Cortex XDR vs CrowdStrike Falcon

Last Updated:

Our analysts compared Cortex XDR vs CrowdStrike Falcon based on data from our 400+ point analysis of Endpoint Security Software, user reviews and our own crowdsourced data from our free software selection platform.

Product Basics

Cortex XDR stands as a robust endpoint detection and response (EDR) solution, exemplifying Palo Alto Networks' commitment to advanced cybersecurity. Tailored for enterprises, its proactive threat hunting capabilities and automated response mechanisms redefine security postures. Users praise its seamless integration, emphasizing its efficacy in identifying and mitigating sophisticated threats. With a feature-rich arsenal encompassing behavioral analytics and real-time visibility, Cortex XDR excels in safeguarding against evolving cyber threats. Although some note its premium pricing, the consensus hails its unparalleled performance, positioning it as a market leader. In user perspectives, Cortex XDR emerges as a force to reckon with, outshining peers in comprehensive threat management.

Pros
  • Proactive threat hunting capabilities
  • Automated response mechanisms
  • Seamless integration into existing infrastructure
  • Real-time visibility for quick threat identification
  • Comprehensive behavioral analytics
Cons
  • Premium pricing compared to some competitors
  • Learning curve for extensive feature utilization
  • Resource-intensive in certain deployment scenarios
  • Customization options might overwhelm less experienced users
  • Dependency on continuous updates for optimal efficacy
read more...

CrowdStrike Falcon is a cloud-based endpoint security platform designed to protect devices like laptops, desktops, and servers from cyber threats. It's a good fit for organizations of all sizes, especially those looking for a comprehensive and easy-to-manage solution. Users appreciate its effectiveness in stopping breaches, its lightweight agent, and its user-friendly interface.

Key features include next-generation antivirus, endpoint detection and response (EDR), threat intelligence, and vulnerability management. CrowdStrike Falcon's pricing is subscription-based and varies depending on the chosen modules and number of endpoints. Compared to other endpoint security solutions, CrowdStrike Falcon is often praised for its strong threat detection capabilities and cloud-native architecture, but some users note that its advanced features may require additional training.

read more...
$12/user, monthly
Get a free price quote
Tailored to your specific needs
$5/Endpoint, Monthly
Get a free price quote
Tailored to your specific needs
Small 
i
Medium 
i
Large 
i
Small 
i
Medium 
i
Large 
i
Windows
Mac
Linux
Android
Chromebook
Windows
Mac
Linux
Android
Chromebook
Cloud
On-Premise
Mobile
Cloud
On-Premise
Mobile

Product Assistance

we're gathering data
Documentation
In Person
Live Online
Videos
Webinars
we're gathering data
Email
Phone
Chat
FAQ
Forum
Knowledge Base
24/7 Live Support

Product Insights

  • Comprehensive Threat Protection: Cortex XDR delivers comprehensive protection against a wide range of cyber threats, including advanced and evolving ones. It uses advanced detection methods, including machine learning and behavioral analytics, to identify and mitigate threats in real-time. This ensures that organizations can safeguard their digital assets effectively.
  • Rapid Incident Response: The platform's real-time incident response capabilities enable organizations to respond swiftly to security incidents. Automated threat detection and response actions, such as isolating compromised endpoints and blocking malicious activities, reduce response times and minimize the potential impact of security breaches.
  • Enhanced Visibility and Monitoring: Cortex XDR provides centralized visibility into an organization's entire security landscape, encompassing both network and endpoint devices. This holistic view enables security teams to monitor and manage security events efficiently from a single interface, facilitating proactive threat management.
  • Proactive Endpoint Protection: Cortex XDR offers robust endpoint protection, including antivirus and anti-malware capabilities. Behavioral analysis identifies suspicious activities at the endpoint, preventing threats from spreading across the network. This proactive approach ensures that organizations can stop threats before they cause harm.
  • Adaptive Security Measures: The platform's adaptive security continuously updates its threat intelligence to stay ahead of emerging risks. It incorporates the latest threat indicators and tactics, ensuring that security defenses remain effective in the face of evolving threats.
  • Efficiency and Reduced False Positives: Cortex XDR's advanced analytics and machine learning significantly reduce false positive alerts. By accurately distinguishing between genuine threats and non-threatening incidents, it enhances the efficiency of security operations, allowing security teams to focus on real risks.
  • Regulatory Compliance: Cortex XDR assists organizations in achieving compliance with industry regulations and data protection standards. It offers comprehensive security controls and robust reporting capabilities, simplifying the process of demonstrating compliance and avoiding regulatory penalties.
  • Streamlined Security Operations: Through automation, Cortex XDR streamlines security operations, optimizing resource allocation and response to threats. Security teams can manage the increasing complexity of cybersecurity more effectively, maintaining a strong security posture.
  • Collaborative Threat Intelligence: Cortex XDR facilitates the sharing of threat intelligence within and across organizations. By collaborating and leveraging insights from a broader community of users, organizations can enhance their collective security, staying ahead of emerging threats.
  • Cloud-Ready Security: With its cloud-native architecture, Cortex XDR seamlessly adapts to cloud environments. This flexibility ensures that organizations can extend their security measures to protect cloud-based assets, maintaining security continuity during cloud migrations.
read more...
  • Save Money: Cyberattacks can cost agencies millions of dollars. By deploying endpoint security software, users can save money and time. 
  • Manage Devices: With device management and policies, users can take greater control over their deployed devices, and they manage everything from updates to installations. 
  • Replace Ineffective Antivirus: The product is a full-service antivirus and endpoint security solution, all rolled into one. 
  • Flexible pricing: Flexible pricing tiers give users flexibility in what features they want for their business. 
read more...
  • Advanced Threat Detection: Cortex XDR leverages cutting-edge technologies, including machine learning and behavioral analytics, to identify and mitigate advanced cyber threats. It continuously monitors network and endpoint activities to detect malicious behavior and potential security breaches in real-time.
  • Real-time Incident Response: With real-time incident response capabilities, Cortex XDR automates threat detection and response actions. This includes isolating compromised endpoints, blocking malicious activities, and containing threats to minimize their impact. These actions are executed swiftly to mitigate security incidents effectively.
  • Centralized Visibility: The platform provides centralized visibility into an organization's security environment. Security teams gain a holistic view of network and endpoint devices, allowing them to monitor and manage security events from a single, unified interface. This comprehensive visibility streamlines security operations.
  • Endpoint Protection: Cortex XDR delivers robust endpoint protection features. It includes antivirus and anti-malware capabilities to prevent malware infections. Additionally, behavioral analysis identifies suspicious activities at the endpoint, preventing threats from spreading through the network.
  • Adaptive Security: Cortex XDR's adaptive security approach ensures that defenses remain effective in the face of evolving threats. It continuously updates its threat intelligence, incorporating the latest threat indicators and tactics to proactively protect against emerging risks.
  • Reduced False Positives: Leveraging advanced analytics and machine learning, Cortex XDR significantly reduces false positive alerts. By distinguishing between genuine threats and non-threatening incidents, it minimizes unnecessary interruptions and allows security teams to focus on actual risks.
  • Compliance Readiness: The platform assists organizations in achieving compliance with industry regulations and data protection standards. It provides comprehensive security controls and robust reporting capabilities to help organizations demonstrate their adherence to regulatory requirements.
  • Efficient Security Operations: Through automation, Cortex XDR streamlines security operations, enhancing efficiency. Security teams can manage the increasing complexity of cybersecurity more effectively, optimize resource allocation, and respond to threats with agility.
  • Threat Intelligence Sharing: Cortex XDR facilitates the sharing of threat intelligence within and across organizations. Security teams can collaborate and leverage insights from a broader community of users to enhance their collective security posture.
  • Cloud-native Architecture: Cortex XDR's cloud-native architecture seamlessly adapts to cloud environments. It ensures that organizations can extend their security measures to protect cloud-based assets, maintaining security continuity as they transition to the cloud.
read more...
  • Defend Against All Threat Types: This software comes ready to defend against all threat types, from malware to viruses to trojans, worms and intrusions. 
  • Machine Learning: Falcon combines machine learning modules with its malware detection and removal tools to automatically defend against threats. 
  • Ransomware Protection: It defends against ransomware by blocking unauthorized executables and encryption attempts. 
  • Cloud-Based: Protection is delivered in the cloud, reducing the need for complicated software installs or dividing IT’s resources. 
  • Modular System: Though the product comes with a standard set of features, it can also be customized by purchasing additional modules like Falcon Spotlight or Falcon for Mobile. 
  • Instant Response: Indicator of attack behaviors are detected by the system, allowing users to instantly take action against threats before they can become breaches. In addition to powerful, user-operated management, AI modules can be trained to handle threats. 
  • No Performance Hit: Because it deploys in the cloud, Falcon has almost no performance impact on endpoint devices.
read more...

Product Ranking

#50

among all
Endpoint Security Software

#20

among all
Endpoint Security Software

Find out who the leaders are

Analyst Rating Summary

78
84
92
93
100
60
88
96
Show More Show More
Attack Surface Reduction
Vulnerability Management
Attack Prevention
Platform Capabilities
Compliance
Integrations and Extensibility
Vulnerability Management
Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR)
Attack Prevention
Managed Detection and Response (MDR) Services

Analyst Ratings for Functional Requirements Customize This Data Customize This Data

Cortex XDR
CrowdStrike Falcon
+ Add Product + Add Product
Attack Prevention Attack Surface Reduction Endpoint Detection And Response (EDR) Exploit Prevention Managed Detection And Response (MDR) Services Mobile Capabilities Platform Capabilities Vulnerability Management 92 100 88 71 74 32 89 93 93 60 96 77 92 53 89 100 0 25 50 75 100
85%
10%
5%
90%
0%
10%
100%
0%
0%
40%
0%
60%
71%
21%
8%
93%
0%
7%
77%
0%
23%
77%
0%
23%
44%
44%
12%
89%
0%
11%
33%
0%
67%
47%
0%
53%
89%
0%
11%
89%
0%
11%
83%
17%
0%
100%
0%
0%

Analyst Ratings for Technical Requirements Customize This Data Customize This Data

88%
0%
12%
75%
0%
25%
73%
0%
27%
100%
0%
0%

User Sentiment Summary

Excellent User Sentiment 386 reviews
Excellent User Sentiment 248 reviews
92%
of users recommend this product

Cortex XDR has a 'excellent' User Satisfaction Rating of 92% when considering 386 user reviews from 4 recognized software review sites.

97%
of users recommend this product

CrowdStrike Falcon has a 'excellent' User Satisfaction Rating of 97% when considering 248 user reviews from 5 recognized software review sites.

n/a
4.3 (1)
4.7 (43)
4.6 (6)
4.4 (14)
4.9 (7)
4.6 (281)
4.9 (223)
4.4 (48)
4.5 (11)

Awards

Cortex XDR stands above the rest by achieving an ‘Excellent’ rating as a User Favorite.

User Favorite Award

SelectHub research analysts have evaluated CrowdStrike Falcon and concluded it earns best-in-class honors for Vulnerability Management and Integrations and Extensibility. CrowdStrike Falcon stands above the rest by achieving an ‘Excellent’ rating as a User Favorite.

User Favorite Award
Vulnerability Management Award
Integrations and Extensibility Award

Synopsis of User Ratings and Reviews

Effective Threat Detection: Users consistently praise Cortex XDR for its advanced threat detection capabilities. It excels in identifying and mitigating various threats, including zero-day attacks and sophisticated malware, ensuring robust security.
Real-time Incident Response: Cortex XDR's real-time incident response features receive high acclaim. Users appreciate its speed and efficiency in automating threat detection and response actions, allowing organizations to swiftly contain and resolve security incidents.
Centralized Visibility: The platform provides centralized visibility into an organization's entire security landscape. Users find this holistic view invaluable for monitoring and managing security events from a unified interface, enhancing proactive threat management.
Reduced False Positives: Cortex XDR's ability to significantly reduce false positive alerts stands out. This feature enhances the efficiency of security operations, ensuring that security teams focus on genuine threats rather than being inundated with false alarms.
Compliance Support: Organizations in regulated industries appreciate the compliance support offered by Cortex XDR. Users find it invaluable for achieving and maintaining compliance with industry-specific regulations and data protection standards.
Show more
Regular Updates: It keeps endpoint devices safe through regular updates.
System Resources: It is lightweight and has low system resource utilization.
Accuracy: It shows accurate results and detects few false positives.
Customer Support: It provides fast and reliable customer support over email and phone.
Show more
Complex Implementation: Some users find the initial setup and configuration of Cortex XDR to be complex and time-consuming, which can pose challenges for organizations without experienced cybersecurity teams.
Resource Intensive: A few users report that Cortex XDR's resource-intensive processes can impact the performance of endpoint devices, especially on older hardware, leading to slowdowns and delays.
Costly: Cost is a common concern among users. Several organizations, especially smaller ones, find Cortex XDR's comprehensive features to be associated with a higher price point, potentially straining their cybersecurity budgets.
Learning Curve: Users note that while Cortex XDR offers powerful features, there can be a learning curve in fully understanding and utilizing all aspects of the platform effectively.
Occasional False Positives: While Cortex XDR excels in reducing false positives, a few users report occasional false alarms, which may require additional investigation and can lead to unnecessary interruptions.
Integration Challenges: Some users have faced integration challenges when incorporating Cortex XDR into their existing security infrastructure, particularly when it comes to compatibility with certain third-party tools and systems.
Documentation Issues: A minority of users have mentioned that the platform's documentation could be more comprehensive and user-friendly, making it easier for administrators to troubleshoot and configure settings.
Show more
Web Interface: Some web interface items aren’t very intuitive.
Scan: It lacks the ability to perform a system-level scan.
Block Applications: It can block legitimate applications.
Reporting: It does not have comprehensive reporting capabilities.
Show more

User reviews highlight Cortex XDR's strengths in proactive threat detection and response. One user praises its "advanced behavioral analytics and machine learning," emphasizing its efficacy against evolving threats. The seamless integration into existing infrastructures stands out, with users commending its ability to complement various security tools. A user notes, "It integrates well with our SIEM system, providing a comprehensive security ecosystem." On the flip side, some users mention a learning curve for extensive feature utilization. One user expresses, "While powerful, it took time for our team to fully leverage its capabilities." Additionally, there are occasional comments on resource-intensive deployments in specific scenarios. Users consistently appreciate Cortex XDR's real-time visibility, with a user stating, "The solution's real-time insights are crucial for quick threat identification." Comparisons to similar products often favor Cortex XDR, citing its comprehensive threat management capabilities. A user concludes, "It outshines competitors with its ability to adapt and protect against emerging threats." In summary, Cortex XDR earns acclaim for its proactive approach, integration flexibility, and real-time visibility. While acknowledging a learning curve, users find its robust features position it as a leader in the realm of advanced endpoint detection and response.

Show more

CrowdStrike Falcon has garnered significant praise for its cloud-native architecture, which eliminates the need for on-premises servers and simplifies deployment and management. Users appreciate the platform's lightweight agent, which minimizes performance impact on endpoints. The single, unified agent provides comprehensive protection across various attack vectors, including malware, ransomware, and fileless attacks. Falcon's threat intelligence capabilities are highly regarded, providing real-time insights into emerging threats and enabling proactive defense measures. The platform's user interface is intuitive and easy to navigate, allowing security teams to quickly identify and respond to threats. Compared to traditional antivirus solutions, CrowdStrike Falcon offers superior protection against modern threats and reduces the burden on IT staff. While CrowdStrike Falcon offers numerous advantages, some users have noted that its pricing can be higher than some competitors. Additionally, the platform's reliance on cloud connectivity may raise concerns for organizations with strict data residency requirements or limited internet access. Some users have also mentioned that the initial setup and configuration process can be complex, requiring expertise in cybersecurity. Despite these drawbacks, CrowdStrike Falcon remains a popular choice for organizations seeking advanced endpoint protection. Its strengths in threat intelligence, cloud-native architecture, and ease of use make it well-suited for businesses of all sizes, particularly those with limited IT resources or a need for robust protection against sophisticated cyberattacks.

Show more

Screenshots

Top Alternatives in Endpoint Security Software


Bitdefender GravityZone

Blackberry Cyber Suite

Carbon Black Cloud

Cisco Secure Endpoint

CrowdStrike Falcon

ESET PROTECT MDR

Kaspersky Endpoint Security For Business

Malwarebytes EDR

Microsoft Defender for Endpoint

Sophos Intercept X

Symantec Endpoint Security Complete

Trellix XDR

Trend Micro Vision One

WE DISTILL IT INTO REAL REQUIREMENTS, COMPARISON REPORTS, PRICE GUIDES and more...

Compare products
Comparison Report
Just drag this link to the bookmark bar.
?
Table settings