Bitdefender MDR vs ReliaQuest: MDR Comparison 2026
Bitdefender MDR (EDR vendor) and ReliaQuest (Pure-play MDR) take different approaches to managed detection and response. Bitdefender MDR requires its own security platform, while ReliaQuest works with your existing tools. Bitdefender MDR targets SMB, Mid-market, and Enterprise organizations; ReliaQuest focuses on Mid-market and Enterprise. Bitdefender MDR includes 5 attack surfaces in base pricing (Endpoint, Cloud, SaaS, Identity, Network), compared to 6 for ReliaQuest (Endpoint, Cloud, SaaS, Identity, Network, OT/ICS).
Key Differences at a Glance
Winner by Category
Bitdefender MDR vs ReliaQuest: 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
Choose ReliaQuest if:
- •Large enterprises with complex multi-vendor security stacks
- •Organizations wanting to keep existing SIEM/EDR investments
- •Security teams needing AI-driven automation at scale
- •You need OT/ICS coverage included in base pricing
- •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. ReliaQuest is better if you have existing tools and want flexibility.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main difference between Bitdefender MDR and ReliaQuest?
Bitdefender MDR is an EDR vendor that is platform-native (requires their own security stack). ReliaQuest is a Pure-play MDR that is technology-agnostic (works with your existing tools). SLA commitments differ: Bitdefender MDR offers ≤30 minutes, ReliaQuest offers ≤15 minutes. Bitdefender MDR covers 5 attack surfaces in base pricing vs. 6 for ReliaQuest.
How do Bitdefender MDR and ReliaQuest 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. ReliaQuest supports 6 autonomous actions (endpoint isolation, process termination, network containment, account disable, file quarantine, custom playbooks) and approval is configurable.
How does Bitdefender MDR pricing compare to ReliaQuest?
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.. ReliaQuest pricing: $172,500 average annual; up to $1,200,000 for large deployments. $5,000 per additional integrated technology.. 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 ReliaQuest: High minimum contract value (enterprise-focused); Additional technology integrations add cost quickly.
Should I choose Bitdefender MDR or ReliaQuest?
Choose Bitdefender MDR if: mid-market organizations (50-200+ endpoints) wanting single-vendor MDR + EPP/EDR/XDR. Choose ReliaQuest if: large enterprises with complex multi-vendor security stacks. Bitdefender MDR is not ideal for organizations with an existing non-Bitdefender EDR they want to keep (requires GravityZone agent). ReliaQuest is not ideal for sMBs with limited security budgets.