Cynet vs ReliaQuest: MDR Comparison 2026
Cynet (MDR provider) and ReliaQuest (Pure-play MDR) take different approaches to managed detection and response. Cynet requires its own security platform, while ReliaQuest works with your existing tools. Cynet targets SMB and Mid-market organizations; ReliaQuest focuses on Mid-market and Enterprise. Cynet 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
Cynet vs ReliaQuest: 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 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: Cynet 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 Cynet and ReliaQuest?
Cynet is a MDR provider 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: Cynet offers Not disclosed, ReliaQuest offers ≤15 minutes. Cynet covers 5 attack surfaces in base pricing vs. 6 for ReliaQuest.
How do Cynet and ReliaQuest 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. ReliaQuest 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 Cynet and included with ReliaQuest.
How does Cynet pricing compare to ReliaQuest?
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). ReliaQuest pricing: $172,500 average annual; up to $1,200,000 for large deployments. $5,000 per additional integrated technology.. 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 ReliaQuest: High minimum contract value (enterprise-focused); Additional technology integrations add cost quickly.
Should I choose Cynet or ReliaQuest?
Choose Cynet if: sMB and mid-market organizations with small security teams (1-5 people) wanting maximum coverage from a single platform. Choose ReliaQuest if: large enterprises with complex multi-vendor security stacks. Cynet is not ideal for large enterprises with existing security stacks — Cynet requires replacing existing EDR with its own agent. ReliaQuest is not ideal for sMBs with limited security budgets.