AirMDR vs Bitdefender MDR: MDR comparison 2026
AirMDR is a AI-native MDR that works with your existing tools. Bitdefender MDR is a Platform vendor that requires its own security platform. AirMDR targets SMB and Mid-market organizations; Bitdefender MDR serves SMB, Mid-market, and Enterprise. AirMDR includes 5 attack surfaces in base pricing (Endpoint, Cloud, SaaS, Identity, Network), compared to 1 for Bitdefender MDR (Endpoint).
Key differences at a glance
Full comparison
Which should you choose?
Choose AirMDR if:
- •SMBs and mid-market companies (100-1000 employees) priced out of traditional MDR
- •Teams with existing EDR/SIEM tools who want AI-augmented triage without replacing their stack
- •Buyers comfortable betting on a seed-stage vendor in exchange for aggressive pricing and trial terms
- •You need Cloud and SaaS and Identity and Network coverage included in base pricing
- •You want direct Slack integration with your SOC
Choose Bitdefender MDR if:
- •Organizations already on GravityZone wanting to add managed detection without changing their endpoint stack
- •MSPs looking for affordable, multi-tenant MDR with consumption billing and RMM integrations
- •Mid-market teams (50-500 endpoints) wanting single-vendor EPP + EDR + MDR from one provider
- •Breach warranty matters to you (Bitdefender MDR offers one, AirMDR does not)
- •Threat hunting included in base pricing (it's an add-on with AirMDR)
Bottom line: Bitdefender MDR is the choice if you want a single-vendor stack with deep integration. AirMDR is better if you have existing tools and want flexibility.
Frequently asked questions
What is the main difference between AirMDR and Bitdefender MDR?
AirMDR is an AI-native MDR that is technology-agnostic (works with your existing tools). Bitdefender MDR is a Platform vendor that is platform-native (requires their own security stack). SLA commitments differ: AirMDR offers Not disclosed, Bitdefender MDR offers ≤30 minutes. AirMDR covers 5 attack surfaces in base pricing vs. 1 for Bitdefender MDR.
How do AirMDR and Bitdefender MDR differ in response capabilities?
AirMDR supports 6 autonomous actions (endpoint isolation, process termination, network containment, account disable, file quarantine, custom playbooks) and approval is configurable. Bitdefender MDR supports 6 autonomous actions (endpoint isolation, process termination, network containment, account disable, file quarantine, custom playbooks) and approval is configurable.
How does AirMDR pricing compare to Bitdefender MDR?
AirMDR pricing: Custom-quoted pricing. Bitdefender MDR pricing: Not published. Bitdefender simplified to two tiers (MDR and MDR PLUS) in 2024. MSPs get consumption-based billing.. Watch for with AirMDR: No published pricing. Requires sales contact despite targeting SMBs who typically prefer self-serve.; Annual contract required. No month-to-month option mentioned.. Watch for with Bitdefender MDR: Requires GravityZone agent. Cannot use third-party EDR for core MDR detection.; XDR sensor licenses (network, identity, cloud, email) are additional cost and can significantly increase total spend.
Should I choose AirMDR or Bitdefender MDR?
Choose AirMDR if: sMBs and mid-market companies (100-1000 employees) priced out of traditional MDR. Choose Bitdefender MDR if: organizations already on GravityZone wanting to add managed detection without changing their endpoint stack. AirMDR is not ideal for enterprises requiring a proven vendor track record and extensive customer references. Bitdefender MDR is not ideal for organizations with existing non-Bitdefender EDR they want to keep (requires GravityZone agent).