Security | Threat Detection | Cyberattacks | DevSecOps | Compliance

MDR vs XDR: which do you need in 2026?

Quick definitionManaged detection and response (MDR) is a managed security service that provides human-led monitoring, investigation and agreed response actions through a remotely operated security operations center.Extended detection and response (XDR) is a technology platform that correlates security telemetry across multiple domains and provides investigation tools and automated response capabilities for security teams.

The industry turned XDR and SIEM into categories. Sophos turned them into outcomes.

Sophos Next-Gen SIEM, now generally available as part of Sophos Fusion, brings security operations and compliance together through shared context. For years, the cybersecurity industry has blurred the lines between XDR and SIEM. As capabilities converged, organizations were left trying to connect separate security operations and compliance solutions, often moving the same data between different tools, workflows, and teams.