Barracuda Networks vs Field Effect: MDR Comparison 2026
Barracuda Networks (MSP-channel) and Field Effect (MDR provider) take different approaches to managed detection and response. Barracuda Networks works with your existing tools, while Field Effect requires its own security platform. Barracuda Networks targets SMB, Mid-market, and Enterprise organizations; Field Effect focuses on SMB and Mid-market.
Key Differences at a Glance
Winner by Category
Barracuda Networks vs Field Effect: 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 Field Effect if:
- •SMBs and MSPs wanting affordable, easy-to-deploy MDR with published per-user pricing
- •Canadian organizations needing domestic data hosting and PIPEDA compliance
- •Healthcare, government, and defense contractors needing HIPAA/CMMC/NIST compliance support
Bottom line: Field Effect 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 Field Effect?
Barracuda Networks is a MSP-channel that is technology-agnostic (works with your existing tools). Field Effect is a MDR provider that is platform-native (requires their own security stack). SLA commitments differ: Barracuda Networks offers ≤1 hour, Field Effect offers Not disclosed.
How do Barracuda Networks and Field Effect 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. Field Effect supports 5 autonomous actions (endpoint isolation, process termination, network containment, account disable, file quarantine) and approval is configurable. Incident response is included with Barracuda Networks and not included with Field Effect.
How does Barracuda Networks pricing compare to Field Effect?
Barracuda Networks pricing: ~$14.50/endpoint/year (3-year endpoint); ~$8–$20/user/month depending on coverage scope. Minimum 25 licenses. (25-seat minimum). Field Effect pricing: MDR Core: $99/user/month (ideal for <=25 users). MDR Complete: custom pricing (larger organizations, compliance requirements).. 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 Field Effect: MDR Core excludes network monitoring, DNS firewall, and dark web monitoring — significant feature gap vs Complete; $99/user adds up quickly — 50 users = $4,950/month.
Should I choose Barracuda Networks or Field Effect?
Choose Barracuda Networks if: mSPs needing a white-label/managed XDR for SMB clients. Choose Field Effect if: sMBs and MSPs wanting affordable, easy-to-deploy MDR with published per-user pricing. Barracuda Networks is not ideal for enterprises wanting full data access and log export capabilities. Field Effect is not ideal for organizations with existing CrowdStrike/SentinelOne/Defender deployments — requires proprietary Field Effect agent.