An MDR provider finds threats in your environment, investigates them, and takes action. A SOCaaS provider does that too, but also manages your SIEM, handles compliance reporting, runs vulnerability scans, and covers broader security operations. The trade-off is scope versus cost.
Side-by-side comparison
| Dimension | MDR | SOCaaS |
|---|---|---|
| Core function | Detect & respond to threats | Full security operations |
| Scope | Threat detection, investigation, response | Detection + compliance + log management + vuln mgmt |
| Log management | Not included (you manage SIEM) | Included (they operate SIEM) |
| Compliance | Rarely included | Often included (reporting, audit support) |
| Vulnerability mgmt | Not included | Sometimes included |
| Internal team needed | Yes, for non-DR security work | Minimal, they handle most operations |
| Price | $8–35/ep/mo | $15–50+/ep/mo |
When MDR is enough
- You have an internal security team or IT team that handles security operations
- You already have SIEM, log management, and compliance processes
- Your primary gap is 24/7 threat detection and response
- You want to keep control of your security program and just outsource the hardest part
When you need SOCaaS
- You have no internal security team and can't hire one
- You need someone to manage your entire security operation
- Compliance requirements demand log management, audit trails, and reporting that you can't do internally
- You want a single vendor for security operations, not 3–4 separate contracts
The overlap problem
The lines between MDR and SOCaaS are blurring. Many MDR providers are expanding scope, adding compliance dashboards, log management features, and vulnerability scanning. Some SOCaaS providers are rebranding as MDR because it's a hotter market term.
When evaluating, ignore the label. Ask: “What is included in the base contract?” and “What costs extra?” This gives you the real scope regardless of what they call themselves.
A practical path
Most organizations start with MDR. Detection and response is the hardest security function to build internally. It requires 24/7 staffing, specialized skills, and constant tuning. Once you have MDR in place, you can add compliance tooling, SIEM management, and vulnerability scanning as needed. This incremental approach avoids overbuying.
FAQ
What is the difference between MDR and SOC-as-a-Service?
MDR focuses on detection and response. SOCaaS is a broader outsourced security operation that includes MDR plus log management, compliance, and vulnerability management.
Is SOCaaS more expensive than MDR?
Generally yes, but it includes more services. If you'd need those services separately anyway, SOCaaS can be more cost-effective.
Do I need MDR or SOCaaS?
If you have an internal team and just need detection/response help, MDR is sufficient. If you have no security team, SOCaaS makes more sense.