EDR vs XDR: 15 Critical Differences

Your attackers will target your endpoints. Learn how advanced threat detection technologies like EDR and XDR compare in terms of scope, features, and effectiveness in detecting and responding to them.

Both EDR and XDR are valuable to every organization’s cyber security arsenal; but there are distinct differences between the two and some overlap. Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) is an integrated security solution that facilitates real-time monitoring and threat detection and response for endpoint devices. EDR is based on the approach of “assume breach” mentality which means the tool uses high-end automation to rapidly identify and respond to threats.

On the other hand, an XDR solution collects and correlates data from several security layers. It involves threat analysis across emails, endpoints, servers, networks, apps, identities, and clouds. XDR responds to threats just as quickly and effectively as EDR. However, it enhances visibility into the entire cloud estate. Its response scope is wider than an EDR tool and XDR provides centralized access to various security tools such as CASB, EDR, IAM, secure web gateways, network firewalls, and others.

In this guide, we will explore them both and explain how you can use them to prevent data breaches.

What is EDR (Endpoint Detection and Response)?

EDR collects in-depth data across endpoints and detects suspicious activities on hosts. It continuously enables rapid analysis of threats and implements rule-based automated responses. EDR solutions use a high level of automation to investigate endpoint security incidents and eradicate them before they escalate and transform into serious concerns.

Key Features of EDR

• EDR restricts malicious endpoint device and network activity; it automatically detects and contains the threat. However, manual human review may be needed before remedial action is taken.
• EDR platforms only fill the security gaps left by other security tools. EDR does not provide complete network security and has limited visibility.

What is XDR (Extended Detection and Response)?

As cyber threats are increasing in sophistication, the number of endpoints and attack surface vectors are evolving. XDR technology was built with multiple network components in mind.

It removes threats and fixes damages but offers more enhanced visibility than EDR solutions. XDR offers diverse defenses and is an excellent choice for organizations are are designing a dynamic security strategy.

Key Features of XDR

• XDR uses multiple threat detection methods and scans various attack surfaces and vectors. XDR technologies protect cloud apps, endpoints, SaaS providers, and others. They use multiple layers of protection across several security points, all accessible via a single platform.
• XDR delivers centralized access to various security tools such as IAMs, CSBs, network firewalls, and provides unified threat management capabilities. It essentially centralizes security tooling and supports a blend of human investigation and automated responses.

Difference between EDR and XDR

Both EDR and XDR are designed to replace traditional security solutions and provide automated responses to threats. Although they are similar in many ways, they have their differences.

Follow are the critical differences between EDR and XDR solutions:

Feature	EDR (Endpoint Detection and Response)	XDR (Extended Detection and Response)
Scope	Focuses on endpoint devices (laptops, desktops, servers, mobile devices)	Extends scope to include data from multiple sources: network traffic, cloud and SaaS apps, email, identity and access management, SIEM systems
Data Sources	Collects data from endpoint devices (system logs, network traffic, file system activity)	Collects data from multiple sources: endpoint devices, network traffic, cloud and SaaS apps, email, identity and access management, SIEM systems
Detection Methods	Signature-based and behavior-based detection, behavioral analysis, machine learning algorithms	Advanced analytics, machine learning, artificial intelligence, and human analysis
Threat Detection	Detects malware, ransomware, and other types of attacks	Detects advanced threats, including insider threats, nation-state attacks, and sophisticated malware campaigns
Containment and Remediation	Focuses on containment and remediation of endpoint-based threats	Provides real-time visibility and response to threats across multiple data sources
Incident Response	Provides incident response capabilities for endpoint-based threats	Provides incident response capabilities for advanced threats across multiple data sources
Integration	Typically integrated with endpoint security solutions	Integrated with multiple security solutions, including network security, cloud security, email security, and identity and access management
Alerts and Notifications	Provides alerts and notifications for endpoint-based threats	Provides real-time alerts and notifications for advanced threats across multiple data sources
Investigation and Analysis	Provides investigation and analysis capabilities for endpoint-based threats	Provides advanced investigation and analysis capabilities for advanced threats across multiple data sources
Threat Hunting	May not include threat-hunting capabilities	Includes threat-hunting capabilities to identify unknown threats and vulnerabilities
Cloud and SaaS Support	May not support cloud and SaaS applications	Supports cloud and SaaS applications, including Office 365, AWS, Azure, and more
Email and Messaging Support	May not support email and messaging platforms	Supports email and messaging platforms, including Microsoft Exchange, Office 365, and more
Identity and Access Management Support	May not support identity and access management systems	Supports identity and access management systems, including Active Directory, Azure AD, and more
SIEM System Support	May not support SIEM systems	Supports SIEM systems, including Splunk, ELK, and more
Cost	Typically less expensive than XDR solutions	Typically more expensive than EDR solutions due to the additional data sources and advanced analytics

EDR vs XDR: Key Differences

• EDR focuses on endpoint devices (laptops, desktops, servers, and mobile devices) to detect and respond to malware, ransomware, and other types of attacks. XDR extends the scope of EDR by incorporating data from multiple sources, including network traffic (NGFW, IDS/IPS, etc.), cloud and SaaS applications (e.g., Office 365, AWS, Azure), email and messaging platforms, Identity and access management systems (IAMs), and other security information and event management (SIEM) systems.
• EDR solutions install an agent on each endpoint device to collect and analyze data, such as system logs, network traffic, and file system activity. XDR solutions provide a more comprehensive view of the attack surface, enabling detection and response to threats that may not be visible at the endpoint level alone.
• EDR platforms rely on signature-based detection, behavioral analysis, and machine learning algorithms to identify potential threats. XDR solutions often employ advanced analytics, machine learning, and artificial intelligence to identify patterns and anomalies across multiple data sources.

When to choose XDR and EDR?

You can choose EDR when:

• Your organization has a relatively small to medium-sized IT infrastructure, and most of your threats are endpoint-based (e.g., malware, ransomware).
• You have a limited budget and want a more cost-effective solution for endpoint security.
• You prioritize containment and remediation of endpoint-based threats and don’t need advanced analytics or threat-hunting capabilities.
• Your organization has a strong endpoint security posture, and you’re looking to enhance your existing endpoint security controls.

You can choose XDR when:

• Your organization has a large, complex IT infrastructure, and you need to detect and respond to advanced threats that may not be visible at the endpoint level alone.
• You have a high-risk environment, such as a financial institution, healthcare organization, or government agency, and need to detect and respond to sophisticated threats.
• You want to gain real-time visibility into your attack surface and detect threats across multiple data sources, including network traffic, cloud and SaaS applications, email, and identity and access management systems.
• You need advanced analytics, machine learning, and artificial intelligence to identify patterns and anomalies, and want to leverage threat-hunting capabilities to identify unknown threats and vulnerabilities.
• You’re looking for a solution that can integrate with your existing security tools and provide a single pane of glass for incident response and threat hunting.

You can choose both XDR and EDR if:

• If you have a mix of endpoint-based and advanced threats, consider implementing both EDR and XDR solutions to provide comprehensive threat detection and response capabilities.
• You’re unsure which solution to choose, consider starting with EDR and upgrading to XDR as your organization’s threat landscape evolves.

Conclusion

The debate of what is EDR vs XDR will never end, but one thing is clear: XDR triumphs EDR by providing extended security coverage. EDR is great for organizations with a limited budget that requires limited visibility. For organizations that are growing or scaling up, XDR will prove to be more valuable in the long run.

Hopefully, this answers your question of “What is XDR vs EDR” and gives you clarity on which tool to select. You can eliminate security silos and enhance your architecture by using a mix of both.

EDR vs XDR FAQs

What is Endpoint Detection and Response?

Endpoint Detection and Response, or EDR, is a security approach focusing on real-time monitoring, threat detection, and rapid response at the device level. EDR tools collect data from endpoints—laptops, servers, and mobile devices—to hunt and isolate malicious activities. Its strength lies in its ability to provide actionable insights and automate the containment of threats.

What is Extended Detection and Response?

Extended Detection and Response, or XDR, is an evolution of EDR that unifies data across endpoints, networks, cloud environments, and more. XDR consolidates security telemetry, simplifying threat hunting and providing broader visibility. Think of it as a single control center, offering deeper insights and streamlined incident response. By examining multiple vectors, XDR identifies complex attacks faster and helps security teams prioritize critical issues more effectively.

How do EDR and XDR differ from Traditional Antivirus Solutions?

Unlike essential antivirus software that matches known malware signatures, EDR and XDR look for suspicious behaviors and anomalies across various layers. EDR monitors individual endpoints in real-time, while XDR extends this coverage to cloud apps and networks. Both solutions offer proactive threat hunting and automated responses, empowering security teams to tackle emerging threats, not just known ones, ensuring a more dynamic and robust defense.

Which is Better for Small Businesses: EDR or XDR?

EDR might be the more practical first step for a small business with limited resources. EDR solutions provide robust endpoint protection and straightforward deployment. However, XDR’s broader visibility becomes increasingly valuable as companies scale or adopt more cloud services. We’ve seen small teams benefit from EDR’s simplicity, but if growth looms, investing in XDR early can offer comprehensive coverage and potentially lower overall risk.

How easy is it to deploy EDR compared to XDR?

Deploying EDR is more straightforward because it focuses on endpoint-centric data and remediation. While offering broader visibility across multiple environments, XDR typically requires additional integrations and configuration. We’ve seen EDR installations that can be completed swiftly, whereas XDR might involve connecting cloud services, network sensors, and email systems. The extra setup can pay off by delivering a more holistic, integrated security stance.

Can XDR integrate with existing EDR solutions?

Yes, XDR can work seamlessly alongside existing EDR solutions. At Meta, we’ve seen organizations start with EDR for basic endpoint security, then layer XDR on top to unify and analyze data across more sources. By integrating with EDR, XDR extends detection capabilities to networks, cloud apps, and email gateways. This approach helps security teams preserve their original endpoint investments while benefiting from a centralized, cross-layered defense strategy.

Will XDR replace EDR in the coming years?

We don’t believe XDR will replace EDR soon, but it could become the preferred choice for more advanced security needs. EDR is foundational, offering crucial device-level protection in any environment. XDR builds on that, adding broader visibility across diverse systems. Both will likely coexist, with organizations adopting XDR for more complex infrastructures while relying on EDR for essential endpoint defense.

Why SentinelOne for XDR and EDR?

SentinelOne stands out for its autonomous, AI-driven approach to monitoring and protecting endpoints without burdening security teams. Such endpoint security automation is vital for scaling cybersecurity operations. SentinelOne’s platform offers EDR and XDR capabilities, seamlessly integrating network and cloud telemetry. This consolidation speeds up detection, response, and remediation. Additionally, its flexible architecture caters to different business sizes, making advanced protection accessible to organizations of all types.

Which is better, XDR or EDR?

If you have many endpoint devices and need advanced threat detection and response capabilities, EDR might be a better fit. If you need a more comprehensive approach that covers multiple areas of your organization, XDR might be a better choice.

If you’re starting from scratch, you might consider an XDR solution that provides a more comprehensive approach. XDR solutions often require more resources and infrastructure than EDR solutions, which are more expensive.