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.
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. 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 need security features specifically
- • Provides 24x7 human-led, AI-supported Managed Detection & Response (MDR) services.
- • Integrates with over 160 existing security tools, avoiding rip-and-replace of current tech.
Datadog
Cloud monitoring, security, and AI investigations for DevOps
Best for you if:
- • You want to try before committing
- • You need monitoring features specifically
- • Cloud monitoring and security platform
- • Unified observability across infrastructure
| At a Glance |  Expel |  Datadog |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | Request pricing/moStarter | $15/host/month (annual)Infrastructure Pro |
Best For | Security | Monitoring |
Rating | - | - |
Choose Expel or Datadog?
Choose Expel if
Human-led, AI-supported Managed Detection & Response (MDR) security services that integrate with your existing tools.
- Leverages existing security investments without requiring new agents or tool swaps.
- Significantly reduces alert fatigue and false positives for internal security teams.
- Provides transparent security operations with direct SOC access and real-time investigation status.
- Your work is security-shaped, not monitoring-shaped
Choose Datadog if
Cloud monitoring, security, and AI investigations for DevOps
- Comprehensive platform
- Great visualizations
- 700+ integrations
- Your work is monitoring-shaped, not security-shaped
| Feature | Expel | Datadog |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Paid | Freemium |
| User Rating | ★4.6/5 73 reviews | ★4.4/5 1,156 reviews |
| Categories | SecurityAI & Automation | MonitoringLog Management |
In-Depth Analysis
Expel
Human-led, AI-supported Managed Detection & Response (MDR) security services that integrate with your existing tools.
Strengths
- +Leverages existing security investments without requiring new agents or tool swaps.
- +Significantly reduces alert fatigue and false positives for internal security teams.
- +Provides transparent security operations with direct SOC access and real-time investigation status.
- +Offers rapid Mean Time to Remediate (MTTR) for critical incidents.
- +Combines human expertise with AI for efficient and effective threat detection and response.
Weaknesses
- -Pricing is not publicly disclosed, requiring a request for quote.
- -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
Strengths
- +Comprehensive platform
- +Great visualizations
- +700+ integrations
Weaknesses
- -Complex pricing
- -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.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Datadog has a free tier. Expel is paid only.
Go with: Datadog
Want the highest-rated option?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: Expel
Value user reviews?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: Datadog
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Expel is paid. Datadog is freemium. Datadog lets you start free.
What's your use case?
Expel is a security tool. Datadog is in monitoring. Pick the category that matches your needs.
How important are ratings?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Key Takeaways
Datadog
- Larger review base (1,156 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 is our pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Expel or Datadog better?
Datadog is rated in our evaluation. Expel is paid and Datadog is freemium.
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 is a paid tool. Datadog is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Visit their websites for detailed pricing.