Can EDR replace MDR or do I need both?

EDR is a technology component; MDR is a service that includes EDR plus human expertise. If you have a dedicated in-house security analyst who can monitor EDR alerts, investigate threats, and respond around the clock, standalone EDR may suffice. For most UK SMEs without that capability, MDR provides the human layer that makes EDR effective.

Is MDR worth the extra cost over standalone EDR?

MDR costs £8 to £25 per endpoint per month versus £3 to £10 for EDR alone. However, EDR without skilled analysts generates alerts that go unactioned. The average cost of the most disruptive breach is £3,550 (DSIT 2025), and MDR's 24/7 response capability typically prevents incidents from escalating to that level, making the cost differential easy to justify.

How fast does MDR respond compared to EDR-only?

MDR providers typically guarantee response within fifteen to thirty minutes because trained analysts are monitoring alerts continuously. With EDR alone, response depends on when your internal team notices and investigates the alert — which could be hours or the following working day. For threats like ransomware that can encrypt an entire network within minutes, this speed difference is critical.

Does MDR include the EDR software or do I need to buy it separately?

Most MDR services include the EDR agent as part of the managed service, so you do not need a separate licence. Some providers also integrate with existing EDR tools you may already have, such as Microsoft Defender for Business. With 43% of UK businesses experiencing a breach or attack (DSIT 2025), bundled MDR simplifies procurement whilst ensuring no gap between detection and response.

MDR vs EDR: Which Does Your Business Need?

For most UK SMEs without a dedicated in-house security team, MDR is the better choice. MDR includes EDR technology plus 24/7 human monitoring, alert triage, and incident response — giving you the detection capability of EDR combined with the expertise to act on what it finds.

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Key Facts

£27bnestimated annual cost of cybercrime to the UK economy

49%of UK businesses have a basic cyber security skills gap (DSIT)

204%increase in AI-powered phishing emails in 2025

£3,550average cost of the most disruptive breach for UK businesses

Last updated: March 2026

MDR vs EDR: Feature Comparison

Key differences between Managed Detection and Response (MDR) and Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR).

Feature	MDR£8–£25/endpoint/moRecommended	EDR£3–£10/endpoint/mo
Threat detection technology	Included	Included
24/7 human monitoring
Alert triage and investigation
Incident response
Threat hunting
Behavioural analysis
Automated containment		Basic
Monthly threat reports
Requires in-house security staff	No	Yes

Pricing ranges are indicative for UK SMEs. Actual costs depend on endpoint count and service scope.

When to Choose Each Option

The right choice depends on whether you have in-house security expertise.

Choose MDR if...

You do not have a dedicated in-house security team, need 24/7 monitoring and response, want enterprise-grade protection at SME cost, or need to meet cyber insurance requirements for managed security.

Choose EDR if...

You have an existing SOC or dedicated security analyst who can monitor alerts, investigate incidents, and take response actions. EDR provides the detection tooling — your team provides the expertise.

Cost-Benefit Analysis

For a 100-endpoint business, MDR costs approximately £800–£2,500/month. Standalone EDR costs £300–£1,000/month — but requires a security analyst (£45,000–£65,000/year) to operate it effectively. For most SMEs, MDR delivers better outcomes at a lower total cost of ownership than EDR plus staff.

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The AMVIA Recommendation

For most UK SMEs without a dedicated security analyst, we recommend MDR over standalone EDR. MDR combines EDR detection technology with 24/7 human monitoring and incident response, eliminating the need to hire specialist staff. AMVIA's MDR service starts from £10 per endpoint per month and includes threat hunting, monthly reporting, and a dedicated response team.

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