Expel vs ThreatDown: MDR Comparison 2026
Expel (Pure-play MDR) and ThreatDown (MDR provider) take different approaches to managed detection and response. Expel works with your existing tools, while ThreatDown requires its own security platform. Expel targets Mid-market and Enterprise organizations; ThreatDown focuses on SMB and Mid-market. Expel includes 5 attack surfaces in base pricing (Endpoint, Cloud, SaaS, Identity, Network), compared to 1 for ThreatDown (Endpoint).
Key Differences at a Glance
Winner by Category
Expel vs ThreatDown: 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 need Cloud and SaaS and Identity and Network coverage included in base pricing
Choose ThreatDown if:
- •SMBs and IT-constrained mid-market organizations wanting affordable MDR with published pricing ($99/endpoint/year)
- •MSPs wanting channel-first MDR with multi-tenant OneView console and RMM integrations
- •Organizations needing fast deployment — agent installs in minutes, MDR activates immediately
- •Threat hunting included in base pricing (it's an add-on with Expel)
Bottom line: ThreatDown is the choice if you want a single-vendor stack with deep integration. Expel is better if you have existing tools and want flexibility.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main difference between Expel and ThreatDown?
Expel is a Pure-play MDR that is technology-agnostic (works with your existing tools). ThreatDown is a MDR provider that is platform-native (requires their own security stack). Expel covers 5 attack surfaces in base pricing vs. 1 for ThreatDown.
How do Expel and ThreatDown 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. ThreatDown supports 3 autonomous actions (endpoint isolation, process termination, file quarantine) and approval is configurable.
How does Expel pricing compare to ThreatDown?
Expel pricing: Starting at $11,640/year; custom quotes based on environment. ThreatDown pricing: MDR included at $99/endpoint/year (Elite) or $119/endpoint/year (Ultimate). Server endpoints: $129-179/year. Mobile: $10/device. (5-seat minimum). 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 ThreatDown: Endpoint-only coverage — no cloud workload, SaaS, identity, or network monitoring; Platform-native lock-in — cannot BYO CrowdStrike, SentinelOne, or Defender.
Should I choose Expel or ThreatDown?
Choose Expel if: mid-market and enterprise organizations with existing security tool investments wanting to maximize ROI. Choose ThreatDown if: sMBs and IT-constrained mid-market organizations wanting affordable MDR with published pricing ($99/endpoint/year). Expel is not ideal for organizations wanting a single-vendor platform-native MDR (Expel requires existing security tools). ThreatDown is not ideal for enterprise organizations needing multi-surface coverage (cloud, SaaS, identity, network, OT).