Barracuda Networks vs CrowdStrike: MDR Comparison 2026
Barracuda Networks (MSP-channel) and CrowdStrike (EDR vendor) take different approaches to managed detection and response. Barracuda Networks works with your existing tools, while CrowdStrike requires its own security platform. Barracuda Networks targets SMB, Mid-market, and Enterprise organizations; CrowdStrike focuses on Mid-market and Enterprise. Barracuda Networks includes 5 attack surfaces in base pricing (Endpoint, Cloud, SaaS, Identity, Network), compared to 4 for CrowdStrike (Endpoint, Cloud, SaaS, Network).
Key Differences at a Glance
Winner by Category
Barracuda Networks vs CrowdStrike: 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
- •You need Identity coverage included in base pricing
Choose CrowdStrike if:
- •Enterprise organizations (200+ endpoints) wanting MITRE-validated detection speed
- •Teams comfortable with a single-vendor platform approach
- •Organizations that want fully autonomous remediation without approval workflows
- •Breach warranty matters to you (CrowdStrike offers one, Barracuda Networks does not)
Bottom line: CrowdStrike is the choice if you want a single-vendor stack with deep integration. Barracuda Networks is better if you have existing tools and want flexibility.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main difference between Barracuda Networks and CrowdStrike?
Barracuda Networks is a MSP-channel that is technology-agnostic (works with your existing tools). CrowdStrike is an EDR vendor that is platform-native (requires their own security stack). SLA commitments differ: Barracuda Networks offers ≤1 hour, CrowdStrike offers Not disclosed. Barracuda Networks covers 5 attack surfaces in base pricing vs. 4 for CrowdStrike.
How do Barracuda Networks and CrowdStrike 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. CrowdStrike supports 6 autonomous actions (endpoint isolation, process termination, network containment, account disable, file quarantine, custom playbooks) and acts without approval.
How does Barracuda Networks pricing compare to CrowdStrike?
Barracuda Networks pricing: ~$14.50/endpoint/year (3-year endpoint); ~$8–$20/user/month depending on coverage scope. Minimum 25 licenses. (25-seat minimum). CrowdStrike pricing: $15-25/endpoint/month (estimates vary by deployment size) (200-seat minimum). 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 CrowdStrike: Minimum 200-500 endpoints required — eliminates most SMBs; Requires CrowdStrike Falcon platform — cannot use with competing EDR.
Should I choose Barracuda Networks or CrowdStrike?
Choose Barracuda Networks if: mSPs needing a white-label/managed XDR for SMB clients. Choose CrowdStrike if: enterprise organizations (200+ endpoints) wanting MITRE-validated detection speed. Barracuda Networks is not ideal for enterprises wanting full data access and log export capabilities. CrowdStrike is not ideal for sMBs with fewer than 200 endpoints (minimum requirement).