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Cortex XDR alternatives: 7 apps ranked by verified data

Facts checked Nov 8, 2026AppBreakup editorialHow we rankAll endpoint security and EDR

Top picks

  • CrowdStrike Falcon logo

    Best overall

    CrowdStrike Falcon

    Starting price: $59.99 per device/year (Falcon Go, billed annually)

Common reasons people leave Cortex XDR: no public pricing; you have to go through sales or a partner, and built for trained security analysts, so small IT teams may find it heavy. We ranked 7 alternatives by how directly each one replaces Cortex XDR, then by reviews, real visits and how recently each app's facts were checked against its own website. CrowdStrike Falcon currently ranks first.

Quick comparison

#AppPricingVerified priceOpen sourcePlatformsVerified factsScore
1CrowdStrike Falcon logoCrowdStrike FalconPaid$59.99 per device/year (Falcon Go, billed annually)NoWeb, Windows, macOS +17 of 783.8
2SoSophos EndpointPaid—NoWeb, Windows, macOS +14 of 468.9
3SentinelOne Singularity logoSentinelOne SingularityPaid$179.99 per endpoint/year (Singularity Complete)NoWeb, Windows, macOS +38 of 862.6
4Microsoft Defender for Endpoint logoMicrosoft Defender for EndpointPaid$3 per user/month, paid yearly (Defender for Business)NoWeb, Windows, macOS +37 of 761.8
5Bitdefender GravityZone logoBitdefender GravityZonePaid—NoWeb, Windows, macOS +45 of 555.9
6Trellix Endpoint Security logoTrellix Endpoint SecurityPaid—NoWindows, macOS, Linux +14 of 455.3
7ESET PROTECT logoESET PROTECTPaid—NoWeb, Windows, macOS +45 of 542.3
  1. CrowdStrike Falcon logo

    1. CrowdStrike FalconTop pick

    Best for: Businesses of any size that want a top-tier EDR, from self-serve bundles to managed detection

    PaidWeb, Windows, macOS, Linux

    83.8

    score / 100

    Why switch from Cortex XDR

    A lightweight single-agent EDR/XDR platform with strong threat intelligence and managed hunting options.

    Pros

    • Self-serve bundles with published per-device prices
    • Single lightweight sensor for Windows, macOS and Linux
    • Managed detection and response available for teams without a SOC
    • 15-day free trial without a credit card

    Cons

    • Costs climb quickly as you add modules beyond the bundles
    • Falcon Go is capped at 100 devices
    • A faulty update in July 2024 caused a worldwide Windows outage
    Visit CrowdStrike Falcon Details and reviews
    How this score is calculated
    Editorial fit ×0.3100
    Reviews ×0.363
    Clicks (90 days) ×0.15100
    Freshness ×0.15100
    Votes ×0.150

    0 counted reviews, 0 up and 0 down votes. Full formula

    Is CrowdStrike Falcon a good Cortex XDR alternative?

    Verified facts

    7 of 7 verified
    Starting price
    $59.99 per device/year (Falcon Go, billed annually)
    Checked Nov 8, 2026crowdstrike.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Monthly billing
    From $7.99 per device/month (Falcon Go)
    Checked Nov 8, 2026crowdstrike.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Free trial
    15 days, no card
    Checked Nov 8, 2026crowdstrike.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Operating systems
    Windows, macOS, Linux
    Checked Nov 8, 2026crowdstrike.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Falcon Go device limit
    100 devices
    Checked Nov 8, 2026crowdstrike.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Falcon Pro plan
    $99.99 per device/year
    Checked Nov 8, 2026crowdstrike.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Falcon Enterprise plan
    $184.99 per device/year
    Checked Nov 8, 2026crowdstrike.com(opens source in a new tab)
  2. So

    2. Sophos Endpoint

    Best for: Small and mid-size organisations buying through an IT partner, often alongside Sophos MDR or firewalls

    PaidWeb, Windows, macOS, Linux

    68.9

    score / 100

    Why switch from Cortex XDR

    Endpoint protection with anti-ransomware and an optional managed detection and response service.

    Pros

    • CryptoGuard detects ransomware encryption and rolls files back
    • One agent for Windows, macOS and Linux endpoints and servers
    • Optional 24/7 managed detection and response from Sophos
    • 30-day free trial

    Cons

    • No published prices; bought through partners
    • EDR and XDR features cost extra over the base product
    Visit Sophos Endpoint Details and reviews
    How this score is calculated
    Editorial fit ×0.369
    Reviews ×0.363
    Clicks (90 days) ×0.1563
    Freshness ×0.15100
    Votes ×0.150

    0 counted reviews, 0 up and 0 down votes. Full formula

    Is Sophos Endpoint a good Cortex XDR alternative?

    Verified facts

    4 of 4 verified
    Operating systems
    Windows, macOS, Linux
    Checked Nov 8, 2026sophos.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Ransomware rollback
    CryptoGuard
    Checked Nov 8, 2026sophos.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Exploit mitigations
    60+ on by default
    Checked Nov 8, 2026sophos.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Free trial
    30 days
    Checked Nov 8, 2026sophos.com(opens source in a new tab)
  3. SentinelOne Singularity logo

    3. SentinelOne Singularity

    Best for: Security teams that want autonomous EDR with rollback and AI-assisted investigation

    PaidWeb, Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android

    62.6

    score / 100

    Why switch from Cortex XDR

    Autonomous endpoint protection with automated rollback, covering endpoints, cloud and identity.

    Pros

    • One-click rollback and remediation after an attack
    • Covers endpoints, cloud workloads, identity and mobile devices
    • Published per-endpoint prices for the main packages

    Cons

    • Annual per-endpoint pricing is higher than Microsoft Defender bundled in Microsoft 365
    • Enterprise tier and add-ons need a sales quote
    • Feature depth is aimed at teams with security analysts
    Visit SentinelOne Singularity Details and reviews
    How this score is calculated
    Editorial fit ×0.387
    Reviews ×0.363
    Clicks (90 days) ×0.150
    Freshness ×0.1585
    Votes ×0.150

    0 counted reviews, 0 up and 0 down votes. Full formula

    Is SentinelOne Singularity a good Cortex XDR alternative?

    Verified facts

    8 of 8 verified
    Singularity Complete
    $179.99 per endpoint/year
    Checked Nov 1, 2026sentinelone.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Singularity Commercial
    $229.99 per endpoint/year
    Checked Nov 1, 2026sentinelone.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Ransomware rollback
    One-click
    Checked Nov 1, 2026sentinelone.com(opens source in a new tab)
    US government
    FedRAMP High authorized
    Checked Nov 1, 2026sentinelone.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Mobile protection
    iOS and Android
    Checked Nov 1, 2026sentinelone.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Starting price
    $179.99 per endpoint/year (Singularity Complete)
    Checked Nov 2, 2026sentinelone.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Singularity Commercial plan
    $229.99 per endpoint/year
    Checked Nov 2, 2026sentinelone.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Singularity Enterprise plan
    Custom quote
    Checked Nov 2, 2026sentinelone.com(opens source in a new tab)
  4. Microsoft Defender for Endpoint logo

    4. Microsoft Defender for Endpoint

    Best for: Microsoft 365 organisations that want EDR integrated with Intune, Entra ID and Defender XDR

    PaidWeb, Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android

    61.8

    score / 100

    Why switch from Cortex XDR

    Often already licensed in Microsoft 365 E5, with tight ties to Defender XDR and Sentinel.

    Pros

    • Included in Microsoft 365 E5, so many companies already own it
    • Covers Windows, macOS, Linux, Android and iOS
    • Automatic attack disruption and native Intune integration

    Cons

    • Plan 1, Plan 2 and Defender for Business licensing is confusing
    • Best experience assumes the wider Microsoft security stack
    • Advanced hunting and some features need Plan 2 or E5
    Visit Microsoft Defender for Endpoint Details and reviews
    How this score is calculated
    Editorial fit ×0.377
    Reviews ×0.363
    Clicks (90 days) ×0.150
    Freshness ×0.15100
    Votes ×0.150

    0 counted reviews, 0 up and 0 down votes. Full formula

    Is Microsoft Defender for Endpoint a good Cortex XDR alternative?

    Verified facts

    7 of 7 verified
    Operating systems
    Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS
    Checked Nov 8, 2026learn.microsoft.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Licensing options
    Plan 1, Plan 2, Defender for Business
    Checked Nov 8, 2026learn.microsoft.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Included in
    Microsoft 365 E5
    Checked Nov 8, 2026learn.microsoft.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Ransomware disruption
    Automatic attack disruption
    Checked Nov 8, 2026microsoft.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Starting price
    $3 per user/month, paid yearly (Defender for Business)
    Checked Nov 8, 2026microsoft.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Defender Suite plan
    $12 per user/month, paid yearly (needs Microsoft 365 E3)
    Checked Nov 8, 2026microsoft.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Microsoft 365 Business Premium plan
    $22 per user/month, paid yearly
    Checked Nov 8, 2026microsoft.com(opens source in a new tab)
  5. Bitdefender GravityZone logo

    5. Bitdefender GravityZone

    Best for: Small and mid-size IT teams and MSPs that want strong endpoint protection with cloud or on-prem management

    PaidSelf-hostableWeb, Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, Self-hosted

    55.9

    score / 100

    Why switch from Cortex XDR

    Strong-scoring prevention with EDR at a lower price, well suited to small and mid-sized businesses.

    Pros

    • Choice of cloud console or self-hosted virtual appliance
    • Ransomware protection that restores encrypted files from backup copies
    • Small-business package can be bought online without a sales call
    • Wide range of add-ons: patching, encryption, email and mobile security

    Cons

    • Many features sit in separate add-ons or higher tiers
    • Console has a lot of settings to learn for a small IT team
    • Mobile protection is an add-on, not part of the base package
    Visit Bitdefender GravityZone Details and reviews
    How this score is calculated
    Editorial fit ×0.357
    Reviews ×0.363
    Clicks (90 days) ×0.150
    Freshness ×0.15100
    Votes ×0.150

    0 counted reviews, 0 up and 0 down votes. Full formula

    Is Bitdefender GravityZone a good Cortex XDR alternative?

    Verified facts

    5 of 5 verified
    Free trial
    Yes
    Checked Nov 8, 2026bitdefender.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Supported OS
    Windows, Linux, macOS
    Checked Nov 8, 2026bitdefender.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Deployment
    Cloud or on-premises management
    Checked Nov 8, 2026bitdefender.com(opens source in a new tab)
    On-prem console
    Virtual appliance (OVA, XVA, VHD)
    Checked Nov 8, 2026bitdefender.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Mobile add-on
    iOS, Android and ChromeOS
    Checked Nov 8, 2026bitdefender.com(opens source in a new tab)
  6. Trellix Endpoint Security logo

    6. Trellix Endpoint Security

    Best for: Large enterprises and existing McAfee or FireEye customers needing on-prem or hybrid EDR

    PaidWindows, macOS, Linux, Self-hosted

    55.3

    score / 100

    Why switch from Cortex XDR

    Enterprise endpoint security and XDR from the former McAfee Enterprise and FireEye businesses.

    Pros

    • Covers Windows, macOS and Linux endpoints
    • Runs on-premises, in the cloud or hybrid
    • Central management through ePolicy Orchestrator
    • Pairs with Trellix email, network and DLP products

    Cons

    • Quote-only pricing with no self-serve plan
    • Some protections such as Exploit Guard are Windows-only
    • Product line is sprawling and hard to navigate after the merger
    Visit Trellix Endpoint Security Details and reviews
    How this score is calculated
    Editorial fit ×0.363
    Reviews ×0.363
    Clicks (90 days) ×0.150
    Freshness ×0.1585
    Votes ×0.150

    0 counted reviews, 0 up and 0 down votes. Full formula

    Is Trellix Endpoint Security a good Cortex XDR alternative?

    Verified facts

    4 of 4 verified
    Platforms
    Windows, macOS, Linux
    Checked Nov 8, 2026docs.trellix.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Deployment
    On-premises, cloud or hybrid
    Checked Nov 8, 2026docs.trellix.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Management
    ePolicy Orchestrator (ePO)
    Checked Nov 8, 2026docs.trellix.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Exploit Guard
    Windows only
    Checked Nov 8, 2026docs.trellix.com(opens source in a new tab)
  7. ESET PROTECT logo

    7. ESET PROTECT

    Best for: Businesses that want light, well-tested endpoint protection with a cloud or self-hosted console

    PaidSelf-hostableWeb, Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, Self-hosted

    42.3

    score / 100

    Why switch from Cortex XDR

    Lighter agents and tiered plans for teams that don't need a full XDR platform.

    Pros

    • Cloud console or self-hosted server on Windows, Linux or a virtual appliance
    • Tiered plans let small firms start basic and add EDR later
    • Cloud version manages up to 50,000 devices from one console
    • Includes full-disk encryption management for Windows and macOS on higher tiers

    Cons

    • Mobile device management has ended in the on-prem version
    • Advanced detection, MDR and patching only come with higher tiers
    • Several separate components (agent, bridge, hub) to understand at first
    Visit ESET PROTECT Details and reviews
    How this score is calculated
    Editorial fit ×0.312
    Reviews ×0.363
    Clicks (90 days) ×0.150
    Freshness ×0.15100
    Votes ×0.150

    0 counted reviews, 0 up and 0 down votes. Full formula

    Is ESET PROTECT a good Cortex XDR alternative?

    Verified facts

    5 of 5 verified
    Free trial
    30 days
    Checked Nov 8, 2026eset.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Deployment
    Cloud or on-premises
    Checked Nov 8, 2026eset.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Cloud scale
    Up to 50,000 devices
    Checked Nov 8, 2026help.eset.com(opens source in a new tab)
    On-prem server
    Windows, Linux or virtual appliance
    Checked Nov 4, 2026help.eset.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Mobile management
    Android and iOS (cloud version)
    Checked Nov 8, 2026help.eset.com(opens source in a new tab)

The best Cortex XDR alternative for…

The highest-ranked app in this list for each need.

CrowdStrike Falcon logo

Best Cortex XDR alternative for most people

CrowdStrike Falcon

A lightweight single-agent EDR/XDR platform with strong threat intelligence and managed hunting options.

Bitdefender GravityZone logo

Best Cortex XDR alternative for self-hosting

Bitdefender GravityZone

Strong-scoring prevention with EDR at a lower price, well suited to small and mid-sized businesses.

So

Best Cortex XDR alternative for Mac

Sophos Endpoint

Endpoint protection with anti-ransomware and an optional managed detection and response service.

SentinelOne Singularity logo

Best Cortex XDR alternative for Windows

SentinelOne Singularity

Autonomous endpoint protection with automated rollback, covering endpoints, cloud and identity.

Microsoft Defender for Endpoint logo

Best Cortex XDR alternative for Linux

Microsoft Defender for Endpoint

Often already licensed in Microsoft 365 E5, with tight ties to Defender XDR and Sentinel.

ESET PROTECT logo

Best Cortex XDR alternative for iPhone and Android

ESET PROTECT

Lighter agents and tiered plans for teams that don't need a full XDR platform.

CrowdStrike Falcon logo

Best Cortex XDR alternative for working in the browser

CrowdStrike Falcon

A lightweight single-agent EDR/XDR platform with strong threat intelligence and managed hunting options.

Cortex XDR alternatives: common questions

What is the best alternative to Cortex XDR?

CrowdStrike Falcon ranks first right now. A lightweight single-agent EDR/XDR platform with strong threat intelligence and managed hunting options. Sophos Endpoint and SentinelOne Singularity follow it in our ranking.

Cortex XDR vs CrowdStrike Falcon: what's the difference?

Both Cortex XDR and CrowdStrike Falcon are paid products. Both run on Web, Windows, macOS and Linux.

Is Cortex XDR free?

Cortex XDR is a paid product.

How much do Cortex XDR alternatives cost?

Verified prices for the top-ranked Cortex XDR alternatives: CrowdStrike Falcon, $59.99 per device/year (Falcon Go, billed annually); SentinelOne Singularity, $179.99 per endpoint/year (Singularity Complete); Microsoft Defender for Endpoint, $3 per user/month, paid yearly (Defender for Business). Each price was checked on the app's own site; see each card below for the date and source.

Is there a free alternative to Cortex XDR?

None of the 7 alternatives we track has a free plan; all are paid, though some offer trials.

Is there an open-source alternative to Cortex XDR?

None of the 7 alternatives in this list is open source.

Which Cortex XDR alternatives work on Linux?

CrowdStrike Falcon, Sophos Endpoint, SentinelOne Singularity, Microsoft Defender for Endpoint and Bitdefender GravityZone run on Linux.

Why do people switch from Cortex XDR?

The complaints we hear most: no public pricing; you have to go through sales or a partner; built for trained security analysts, so small IT teams may find it heavy; gets most of its value when paired with other Palo Alto products.

How is this list ranked?

Every app is scored with the same published formula: how directly it replaces Cortex XDR, reviews (weighted by verification), visits from AppBreakup, how recently its facts were checked against its own website, and reader votes.