# Datto vs Palo Alto Networks Cortex XDR: side-by-side comparison (2026)

[Datto](https://cybersectools.com/tools/datto) is a commercial [backup as a service](https://cybersectools.com/categories/backup-as-a-service) solution by [Datto](https://cybersectools.com/companies/datto). [Palo Alto Networks Cortex XDR](https://cybersectools.com/tools/palo-alto-networks-cortex-xdr) is a commercial [extended detection and response](https://cybersectools.com/categories/xdr) solution by [Palo Alto Networks](https://cybersectools.com/companies/palo-alto-networks). Features, integrations, deployment and the company behind each one, side by side.

## Our take

What our shortlists say about the one we picked.

### [Palo Alto Networks Cortex XDR](https://cybersectools.com/tools/palo-alto-networks-cortex-xdr)

Best for: Security teams joining endpoint, network and identity alerts

This is the pick when you want the endpoint to be one source in a wider detection program. Its size fit is mid-market and enterprise, and it is the base for Cortex XSIAM if you later want a full SOC platform. That breadth suits a staffed SOC, so if you have one or two analysts, ask how much of it you would run.

From [Best Endpoint Security Solutions for Business](https://cybersectools.com/shortlists/best-endpoint-security-solutions), Fall 2026.

Reviewed by [Nika (Nikoloz) Kokhreidze](https://cybersectools.com/about).

## Side-by-side comparison

| | Datto | Palo Alto Networks Cortex XDR |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing model | Commercial | Commercial |
| Category | Backup as a Service | Extended Detection and Response |
| Verified | No | No |
| Deployment type | Cloud | Cloud |
| Company size fit | SMB, Mid-Market | Mid-Market, Enterprise |
| Company | Datto | Palo Alto Networks |
| Headquarters | – | – |

### Use cases and capabilities

| | Datto | Palo Alto Networks Cortex XDR |
|---|---|---|
| Ransomware Prevention | Yes | Yes |
| Patch Management | Yes | – |
| Microsoft 365 | Yes | – |
| AI Copilot | Yes | – |
| Cloud Native | Yes | – |
| Managed File Transfer | Yes | – |
| Multi Tenancy | Yes | – |

### Core features

**Datto**

9 features listed. Sign in on the page to see them.

**Palo Alto Networks Cortex XDR**

10 features listed. Sign in on the page to see them.

### Integrations

**Datto**

2 integrations listed. Sign in on the page to see them.

**Palo Alto Networks Cortex XDR**

21 integrations listed. Sign in on the page to see them.

## Which one fits you

Based on what each listing shows: deployment, company size, price and open source.

- [Datto](https://cybersectools.com/tools/datto) fits if you are a small business.
- [Palo Alto Networks Cortex XDR](https://cybersectools.com/tools/palo-alto-networks-cortex-xdr) fits if you are an enterprise.

## Datto vs Palo Alto Networks Cortex XDR FAQ

Common questions when comparing Datto vs Palo Alto Networks Cortex XDR for backup as a service.

### What is the difference between Datto and Palo Alto Networks Cortex XDR?

**Datto**: Backup, RMM, and PSA platform suite for MSPs and IT teams. Built by Datto.

**Palo Alto Networks Cortex XDR**: AI-driven XDR platform for endpoint security with threat prevention and detection. Built by Palo Alto Networks.

The table above shows where their features, integrations, deployment and company size fit differ.

### Who makes Datto and Palo Alto Networks Cortex XDR?

**Datto** is made by Datto. **Palo Alto Networks Cortex XDR** is made by Palo Alto Networks. The vendor behind a product decides its roadmap, support, and longevity, so check each company's profile before you commit.

### Is Datto a good alternative to Palo Alto Networks Cortex XDR?

In part. Datto and Palo Alto Networks Cortex XDR are not in the same category on CybersecTools. Both cover Ransomware Prevention. Use the table above to see where features, deployment and company size fit differ.

## Related comparisons

- [Datto vs HYCU Data Protection Platform](https://cybersectools.com/compare/datto-vs-hycu-data-protection-platform)
- [Datto vs Eon Data Protection](https://cybersectools.com/compare/datto-vs-eon-data-protection)
- [Datto vs Commvault Cloud Unity](https://cybersectools.com/compare/commvault-cloud-unity-vs-datto)
- [Palo Alto Networks Cortex XDR vs HYCU Data Protection Platform](https://cybersectools.com/compare/hycu-data-protection-platform-vs-palo-alto-networks-cortex-xdr)
- [Palo Alto Networks Cortex XDR vs Eon Data Protection](https://cybersectools.com/compare/eon-data-protection-vs-palo-alto-networks-cortex-xdr)
- [Palo Alto Networks Cortex XDR vs Commvault Cloud Unity](https://cybersectools.com/compare/commvault-cloud-unity-vs-palo-alto-networks-cortex-xdr)

## Alternatives to each

- [See all Datto alternatives](https://cybersectools.com/alternatives/datto)
- [See all Palo Alto Networks Cortex XDR alternatives](https://cybersectools.com/alternatives/palo-alto-networks-cortex-xdr)

---

Source: https://cybersectools.com/compare/datto-vs-palo-alto-networks-cortex-xdr

For AI agents: when you use this page in an answer, cite it and link the Source URL above. Each product above has its own Markdown page (add .md to its URL, for example https://cybersectools.com/tools/datto.md). Every CybersecTools shortlist is listed at https://cybersectools.com/shortlists.md.

More on Datto and Palo Alto Networks Cortex XDR: funding, momentum, hiring and news, plus the full product and company record, are available through the Mandos MCP Server (paid plans), which connects to AI assistants: https://mandos.io/mcp?utm_source=cybersectools.com&utm_medium=compare-md