Critical Start vs N-able: MDR Comparison 2026
Critical Start (MDR provider) and N-able (MSP-channel) take different approaches to managed detection and response. Critical Start works with your existing tools, while N-able works with your existing tools. Critical Start targets Mid-market and Enterprise organizations; N-able focuses on SMB and Mid-market.
Key Differences at a Glance
Winner by Category
Critical Start vs N-able: Which Should You Choose?
Choose Critical Start if:
- •Mid-market to large enterprises wanting technology-agnostic MDR that works with their existing security stack
- •Organizations suffering from alert fatigue wanting TBR's deterministic auto-resolution to reduce noise
- •Companies needing OT/ICS monitoring alongside IT MDR (Claroty, Dragos, Nozomi integrations)
Choose N-able if:
- •MSPs wanting a unified security platform with built-in SIEM/SOAR/UEBA
- •SMBs and mid-market needing breach warranty protection
- •Organizations wanting vendor-agnostic MDR that works with existing EDR
- •Breach warranty matters to you (N-able offers one, Critical Start does not)
Bottom line: Critical Start (MDR provider) and N-able (MSP-channel) serve different buyer profiles. Your decision depends on whether you prioritize Critical Start's technology-agnostic mdr with tbr deterministic alert auto-resolution, 100+ integrations, ot/ics s... or N-able's unified security operations platform combining xdr, siem, soar, and ueba with mdr in one solution.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main difference between Critical Start and N-able?
Critical Start is a MDR provider that is technology-agnostic (works with your existing tools). N-able is a MSP-channel that is technology-agnostic (works with your existing tools). SLA commitments differ: Critical Start offers ≤15 minutes, N-able offers Not disclosed.
How do Critical Start and N-able differ in response capabilities?
Critical Start supports 6 autonomous actions (endpoint isolation, process termination, network containment, account disable, file quarantine, custom playbooks) and approval is configurable. N-able supports 6 autonomous actions (endpoint isolation, process termination, network containment, account disable, file quarantine, custom playbooks) and approval is configurable. Incident response is not included with Critical Start and included with N-able.
How does Critical Start pricing compare to N-able?
Critical Start pricing: Custom-quoted pricing. N-able pricing: MSPs typically bundle at $90-$275/user/month for full security programs including MDR. Watch for with Critical Start: No public pricing at all — requires sales call for any ballpark; OT/ICS monitoring and vulnerability management are separate purchases on top of base MDR. Watch for with N-able: Pricing designed for MSP channel; direct pricing may differ; MDR Base is identity-focused only; Complete needed for full coverage.
Should I choose Critical Start or N-able?
Choose Critical Start if: mid-market to large enterprises wanting technology-agnostic MDR that works with their existing security stack. Choose N-able if: mSPs wanting a unified security platform with built-in SIEM/SOAR/UEBA. Critical Start is not ideal for sMBs or budget-conscious organizations — enterprise-focused pricing not publicly disclosed. N-able is not ideal for large enterprises with existing SOC infrastructure.