Barracuda Networks vs Palo Alto Networks: MDR Comparison 2026
Barracuda Networks (MSP-channel) and Palo Alto Networks (EDR vendor) take different approaches to managed detection and response. Barracuda Networks works with your existing tools, while Palo Alto Networks requires its own security platform. Barracuda Networks targets SMB, Mid-market, and Enterprise organizations; Palo Alto Networks focuses on Mid-market and Enterprise. Barracuda Networks includes 5 attack surfaces in base pricing (Endpoint, Cloud, SaaS, Identity, Network), compared to 6 for Palo Alto Networks (Endpoint, Cloud, SaaS, Identity, Network, OT/ICS).
Key Differences at a Glance
Winner by Category
Barracuda Networks vs Palo Alto Networks: 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 Palo Alto Networks if:
- •US government and defense organizations needing FedRAMP Moderate, DoD IL5, StateRAMP compliance
- •Large enterprises wanting co-managed SOC with full visibility into their Cortex XDR/XSIAM tenant
- •Organizations wanting breach response guarantee (MSIAM 2.0 — 250 hours IR included)
- •You need OT/ICS coverage included in base pricing
- •Breach warranty matters to you (Palo Alto Networks offers one, Barracuda Networks does not)
Bottom line: Palo Alto Networks 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 Palo Alto Networks?
Barracuda Networks is a MSP-channel that is technology-agnostic (works with your existing tools). Palo Alto Networks is an EDR vendor that is platform-native (requires their own security stack). SLA commitments differ: Barracuda Networks offers ≤1 hour, Palo Alto Networks offers Not disclosed. Barracuda Networks covers 5 attack surfaces in base pricing vs. 6 for Palo Alto Networks.
How do Barracuda Networks and Palo Alto Networks 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. Palo Alto Networks 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 Palo Alto Networks.
How does Barracuda Networks pricing compare to Palo Alto Networks?
Barracuda Networks pricing: ~$14.50/endpoint/year (3-year endpoint); ~$8–$20/user/month depending on coverage scope. Minimum 25 licenses. (25-seat minimum). Palo Alto Networks pricing: Cortex XDR Pro: ~$81/endpoint/year starting (platform only). Unit 42 MDR service is additional custom pricing. Total cost depends on endpoints, tier (Pro vs Premium), coverage scope, and contract terms.. 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 Palo Alto Networks: Cortex XDR/XSIAM platform license is a significant prerequisite cost on top of MDR service fee; Cortex Data Lake storage costs are separate and scale with data volume.
Should I choose Barracuda Networks or Palo Alto Networks?
Choose Barracuda Networks if: mSPs needing a white-label/managed XDR for SMB clients. Choose Palo Alto Networks if: enterprise organizations already invested in the Palo Alto ecosystem (NGFW, Prisma, WildFire) wanting native MDR integration. Barracuda Networks is not ideal for enterprises wanting full data access and log export capabilities. Palo Alto Networks is not ideal for sMBs or budget-constrained organizations — significant prerequisite costs (Cortex XDR + Data Lake) plus MDR service fee.