Independent evaluation delivers unambiguous results on detection coverage, telemetry quality, and SOC usability across leading EDR, XDR, and MDR products
INNSBRUCK, Austria, May 13, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — AV-Comparatives has unveiled the findings of its 2026 EDR Detection Validation Test, a comprehensive assessment that has certified nine enterprise solutions in one of the most thorough evaluations of detection capabilities available today.
Clear Results for Analysts, Administrators, and Decision-Makers
The test was meticulously crafted to address a pressing concern for enterprise buyers: not merely whether a product can detect an attack, but rather how effectively, consistently, and usefully it performs this task. The results from 2026 provide clarity that leaves no room for ambiguity.
Forensic analysts, SOC administrators, and enterprise decision-makers often grapple with a common dilemma: while detection data may be plentiful, its clarity is frequently lacking. AV-Comparatives’ methodology tackles this issue head-on. Each phase of a realistic 14-stage Advanced Persistent Threat scenario is scrutinized individually, with a clear distinction made between Active Response (immediate alerts) and Telemetry (information that necessitates further investigation). This approach yields a transparent, step-by-step overview of what each product detects, how it conveys that information, and the effort required to reconstruct an attack chain.
There is no room for cherry-picking or interpretive gaps. Products are assessed in detection-only mode to ensure that prevention mechanisms do not skew the results, while dedicated Signal-to-Noise scenarios evaluate behavior during benign administrative activities. The outcome is a benchmark that closely reflects the operational realities within a SOC, where both missed signals and excessive noise can incur significant costs.
Certified Products
The following nine solutions have achieved certification in the 2026 test round:
- 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
- Sangfor Athena AI-Native EPP
Only those products that have received certification are publicly listed, while non-certified vendors are provided with detailed feedback to aid in their development efforts.
AI: From Stronger Protection to More Efficient SOCs
Artificial Intelligence has long been a cornerstone of vendor strategies, enhancing protection layers across the cybersecurity landscape. The 2026 evaluation highlights a significant evolution in AI’s role: it is increasingly being utilized to summarize detection results, enhance their readability, and streamline analyst workflows. This trajectory is clear—moving from merely bolstering protection to making Security Operations Centers (SOCs) significantly more efficient. For administrators and forensic experts who operate under relentless pressure, this transition is both welcome and overdue.
Availability
The complete test report can be accessed at: AV-Comparatives.
The EDR Detection Validation Test remains open to EPP, EDR, XDR, and MDR vendors seeking independent validation of their detection capabilities.
About AV-Comparatives
AV-Comparatives stands as the leading independent cybersecurity testing organization, evaluating security solutions that have evolved significantly beyond traditional antivirus software. Their systematic testing encompasses modern endpoint protection, threat detection, and mobile security across various platforms, including PC, Mac, Android, and IoT devices. Utilizing one of the world’s most relevant and sophisticated threat collections, AV-Comparatives creates real-world testing environments for thorough evaluations. Test results are freely accessible worldwide, and AV-Comparatives certification serves as a globally recognized seal of approval for proven cybersecurity performance.
