Barracuda Networks vs Critical Start: MDR Comparison 2026
Barracuda Networks (MSP-channel) and Critical Start (MDR provider) take different approaches to managed detection and response. Barracuda Networks works with your existing tools, while Critical Start works with your existing tools. Barracuda Networks targets SMB, Mid-market, and Enterprise organizations; Critical Start focuses on Mid-market and Enterprise.
Key Differences at a Glance
Winner by Category
Barracuda Networks vs Critical Start: Which Should You Choose?
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
Choose Critical Start if:
- •Mid-market to large enterprises wanting technology-agnostic MDR that works with their existing security stack
- •Organizations suffering from alert fatigue wanting TBR's deterministic auto-resolution to reduce noise
- •Companies needing OT/ICS monitoring alongside IT MDR (Claroty, Dragos, Nozomi integrations)
Bottom line: Barracuda Networks (MSP-channel) and Critical Start (MDR provider) serve different buyer profiles. Your decision depends on whether you prioritize Barracuda Networks's purpose-built for the msp channel or Critical Start's technology-agnostic mdr with tbr deterministic alert auto-resolution, 100+ integrations, ot/ics s....
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main difference between Barracuda Networks and Critical Start?
Barracuda Networks is a MSP-channel that is technology-agnostic (works with your existing tools). Critical Start is a MDR provider that is technology-agnostic (works with your existing tools). SLA commitments differ: Barracuda Networks offers ≤1 hour, Critical Start offers ≤15 minutes.
How do Barracuda Networks and Critical Start differ in response capabilities?
Barracuda Networks supports 6 autonomous actions (endpoint isolation, process termination, network containment, account disable, file quarantine, custom playbooks) and approval is configurable. Critical Start 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 Barracuda Networks and not included with Critical Start.
How does Barracuda Networks pricing compare to Critical Start?
Barracuda Networks pricing: ~$14.50/endpoint/year (3-year endpoint); ~$8–$20/user/month depending on coverage scope. Minimum 25 licenses. (25-seat minimum). Critical Start pricing: Custom-quoted pricing. Watch for with Barracuda Networks: Security logs not available for download — limits forensic independence; MSP-focused pricing may differ from direct enterprise pricing. Watch for with Critical Start: No public pricing at all — requires sales call for any ballpark; OT/ICS monitoring and vulnerability management are separate purchases on top of base MDR.
Should I choose Barracuda Networks or Critical Start?
Choose Barracuda Networks if: mSPs needing a white-label/managed XDR for SMB clients. Choose Critical Start if: mid-market to large enterprises wanting technology-agnostic MDR that works with their existing security stack. Barracuda Networks is not ideal for enterprises wanting full data access and log export capabilities. Critical Start is not ideal for sMBs or budget-conscious organizations — enterprise-focused pricing not publicly disclosed.