best for multi-location businesses with distributed operations?

VikingCloud offers an enterprise-class MDR designed for busy multi-location business that are actively scaling. The service balances billions of threat intelligence reports with an adaptive, expert-backed solution that keeps businesses safe so they can focus on supporting their growing client bases.

Can MDR solutions integrate with the existing security tools?

Yes, many MDR solutions, like VikingCloud’s MDR, are designed to integrate with existing cybersecurity postures and IT infrastructures. Always make sure the MDR you choose offers support for your ecosystem.

What are the typical costs associated with MDR services?

The typical costs of setting up and running MDR services may extend to tens of thousands of dollars every year, depending on the size of the customer’s operation and service levels required. It is always wise to consult a prospective MDR solution provider for a customized quote, where possible, to ensure you get the best value for money.