Arctic Wolf vs Barracuda Networks: MDR Comparison 2026
Arctic Wolf (Pure-play MDR) and Barracuda Networks (MSP-channel) take different approaches to managed detection and response. Arctic Wolf works with your existing tools, while Barracuda Networks works with your existing tools. Arctic Wolf targets Mid-market and Enterprise organizations; Barracuda Networks focuses on SMB, Mid-market, and Enterprise.
Key Differences at a Glance
Winner by Category
Arctic Wolf vs Barracuda Networks: Which Should You Choose?
Choose Arctic Wolf if:
- •Mid-market organizations (50-1000 employees) without a dedicated SOC
- •IT generalists overwhelmed by managing multiple security point solutions
- •Organizations wanting a technology-agnostic MDR that works with existing tools
- •Breach warranty matters to you (Arctic Wolf offers one, Barracuda Networks does not)
Choose Barracuda Networks if:
- •MSPs needing a white-label/managed XDR for SMB clients
- •SMBs that don't have a security team and want turnkey coverage
- •Organizations using Microsoft 365 and needing email + endpoint coverage
Bottom line: Arctic Wolf (Pure-play MDR) and Barracuda Networks (MSP-channel) serve different buyer profiles. Your decision depends on whether you prioritize Arctic Wolf's strong concierge model for mid-market organizations needing a dedicated security partner or Barracuda Networks's purpose-built for the msp channel.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main difference between Arctic Wolf and Barracuda Networks?
Arctic Wolf is a Pure-play MDR that is technology-agnostic (works with your existing tools). Barracuda Networks is a MSP-channel that is technology-agnostic (works with your existing tools).
How do Arctic Wolf and Barracuda Networks differ in response capabilities?
Arctic Wolf supports 6 autonomous actions (endpoint isolation, process termination, network containment, account disable, file quarantine, custom playbooks) and approval is configurable. Barracuda Networks supports 6 autonomous actions (endpoint isolation, process termination, network containment, account disable, file quarantine, custom playbooks) and approval is configurable. Incident response is not included with Arctic Wolf and included with Barracuda Networks.
How does Arctic Wolf pricing compare to Barracuda Networks?
Arctic Wolf pricing: Starting ~$20/user/month; MDR Basic ~$44,000/year for up to 100 users. Enterprise pricing is custom.. Barracuda Networks pricing: ~$14.50/endpoint/year (3-year endpoint); ~$8–$20/user/month depending on coverage scope. Minimum 25 licenses. (25-seat minimum). Watch for with Arctic Wolf: Incident response and remediation is guided, not performed on your behalf — may need separate IR retainer; Normalized data and active threat feed not directly accessible to customers — security operates as a 'black box' for some. Watch for with Barracuda Networks: Security logs not available for download — limits forensic independence; MSP-focused pricing may differ from direct enterprise pricing.
Should I choose Arctic Wolf or Barracuda Networks?
Choose Arctic Wolf if: mid-market organizations (50-1000 employees) without a dedicated SOC. Choose Barracuda Networks if: mSPs needing a white-label/managed XDR for SMB clients. Arctic Wolf is not ideal for large enterprises requiring deep data access and custom detection engineering. Barracuda Networks is not ideal for enterprises wanting full data access and log export capabilities.