Best Qualys Web Application Scanning Alternatives in 2026
The top Qualys Web Application Scanning alternatives are Safeguard DAST, OWASP ZAP and apPosture DAST: 15 dynamic application security testing software our editors would look at instead of Qualys Web Application Scanning, in our ranking order.
Qualys Web Application Scanning: A broad DAST service for authenticated web and API testing in Qualys environments. Where it falls short: pricing is handled through qualys sales rather than published plans..
Switching from Qualys Web Application Scanning? For most dynamic application security testing software buyers the best Qualys Web Application Scanning alternative is Safeguard DAST, built for budget-conscious teams needing broad DAST. On a budget, apPosture DAST starts at $35/user/mo. Astra DAST Scanner offers the most included scan targets (1 targets).
Why People Look for a Qualys Web Application Scanning Alternative
- Pricing is handled through Qualys sales rather than published plans
- The named integration options center on GitHub Actions and Qualys APIs
- Internal scanning requires scanner appliances instead of cloud scanners alone
- No free plan — 3 of the alternatives below have it
Quick Picks by What You Need
- Best overallSafeguard DAST9.4
Budget-conscious teams needing broad DAST
Visit Safeguard DAST - Lowest priceapPosture DAST9.2
Paid plans from $35/user/mo
Visit apPosture DAST - Best free optionSafeguard DAST9.4
Has a free plan (Qualys Web Application Scanning has none)
Visit Safeguard DAST - Most included scan targetsAstra DAST Scanner9.1
1 targets
Visit Astra DAST Scanner
All 15 Qualys Web Application Scanning Alternatives, Ranked
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.
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Best forBudget-conscious teams needing broad DAST
- Better than Qualys Web Application Scanning:
- Free plan
- Editor score 9.4 vs 8.0
Broad authenticated web and API scanning with paid plans starting at $9/month.
- CI/CD integration
9.4/10★★★★★Visit Safeguard DAST -
Best forTeams wanting capable free, open-source DAST
- Better than Qualys Web Application Scanning:
- Free plan
- Editor score 9.3 vs 8.0
A capable free DAST tool with broad web, API, browser, and automation coverage.
- Browser-based scanning
- CI/CD integration
9.3/10★★★★★Visit OWASP ZAP -
Best forDevelopers needing deep, affordable DAST
- Better than Qualys Web Application Scanning:
- Editor score 9.2 vs 8.0
Evidence-backed DAST for developers who need deep web and API testing.
- Browser-based scanning
- CI/CD integration
9.2/10★★★★★Visit apPosture -
Best forCloud teams needing structured DAST workflows
- Better than Qualys Web Application Scanning:
- Editor score 9.1 vs 8.0
A cloud DAST scanner with authenticated testing, API coverage, and CI/CD integrations.
- Browser-based scanning
- CI/CD integration
9.1/10★★★★★Visit Astra Security -
Best forTeams wanting AI DAST with a free plan
- Better than Qualys Web Application Scanning:
- Free plan
- Editor score 9.0 vs 8.0
AI DAST with authenticated testing, API coverage, and a free plan.
- Browser-based scanning
- CI/CD integration
9.0/10★★★★☆Try Beagle Security -
Best forMature teams needing broad enterprise DAST
- Better than Qualys Web Application Scanning:
- Editor score 8.9 vs 8.0
A broad DAST platform for mature teams testing authenticated web apps and APIs.
- Browser-based scanning
- CI/CD integration
8.9/10★★★★☆Visit Burp Suite -
Best forEnterprises needing proof-based web and API DAST
- Better than Qualys Web Application Scanning:
- Editor score 8.8 vs 8.0
Proof-based DAST for enterprises testing authenticated web applications and APIs.
- Browser-based scanning
- CI/CD integration
8.8/10★★★★☆Visit Invicti -
Best forHybrid teams with complex application coverage
- Better than Qualys Web Application Scanning:
- Editor score 8.7 vs 8.0
Broad DAST coverage for hybrid teams testing complex applications, APIs, and private targets.
- Browser-based scanning
- CI/CD integration
8.7/10★★★★☆Visit site -
Best forSecurity teams with complex authentication needs
- Better than Qualys Web Application Scanning:
- Editor score 8.6 vs 8.0
A flexible DAST module for authenticated web, API, and internal-application testing.
- Browser-based scanning
- CI/CD integration
8.6/10★★★★☆Visit Checkmarx -
Best forCompliance-focused enterprise AppSec teams
- Better than Qualys Web Application Scanning:
- Editor score 8.5 vs 8.0
A compliance-oriented DAST solution with broad API coverage and enterprise automation.
- Browser-based scanning
- CI/CD integration
8.5/10★★★★☆Visit OpenText -
Best forFortinet-aligned web application teams
- Better than Qualys Web Application Scanning:
- Editor score 8.4 vs 8.0
A Fortinet-aligned DAST platform with deep web, API, and CI/CD scanning.
- Browser-based scanning
- CI/CD integration
8.4/10★★★★☆Visit FortiDAST -
Best forDevelopers embedding DAST in CI/CD
- Better than Qualys Web Application Scanning:
- Editor score 8.3 vs 8.0
A developer-focused DAST scanner with broad authentication, API, and CI/CD support.
- CI/CD integration
8.3/10★★★★☆Visit StackHawk -
Best forTeams wanting affordable managed DAST
- Better than Qualys Web Application Scanning:
- Editor score 8.2 vs 8.0
Affordable managed DAST with authenticated scans, API testing, and manual verification.
- Browser-based scanning
- CI/CD integration
8.2/10★★★★☆Visit Indusface WAS -
Best forTeams needing broad attack coverage
- Better than Qualys Web Application Scanning:
- Editor score 8.1 vs 8.0
Broad DAST coverage with strong automation, but the starting price is high per app.
- Browser-based scanning
- CI/CD integration
8.1/10★★★★☆Visit Rapid7 -
Best forHybrid teams needing DAST plus attack-surface coverage
A hybrid security service for authenticated apps, APIs, and external attack-surface coverage.
- Browser-based scanning
- CI/CD integration
7.9/10★★★★☆Visit Holm Security
Qualys Web Application Scanning Alternatives: Common Questions
What is the best alternative to Qualys Web Application Scanning?
Safeguard DAST: #1 in our Dynamic Application Security Testing Software ranking, with an editor score of 9.4 out of 10. Broad authenticated web and API scanning with paid plans starting at $9/month.
Is there a free alternative to Qualys Web Application Scanning?
Yes. Safeguard DAST, OWASP ZAP and Beagle Security have a free plan or a free tier.
What is the cheapest paid alternative to Qualys Web Application Scanning?
Of the alternatives here that publish a price, apPosture DAST starts lowest, at $35/user/mo.
Why do people look for Qualys Web Application Scanning alternatives?
Pricing is handled through Qualys sales rather than published plans; The named integration options center on GitHub Actions and Qualys APIs; Internal scanning requires scanner appliances instead of cloud scanners alone.
Which Qualys Web Application Scanning alternative has the most included scan targets?
Astra DAST Scanner, with 1 targets.
How do I switch from Qualys Web Application Scanning?
Export your data from Qualys Web Application Scanning (most tools have an export in their settings). Sign up for the alternative; start on its free plan or trial if it has one. Import your export and set up the integrations your team relies on. Run both side by side for a short while, then cancel Qualys Web Application Scanning.
How to Switch from Qualys Web Application Scanning
- Export your data from Qualys Web Application Scanning (most tools have an export in their settings).
- Sign up for the alternative; start on its free plan or trial if it has one.
- Import your export and set up the integrations your team relies on.
- Run both side by side for a short while, then cancel Qualys Web Application Scanning.
Qualys Web Application Scanning vs Each Alternative
| # | Tool | Free plan | Paid from | Authenticated scanning | API testing | Browser-based scanning | CI/CD integration | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 15 | Qualys Web Application Scanning | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | 8.0 | |
| 1 | Safeguard DAST | Yes | $89/yr | Yes | Yes | Yes | 9.4 | |
| 2 | OWASP ZAP | Yes | Free | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | 9.3 |
| 3 | apPosture DAST | No | $35/user/mo | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | 9.2 |
| 4 | Astra DAST Scanner | No | $699/yr | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | 9.1 |
| 5 | Beagle Security | Yes | $99/mo | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | 9.0 |
| 6 | Burp Suite DAST | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | 8.9 | ||
| 7 | Invicti | No | $500/unit usage-based | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | 8.8 |
| 8 | Bright Security DAST | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | 8.7 | ||
| 9 | Checkmarx DAST | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | 8.6 | ||
| 10 | OpenText Fortify DAST | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | 8.5 | ||
| 11 | FortiDAST | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | 8.4 | ||
| 12 | StackHawk HawkScan | Yes | Yes | Yes | 8.3 | |||
| 13 | Indusface WAS | No | $599/unit/yr | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | 8.2 |
| 14 | Rapid7 InsightAppSec | No | $175/unit/mo | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | 8.1 |
| 15 | Holm Security Web Application Security | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | 7.9 |
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
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