Qualys vs OpenVAS
A detailed comparison to help you choose between Qualys and OpenVAS.
Qualys Cloud-based vulnerability management and compliance. | OpenVAS Full-featured open-source vulnerability scanner. | |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | 4.4 (162 reviews) | 4.3 (236 reviews) |
| Pricing Model | paid | free |
| Starting Price | From $0/mo | Free |
| Best For | Best for users seeking privacy and security tools | Best for users seeking privacy and security tools |
| Free Tier | ||
| API Access | ||
| Team Features | ||
| Open Source | ||
| Tags | — | — |
Qualys
Pros
- + Multiple sensor types: scanners, agents, passive sensors
- + Agent-based continuous scanning workflow
- + External scanning via Qualys-hosted Internet Scanner option
- + Authenticated web app scanning with Selenium script replay
- + Modular platform: VMDR, patch, monitoring apps
Cons
- - Pricing is quote-based and module-dependent
- - Not open-source; limited transparency into internals
- - Setup complexity: sensors, scoping, authentication tuning
- - Not designed for consumer privacy or anonymity
OpenVAS
Pros
- + Open-source scanner core (GPL-licensed)
- + GMP API support with gvm-tools automation
- + Modular stack: scanner, manager, and web UI
- + Extensible NVT tests written in NASL
- + Community documentation and container deployment options
Cons
- - Multi-component setup is operationally complex
- - Community Feed coverage is more limited than Enterprise
- - Not as beginner-friendly as some commercial scanners
- - Scan time varies widely; tuning is often required
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