Palo Alto Networks vs WithSecure: MDR Comparison 2026
Palo Alto Networks and WithSecure are both categorized as EDR vendors, but differ in execution. Palo Alto Networks requires its own security platform and targets Mid-market and Enterprise organizations. WithSecure requires its own security platform and focuses on SMB, Mid-market, and Enterprise. Palo Alto Networks includes 6 attack surfaces in base pricing (Endpoint, Cloud, SaaS, Identity, Network, OT/ICS), compared to 5 for WithSecure (Endpoint, Cloud, SaaS, Identity, Network).
Key Differences at a Glance
Winner by Category
Palo Alto Networks vs WithSecure: Which Should You Choose?
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, WithSecure does not)
Choose WithSecure if:
- •European mid-market organizations prioritizing EU data residency, GDPR, NIS2, and DORA compliance
- •Companies wanting a single-vendor platform (EPP + EDR + XDR + MDR) with included IR
- •Organizations needing NCSC CIR Level 1 assured incident response (UK/EU government-adjacent)
Bottom line: Palo Alto Networks offers broader coverage (6 surfaces vs. 5). WithSecure may suit teams that need depth over breadth.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main difference between Palo Alto Networks and WithSecure?
Palo Alto Networks is an EDR vendor that is platform-native (requires their own security stack). WithSecure is an EDR vendor that is platform-native (requires their own security stack). Palo Alto Networks covers 6 attack surfaces in base pricing vs. 5 for WithSecure.
How do Palo Alto Networks and WithSecure differ in response capabilities?
Palo Alto Networks supports 6 autonomous actions (endpoint isolation, process termination, network containment, account disable, file quarantine, custom playbooks) and approval is configurable. WithSecure supports 5 autonomous actions (endpoint isolation, process termination, network containment, account disable, file quarantine) and approval is configurable. Incident response is not included with Palo Alto Networks and included with WithSecure.
How does Palo Alto Networks pricing compare to WithSecure?
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.. WithSecure pricing: Not publicly disclosed. Custom quotes required. Described as 'competitively priced for mid-sized businesses.' ITPro rated pricing 5/5 stars.. 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. Watch for with WithSecure: Platform lock-in — requires WithSecure Elements EDR (cannot use competing EDR); Modular pricing — full coverage across identity, cloud, SaaS, and exposure management adds cost.
Should I choose Palo Alto Networks or WithSecure?
Choose Palo Alto Networks if: enterprise organizations already invested in the Palo Alto ecosystem (NGFW, Prisma, WildFire) wanting native MDR integration. Choose WithSecure if: european mid-market organizations prioritizing EU data residency, GDPR, NIS2, and DORA compliance. Palo Alto Networks is not ideal for sMBs or budget-constrained organizations — significant prerequisite costs (Cortex XDR + Data Lake) plus MDR service fee. WithSecure is not ideal for uS-centric organizations wanting FedRAMP or deep US federal compliance.