N-able vs Palo Alto Networks: MDR Comparison 2026
N-able (MSP-channel) and Palo Alto Networks (EDR vendor) take different approaches to managed detection and response. N-able works with your existing tools, while Palo Alto Networks requires its own security platform. N-able targets SMB and Mid-market organizations; Palo Alto Networks focuses on Mid-market and Enterprise. N-able 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
N-able vs Palo Alto Networks: Which Should You Choose?
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
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
Bottom line: Palo Alto Networks 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 N-able and Palo Alto Networks?
N-able is a MSP-channel that is technology-agnostic (works with your existing tools). Palo Alto Networks is an EDR vendor that is platform-native (requires their own security stack). N-able covers 5 attack surfaces in base pricing vs. 6 for Palo Alto Networks.
How do N-able and Palo Alto Networks differ in response capabilities?
N-able 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. Incident response is included with N-able and not included with Palo Alto Networks.
How does N-able pricing compare to Palo Alto Networks?
N-able pricing: MSPs typically bundle at $90-$275/user/month for full security programs including MDR. 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 N-able: Pricing designed for MSP channel; direct pricing may differ; MDR Base is identity-focused only; Complete needed for full coverage. 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 N-able or Palo Alto Networks?
Choose N-able if: mSPs wanting a unified security platform with built-in SIEM/SOAR/UEBA. Choose Palo Alto Networks if: enterprise organizations already invested in the Palo Alto ecosystem (NGFW, Prisma, WildFire) wanting native MDR integration. N-able is not ideal for large enterprises with existing SOC infrastructure. Palo Alto Networks is not ideal for sMBs or budget-constrained organizations — significant prerequisite costs (Cortex XDR + Data Lake) plus MDR service fee.