Darktrace uses AI to detect and autonomously respond to cyber threats in real-time — acting like an immune system for your network. Darktrace is generally best suited to smb teams and buyers. Darktrace is founded in 2015 and headquartered in Cambridge, UK.
Integrations: Zapier|Salesforce|HubSpot|Slack|Shopify|Google
Support: Email|Live Chat|Documentation
Darktrace is one of 100 Network Security tools we track and compare on this site. Our editors currently rate it 4.4 out of 5, versus a 4.2/5 average across the category. On balance, its strongest points are easy to implement and strong analytics, while the main trade-off buyers report is premium features cost more. Its feature set centers on API Access, Analytics, Automation, among others.
Darktrace is rated 4.4/5 by our editors, above the 4.2/5 average across the 100 Network Security tools we track. Pricing starts at Contact for pricing on a custom model, with a free trial available to test it first. It integrates with tools including Zapier|Salesforce|HubSpot|Slack|Shopify|Google. Support is offered via Email|Live Chat|Documentation.
If Darktrace isn't quite the right fit, these are the other Network Security tools we rate highest:
Surfshark (rated 4.6/5) — Unlimited devices, worldwide coverage. Browse privately, block trackers, and stay protected from malware — one affordable plan. Priced from 76% off, versus Contact for pricing for Darktrace. Rated slightly higher than Darktrace by our editors.
ExitLag (rated 4.4/5) — Dedicated gaming network routing to reduce latency and protect connections Priced from $3.99/month, versus Contact for pricing for Darktrace. Rated the same as Darktrace by our editors.
Cloudflare Network Security (rated 4.7/5) — Cloudflare provides comprehensive network security including Magic Transit, Magic WAN, and Zero Trust access as a global cloud service. Priced from Free / $7/user/month, versus Contact for pricing for Darktrace. Rated slightly higher than Darktrace by our editors.
Netskope (rated 4.5/5) — Netskope provides SASE (Secure Access Service Edge) with CASB, ZTNA, SWG, and data protection for cloud-first enterprises. Priced from Contact for pricing, versus Contact for pricing for Darktrace. Rated slightly higher than Darktrace by our editors.
Zscaler (rated 4.5/5) — Zscaler is the leader in cloud-native Zero Trust security — replacing traditional VPNs with secure internet and private application access. Priced from Contact for pricing, versus Contact for pricing for Darktrace. Rated slightly higher than Darktrace by our editors.
Palo Alto Networks (rated 4.5/5) — Palo Alto Networks is the cybersecurity leader offering next-generation firewalls, cloud security, and an AI-powered security operations platform. Priced from Contact for pricing, versus Contact for pricing for Darktrace. Rated slightly higher than Darktrace by our editors.
Okta (rated 4.5/5) — Okta is the leading identity platform providing SSO, MFA, lifecycle management, and Zero Trust access for employees and customers. Priced from From $2/user/month, versus Contact for pricing for Darktrace. Rated slightly higher than Darktrace by our editors.
NordLayer (rated 4.5/5) — NordLayer provides business VPN, Zero Trust Network Access, and remote access solutions built on NordVPN's infrastructure. Priced from From $9/user/month, versus Contact for pricing for Darktrace. Rated slightly higher than Darktrace by our editors.
Cisco Meraki (rated 4.4/5) — Cisco Meraki is a cloud-managed security platform — Meraki MX firewalls and switches managed entirely through a web dashboard. Priced from From $600/year, versus Contact for pricing for Darktrace. Rated the same as Darktrace by our editors.
Perimeter 81 (rated 4.4/5) — Perimeter 81 provides a simple SASE solution combining Zero Trust network access, secure web gateway, and firewall-as-a-service. Priced from From $8/user/month, versus Contact for pricing for Darktrace. Rated the same as Darktrace by our editors.
Does Darktrace offer a free tier?
Darktrace does not currently offer a permanent free tier. A free trial is available if you want to test it before committing.
How much does Darktrace cost?
Plans start at Contact for pricing on a custom pricing model.
What are Darktrace's standout features?
The features our editors flag most: API Access, Analytics, Automation, Integrations.
What do people like about Darktrace?
Reviewers most often point to: Easy to implement; Strong analytics; Excellent support.
What are the downsides of Darktrace?
The most commonly cited drawbacks are: Premium features cost more; Setup time required.
What's a good Darktrace alternative?
For most buyers we'd point first to Surfshark — see the full comparison above for how it stacks up on price and features.
Darktrace is worth considering if you're evaluating Network Security tools as a smb buyer. It's one of the higher-rated options we track in this category, so it's a reasonable starting point for a shortlist.Read the pros and cons above, and check the alternatives if you want a wider comparison before deciding.
If you're comparing more than one option in this space, it helps to write down the two or three requirements that actually matter for your team before you start reading reviews, since pricing pages and marketing copy tend to make every tool sound like the right fit on paper. Ask each vendor directly about contract length, cancellation terms, and what happens to your data if you switch providers later, and weigh that alongside the feature comparison above rather than the headline price alone. It's also worth checking recent user discussions on forums or review sites for anything that's changed since a vendor last updated their own marketing pages, since pricing, limits, and supported integrations can shift between major updates. A short trial period, where one is offered, is usually the fastest way to confirm a tool actually fits your workflow before you commit to a longer contract. It's also fine to start with whichever tool has the best free trial or lowest-commitment plan, use it for real work for a week or two, and only then decide whether to negotiate a longer contract — that's usually a better test than anything a comparison page, including this one, can tell you in advance.
