When thinking about Managed Detection and Response (MDR) services, the question often comes up: How much is this going to cost? But the better question might be, What’s the cost of not having 24/7 threat protection?
If you’re looking into MDR solutions, you’re already on the right track—prioritizing security in today’s digital world is non-negotiable. However, understanding the pricing can feel like navigating a maze.
So, let’s break it down in a straightforward way that makes sense, focusing on the key factors influencing MDR pricing and why it’s an investment worth making.
What affects the price of MDR?
The first step in understanding the cost of MDR is knowing what drives it. Here are the key elements:
- Number of Endpoints and Assets. Think of your endpoints as doors to your house—the more doors you have, the more you’ll need to secure. In MDR terms, endpoints are every device, server, or asset connected to your network. More assets mean more work for the service provider, which impacts the price. So, the bigger your infrastructure, the more you’re likely to pay. It’s a straightforward formula: more devices, more security needs.
- Service Levels and Customization. Not all businesses require the same level of protection. Maybe you only need basic monitoring, or maybe you need a fully managed SOC with incident response. Some companies may even need customized security protocols to meet unique compliance standards. The more tailored and intensive your needs, the higher the cost. But here’s the deal—you’re only paying for what you need. Don’t let extra features and upsells inflate your bill unless they align with your goals.
- Security Tools and Technology Stack. An MDR provider may offer a variety of security tools as part of their package. These could include Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR), Security Information and Event Management (SIEM), and Threat Intelligence. If you already have these tools, great! Your cost might be lower. If you don’t, most providers will bundle these services, which can either save you money or add to the total—depending on how you view it. Look at it this way: you’re not just buying tools, you’re buying peace of mind. Integrating security across multiple layers makes it much harder for cyber threats to slip through the cracks.
Why paying for MDR is worth it
The upfront cost of MDR might seem high, but it’s a fraction of what a breach could cost you. Here’s a real-world scenario: A ransomware attack demands a hefty ransom, and on top of that, you have the expense of getting systems back online and managing reputational damage.
When you weigh these potential losses against the monthly cost of MDR, it’s a no-brainer.
For example, you might pay $10,000 a month for an MDR service, but if that service prevents a breach that could cost $300,000, you’ve made a smart investment.
In-house SOC vs. outsourced MDR: Why outsourcing makes sense
If you’ve ever looked into building an in-house security team, you know it’s not cheap. For a mid-sized company, running your own SOC can cost upwards of $1.95 million a year.
Let’s break it down:
- $850,000 for security tools (like EDR, SIEM, and log management systems)
- $950,000 for salaries and benefits for your SOC team
- $150,000 for operational costs, including maintenance and software updates.
That’s a lot of money—and we’re not even counting the challenge of finding and retaining the talent. Most security experts only stick around for two years, meaning you’ll be constantly recruiting and training.
By outsourcing your MDR, you save on all these costs. For a fraction of the price, you get access to a skilled team, cutting-edge tools, and 24/7 monitoring.
Plus, the service scales as your business grows. If your endpoint count spikes, you don’t have to worry about staffing or equipment; your provider handles that for you.
Choosing the right MDR provider: What to look for
Not all MDR providers are the same. Picking the right one can make or break your cybersecurity strategy.
Here’s a simple guide to choosing the best provider:
- Experience and Expertise. Check if they have experience in your industry. MDR for financial services isn’t the same as MDR for retail. Look for a provider who knows your landscape and the specific threats you face.
- Service Delivery Models. Do they offer multiple service models, or is it a one-size-fits-all solution? The best providers will offer different tiers of service, so you’re only paying for what you need. Be clear about what works for your organization.
- Integration with Your Existing Tools. You may already have some great security tools in place—make sure the MDR provider can integrate with those seamlessly. You don’t want to pay for new tools if your current ones do the job.
- Incident Response. Find out how the provider handles incidents. Ask about their response times, typical workflows, and communication methods. Do they give clear, actionable reports? You don’t want to be left guessing during a critical moment.
- Customer Reviews. Any solid provider should have a portfolio of reviews and case studies from actual clients. Take the time to go through these and see if they’re trusted in the industry.
MDR pricing models: What you need to know
When you’re ready to commit to MDR, understanding the various pricing models can help you choose the right fit for your business.
- Per Endpoint: If your infrastructure size is flexible or growing, this model works well. You’ll pay a set fee per device, allowing you to scale the service as your needs change.
- Flat Rate: Ideal for businesses that want predictability. You’ll pay a consistent monthly fee for the entire service package, regardless of fluctuations in your number of devices or users.
- Tiered Pricing: This model offers flexibility based on service level requirements. Basic packages cost less, but as you move to more advanced services—like real-time threat hunting or custom integrations—the price increases accordingly. This way, you can choose the right level of protection based on your current budget and security needs.
If you’re unsure which model suits your business, it’s always a good idea to ask for a customized quote. Many providers will work with you to tailor their services, ensuring you get the security you need without overspending.
How to calculate the cost of MDR
Let’s take a look at an actual formula for calculating MDR cost.
Most providers offer a pricing structure based on several variables:
- Number of endpoints (like computers, mobile devices, and servers)
- Number of users
- Service levels (from basic monitoring to full incident response and detection engineering)
- Additional tools (like SIEM, EDR, and Threat Intel)
Here’s an example breakdown for a mid-sized company:
- Endpoints: 400
- Servers: 15
- Users: 60
- Service Level (SOC, incident response, detection): $3,000/month
- Technology Stack (SIEM, EDR, threat intelligence): $2,000/month
- Endpoint Cost: $17 per endpoint
- Server Cost: $100 per server
- User Cost: $10 per user
Total monthly cost:
(400×17)+(15×100)+(60×10)+3,000+2,000=6,800+1,500+600+3,000+2,000=13,900/month. So, $13,900/month or $166,800/year. A solid investment compared to the potential cost of a security breach, downtime, and lost customer trust.
The Risks of using AI to estimate MDR costs
It’s tempting to ask an AI tool to quickly estimate the cost of MDR for your business, but here’s the thing—AI can’t account for all the nuances of your security needs.
It might give you a basic formula, but it won’t factor in the complexity of your infrastructure, compliance needs, or specific threat landscape.
You could end up underestimating the real price. For example, an AI tool might tell you that MDR for 100 endpoints will cost around $1,500/month, but it may not account for the need for SIEM integration or advanced incident response capabilities.
Don’t fall into this trap. Always consult with the provider directly for an accurate quote based on your specific environment.
Why MDR is a long-term investment
Let’s be honest: cybersecurity is a marathon, not a sprint. The price you pay for MDR services today is an investment in your company’s future.
Cyber threats are evolving, and businesses that are prepared with 24/7 threat detection, incident response, and proactive defense are the ones that will stay ahead.
Remember, the cost of a breach is not just financial—it’s reputational. Customers and partners trust you to protect their data, and one major incident can damage that trust irreparably.
With MDR, you’re not just paying for a service; you’re buying peace of mind. And that, in the end, is priceless.
MDR by Underdefense – Your Always-On Security Partner
UnderDefense’s MDR solution fits your budget and gives you confidence in your organization’s security posture. Here’s how it can help you overcome common challenges:
- Immediate, personalized support: 24/7 access to dedicated SOC analysts who know your business and get back to you fast.
- Comprehensive attack detection: Beyond 24/7 monitoring, we detect threats proactively providing context and remediation advice.
- Tooling optimization: We tune your security tools to reduce alert noise by 82% and integrate with all your existing tools for a single pane of glass.
- Customer ownership: You own all fine-tuned tools and processes at the end of the contract so you have control and value.
- Operational transparency: Full visibility into alert timelines, threat context, and regular reports.
- Guaranteed SLA: We o
Wrapping up: Make the best decision for your business
When it comes to MDR pricing, it’s easy to get overwhelmed by the numbers. But the important thing is to focus on value. What’s the cost of protecting your business versus the cost of a breach? Look at MDR as a crucial investment in safeguarding your assets, your reputation, and your future.
With the right provider, you’ll get exactly the protection you need—without paying for things you don’t. So take the next step, get a custom quote, and find out how MDR can fit into your security strategy without breaking the bank.