As cyber threats grow increasingly sophisticated with attackers moving laterally across networks and infrastructure, organizations need security solutions that extend beyond traditional endpoint protection. The evolution from EDR (Endpoint Detection and Response) to XDR (Extended Detection and Response) represents a fundamental shift in threat detection and response capabilities. This comprehensive comparison explains the key differences between EDR and XDR, their respective strengths and limitations, pricing considerations, vendor options including Microsoft Defender and SentinelOne, and guidance on which approach best fits your organization's security needs.
What is EDR (Endpoint Detection and Response)?
EDR (Endpoint Detection and Response) is a cybersecurity solution that continuously monitors endpoints, workstations, servers, laptops, and mobile devices, to detect, investigate, and respond to threats in real-time. EDR platforms collect telemetry from endpoints including process executions, file modifications, network connections, registry changes, and authentication events, then analyze this data using behavioral analytics, machine learning, and threat intelligence to identify malicious activity that traditional antivirus solutions miss.
EDR provides security teams with deep visibility into endpoint activity, automated threat detection, forensic investigation capabilities, and remote remediation actions, enabling rapid containment of threats like ransomware, malware, fileless attacks, and insider threats before they cause significant damage.
What is XDR (Extended Detection and Response)?
XDR (Extended Detection and Response) is a unified security platform that extends detection and response capabilities beyond endpoints across the entire technology stack, encompassing endpoints, networks, cloud workloads, email, identity systems, and applications. XDR correlates security data from multiple sources into a single pane of glass, providing SOC teams with holistic visibility into threats that traverse multiple security layers.
Unlike EDR's narrow endpoint focus, XDR detects multi-vector attacks that span email phishing, account takeover, network lateral movement, and cloud data exfiltration, attack chains that isolated security tools cannot fully visualize or effectively stop. XDR platforms like Microsoft Sentinel with Defender XDR provide integrated threat detection, automated investigation, and coordinated response across all security domains.
EDR vs XDR: Side-by-Side Comparison
| Aspect | EDR | XDR |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | Endpoints only (workstations, servers) | Endpoints + network + cloud + email + identity |
| Data Sources | Endpoint telemetry exclusively | Multi-source: endpoint, network, cloud, email, identity |
| Visibility | Deep endpoint visibility | Broad cross-domain visibility |
| Threat Detection | Endpoint-based threats | Multi-vector, cross-domain attacks |
| Alert Correlation | Limited to endpoint data | Correlates across all security layers |
| Response Scope | Endpoint remediation (isolate, quarantine, kill process) | Coordinated response across endpoints, network, identity |
| Integration | Often requires separate SIEM integration | Native integration across security stack |
| Deployment | Endpoint agent installation | Agents + API integrations + network sensors |
| Use Case | Endpoint threat detection, malware response | Comprehensive threat detection, complex attack chains |
| Cost | $40-80 per endpoint/year | $60-120 per endpoint/year (includes extended coverage) |
Key Differences Explained
1. Scope of Protection
EDR: Provides deep, detailed visibility and protection at the endpoint layer. EDR agents monitor everything happening on individual devices, process creation, file system changes, registry modifications, network connections from that endpoint, memory analysis, driver loads, and user activity on the device.
XDR: Extends protection across the entire attack surface, monitoring not just endpoints but also network traffic between systems, cloud infrastructure and SaaS applications, email gateway activity and phishing attempts, identity and authentication events across Active Directory and Azure AD, firewall and proxy logs, and application-layer activities. This comprehensive coverage enables XDR to detect attacks that exploit multiple vectors simultaneously.
2. Threat Detection Capabilities
EDR: Excels at detecting endpoint-specific threats:
- Malware and ransomware execution
- Fileless attacks and living-off-the-land techniques
- Suspicious process behavior and injection
- Privilege escalation on endpoints
- Unauthorized application execution
XDR: Detects complex, multi-stage attacks:
- Phishing email → credential theft → lateral movement → data exfiltration chains
- Account takeover attempts correlated with unusual network access
- Cloud misconfigurations exploited after endpoint compromise
- Supply chain attacks affecting multiple security layers
- Advanced persistent threats with cross-domain presence
3. Alert Correlation and Context
EDR: Generates alerts based on endpoint activity but lacks context from other security layers. For example, EDR sees PowerShell execution but may not know it followed a phishing email or used stolen credentials.
XDR: Correlates events across domains to build complete attack narratives. XDR connects the phishing email → credential compromise → unusual Azure AD login → suspicious PowerShell on endpoint → network connection to external IP → cloud data exfiltration into single incident, dramatically reducing alert fatigue and accelerating investigations.
4. Response and Remediation
EDR: Response actions limited to endpoint layer:
- Isolate infected endpoint from network
- Kill malicious processes
- Quarantine files
- Roll back ransomware encryption
- Collect forensic data from endpoint
XDR: Coordinated response across entire infrastructure:
- Isolate endpoint AND block network connections AND disable compromised account
- Quarantine phishing emails across entire organization
- Update firewall rules to block C2 infrastructure
- Revoke cloud application access tokens
- Force MFA re-authentication for affected users
When to Choose EDR
EDR is Ideal For:
- Endpoint-focused threats: Primary concern is malware, ransomware on devices
- Existing SIEM: Already have SIEM platform for correlation
- Budget constraints: Lower cost than full XDR deployment
- Simple infrastructure: Limited attack surface beyond endpoints
- Specific endpoint gaps: Need to enhance endpoint visibility
- Mature security program: Have tools for other layers (network, email, etc.)
- Best-of-breed approach: Prefer specialized tools over unified platform
Top EDR Vendors
- Microsoft Defender for Endpoint: Deep Windows integration, $5-15/user/month in M365 E5
- SentinelOne: Autonomous AI response, $45-75/endpoint/year
- CrowdStrike Falcon: Cloud-native EDR, $60-150/endpoint/year
- Carbon Black: Strong behavioral analytics, enterprise focus
- Cortex XDR: Palo Alto's platform (can operate as focused EDR)
When to Choose XDR
XDR is Ideal For:
- Complex environments: Hybrid infrastructure with cloud, on-prem, SaaS
- No SIEM: Don't have separate platform for correlation
- Tool consolidation: Want to reduce security tool sprawl
- Multi-vector attacks: Face sophisticated threats spanning multiple layers
- Analyst efficiency: Need to do more with limited security team
- Simplified operations: Prefer unified console over multiple tools
- Microsoft environment: Heavy Microsoft 365 and Azure usage
Top XDR Platforms
- Microsoft Defender XDR (with Sentinel): Best Microsoft integration, $12-57/user/month
- SentinelOne Singularity XDR: Strong autonomous response, $65-90/endpoint/year
- CrowdStrike Falcon XDR: Mature threat intelligence, $80-180/endpoint/year
- Palo Alto Cortex XDR: Network-centric, $70-140/endpoint/year
- Trend Micro Vision One: Comprehensive coverage, $60-110/endpoint/year
EDR + SIEM vs XDR: Which Approach?
EDR + SIEM (Traditional Approach)
How it works: Deploy best-of-breed EDR for endpoint protection, feed data into separate SIEM platform for correlation with network, firewall, authentication, and other security logs.
Advantages:
- Maximum flexibility, choose best tools for each layer
- Deep customization and control
- Mature SIEM platforms with extensive integrations
- Can integrate legacy security investments
Disadvantages:
- Higher complexity, multiple tools to manage
- Integration overhead and maintenance
- Potentially higher total cost (EDR + SIEM licensing)
- More difficult for teams with limited resources
XDR (Unified Platform Approach)
How it works: Single vendor platform providing integrated EDR, network detection, cloud security, email protection, and identity monitoring with native correlation and unified response.
Advantages:
- Simplified operations, one console, one vendor
- Native integration eliminates tool sprawl
- Automated correlation across all data sources
- Faster deployment and easier management
- Better for lean security teams
Disadvantages:
- Vendor lock-in concerns
- May not be "best of breed" for every component
- Less customization than EDR + SIEM approach
- Potentially limited third-party integrations
Microsoft's Approach: EDR and XDR Together
Microsoft offers both EDR and XDR capabilities:
Microsoft Defender for Endpoint (EDR)
- Comprehensive endpoint protection with EDR capabilities
- Available standalone or in Microsoft 365 E5
- Deep Windows integration and native telemetry
- Strong behavioral detection and automated investigation
Microsoft Defender XDR (Extended Platform)
- Integrates Defender for Endpoint (endpoints)
- Defender for Office 365 (email and collaboration)
- Defender for Identity (Active Directory and Azure AD)
- Defender for Cloud Apps (SaaS and cloud workload security)
- Unified incidents and automated cross-domain response
Microsoft Sentinel (Cloud-Native SIEM + XDR)
- Integrates with all Defender products for XDR capabilities
- Adds third-party integrations and custom data sources
- Advanced threat hunting with KQL queries
- AI/ML-powered analytics and automation
- Best for organizations needing maximum flexibility
Microsoft Recommendation: For pure Microsoft environments, Defender XDR provides streamlined XDR. For hybrid environments with diverse vendors, combine Defender XDR with Microsoft Sentinel as your SIEM for ultimate flexibility and power.
Cost Comparison: EDR vs XDR
EDR Pricing (Typical)
- Entry-level EDR: $40-60 per endpoint per year
- Mid-tier EDR: $60-80 per endpoint per year
- Enterprise EDR: $80-120 per endpoint per year
- Plus SIEM costs: $15-40 per user per month ($180-480/year)
- Total (EDR + SIEM): $220-600 per user per year
XDR Pricing (Typical)
- Entry-level XDR: $60-80 per endpoint per year
- Mid-tier XDR: $80-120 per endpoint per year
- Enterprise XDR: $120-200 per endpoint per year
- Microsoft 365 E5: $57/user/month ($684/year) includes Defender XDR
- Microsoft Sentinel: Pay-per-GB ingestion ($2-10/GB) + Defender XDR
Total Cost of Ownership Considerations
- Personnel: XDR may reduce analyst headcount needs (1-2 FTEs saved)
- Training: EDR + SIEM requires more training across multiple tools
- Integration: XDR eliminates integration development and maintenance
- Management: Single vendor support vs managing multiple relationships
Real-World Use Cases
When EDR Alone is Sufficient
Scenario: Small financial services firm (50 employees) with Office 365, no on-premise servers, using cloud applications exclusively.
Solution: Deploy Microsoft Defender for Endpoint (included in M365 E5) for comprehensive endpoint protection. Leverage Office 365's built-in email security. Use Azure AD's native identity protection. Total environment is simple enough that EDR + native cloud security controls provide adequate protection without XDR complexity.
When XDR Provides Superior Value
Scenario: Healthcare organization (500 employees) with hybrid infrastructure, on-premise servers, Azure cloud, Office 365, custom applications, and strict HIPAA compliance requirements.
Solution: Deploy Microsoft Defender XDR integrated with Microsoft Sentinel. XDR correlates phishing attempts in email, credential compromise in Azure AD, suspicious logins from unusual locations, PowerShell execution on endpoints accessing patient data, and unusual data uploads to cloud storage, connecting these into single incident that EDR alone would present as separate alerts. Unified response can simultaneously quarantine email, disable account, isolate endpoint, and block network connections.
Migration Path: EDR to XDR
Organizations don't need to replace EDR with XDR abruptly, evolution is possible:
Phase 1: Establish EDR Foundation
- Deploy EDR across all endpoints
- Tune detection rules and baseline normal activity
- Train team on EDR investigation and response
- Achieve endpoint visibility and protection maturity
Phase 2: Add SIEM Integration
- Deploy SIEM platform (Sentinel, Splunk, Elastic)
- Integrate EDR data with network, email, identity logs
- Build correlation rules for multi-source detection
- Develop cross-domain investigation processes
Phase 3: Expand to XDR
- Add XDR-native network and cloud monitoring
- Implement unified incident response workflows
- Leverage automated cross-domain remediation
- Consolidate tools into XDR platform where beneficial
Selecting EDR or XDR: Decision Framework
Choose EDR if you:
- ✓ Need focused endpoint protection with deep visibility
- ✓ Already have SIEM and other security layers covered
- ✓ Have mature security team comfortable with multiple tools
- ✓ Prefer best-of-breed approach with vendor flexibility
- ✓ Have limited budget and simpler environment
- ✓ Want specialized endpoint capabilities
Choose XDR if you:
- ✓ Need unified threat detection across entire tech stack
- ✓ Don't have SIEM or want to consolidate tools
- ✓ Have limited security team needing efficiency gains
- ✓ Face sophisticated multi-vector attacks
- ✓ Want simplified security operations
- ✓ Operate complex hybrid/multi-cloud environment
- ✓ Are heavily invested in single vendor ecosystem (Microsoft, etc.)
The Future: XDR Becomes Standard
The security industry is trending toward XDR as the default approach:
- Vendor convergence: EDR vendors adding XDR capabilities
- SIEM evolution: SIEM platforms incorporating XDR features
- Unified security: Security stacks consolidating into platforms
- AI/ML integration: Advanced analytics require cross-domain data
- Analyst shortage: XDR addresses security skills gap through automation
Gartner predicts that by 2027, 80% of organizations will have adopted XDR platforms, up from less than 30% in 2024, driven by the need for unified security operations and analyst productivity gains.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between EDR and XDR?
EDR (Endpoint Detection and Response) focuses exclusively on endpoint security, detecting and responding to threats on workstations, servers, and mobile devices using endpoint telemetry. XDR (Extended Detection and Response) extends beyond endpoints to provide unified threat detection across endpoints, networks, cloud, email, and identity systems. XDR correlates data from multiple security layers to detect complex attacks that EDR alone would miss, providing holistic visibility and coordinated response that traditional endpoint-only solutions cannot achieve.
Is XDR better than EDR?
XDR is not universally better than EDR, it's more comprehensive but also more complex. XDR provides broader visibility across your security stack, better detection of multi-vector attacks, unified incident response, reduced tool complexity, and improved SOC analyst efficiency. However, EDR may be sufficient for organizations with focused endpoint threats, existing SIEM platforms, mature security programs, or budget constraints. XDR excels for complex environments, organizations without SIEM, lean security teams, or those seeking consolidated security platforms.
Do I need both EDR and XDR?
No, you don't need both EDR and XDR, they're different approaches to threat detection, with XDR being an evolution of EDR that includes endpoint capabilities. Choose EDR if you need focused endpoint protection integrated with existing SIEM and security stack, have limited budget, or have simple infrastructure. Choose XDR if you want a unified platform covering endpoints plus network, cloud, and email, need to consolidate multiple security tools, lack SIEM capabilities, or want simplified operations. Modern XDR platforms like Microsoft Defender XDR and SentinelOne Singularity include comprehensive EDR functionality.
What are examples of XDR platforms?
Leading XDR platforms include Microsoft Defender XDR (integrates Defender for Endpoint, Identity, Office 365, Cloud Apps with Microsoft Sentinel as SIEM), SentinelOne Singularity XDR, CrowdStrike Falcon XDR, Palo Alto Cortex XDR, Trend Micro Vision One, Cisco SecureX, and Rapid7 InsightIDR. Microsoft Defender XDR offers the most comprehensive native integration for Microsoft-centric environments, while SentinelOne and CrowdStrike provide strong multi-vendor XDR capabilities for heterogeneous infrastructure.
Conclusion: Choosing Between EDR and XDR
The choice between EDR and XDR ultimately depends on your organization's security maturity, infrastructure complexity, team capabilities, and budget. EDR remains a powerful solution for organizations with focused endpoint threats and existing security infrastructure, particularly when integrated with robust SIEM platforms. However, XDR's unified approach to cross-domain threat detection and response addresses the reality of modern cyberattacks that exploit multiple vectors simultaneously.
For most organizations, especially those using Microsoft 365 and Azure, Microsoft Defender XDR integrated with Microsoft Sentinel provides an optimal balance of comprehensive coverage, native integration, and operational efficiency. This combination delivers XDR benefits while maintaining flexibility to integrate third-party tools as needed.
subrosa helps organizations evaluate, deploy, and optimize both EDR and XDR platforms including Microsoft Defender, Microsoft Sentinel, SentinelOne, and CrowdStrike. Our SOC team provides expertise in platform selection, deployment, tuning, and ongoing operations. Contact us to discuss which approach best fits your security needs and environment.