CrowdStrike vs N-able: MDR Comparison 2026
CrowdStrike (EDR vendor) and N-able (MSP-channel) take different approaches to managed detection and response. CrowdStrike requires its own security platform, while N-able works with your existing tools. CrowdStrike targets Mid-market and Enterprise organizations; N-able focuses on SMB and Mid-market. CrowdStrike includes 4 attack surfaces in base pricing (Endpoint, Cloud, SaaS, Network), compared to 5 for N-able (Endpoint, Cloud, SaaS, Identity, Network).
Key Differences at a Glance
Winner by Category
CrowdStrike vs N-able: Which Should You Choose?
Choose CrowdStrike if:
- •Enterprise organizations (200+ endpoints) wanting MITRE-validated detection speed
- •Teams comfortable with a single-vendor platform approach
- •Organizations that want fully autonomous remediation without approval workflows
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
- •You need Identity coverage included in base pricing
Bottom line: CrowdStrike is the choice if you want a single-vendor stack with deep integration. N-able is better if you have existing tools and want flexibility.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main difference between CrowdStrike and N-able?
CrowdStrike is an EDR vendor that is platform-native (requires their own security stack). N-able is a MSP-channel that is technology-agnostic (works with your existing tools). CrowdStrike covers 4 attack surfaces in base pricing vs. 5 for N-able.
How do CrowdStrike and N-able differ in response capabilities?
CrowdStrike supports 6 autonomous actions (endpoint isolation, process termination, network containment, account disable, file quarantine, custom playbooks) and acts without approval. N-able supports 6 autonomous actions (endpoint isolation, process termination, network containment, account disable, file quarantine, custom playbooks) and approval is configurable.
How does CrowdStrike pricing compare to N-able?
CrowdStrike pricing: $15-25/endpoint/month (estimates vary by deployment size) (200-seat minimum). N-able pricing: MSPs typically bundle at $90-$275/user/month for full security programs including MDR. Watch for with CrowdStrike: Minimum 200-500 endpoints required — eliminates most SMBs; Requires CrowdStrike Falcon platform — cannot use with competing EDR. 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 CrowdStrike or N-able?
Choose CrowdStrike if: enterprise organizations (200+ endpoints) wanting MITRE-validated detection speed. Choose N-able if: mSPs wanting a unified security platform with built-in SIEM/SOAR/UEBA. CrowdStrike is not ideal for sMBs with fewer than 200 endpoints (minimum requirement). N-able is not ideal for large enterprises with existing SOC infrastructure.