SOAR Software Compared: 10 Platforms for Playbooks, Case Management and Integrations

Security teams drown in alerts that follow the same pattern: enrich the indicator, check the asset, open a ticket, contain if needed. SOAR turns that routine into playbooks. Incident handling phases described in NIST SP 800-61 Rev. 2 map well onto SOAR workflows: detection and analysis, containment, eradication and recovery, and post-incident review.

We compared ten platforms from the SaaSPodium directory, including Cortex XSOAR, Splunk SOAR and Tines. The guide also explains how SOAR differs from SIEM, how to measure return on automation, and what to test in a proof of concept. Explore the full SOAR software category for every listed product.

What Is SOAR and How Does It Work?

SOAR stands for security orchestration, automation and response. It connects tools through APIs, runs playbooks that perform investigation and containment steps, and tracks every case so analysts can focus on decisions rather than copy-paste work.

The three building blocks

• Orchestration: connects firewalls, EDR, identity, email security, threat intelligence and ticketing.
• Automation: runs repeatable steps such as enrichment, quarantine, account disablement or blocklist updates.
• Response: case management, approvals and documentation for each incident.

SOAR vs SIEM

A SIEM collects and correlates security data to detect threats, while SOAR acts on those detections. Many SOAR tools can run without a SIEM by ingesting alerts directly, but most programs pair them so detections flow into automated cases.

See our SIEM alternatives review for platforms that include or integrate with automation.

How We Chose These SOAR Platforms

We started from the SaaSPodium SOAR category and weighed integration breadth, playbook building experience, case management, deployment model and fit for team size. Directory ratings are still accumulating, so we did not rank by stars.

• Integration coverage for your existing tools and APIs.
• Playbook design: visual, low-code, no-code or script-based.
• Case management, approvals and audit trails aligned to controls like those in NIST SP 800-53 Rev. 5.
• Deployment: cloud, on-premises or hybrid, and data residency options.
• Pricing model: per user, per action, per case or bundled.

1. Cortex XSOAR

Cortex XSOAR from Palo Alto Networks combines playbook automation, case management and threat intelligence handling. It suits mature SOCs that want a large catalog of integrations and a rich incident workspace.

• Strength: extensive prebuilt integrations and playbooks.
• Architecture: server with engines for distributed environments.
• See Cortex XSOAR.

2. Splunk SOAR

Splunk SOAR automates response through playbooks and integrates tightly with Splunk Enterprise Security. It makes the most sense for organizations already invested in Splunk detections.

• Strength: smooth hand-off from Splunk alerts to playbooks.
• Use case: reduce mean time to respond for repeatable alert types.
• See Splunk SOAR.

3. IBM Security QRadar SOAR

IBM Security QRadar SOAR is an incident response platform with dynamic playbooks and workflows that adapt to the incident type. It is often used where privacy and breach notification workflows matter.

• Strength: guided response with regulatory and privacy tracking.
• Integration: pairs naturally with QRadar SIEM.
• See IBM Security QRadar SOAR.

4. Google Chronicle SOAR

Google Chronicle SOAR, formerly Siemplify, offers an analyst-friendly workbench for case handling and playbooks. It suits teams adopting Google Security Operations and analysts who prefer a case-centric workspace with guided steps.

• Strength: case-centric analyst experience.
• Integration: connects with Chronicle detections and many third-party tools.
• See Google Chronicle SOAR.

5. Swimlane Turbine

Swimlane Turbine is a low-code automation platform designed for security but usable for broader operations. It fits teams that want automation beyond the SOC, such as compliance or IT workflows.

• Strength: low-code playbook design and flexible case management.
• Trade-off: breadth means more design decisions up front.
• See Swimlane Turbine and the official Swimlane site.

6. Tines

Tines is a no-code automation platform popular with security engineers. It lets teams chain actions visually and connect nearly any API, which is helpful when a tool lacks a prebuilt integration.

• Strength: fast, visual workflow building with API flexibility.
• Fit: lean teams that want automation without a heavy platform.
• See Tines.

7. Rapid7 InsightConnect

Rapid7 InsightConnect delivers security workflow automation for lean teams. It is a sensible pick if you already use Rapid7 detection or vulnerability products and want ready-made workflows without a large build effort.

• Strength: ready workflows for common security tasks.
• Fit: small to mid-size teams extending an existing Rapid7 stack.
• See Rapid7 InsightConnect.

8. FortiSOAR

FortiSOAR from Fortinet provides orchestration and playbooks for security operations. It is strongest when your network and security estate already relies on Fortinet products, since connectors and context come from the same vendor.

• Strength: native hooks into the Fortinet Security Fabric.
• Fit: Fortinet-centric environments.
• See FortiSOAR.

9. D3 Smart SOAR

D3 Smart SOAR emphasizes event correlation and incident case depth. It appeals to organizations that need to normalize many alert sources into consolidated incidents, including service providers handling several customers.

• Strength: correlation to reduce duplicate cases.
• Fit: SOCs with many alert feeds and MSSP-style workflows.
• See D3 Smart SOAR.

10. LogRhythm

LogRhythm combines SIEM and SOAR capabilities for threat lifecycle management. It suits teams that want detection and response in a more integrated package instead of separately buying and connecting two products.

• Strength: integrated detection plus automation.
• Fit: mid-size teams consolidating tools.
• See LogRhythm.

Measuring the Return on SOAR Automation

Measure SOAR by time saved and incidents resolved faster. Count how many alert types you can automate end to end, how long each takes manually, and how many occur per month, then compare the saved hours to license and build cost.

Alerts per month is the volume of one alert type, manual minutes is analyst time today, and automated minutes is residual review time. Multiply hours saved by loaded analyst cost to estimate value, then add reductions in mean time to respond.

What to Test in a Proof of Concept

Run two or three of your real playbooks, such as phishing triage, endpoint isolation and account compromise. Judge how long they take to build, how easy they are to debug, and whether approvals and audit logs satisfy your policy.

When you shortlist, pair SOAR with strong detection and exposure data from our vulnerability management guide.

• Integration gaps: confirm your tools have supported connectors or workable APIs.
• Error handling: see what happens when an API call fails halfway through.
• Access control: verify role-based permissions and approval steps.
• Reporting: check case metrics your leadership will ask for.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does SOAR software cost?
Most vendors quote pricing by user, action volume or bundle, so costs vary with team size and automation scope. Ask for a proof of concept and model cost against the hours your playbooks save.

Can I use SOAR without a SIEM?
Yes, many SOAR platforms ingest alerts directly from EDR, email security or cloud tools through APIs. A SIEM still helps by correlating events first, so you automate fewer, higher-quality alerts.

How long does it take to implement SOAR?
A first playbook such as phishing triage can go live in days to a few weeks, while broad coverage takes months. Start with high-volume, low-risk workflows and add approvals before automating containment.