Critical Start vs WithSecure: MDR Comparison 2026
Critical Start (MDR provider) and WithSecure (EDR vendor) take different approaches to managed detection and response. Critical Start works with your existing tools, while WithSecure requires its own security platform. Critical Start targets Mid-market and Enterprise organizations; WithSecure focuses on SMB, Mid-market, and Enterprise.
Key Differences at a Glance
Winner by Category
Critical Start vs WithSecure: 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 WithSecure if:
- •European mid-market organizations prioritizing EU data residency, GDPR, NIS2, and DORA compliance
- •Companies wanting a single-vendor platform (EPP + EDR + XDR + MDR) with included IR
- •Organizations needing NCSC CIR Level 1 assured incident response (UK/EU government-adjacent)
Bottom line: WithSecure is the choice if you want a single-vendor stack with deep integration. Critical Start is better if you have existing tools and want flexibility.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main difference between Critical Start and WithSecure?
Critical Start is a MDR provider that is technology-agnostic (works with your existing tools). WithSecure is an EDR vendor that is platform-native (requires their own security stack). SLA commitments differ: Critical Start offers ≤15 minutes, WithSecure offers Not disclosed.
How do Critical Start and WithSecure 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. WithSecure supports 5 autonomous actions (endpoint isolation, process termination, network containment, account disable, file quarantine) and approval is configurable. Incident response is not included with Critical Start and included with WithSecure.
How does Critical Start pricing compare to WithSecure?
Critical Start pricing: Custom-quoted pricing. WithSecure pricing: Not publicly disclosed. Custom quotes required. Described as 'competitively priced for mid-sized businesses.' ITPro rated pricing 5/5 stars.. 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 WithSecure: Platform lock-in — requires WithSecure Elements EDR (cannot use competing EDR); Modular pricing — full coverage across identity, cloud, SaaS, and exposure management adds cost.
Should I choose Critical Start or WithSecure?
Choose Critical Start if: mid-market to large enterprises wanting technology-agnostic MDR that works with their existing security stack. Choose WithSecure if: european mid-market organizations prioritizing EU data residency, GDPR, NIS2, and DORA compliance. Critical Start is not ideal for sMBs or budget-conscious organizations — enterprise-focused pricing not publicly disclosed. WithSecure is not ideal for uS-centric organizations wanting FedRAMP or deep US federal compliance.