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Head-to-head · Vulnerability Scanner Software

Rapid7 InsightVM vs Tenable Nessus

  • Updated Oct 2026
  • Both researched from official sources
  • 2 checks side by side
Higher score Rapid7 InsightVM #3 in Vulnerability Scanner Software 9.1/10 Paid ✓ 0 of 3 features Visit Rapid7
Tenable Nessus #6 in Vulnerability Scanner Software 8.8/10 Paid ✓ 1 of 3 features Visit Tenable

Rapid7 InsightVM leads on 0 checks, Tenable Nessus on 0, and 2 are even. Who comes out ahead on the 2 yes/no, price and count checks where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.

Our verdict

  • Highest scoreRapid7 InsightVM · 9.1/10
  • Most featuresTenable Nessus · 1 of 3

Rapid7 InsightVM scores higher on our rubric for vulnerability scanner software: 9.1 against 8.8 out of 10; our editors rank them #3 and #6.

Rapid7 InsightVM is the better fit for teams seeking broad asset scanning and remediation tracking. Tenable Nessus is the better fit for practitioners needing credentialed network and IP scans.

  • Rapid7 InsightVM fits best

    Teams seeking broad asset scanning and remediation tracking

  • Tenable Nessus fits best

    Practitioners needing credentialed network and IP scans

Advertiser disclosure: iTechGuides is reader-supported. Vendors can pay for top positions in our rankings and for a place on other products' pages, and we may earn a commission when you click some links. Bought places stand at the number bought; this page and our disclosure say so. Paying vendors may get a fuller, more detailed review from our editors, and that review can change their score. How we rank.

Side by side

Feature Rapid7 InsightVM 9.1/10 Visit ↗ Tenable Nessus 8.8/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score 9.1 8.8
Ranking #3 in Vulnerability Scanner Software #6 in Vulnerability Scanner Software
Best for Teams seeking broad asset scanning and remediation tracking Practitioners needing credentialed network and IP scans
Pricing model Paid Paid
Starting price $1.62/mo $4,790/yr
Free plan Not checked yet —
Free trial — —
Deployment Cloud, Desktop Self-hosted, Desktop
Platforms Web, Windows, macOS, Linux Windows, macOS, Linux
Features Rapid7 InsightVM 0/3 · Tenable Nessus 1/3
Authenticated scans Not checked yet Not checked yet
Continuous scanning Not checked yet ✓ (best)
Report exports Not checked yet Not checked yet
Specs
Scan targets Not checked yet Not checked yet
Deployment Not checked yet Not checked yet
Asset limit Not checked yet Not checked yet
Our review
Pros
  • Combines authenticated and agent-based network assessment
  • Scans web servers and web applications
  • Tracks remediation assignments and status
  • Credentialed and scheduled scans cover IP-based assets and network environments.
  • Professional includes compliance checks, configuration auditing, and Live Results.
  • Expert adds web application and Infrastructure as Code scanning.
Cons
  • Pricing shown for 500 assets, which may not fit smaller teams
  • Hybrid design includes on-premises Security Console and Scan Engines
  • Its focus on vulnerability management may exceed narrower scanning needs
  • Professional starts at $4,790 per year, with no permanent free plan.
  • Self-hosted deployment requires installing and operating the software.
  • Professional lacks Expert's web application and Infrastructure as Code scanning.
Our verdict

Rapid7 InsightVM is vulnerability management software for security and IT teams that need to assess assets, prioritize risk, and coordinate corrective work. It combines network vulnerability scanning through Security Console and Scan…

Read the review →

Tenable Nessus is vulnerability assessment software for security teams, consultants, penetration testers, and organizations that need to assess IP-based assets. Its scans can identify vulnerabilities, missing patches, configuration issues,…

Read the review →
  1. Rapid7 InsightVMVulnerability Scanner Software 9.1Paid
  2. Tenable NessusVulnerability Scanner Software 8.8Paid

Strengths and trade-offs

  • Rapid7 InsightVM — where it wins

    • Combines authenticated and agent-based network assessment
    • Scans web servers and web applications
    • Tracks remediation assignments and status

    Where it doesn't

    • Pricing shown for 500 assets, which may not fit smaller teams
    • Hybrid design includes on-premises Security Console and Scan Engines
    • Its focus on vulnerability management may exceed narrower scanning needs

  • Tenable Nessus — where it wins

    • Credentialed and scheduled scans cover IP-based assets and network environments.
    • Professional includes compliance checks, configuration auditing, and Live Results.
    • Expert adds web application and Infrastructure as Code scanning.

    Where it doesn't

    • Professional starts at $4,790 per year, with no permanent free plan.
    • Self-hosted deployment requires installing and operating the software.
    • Professional lacks Expert's web application and Infrastructure as Code scanning.
  • Rapid7 InsightVM9.1/10 · Paid

    Broad vulnerability assessment paired with risk prioritization and remediation tracking.

    Visit Rapid7Full verdict →
  • Tenable Nessus8.8/10 · Paid

    Credentialed IP scanning and compliance checks, delivered as self-hosted software.

    Visit TenableFull verdict →

More comparisons

All vulnerability scanner software comparisons → · Full ranking →

Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026

Last updated · How we research and update