Expel vs N-able: MDR Comparison 2026
Expel (Pure-play MDR) and N-able (MSP-channel) take different approaches to managed detection and response. Expel works with your existing tools, while N-able works with your existing tools. Expel targets Mid-market and Enterprise organizations; N-able focuses on SMB and Mid-market.
Key Differences at a Glance
Winner by Category
Expel vs N-able: Which Should You Choose?
Choose Expel if:
- •Mid-market and enterprise organizations with existing security tool investments wanting to maximize ROI
- •Tech-forward security teams that value transparency and want to see every SOC action
- •Multi-cloud and hybrid environments needing broad integration coverage
- •You want direct Slack integration with your SOC
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, Expel does not)
- •Threat hunting included in base pricing (it's an add-on with Expel)
Bottom line: Expel (Pure-play MDR) and N-able (MSP-channel) serve different buyer profiles. Your decision depends on whether you prioritize Expel's strong transparency and integration breadth 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 Expel and N-able?
Expel is a Pure-play MDR that is technology-agnostic (works with your existing tools). N-able is a MSP-channel that is technology-agnostic (works with your existing tools).
How do Expel and N-able differ in response capabilities?
Expel 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 Expel and included with N-able.
How does Expel pricing compare to N-able?
Expel pricing: Starting at $11,640/year; custom quotes based on environment. N-able pricing: MSPs typically bundle at $90-$275/user/month for full security programs including MDR. Watch for with Expel: Threat hunting is NOT included in base MDR -- it is an add-on service; Price increases announced for 2025. 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 Expel or N-able?
Choose Expel if: mid-market and enterprise organizations with existing security tool investments wanting to maximize ROI. Choose N-able if: mSPs wanting a unified security platform with built-in SIEM/SOAR/UEBA. Expel is not ideal for organizations wanting a single-vendor platform-native MDR (Expel requires existing security tools). N-able is not ideal for large enterprises with existing SOC infrastructure.