Top 10 SOAR Playbook Builders: Features, Pros, Cons & Comparison

Introduction

A SOAR Playbook Builder is a visual or code-based interface used to design automated sequences of tasks that trigger in response to security events. Think of it as a “digital runbook.” Instead of an analyst manually checking an IP address against a threat intelligence database, then querying an EDR for host details, and finally sending a Slack message to the user, a playbook builder allows you to map these steps into a single, automated flow.

The importance of these tools lies in their ability to reduce Mean Time to Respond (MTTR) and ensure process consistency. Whether it’s phishing triage, malware containment, or user offboarding, playbook builders codify expertise so that “Junior” analysts can perform at a “Senior” level. When evaluating these tools, users should prioritize the depth of the integration library, the ease of the visual canvas (drag-and-drop vs. scripting), parallel execution capabilities, and the robust handling of “analyst-in-the-loop” manual approvals.

Best for: Managed Security Service Providers (MSSPs), large enterprise SOC teams, and high-growth tech companies with complex multi-vendor security stacks. It is essential for organizations dealing with high alert fatigue and those needing to strictly follow regulatory compliance (like SOC 2 or HIPAA) for incident documentation.

Not ideal for: Small businesses with minimal security alerts or companies using a fully managed “MDR” service where the provider handles all automation. It may also be overkill for teams that rely on a single-vendor ecosystem (e.g., just Microsoft or just Google) where native, non-SOAR automation might suffice.

Top 10 SOAR Playbook Builders

1 — Palo Alto Networks Cortex XSOAR

Cortex XSOAR (formerly Demisto) is widely considered the pioneer of the modern SOAR market. Its playbook builder is known for its “War Room” collaboration features and a massive marketplace of pre-built integrations.

• Key features:
  • Visual, drag-and-drop playbook canvas with nested sub-playbook support.
  • Collaborative “War Room” where analysts can run CLI commands in real-time.
  • Over 900+ pre-built integrations available in the XSOAR Marketplace.
  • Extensive automation for indicator lifecycle management.
  • Real-time task execution tracking with deep-dive debugging.
  • Machine learning-suggested incident owners and next steps.
• Pros:
  • Industry-leading ecosystem; if a security tool exists, XSOAR likely has a connector for it.
  • Exceptional for complex, human-intensive investigations that require a mix of automation and manual teamwork.
• Cons:
  • Can be extremely expensive and resource-heavy to maintain.
  • Steep learning curve for advanced Python-based customizations.
• Security & compliance: SOC 2 Type II, ISO 27001, GDPR, and HIPAA compliant. Supports SSO and granular RBAC.
• Support & community: Top-tier enterprise support; highly active “Live Community” and professional training certifications.

2 — Splunk SOAR

Formerly known as Phantom, Splunk SOAR is a high-performance automation engine designed for large-scale operations. It excels in environments where speed and high-volume alert processing are the primary goals.

• Key features:
  • Modern Visual Playbook Editor (VPE) with vertical and horizontal layouts.
  • Support for “Modular” playbooks that act as reusable building blocks.
  • Built-in debugger to test logic against real incident data.
  • Parallel execution of actions to minimize response time.
  • Extensive Python API for developers who prefer “Playbook-as-Code.”
  • Deep integration with the Splunk Enterprise Security (SIEM) ecosystem.
• Pros:
  • Incredible performance; can process thousands of alerts per minute.
  • The modular design allows teams to “build once, use everywhere,” reducing maintenance.
• Cons:
  • The legacy “Phantom” feel can still persist in some deeper menus.
  • Requires a strong Splunk engineering background to get the most value.
• Security & compliance: FIPS 140-2, SOC 2, and GDPR compliant. AES-256 encryption for data at rest.
• Support & community: Backed by Splunk’s massive global support network and the “Splunk Answers” community.

3 — Tines

Tines is the “no-code” disruptor of the SOAR world. It famously rejected the traditional “case management” approach to focus purely on providing the world’s most flexible and intuitive workflow automation builder.

• Key features:
  • Pure no-code canvas; no Python or proprietary languages required.
  • “Direct API” connection: If a tool has an API, Tines can connect to it instantly.
  • High-fidelity storyboard for visualizing complex logic paths.
  • “Pages” feature to build custom web forms for user interaction.
  • Integrated credential management for secure API authentication.
  • Real-time event monitoring with instant “re-run” capabilities.
• Pros:
  • The fastest time-to-value; analysts can build complex flows in hours, not weeks.
  • Extremely lightweight and flexible; can be used for IT and HR automation, not just security.
• Cons:
  • Lacks native “case management” (though it integrates well with tools that do).
  • Not ideal for teams that want a heavily opinionated, security-specific structure.
• Security & compliance: SOC 2 Type II, ISO 27001, HIPAA, and GDPR compliant.
• Support & community: Praised for its excellent documentation and “Tines Community Edition” for free learning.

4 — Torq

Torq is a cloud-native “Hyperautomation” platform that focuses on speed, modern UI, and AI-driven playbook assistance. It is designed for modern security teams that want to move away from legacy, clunky software.

• Key features:
  • Browser-first, high-speed playbook execution engine.
  • Torq AI “Copilot” that helps generate playbook steps and logic using natural language.
  • Over 1,000+ pre-built “templates” for common security scenarios.
  • Native support for parallel processing and asynchronous workflows.
  • Integrated “Case Management” that feels like a modern SaaS app.
  • Advanced scheduling for recurring health checks and audits.
• Pros:
  • The AI integration is genuinely helpful for overcoming “blank canvas” syndrome.
  • Very modern, snappy interface that developers and analysts both enjoy.
• Cons:
  • A newer player; some niche legacy integrations might be missing compared to XSOAR.
  • Pricing is on the premium end of the cloud-native spectrum.
• Security & compliance: SOC 2 Type II, GDPR, and HIPAA compliant. SSO and multi-factor authentication support.
• Support & community: High-touch customer success; very active in the modern DevSecOps community.

5 — Microsoft Sentinel (Logic Apps)

Microsoft Sentinel uses Azure Logic Apps as its automation engine. This makes it a natural choice for organizations already committed to the Azure and Microsoft 365 ecosystems.

• Key features:
  • 400+ connectors to Microsoft and third-party services.
  • Visual designer with “Designer” and “Code” views for ultimate flexibility.
  • “Sentinel Content Hub” for one-click deployment of security-specific playbooks.
  • Deep integration with Microsoft Defender for XDR-driven automation.
  • Support for long-running workflows with state management.
  • Native triggers for Microsoft Sentinel alerts and incidents.
• Pros:
  • Best-in-class integration for Microsoft-heavy shops; feels like part of the OS.
  • Pay-as-you-go pricing can be very cost-effective for smaller environments.
• Cons:
  • Logic Apps is a general-purpose IT tool; it lacks some security-specific “SOC” features out of the box.
  • Troubleshooting deep logic in Azure can be more complex than in a dedicated SOAR tool.
• Security & compliance: FedRAMP High, HIPAA, GDPR, and SOC 2 compliant via Azure.
• Support & community: Massive global documentation and GitHub repository of community playbooks.

6 — Google SecOps (formerly Chronicle SOAR)

Google’s SOAR (built from the acquisition of Siemplify) is designed for “cloud-speed” security operations. It focuses on a threat-centric approach where playbooks are tied to specific incident types.

• Key features:
  • Threat-centric workbench that groups alerts into manageable cases.
  • Visual playbook builder with integrated “Decision Support.”
  • Deep integration with Google’s massive threat intelligence database.
  • Integrated “Playbook Testing” against historical data.
  • “Google Speed” scale; designed to handle massive telemetry from Chronicle SIEM.
  • Support for “Interaction” tasks that wait for user input via email or Slack.
• Pros:
  • One of the best case-management interfaces; it truly helps analysts stay organized.
  • Seamlessly connects detection (SIEM) and response (SOAR) into one Google-managed workflow.
• Cons:
  • Can feel a bit “locked in” to the Google Cloud Security ecosystem.
  • Customizing deep integrations can sometimes feel restrictive.
• Security & compliance: SOC 2, HIPAA, GDPR, and ISO 27001 compliant.
• Support & community: Enterprise support from Google Cloud; growing community on the Google SecOps portal.

7 — Swimlane Turbine

Swimlane is a veteran in the SOAR space that recently reinvented itself with the “Turbine” platform. It focuses on “low-code” automation that can scale beyond the SOC into the broader business.

• Key features:
  • “Turbine Canvas”: An ultra-fast, low-code visual automation builder.
  • Parallel execution architecture for high-concurrency workloads.
  • “Hero Reports” for quantifying the ROI of your automation.
  • Application-builder approach: Create your own custom dashboards and tracking apps.
  • Native Python integration for advanced power users.
  • Reusable “Components” that act as standardized automation blocks.
• Pros:
  • Highly customizable; you can build almost any tool you need on top of the platform.
  • The “Turbine” engine is significantly faster than their legacy platform.
• Cons:
  • The sheer amount of customization can be overwhelming for teams wanting an “out-of-the-box” experience.
  • Requires a dedicated administrator to manage the “Application” architecture.
• Security & compliance: SOC 2 Type II, ISO 27001, and HIPAA compliant.
• Support & community: Very strong support reputation; active user forums and extensive video training.

8 — Fortinet FortiSOAR

FortiSOAR is a robust, enterprise-grade platform that is particularly favored by Managed Security Service Providers (MSSPs) due to its superior multi-tenancy capabilities.

• Key features:
  • Highly flexible, role-based incident management.
  • Visual Playbook Designer with 3,000+ pre-built automated actions.
  • Superior multi-tenancy support for managing disparate client environments.
  • Integrated asset and indicator management.
  • Support for “Jinja” and “Python” for complex logic and data normalization.
  • Collaborative “War Room” similar to XSOAR.
• Pros:
  • Best-in-class for MSSPs; the multi-tenancy features are built into the core, not added as an afterthought.
  • Exceptional value for the price compared to some of the “Big Tech” competitors.
• Cons:
  • UI can feel a bit more “technical” and less “modern” than Tines or Torq.
  • Steep learning curve for teams not familiar with Fortinet’s ecosystem.
• Security & compliance: SOC 2, HIPAA, and GDPR compliant. FIPS-certified encryption options.
• Support & community: Strong partner-led support network; extensive FortiGuard threat research integration.

9 — IBM Security QRadar SOAR

Formerly known as Resilient, IBM’s SOAR is the market leader for organizations that prioritize Case Management and regulatory reporting over pure “hyperautomation.”

• Key features:
  • “Dynamic Playbooks” that adapt in real-time as incident details emerge.
  • Industry-leading Privacy Module for managing global data breach notification laws.
  • Deep case-management capabilities with structured investigation timelines.
  • Integrated breach notification tracking for 170+ global regulations.
  • Visual workflow editor with clear task assignments.
  • Strong bidirectional integrations with QRadar SIEM and EDR tools.
• Pros:
  • Unmatched for compliance; if you have to report a breach to a regulator, this tool is your best friend.
  • Very stable and mature; a safe choice for “traditional” enterprise environments.
• Cons:
  • Not as “agile” or “no-code” as the newer competitors.
  • Integration with non-IBM tools can sometimes feel less seamless.
• Security & compliance: ISO 27001, SOC 2, HIPAA, GDPR, and FedRAMP authorized.
• Support & community: Global 24/7 IBM enterprise support; extensive technical documentation.

10 — D3 Security Smart SOAR

D3 Security is an independent SOAR provider that focuses on “Smart” automation—specifically reducing alert noise by normalizing data before it ever reaches the analyst.

• Key features:
  • “Event Pipeline” that filters and de-duplicates alerts before they become incidents.
  • 500+ deep, vendor-maintained integrations.
  • Codeless playbook editor with a focus on MITRE ATT&CK mapping.
  • Advanced “Surveillance” mode for ongoing monitoring of suspicious indicators.
  • Integrated “Case Management” with high-fidelity records.
  • Multi-tenant architecture for MSSPs and large global entities.
• Pros:
  • Independent and vendor-agnostic; they don’t care which SIEM or EDR you use.
  • The “Event Pipeline” is a game-changer for reducing alert fatigue.
• Cons:
  • Smaller brand presence compared to Palo Alto or Splunk.
  • Community resources are not as expansive as the larger platforms.
• Security & compliance: SOC 2 Type II, HIPAA, and GDPR compliant. Supports full audit logging.
• Support & community: Highly rated for customer support; known for being very responsive to custom integration requests.

Comparison Table

Evaluation & Scoring of SOAR Playbook Builders

When choosing a playbook builder, the “best” choice is often a balancing act between power and ease of use. Below is our weighted scoring rubric for 2026.

Which SOAR Playbook Builder Is Right for You?

Choosing a SOAR platform is a long-term commitment. Here is how to navigate the decision:

• Solo Users vs SMBs: If you are a small team, look at Tines or Sentinel. Tines has a free tier for small-scale use, and Sentinel allows you to pay as you go, avoiding large upfront “shelfware” costs.
• Mid-Market Companies: Organizations with 5–10 security staff often benefit from Torq or Swimlane Turbine. These tools provide enough power to be dangerous without requiring a full-time “SOAR Engineer” to keep the lights on.
• Large Enterprises: If you have massive complexity and a team of 20+ analysts, Cortex XSOAR or Splunk SOAR are the standard. They have the ecosystem and enterprise features to handle global scale.
• Budget-Conscious: If price is the primary driver, Sentinel (for Microsoft users) or Tines Community Edition are the best starting points.
• Industry-Specific Needs: * Finance/Healthcare: Use IBM QRadar SOAR for its unrivaled privacy and compliance modules.
  • MSSPs: Use FortiSOAR or Smart SOAR for their purpose-built multi-tenant architectures.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the difference between a Runbook and a Playbook? A runbook is a set of manual instructions for a human. A playbook is the automated implementation of those instructions within a SOAR platform.

2. Do I need to know how to code to build playbooks? Not anymore. Tools like Tines, Torq, and Swimlane are “no-code” or “low-code.” However, knowing basic Python or JSON structure will always help for advanced data manipulation.

3. How long does it take to build a single playbook? A simple phishing triage playbook can be built in a few hours. A complex, multi-stage ransomware containment playbook can take weeks of testing and refinement.

4. Can SOAR playbooks fix things automatically? Yes. Playbooks can “contain” threats by blocking IPs, disabling user accounts, or isolating infected laptops—often before an analyst even sees the alert.

5. What is “Analyst-in-the-Loop”? It refers to a playbook step that pauses and waits for a human to review the data and click “Approve” before taking a high-risk action (like shutting down a production server).

6. Do these tools replace analysts? No. They replace the repetitive, boring tasks that analysts hate. This frees up the human team to do actual threat hunting and higher-level strategy.

7. Can I move my playbooks between different SOAR tools? Generally, no. Playbooks are proprietary to the platform they were built in. Migrating from one SOAR to another usually requires a full rebuild of your workflows.

8. What is a “Connector” or “Integration”? It is a pre-packaged piece of code that allows the SOAR platform to “talk” to another tool (like your Firewall or Email server) without you having to write the API calls yourself.

9. How does AI help in playbook building? Modern tools like Torq use AI to suggest the next logic step or even “write” a script based on a natural language prompt like “Get the user’s manager from Active Directory.”

10. What is the most common mistake in playbook building? Trying to automate a process that is already broken. You should always document and “clean up” your manual process before trying to codify it into a playbook.

Conclusion

The “best” SOAR playbook builder is the one that your team will actually use. While Cortex XSOAR offers the most power, it is useless if your team doesn’t have the bandwidth to manage its complexity. Conversely, Tines offers incredible agility but might feel too “bare bones” for a traditional enterprise SOC that needs deep case management.

When making your choice, prioritize integration depth and ease of testing. The goal of SOAR is to make your life easier, not to give you another complex system to manage. Start with your most repetitive task—like phishing—and see which tool lets you automate it the fastest.