Top SOAR tools: A comparison for 2026

What is a SOAR tool?

It is a security platform that connects various solutions in a SOC—such as security information and event management (SIEM), endpoint detection and response (EDR), firewalls, and ticketing systems—to orchestrate security workflows and automate incident response when an alert is triggered. Orchestration integrates the tools through APIs so that one workflow can pull context from all the relevant tools. Automation handles repetitive tasks like alert enrichment, IP and file reputation checks, and risk scoring. Response acts on the result by blocking IPs, disabling accounts, or isolating hosts, with every step logged. SOAR works alongside SIEM: the SIEM tool detects threats and the SOAR tool responds, tracking each incident from triage to closure.

How to evaluate a SOAR platform

Evaluating a SOAR platform requires a structured assessment across six core criteria, ranging from playbook automation to licensing and deployment. Together, these criteria indicate how well a platform will integrate with your organization's existing security infrastructure and support long-term SOC operations.

1. Playbook automation and builder model

Playbooks are the foundation of any SOAR platform, so the way they are built warrants close evaluation. Visual drag-and-drop builders allow analysts to create workflows without writing code, whereas code-centric platforms offer engineers greater flexibility but come with a steeper learning curve. Leading platforms combine both approaches, using a low-code canvas for routine logic and a scripting layer, typically Python, for more complex requirements. The size and quality of the pre-built playbook library should also be assessed, as most teams begin by adapting existing templates rather than building workflows from scratch.

2. Case management and investigation workflows

Security automation can resolve a large share of predictable, repetitive alerts, but complex incidents still require analyst judgment, which is where case management becomes essential. A capable platform consolidates related alerts into a single case, records evidence and analyst notes, supports escalation between SOC tiers, and keeps a complete audit trail of every automated and manual action.

3. Integration breadth with SIEM and third-party tools

The value of a SOAR tool depends on how far its integrations extend across the security environment. Beyond the number of available connectors, organizations should assess who maintains them, how quickly they are updated after third-party API changes, and whether they support response actions as well as data retrieval for EDR, firewall, and identity systems.

4. Incident response automation and MTTR impact

The primary objective of SOAR is to reduce mean time to detect (MTTD) and mean time to respond (MTTR). Organizations should determine how much of the incident response lifecycle a platform can automate from end to end, including alert enrichment, conditional decision logic, containment, and stakeholder notification.

5. AI and agentic SOC capabilities

Most vendors now incorporate artificial intelligence for alert summarization, triage recommendations, and natural language search. Some are introducing agentic automation, in which an AI agent works through a multi-step investigation with limited human input. The critical consideration is governance: The platform should allow administrators to restrict the actions an agent can perform and require human approval for high-impact steps.

6. Deployment, licensing, and MSSP support

The deployment model—whether cloud-native, on-premises, or hybrid—has direct implications for data residency and compliance. Licensing structure requires equal attention, as per-execution or per-run billing can make high-volume playbooks (such as phishing triage) costly at scale. Managed security service providers (MSSPs) should also confirm support for tenant isolation, role separation, and client-facing reporting.

Quick comparisonA comparison of the best SOAR tools

#1: Best for mid-market SOCs requiring SIEM and SOAR in one licenseManageEngine Log360

ManageEngine Log360 delivers native SOAR within its SIEM, so alerts from correlation, detections, and UEBA pass directly into playbooks without an intermediary connector.

• Playbook builder: Visual, no-code builder powered by the Zoho Qntrl engine, with Branch, Parallel, Wait, Batch and Sub-playbook states
• Playbook library: More than 60 playbook templates, delivered through cloud and updated as the threat landscape evolves, plus over 400 automation actions
• Safe deployment: A dedicated test execution mode validates playbooks before they go live
• Custom logic: Python scripting with Deluge support
• Framework mapping: Every prebuilt playbook tagged to MITRE ATT&CK tactics and D3FEND countermeasures
• MSSP support: Tenant-isolated execution, a read-only client portal and role separation
• Agentic AI: Zia Agent Studio and MCP integration for AI-assisted investigation
• Licensing: No per-playbook or per-execution fees

Considerations

SOAR is a native capability of Log360 with no per-playbook or per-execution fees, so costs stay flat as automation scales. SIEM, UEBA and SOAR share one license, and the no-code builder requires no SPL, KQL or dedicated automation engineers.

#2: Best for enterprise SOCs with extensive custom playbook requirementsPalo Alto Networks Cortex XSOAR

Cortex XSOAR is among the most mature standalone SOAR platforms, designed for engineering-led SOCs that build and maintain large playbook libraries. It serves as the automation layer within the Palo Alto Networks Cortex portfolio.

• Extensive marketplace of content packs and integrations
• Python-based automations for highly customized workflows
• War Room workspace for collaborative investigation
• Threat intelligence management module (add-on)

Considerations

Pricing is quote-based and positioned for large enterprises, with threat intelligence management licensed as a separate add-on. The steep learning curve typically requires dedicated automation engineers or professional services. Palo Alto Networks’ growing focus on Cortex XSIAM introduces the risk of a future platform migration.

#3: Best for organizations standardized on Splunk Enterprise SecuritySplunk SOAR

Splunk SOAR orchestrates response across the Splunk ecosystem and third-party tools, combining a visual playbook editor with Python scripting. For organizations already running Splunk Enterprise Security, the shared data model reduces implementation effort.

• Visual playbook editor with Python extensibility
• Large library of apps available through Splunkbase
• Close alignment with Splunk Enterprise Security workflows
• Built-in event and case management

Considerations

Splunk SOAR is licensed separately from Splunk Enterprise Security, adding cost on top of ingestion-based SIEM pricing. Endpoint response depends on separately licensed EDR platforms. Advanced playbooks require Python and Splunk expertise, and product consolidation under Cisco makes long-term roadmap planning less certain.

#4: Best for Azure-centric environmentsMicrosoft Sentinel

Microsoft Sentinel delivers SOAR through automation rules and playbooks built on Azure Logic Apps. It is a natural choice for organizations committed to Microsoft 365, Microsoft Defender and Microsoft Entra ID.

• Native connectors across the Microsoft security ecosystem
• Low-code Logic Apps designer familiar to Azure administrators
• Automation rules for incident triage and assignment
• Microsoft Security Copilot for AI-assisted investigation

Considerations

Each Logic App run is billed individually on top of per-GB ingestion, so costs rise with automation volume. Full endpoint remediation depends on Microsoft Defender licensing. Teams without Azure experience face a learning curve across KQL and Logic Apps, and value declines outside the Microsoft ecosystem.

#5: Best for Fortinet Security Fabric users and MSSPsFortinet FortiSOAR

FortiSOAR combines playbook automation, case management and threat intelligence management in one platform, with close integration across Fortinet products. Its multi-tenancy support makes it a frequent choice among MSSPs.

• Visual playbook designer with Python extensibility
• Content hub of connectors and solution packs
• Built-in threat intelligence management
• Multi-tenant architecture for MSSPs
• FortiAI for AI-assisted investigation

Considerations

Licensing is quote-based and varies by edition, with multi-tenant capabilities for MSSPs priced separately from enterprise deployments. Advanced playbook configuration requires a considerable learning period. The strongest return on investment comes within the Fortinet Security Fabric, so mixed-vendor environments may realize less value.

#6: Best for regulated industries requiring in-depth case managementIBM QRadar SOAR

IBM QRadar SOAR is recognized for its incident case management and dynamic playbooks that adapt as an investigation progresses. It is widely used in financial services, healthcare, and government.

• Dynamic playbooks that adjust to incident conditions
• Detailed case management and incident documentation
• Breach response guidance aligned with privacy regulations
• Integration with QRadar SIEM

Considerations

Pricing is quote-based and aimed at large enterprises, and implementation typically involves IBM services or specialist partners. Teams new to the IBM security portfolio face a moderate to steep learning curve. After IBM’s 2024 sale of QRadar SaaS to Palo Alto Networks, long-term roadmap commitments warrant careful review.

#7: Best for Chronicle and Google Cloud customersGoogle SecOps (Siemplify)

Google SecOps SOAR, built on the Siemplify acquisition, operates alongside Chronicle SIEM within Google Security Operations. Detection, threat intelligence and response share a single platform.

• Visual playbook builder with Python extensibility
• Native integration with Google SecOps SIEM
• Google Threat Intelligence and Mandiant context for alert enrichment
• Gemini in Security for AI-assisted investigation and case summarization

Considerations

SOAR is bundled within Google SecOps packages, so value depends on adopting the full platform. Pricing is typically based on employee count, which can be less attractive for smaller organizations. Teams must learn YARA-L and Python, and the platform is cloud-only and closely tied to Google Cloud.

#8: Best for Rapid7 InsightIDR and InsightVM customersRapid7 InsightConnect

Rapid7 InsightConnect is a cloud-delivered SOAR platform that automates incident response and vulnerability management workflows across the Rapid7 Insight platform and third-party tools. Analysts can trigger automation directly from InsightIDR investigations and InsightVM findings.

• No-code workflow builder designed for analysts without programming experience
• More than 300 plugins for IT and security tools, with an SDK for custom plugins
• Prebuilt, customizable workflows available through the Rapid7 Extension Library
• Human decision points that keep analysts in control of sensitive response steps
• Vulnerability management automation through close integration with InsightVM

Considerations

InsightConnect is licensed separately from InsightIDR, so full detection and response requires two Rapid7 products. The no-code builder keeps the learning curve low, but the Orchestrator adds operational overhead. Value is highest within the Rapid7 Insight platform, and the integration ecosystem is smaller.

#9: Best for low-code-focused SOCs and MSSPsSwimlane Turbine

Swimlane Turbine focuses on low-code automation that extends beyond alert response into broader security operations workflows.

• Low-code canvas for building and modifying automations
• Automation coverage beyond the SOC
• Hero AI for AI-assisted case handling
• Multi-tenant support for MSSPs

Considerations

Pricing is quote-based and oriented toward mid-sized and large organizations, and a separate SIEM must be budgeted because none is included. The low-code canvas reduces the learning curve. Customers on Swimlane’s earlier SOAR platform should plan for the cost and effort of migrating to Turbine.

#10: Best for small teams beginning with automationTines

Tines is a no-code workflow automation platform that security teams use to automate high-volume processes. Its free Community Edition provides a low-risk starting point.

• No-code workflow builder
• Free Community Edition
• AI actions within workflows
• HTTP and API-based integration with any tool that exposes an API

Considerations

The free Community Edition limits the number of workflows, and expanding usage moves teams to paid tiers. The no-code builder has a low learning curve. As a general workflow automation platform rather than a dedicated SOAR suite, Tines may require separate tools for case management.

#11: Best open source SOAR for self-hosted deploymentsShuffle

Open source SOAR platforms are available, and Shuffle is among the most actively developed. It can be self-hosted at no cost and builds integrations from OpenAPI specifications.

• Free, self-hosted deployment
• Visual workflow editor
• OpenAPI-based integrations that broaden connector coverage
• Active community development

Considerations

Shuffle carries no license cost, but infrastructure and maintenance require dedicated engineering time that often exceeds the price of a commercial license. The learning curve is steep for teams without container experience. Support is community-based unless a paid plan is purchased, so the free tier offers no service-level commitment.

#12: Best open source combination for case managementTheHive + Cortex

TheHive provides case management and team collaboration, while Cortex runs analyzers and responders for alert enrichment and response actions.

• Structured case management and task tracking
• Cortex analyzers for observable enrichment
• Cortex responders for response actions
• MISP integration for threat intelligence sharing

Considerations

TheHive 5 requires a commercial license for full functionality, and the free community license is limited. Deployment and maintenance demand engineering resources comparable to other self-hosted tools. Full orchestration usually requires adding Shuffle or another automation engine, increasing the number of tools to manage and overall cost.

SIEM vs. SOAR: Why native integration matters

A SIEM solution detects threats, and a SOAR platform responds to them. Although the two technologies are often evaluated separately, how well they connect has a direct effect on the speed and accuracy of SOC operations, so it should be part of any SOAR assessment.

When SOAR is added on as a separate product, the SIEM platform forwards each alert through a connector. The SOAR platform queries again for supporting context, and analysts often move between consoles to build a complete view of the incident. Each transfer adds latency and introduces a point where field mappings or API changes can disrupt a playbook. Native SIEM and SOAR platforms remove this handoff; because the playbook starts with the correlated alert, the associated UEBA risk score and the underlying log data already available.

Organizations that have not yet standardized on a SIEM will generally pay less and deploy faster with a unified platform than by integrating two separate products. For a detailed comparison of the two technologies, see the SIEM versus SOAR guide.

How to choose the right SOAR tool for your SOC

The following steps provide a structured path from an initial long list to a proof of concept:

1. Begin with your existing SIEM tool: Organizations that have already standardized on a SIEM solution should first evaluate the SOAR capability offered within that ecosystem, as native compatibility reduces integration effort. When the SIEM tool's contract is approaching renewal, a unified platform that delivers SIEM and SOAR features under a single license merits consideration.
2. Align the builder model with team capabilities: SOCs without dedicated automation engineers are better served by a visual, low-code builder supported by a comprehensive pre-built playbook library. Code-centric platforms deliver a return on investment only when dedicated personnel are assigned to maintain them.
3. Model the licensing costs: Estimate the expected volume of monthly playbook executions and determine whether pricing is based on executions, users, or a bundled license.
4. Assess framework alignment: SOAR playbooks mapped to MITRE ATT&CK simplify detection coverage reviews and audit preparation.
5. Conduct a proof of concept: Shortlist two or three platforms and test each against your organization's three most frequent alert types, measuring triage time before and after automation.

How Log360 SOAR can be the right fit

The right SOAR tool should speed up response without adding cost, complexity, or staffing pressure. ManageEngine Log360 delivers native SOAR functionality within a unified SIEM solution, so threat detection, behavioral analytics, and automated response work together in one console under a single license.

Log360 is particularly well suited to organizations that:

• Require SIEM, UEBA, and SOAR features under one license, with no add-on purchases or separate contracts.
• Need predictable costs, with no per-playbook or per-execution fees as automation volume grows.
• Want analysts to build and run automation through a visual no-code builder, without SPL, KQL, or dedicated automation engineers.
• Want to start quickly with more than 60 playbook templates and validate them in a test execution mode before deployment.
• Need playbooks mapped to MITRE ATT&CK and D3FEND for coverage reviews and audit reporting.
• Operate as MSSPs and require tenant isolation, role separation, and a read-only client portal.