Alert Logic vs Expel: MDR Comparison 2026
Alert Logic (Services firm) and Expel (Pure-play MDR) take different approaches to managed detection and response. Alert Logic requires its own security platform, while Expel works with your existing tools. Alert Logic targets SMB and Mid-market organizations; Expel focuses on Mid-market and Enterprise.
Key Differences at a Glance
Winner by Category
Alert Logic vs Expel: Which Should You Choose?
Choose Alert Logic if:
- •Mid-market companies (50-5,000 employees) with cloud-heavy or hybrid environments
- •AWS-centric organizations (Alert Logic is a founding AWS APN member)
- •Organizations needing PCI DSS, HIPAA, or SOC 2 compliance coverage
- •Threat hunting included in base pricing (it's an add-on with Expel)
Choose Expel if:
- •Mid-market and enterprise organizations with existing security tool investments wanting to maximize ROI
- •Tech-forward security teams that value transparency and want to see every SOC action
- •Multi-cloud and hybrid environments needing broad integration coverage
Bottom line: Alert Logic is the choice if you want a single-vendor stack with deep integration. Expel is better if you have existing tools and want flexibility.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main difference between Alert Logic and Expel?
Alert Logic is a Services firm that is platform-native (requires their own security stack). Expel is a Pure-play MDR that is technology-agnostic (works with your existing tools). SLA commitments differ: Alert Logic offers ≤15 minutes, Expel offers Not disclosed.
How do Alert Logic and Expel differ in response capabilities?
Alert Logic supports 4 autonomous actions (endpoint isolation, network containment, account disable, custom playbooks) and approval is configurable. Expel supports 6 autonomous actions (endpoint isolation, process termination, network containment, account disable, file quarantine, custom playbooks) and approval is configurable. Incident response is included with Alert Logic and not included with Expel.
How does Alert Logic pricing compare to Expel?
Alert Logic pricing: Essentials $550/mo, Professional $2,400/mo, Enterprise $4,300-$4,500/mo (25-seat minimum). Expel pricing: Starting at $11,640/year; custom quotes based on environment. Watch for with Alert Logic: Essentials tier is vulnerability/compliance scanning only — no 24/7 SOC monitoring; Large price jumps between tiers ($550 to $2,400 to $4,300+). Watch for with Expel: Threat hunting is NOT included in base MDR -- it is an add-on service; Price increases announced for 2025.
Should I choose Alert Logic or Expel?
Choose Alert Logic if: mid-market companies (50-5,000 employees) with cloud-heavy or hybrid environments. Choose Expel if: mid-market and enterprise organizations with existing security tool investments wanting to maximize ROI. Alert Logic is not ideal for organizations needing robust native EDR (may still need CrowdStrike/Defender alongside). Expel is not ideal for organizations wanting a single-vendor platform-native MDR (Expel requires existing security tools).