Cynet vs Palo Alto Networks: MDR Comparison 2026
Cynet (MDR provider) and Palo Alto Networks (EDR vendor) take different approaches to managed detection and response. Cynet requires its own security platform, while Palo Alto Networks requires its own security platform. Cynet targets SMB and Mid-market organizations; Palo Alto Networks focuses on Mid-market and Enterprise. Cynet includes 5 attack surfaces in base pricing (Endpoint, Cloud, SaaS, Identity, Network), compared to 6 for Palo Alto Networks (Endpoint, Cloud, SaaS, Identity, Network, OT/ICS).
Key Differences at a Glance
Winner by Category
Cynet vs Palo Alto Networks: Which Should You Choose?
Choose Cynet if:
- •SMB and mid-market organizations with small security teams (1-5 people) wanting maximum coverage from a single platform
- •Budget-conscious buyers wanting published transparent pricing with MDR included at no extra cost
- •Organizations that weight MITRE ATT&CK platform evaluation results heavily (100%/100%/0 FP for 3 consecutive rounds)
Choose Palo Alto Networks if:
- •US government and defense organizations needing FedRAMP Moderate, DoD IL5, StateRAMP compliance
- •Large enterprises wanting co-managed SOC with full visibility into their Cortex XDR/XSIAM tenant
- •Organizations wanting breach response guarantee (MSIAM 2.0 — 250 hours IR included)
- •You need OT/ICS coverage included in base pricing
- •Breach warranty matters to you (Palo Alto Networks offers one, Cynet does not)
Bottom line: Cynet (MDR provider) and Palo Alto Networks (EDR vendor) serve different buyer profiles. Your decision depends on whether you prioritize Cynet's best fit for smb/mid-market teams wanting an all-in-one security platform with transparent pricin... or Palo Alto Networks's enterprise mdr backed by palo alto networks' threat intelligence infrastructure (500b events/day,....
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main difference between Cynet and Palo Alto Networks?
Cynet is a MDR provider that is platform-native (requires their own security stack). Palo Alto Networks is an EDR vendor that is platform-native (requires their own security stack). Cynet covers 5 attack surfaces in base pricing vs. 6 for Palo Alto Networks.
How do Cynet and Palo Alto Networks differ in response capabilities?
Cynet supports 6 autonomous actions (endpoint isolation, process termination, network containment, account disable, file quarantine, custom playbooks) and approval is configurable. Palo Alto Networks supports 6 autonomous actions (endpoint isolation, process termination, network containment, account disable, file quarantine, custom playbooks) and approval is configurable.
How does Cynet pricing compare to Palo Alto Networks?
Cynet pricing: Elite: $7/endpoint/month (EPP+EDR+CyOps MDR). All-in-One: $10/endpoint/month (adds NDR, UEBA, Deception, SOAR, SSPM). Verified on cynet.com/packages. (20-seat minimum). Palo Alto Networks pricing: Cortex XDR Pro: ~$81/endpoint/year starting (platform only). Unit 42 MDR service is additional custom pricing. Total cost depends on endpoints, tier (Pro vs Premium), coverage scope, and contract terms.. Watch for with Cynet: 20-endpoint minimum — $140/month floor for Elite, $200/month for All-in-One; 1-year auto-renewing contracts standard; combined with platform lock-in, exit is disruptive. Watch for with Palo Alto Networks: Cortex XDR/XSIAM platform license is a significant prerequisite cost on top of MDR service fee; Cortex Data Lake storage costs are separate and scale with data volume.
Should I choose Cynet or Palo Alto Networks?
Choose Cynet if: sMB and mid-market organizations with small security teams (1-5 people) wanting maximum coverage from a single platform. Choose Palo Alto Networks if: enterprise organizations already invested in the Palo Alto ecosystem (NGFW, Prisma, WildFire) wanting native MDR integration. Cynet is not ideal for large enterprises with existing security stacks — Cynet requires replacing existing EDR with its own agent. Palo Alto Networks is not ideal for sMBs or budget-constrained organizations — significant prerequisite costs (Cortex XDR + Data Lake) plus MDR service fee.