Expel vs Datadog: Which is Better in 2026?
Choosing between Expel and Datadog comes down to understanding what each tool does best. This comparison breaks down the key differences so you can make an informed decision based on your specific needs, not marketing claims.
Bottom line: Datadog wins this matchup. 1Password is our overall Security pick. LastPass is our free Security pick. Pick Expel if you need security.
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
Based on published vendor pricing and features and on public review data, here's who should pick what:
Expel
Human-led, AI-supported Managed Detection & Response (MDR) security services that integrate with your existing tools.
Best for you if:
- • You want leverages existing security investments without requiring new agents or tool swaps
Datadog
Cloud monitoring, security, and AI investigations for DevOps
Best for you if:
- • You want a free tier before you commit
| At a Glance | Expel | Datadog |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | Custom | Free Free plan |
Category | Security AI & Automation | Monitoring Log Management |
Rating | 4.6/5 G2 4.6 74 reviews | 4.4/5 G2 4.4 726 reviews |
Free plan | No | Yes |
Watch out for | n/a | APM requires Infrastructure Monitoring on the SAME hosts: you cannot buy APM alone. Most pricing pages only show the APM price |
Choose Expel or Datadog?
Choose Expel if
- You want leverages existing security investments without requiring new agents or tool swaps
- You want significantly reduces alert fatigue and false positives for internal security teams
- You work in security, not monitoring
Choose Datadog if
- You want a free tier before you commit
- You want comprehensive platform
- You want great visualizations
- You work in monitoring, not security
In-Depth Analysis
Expel
Human-led, AI-supported Managed Detection & Response (MDR) security services that integrate with your existing tools.
Expel's pricing structure, which requires direct contact for quotes across all tiers, suggests a high-value, enterprise-focused service rather than a budget-friendly option.
Strengths
- Pro: Leverages existing security investments without requiring new agents or tool swaps.
- Pro: Significantly reduces alert fatigue and false positives for internal security teams.
- Pro: Provides transparent security operations with direct SOC access and real-time investigation status.
- Pro: Offers rapid Mean Time to Remediate (MTTR) for critical incidents.
- Pro: Combines human expertise with AI for efficient and effective threat detection and response.
Weaknesses
- Con: Pricing is not publicly disclosed, requiring a request for quote.
- Con: Some advanced features like threat hunting and phishing response are offered as add-ons, potentially increasing overall cost.
Key features
Datadog
Cloud monitoring, security, and AI investigations for DevOps
Datadog is the most comprehensive observability platform, infrastructure monitoring, APM, logs, RUM, security, and 750+ integrations in one place.
Watch out
APM requires Infrastructure Monitoring on the SAME hosts: you cannot buy APM alone. Most pricing pages only show the APM price
Strengths
- Pro: Comprehensive platform
- Pro: Great visualizations
- Pro: 700+ integrations
Weaknesses
- Con: Complex pricing
- Con: Can be expensive
Key features
Pricing: Expel vs Datadog
| Plan | Expel | Datadog |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | Request pricing Starter | Free Free |
| Tier 2 | Request pricing Select | $15 /host/month (annual) Infrastructure Pro |
| Tier 3 | Request pricing Premium | $23 /host/month (annual) Infrastructure Enterprise |
| Tier 4 | N/A | $31 /host/month (annual, with Infra) APM |
| Tier 5 | N/A | $40 /host/month (annual, with Infra) APM Enterprise |
Pricing verified from each vendor's public pricing page. Compare in detail on Expel pricing and Datadog pricing.
Key Takeaways
Datadog
- Larger review base (726 reviews)
- Free tier available
- Our pick for this comparison
Expel
- Higher user rating: 4.6/5 vs 4.4/5
- Better fit for security
The Bottom Line
Datadog wins this matchup. 1Password is our overall Security pick. LastPass is our free Security pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Expel or Datadog better in 2026?
Datadog wins this matchup. 1Password is our overall Security pick. LastPass is our free Security pick. Pick Expel for security workflows (main strength: leverages existing security investments without requiring new agents or tool swaps). Pick Datadog for monitoring workflows (main strength: comprehensive platform).
What are Expel and Datadog used for?
Expel: Human-led, AI-supported Managed Detection & Response (MDR) security services that integrate with your existing tools. Datadog: Cloud monitoring, security, and AI investigations for DevOps.
What does Expel cost vs Datadog?
Expel pricing is on their site. Datadog's paid plans start at Free (Infrastructure Pro).
What's the main difference between Expel and Datadog?
Expel's main strength: leverages existing security investments without requiring new agents or tool swaps. Datadog's main strength: comprehensive platform.