Bitdefender MDR vs Expel: MDR Comparison 2026
Bitdefender MDR (EDR vendor) and Expel (Pure-play MDR) take different approaches to managed detection and response. Bitdefender MDR requires its own security platform, while Expel works with your existing tools. Bitdefender MDR targets SMB, Mid-market, and Enterprise organizations; Expel focuses on Mid-market and Enterprise.
Key Differences at a Glance
Winner by Category
Bitdefender MDR vs Expel: Which Should You Choose?
Choose Bitdefender MDR if:
- •Mid-market organizations (50-200+ endpoints) wanting single-vendor MDR + EPP/EDR/XDR
- •Organizations already using or willing to adopt GravityZone
- •MSPs looking for affordable, multi-tenant MDR with consumption billing
- •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
- •You want direct Slack integration with your SOC
Bottom line: Bitdefender MDR is the choice if you want a single-vendor stack with deep integration. Expel is better if you have existing tools and want flexibility.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main difference between Bitdefender MDR and Expel?
Bitdefender MDR is an EDR vendor that is platform-native (requires their own security stack). Expel is a Pure-play MDR that is technology-agnostic (works with your existing tools). SLA commitments differ: Bitdefender MDR offers ≤30 minutes, Expel offers Not disclosed.
How do Bitdefender MDR and Expel differ in response capabilities?
Bitdefender MDR 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. Incident response is included with Bitdefender MDR and not included with Expel.
How does Bitdefender MDR pricing compare to Expel?
Bitdefender MDR pricing: MDR Core ~$6.99/endpoint/month, MDR Advanced ~$10.49/endpoint/month, MDR Enterprise ~$14.99/endpoint/month. MDR Foundations and MDR PLUS pricing not publicly disclosed.. Expel pricing: Starting at $11,640/year; custom quotes based on environment. Watch for with Bitdefender MDR: Requires GravityZone agent — cannot use third-party EDR for core MDR detection; XDR sensor licenses (network, identity, cloud, email) are additional cost. 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 Bitdefender MDR or Expel?
Choose Bitdefender MDR if: mid-market organizations (50-200+ endpoints) wanting single-vendor MDR + EPP/EDR/XDR. Choose Expel if: mid-market and enterprise organizations with existing security tool investments wanting to maximize ROI. Bitdefender MDR is not ideal for organizations with an existing non-Bitdefender EDR they want to keep (requires GravityZone agent). Expel is not ideal for organizations wanting a single-vendor platform-native MDR (Expel requires existing security tools).