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This independent assessment evaluates the detection coverage, telemetry quality, and SOC usability of mainstream EDR, XDR, and MDR products, delivering clear results.
Innsbruck, AustriaMay 14, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — AV-Comparatives today released the results of its 2026 EDR Detection Validation Test. Nine enterprise-level solutions stood out in this certification. The test is one of the most in-depth independent assessments of detection capabilities currently available on the market.
AI interpretation of a modern SOC in a dark setting with multiple analysts.
This test aims to address a growing concern among enterprise buyers: not just whether a product can detect an attack, but whether the detection results are clear, consistent, and practically useful. The 2026 test results provide an unequivocal answer.
Clear Results for Analysts, Administrators, and Decision-Makers
Forensic analysts, SOC administrators, and enterprise decision-makers face a common challenge: detection data is often vast but chaotic. AV-Comparatives’ testing methodology directly addresses this pain point. For a realistic 14-stage Advanced Persistent Threat (APT) scenario, each step is independently evaluated, with a clear distinction between active response (immediate alerts) and telemetry data (visual information requiring further analysis). This results in a transparent, step-by-step presentation: what attack behaviors each product can detect, how the information is presented, and the effort required to reconstruct the attack chain.
This assessment involves no selective showcasing and no interpretation bias. Products are evaluated in detection-only mode, ensuring defensive mechanisms do not interfere with detection results; dedicated signal-to-noise ratio scenarios assess their behavior during normal administrative activities. The resulting benchmark truly maps to SOC operational reality—both missed detections and excessive false positives carry real costs.
Certified Products
The following nine solutions received certification in the 2026 test: Bitdefender GravityZone Business Security Enterprise, ESET PROTECT Elite, Fortinet FortiEDR, G DATA 365 | MXDR, Genian Insight E, Kaspersky EDR Expert (on-premises), ManageEngine Endpoint Central with EDR, Palo Alto Networks Cortex XDR Pro, and Sangfor Athena AI-Native EPP.
Only certified products are publicly listed. Vendors that did not receive certification will receive detailed feedback to support subsequent improvements.
AI: From Enhanced Protection to Improved SOC Efficiency
For years, AI has been a standard technology for security vendors, quietly strengthening defenses across the industry. The 2026 assessment clearly shows that its role is expanding: AI is increasingly used to summarize detection results, improve readability, and streamline analyst workflows. The direction is clear—from enhancing protection to measurably improving SOC operational efficiency. For administrators and forensic experts under constant pressure, this shift is long overdue but warmly welcomed.
Access the Report
For the full test report, please visit https://www.av-comparatives.org/edr-detection-validation-certification-test-2026/
The EDR Detection Validation Test is open to EPP, EDR, XDR, and MDR vendors seeking independent certification of their detection capabilities.