Binary Defense vs Expel: MDR Comparison 2026
Binary Defense and Expel are both categorized as Pure-play MDRs, but differ in execution. Binary Defense works with your existing tools and targets Mid-market and Enterprise organizations. Expel works with your existing tools and focuses on Mid-market and Enterprise.
Key Differences at a Glance
Winner by Category
Binary Defense vs Expel: Which Should You Choose?
Choose Binary Defense if:
- •Mid-market and enterprise organizations wanting technology-agnostic MDR
- •Companies with existing security investments (EDR, SIEM) they want to keep
- •Manufacturing, healthcare, financial services, and energy sectors
- •Threat hunting included in base pricing (it's an add-on with Expel)
Choose Expel if:
- •Mid-market and enterprise organizations with existing security tool investments wanting to maximize ROI
- •Tech-forward security teams that value transparency and want to see every SOC action
- •Multi-cloud and hybrid environments needing broad integration coverage
Bottom line: Both providers target similar markets. Compare their specific response actions, communication channels, and pricing structure to find the better fit for your environment.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main difference between Binary Defense and Expel?
Binary Defense is a Pure-play MDR that is technology-agnostic (works with your existing tools). Expel is a Pure-play MDR that is technology-agnostic (works with your existing tools).
How do Binary Defense and Expel differ in response capabilities?
Binary Defense supports 6 autonomous actions (endpoint isolation, process termination, network containment, account disable, file quarantine, custom playbooks) and approval is configurable. Expel supports 6 autonomous actions (endpoint isolation, process termination, network containment, account disable, file quarantine, custom playbooks) and approval is configurable.
How does Binary Defense pricing compare to Expel?
Binary Defense pricing: Custom-quoted pricing. Expel pricing: Starting at $11,640/year; custom quotes based on environment. Watch for with Binary Defense: MDR Plus features (deception, malware disruption) are add-ons beyond base MDR; Co-Managed SIEM is a separate service. Watch for with Expel: Threat hunting is NOT included in base MDR -- it is an add-on service; Price increases announced for 2025.
Should I choose Binary Defense or Expel?
Choose Binary Defense if: mid-market and enterprise organizations wanting technology-agnostic MDR. Choose Expel if: mid-market and enterprise organizations with existing security tool investments wanting to maximize ROI. Binary Defense is not ideal for organizations needing included IR in the base MDR package. Expel is not ideal for organizations wanting a single-vendor platform-native MDR (Expel requires existing security tools).