EDR, MDR and XDR: what is the difference?
Three abbreviations that are often confused. In short: EDR is the technology on the device, XDR extends it to network and cloud, and MDR is the service in which specialists monitor it for you. Updated on 23 October 2026.
The concepts
EDR
Endpoint Detection & Response: monitoring and response on devices.
XDR
Extended Detection & Response: the same approach across endpoints, network, cloud and email, with correlation between sources.
MDR
Managed Detection & Response: specialists monitor your EDR or XDR day and night and take action.
SOC
Security Operations Center: the team that delivers the MDR service.
At a glance
| EDR | XDR | MDR | |
|---|---|---|---|
| What is it? | Technology | Technology | Service |
| Monitors | Endpoints (PC, laptop, server) | Endpoints, network, cloud, email, identities | What the underlying EDR or XDR sees |
| Who follows up on alerts? | Your own administrator | Your own administrator | An external 24/7 SOC |
| Suits | Organisations with security expertise | More complex environments with their own SOC | Organisations without their own security team |
Which one suits you?
- No security specialist of your own? Choose MDR (at Xcitium: Managed EDR)
- Your own IT team, but not 24/7? Choose EDR with MDR outside office hours
- Multiple locations, cloud and stricter requirements? Look at XDR with managed SOC
- Using Microsoft Defender? See Managed EDR for Defender
Complete your coverage
EDR
Full insight and fast response per device, with containment as a safety net.
ViewXDR
Correlation of alerts from endpoints, network, cloud and email in one console.
ViewManaged EDR
24/7 SOC that monitors your endpoints, investigates and acts immediately.
ViewManaged EDR for Microsoft Defender
Prevention and a 24/7 SOC on top of your existing Microsoft Defender.
ViewFrequently asked questions
Is MDR more expensive than EDR?
Per device it is, but an in-house 24/7 team is much more expensive for most organisations. Check it with our ROI calculator.
EDR, MDR and XDR: the difference in your environment?
In a short demo we show you how it works, discuss your situation and make a proposal. No obligation, in English or Dutch.
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