EDR Vendor Comparison 2026
Updated 26 March 2026
Independent comparison of 6 endpoint detection and response solutions using generic descriptions. Pricing, deployment model, OS support, and strengths for each tier of the market.
Sentinel Platform
SMB and mid-market
Overview
Strengths
- ✓Fast deployment - agent in 10 minutes
- ✓Simple alert console suitable for non-specialists
- ✓Low per-endpoint cost for small deployments
- ✓Month-to-month contracts available
Limitations
- △Limited forensic depth at base tier
- △macOS coverage narrower than Windows
- △No on-premises option
Best for
Small businesses needing cyber insurance compliance without a full security team
Apex Shield
Mid-market growth
Overview
Strengths
- ✓Strong behavioural AI engine
- ✓Good Linux coverage for DevOps teams
- ✓Integrates with major SIEM platforms
- ✓30-day telemetry retention included
Limitations
- △API integrations require technical configuration
- △Support response time varies by tier
Best for
Growing companies with a part-time security engineer who needs deeper visibility
Vantage Protect
Security-team driven
Overview
Strengths
- ✓Custom detection rule engine (YARA and Sigma support)
- ✓90-day telemetry in advanced tier
- ✓Strong community and threat research team
- ✓Excellent MITRE ATT&CK coverage reporting
Limitations
- △Steeper learning curve for non-security staff
- △Higher base price than pure SMB tools
Best for
Organisations with at least one dedicated security analyst who wants full control
Cortex Guard
Enterprise automation
Overview
Strengths
- ✓AI-powered automated response reduces analyst workload
- ✓Native SOAR integration
- ✓XDR expansion available
- ✓Detailed executive reporting dashboard
Limitations
- △Higher entry cost
- △Full value requires buying into broader vendor platform
Best for
Mid-enterprise teams with SOAR investment or planning XDR migration
Forge Defender
Enterprise scale
Overview
Strengths
- ✓On-premises deployment option for air-gapped environments
- ✓OT and ICS device support
- ✓Dedicated customer success manager at enterprise tier
- ✓24-month telemetry retention option
Limitations
- △Complex initial deployment for on-prem option
- △Higher cost for small environments
- △Annual contract required
Best for
Large enterprises with on-prem compliance requirements or OT/ICS environments
Apex Sentinel Pro
Premium all-in-one
Overview
Strengths
- ✓Managed threat hunting included in base price
- ✓1-year telemetry retention
- ✓Threat intelligence overlay
- ✓Proactive hunt reports delivered monthly
- ✓Can replace SIEM for many organisations
Limitations
- △Highest per-endpoint cost in the comparison
- △Not suitable for price-sensitive small deployments
Best for
Organisations willing to pay a premium to replace multiple tools with one platform
How to run an EDR evaluation
1. Define your must-have features
List the compliance requirements and security controls your organisation needs. This filters out solutions immediately rather than wasting time on POCs.
2. Run a 30-day proof of concept
Deploy the top 2 to 3 vendors on a representative sample of 50 to 100 endpoints. Measure false positive rate, alert volume, and detection coverage against your real environment.
3. Test incident response workflow
Simulate a known attack (use MITRE ATT&CK evaluation scenarios) and measure time to detect, time to investigate, and quality of the response guidance.
4. Evaluate total cost of ownership
List price is only the start. Add professional services for deployment, training time, integration with your SIEM or SOAR, and the internal analyst time needed to manage the tool.