[Home](https://www.selecthub.com/) \> [Vulnerability Management Software](https://www.selecthub.com/c/vulnerability-management-software/) \> [Nessus](https://www.selecthub.com/p/vulnerability-management-software/nessus/) \> Nessus vs Qualys # Nessus vs Qualys Last Updated: May 18th, 2026 Our analysts compared [Nessus](https://www.selecthub.com/p/vulnerability-management-software/nessus/) vs [Qualys](https://www.selecthub.com/p/vulnerability-management-software/qualys/) based on data from our 400+ point analysis of [Vulnerability Management Software](https://www.selecthub.com/c/vulnerability-management-software/), user reviews and our own crowdsourced data from our [free software selection platform](https://www.selecthub.com/about/start-free-selection-project-site/?category=Vulnerability Management Software&cta=vulnerability-management-software). [Overview](#product-overview) [Pricing](#product-pricing) [Our Review](#product-analyst-summary) [User Ratings](#user-sentiment-section) [Features](#product-benefits-features) [Analyst Ratings](#analyst-rating-section) [Comparison Charts](#product-comparison-charts) [Screenshots](#product-screenshots) Remove Add to Compare [![Nessus Software Tool](https://cdn.selecthub.com/products/aa16b1e36967dda0f92705a0a1beb710-44741e130f633f8ccdb049f3d90f56c8/resources/normal/logo.png?1729908332)](https://www.selecthub.com/p/vulnerability-management-software/nessus/) [ ![Product Awards](https://www.selecthub.com/display/images/awards_badge.svg) ](#awards-section) Remove Add to Compare [![Qualys Software Tool](https://cdn.selecthub.com/products/2952351097998ac1240cb2ab7333a3d2-227fb2619f8707aa160410c3ee6c968d/resources/normal/logo.png?1706633319)](https://www.selecthub.com/p/vulnerability-management-software/qualys/) [Get Free Demo](https://pmo.selecthub.com/get-product-demo/?category=Vulnerability+Management+Software&product%5Fname=Nessus&product%5Flogo=https%3A%2F%2Fd3uimxdj41cg3o.cloudfront.net%2Fproducts%2Faa16b1e36967dda0f92705a0a1beb710-44741e130f633f8ccdb049f3d90f56c8%2Fresources%2Fnormal%2Flogo.png%3F1729908332) [Demo](https://pmo.selecthub.com/get-product-demo/?category=Vulnerability+Management+Software&product%5Fname=Nessus&product%5Flogo=https%3A%2F%2Fd3uimxdj41cg3o.cloudfront.net%2Fproducts%2Faa16b1e36967dda0f92705a0a1beb710-44741e130f633f8ccdb049f3d90f56c8%2Fresources%2Fnormal%2Flogo.png%3F1729908332) [Request Pricing](https://pmo.selecthub.com/get-product-pricing/?category=Vulnerability+Management+Software&product%5Fname=Nessus&product%5Flogo=https%3A%2F%2Fd3uimxdj41cg3o.cloudfront.net%2Fproducts%2Faa16b1e36967dda0f92705a0a1beb710-44741e130f633f8ccdb049f3d90f56c8%2Fresources%2Fnormal%2Flogo.png%3F1729908332&price=5) [Pricing](https://pmo.selecthub.com/get-product-pricing/?category=Vulnerability+Management+Software&product%5Fname=Nessus&product%5Flogo=https%3A%2F%2Fd3uimxdj41cg3o.cloudfront.net%2Fproducts%2Faa16b1e36967dda0f92705a0a1beb710-44741e130f633f8ccdb049f3d90f56c8%2Fresources%2Fnormal%2Flogo.png%3F1729908332&price=5) [Get Free Demo](https://pmo.selecthub.com/get-product-demo/?category=Vulnerability+Management+Software&product%5Fname=Qualys&product%5Flogo=https%3A%2F%2Fd3uimxdj41cg3o.cloudfront.net%2Fproducts%2F2952351097998ac1240cb2ab7333a3d2-227fb2619f8707aa160410c3ee6c968d%2Fresources%2Fnormal%2Flogo.png%3F1706633319) [Demo](https://pmo.selecthub.com/get-product-demo/?category=Vulnerability+Management+Software&product%5Fname=Qualys&product%5Flogo=https%3A%2F%2Fd3uimxdj41cg3o.cloudfront.net%2Fproducts%2F2952351097998ac1240cb2ab7333a3d2-227fb2619f8707aa160410c3ee6c968d%2Fresources%2Fnormal%2Flogo.png%3F1706633319) [Request Pricing](https://pmo.selecthub.com/get-product-pricing/?category=Vulnerability+Management+Software&product%5Fname=Qualys&product%5Flogo=https%3A%2F%2Fd3uimxdj41cg3o.cloudfront.net%2Fproducts%2F2952351097998ac1240cb2ab7333a3d2-227fb2619f8707aa160410c3ee6c968d%2Fresources%2Fnormal%2Flogo.png%3F1706633319&price=2) [Pricing](https://pmo.selecthub.com/get-product-pricing/?category=Vulnerability+Management+Software&product%5Fname=Qualys&product%5Flogo=https%3A%2F%2Fd3uimxdj41cg3o.cloudfront.net%2Fproducts%2F2952351097998ac1240cb2ab7333a3d2-227fb2619f8707aa160410c3ee6c968d%2Fresources%2Fnormal%2Flogo.png%3F1706633319&price=2) ### Products Insights Overall Rating Comparison [ Analyst Rating 74 Detailed Analysis ](#analyst-rating-section) [ User Sentiment ![Excellent User Sentiment](https://www.selecthub.com/display/images/scores/excellent.svg) (1099 Reviews) ](#user-sentiment-section) [ Analyst Rating we're gathering data ](#analyst-rating-section) [ User Sentiment ![Great User Sentiment](https://www.selecthub.com/display/images/scores/great.svg) (730 Reviews) ](#user-sentiment-section) Price Starts From $3,990 Annually [ Free Trial is available →](https://pmo.selecthub.com/free-trial/?product%5Fname=Nessus&category=Vulnerability Management Software&product%5Flogo=https://d3uimxdj41cg3o.cloudfront.net/products/aa16b1e36967dda0f92705a0a1beb710-44741e130f633f8ccdb049f3d90f56c8/resources/normal/logo.png?1729908332) Custom Quote i [ Free Trial is available →](https://pmo.selecthub.com/free-trial/?product%5Fname=Qualys&category=Vulnerability Management Software&product%5Flogo=https://d3uimxdj41cg3o.cloudfront.net/products/2952351097998ac1240cb2ab7333a3d2-227fb2619f8707aa160410c3ee6c968d/resources/normal/logo.png?1706633319) Pros What we like about Nessus and Qualys: * Intuitive interface that users find easy to navigate and run scans on * Extensive vulnerability database with frequent plugin updates that catch emerging threats * Detailed reports that help prioritize and act on remediation * Flexible scanning with both agent-based and agentless options across many systems * Modular cloud platform lets you pick and pay for only the security pieces you need * Strong reporting with detailed vulnerability descriptions that users find accurate * Wide integration choices that users say connect cleanly with enterprise tools * Covers infrastructure, web apps, cloud and endpoints in a single workspace Cons What we dislike about Nessus and Qualys: * Scans can take a long time and disrupt operational workflows on bigger networks * The professional edition's price is a barrier for budget-constrained users * Reporting and vulnerability management features in the pro version feel limited * Generates false positives that security teams need to validate by hand * Stacking multiple modules together can drive licensing costs up quickly * Users report slow scans, false positives and occasional unexpected downtime * Separate module updates can introduce stability issues across the platform * Training materials are thin and support response times can run long ### Our Review **Bottom line:** Nessus and Qualys solve vulnerability management from different angles. Nessus works best if you want a focused scanner that's quick to set up and easy to run. Qualys fits better if you need one cloud platform that ties infrastructure, web apps, cloud and endpoints together. Nessus leans toward security professionals, consultants and pentesters who need deep scanning across traditional and modern attack surfaces. The interface is approachable enough that newer team members can get going without much ramp-up. You get configuration audits, web app scanning, cloud environment support and live results in one tool. Qualys takes a broader platform approach. You can pick modules like vulnerability management, patch management, cloud security and compliance, then add more as you grow. Users like the dashboard view across the whole environment and the depth of integrations with tools like Jenkins, Puppet and ServiceNow. On price, Nessus starts at $3,990 per year, which is published and predictable. Qualys uses a quote-based model with monthly billing, so you'll need to talk to sales. That makes Nessus easier to budget for upfront, while Qualys cost depends on which modules you bundle. Both tools wrestle with false positives and scan speed, so neither wins on raw accuracy. Pick Nessus if you want a single capable scanner with clear pricing and an easy learning curve. Pick Qualys if you need broader coverage across cloud, endpoints and compliance, and you're willing to work through a custom quote. ### Analyst Rating Summary Overall Scores Based on the research and analysis by SelectHub's team of research analysts, Nessus has an analyst rating of 74\. Our analysts are still gathering data for Qualys. 74 we're gathering data Features Comparison **Patch Management** Automates patch management processes, ensuring timely application of security updates to mitigate vulnerabilities and protect systems from cyberattacks. 65 we're gathering data **Platform Capabilities** Offers cross-platform compatibility, enabling organizations to manage and mitigate vulnerabilities across diverse IT environments. 84 we're gathering data **Remediation Management** Streamlines remediation efforts by prioritizing vulnerabilities, assigning tasks, and tracking progress, ensuring timely resolution and minimizing risk. 100 we're gathering data [Show More](#) [Show More](https://pmo.selecthub.com/customize-data/?category=Vulnerability Management Software) ### Analyst Ratings for Functional Requirements [Customize This Data](#) [Customize This Data](https://pmo.selecthub.com/customize-data/?category=Vulnerability Management Software) How Nessus compares against the top 5 functional requirements as defined by SelectHub project data. Nessus Qualys \+ Add Product [\+ Add Product](https://pmo.selecthub.com/customize-data/?category=Vulnerability Management Software) Patch Management Platform Capabilities RemediationManagement VulnerabilityAssessment VulnerabilityScanning 65 84 100 100 85 0 25 50 75 100 Implementation Level of Effort Estimation **Tier 1:** Fully/moderately supported out-of-the-box allowing for quick and easy deployment. [Read more](#) **Tier 2:** Supported with workarounds or add-ons that may require additional costs. **Tier 3:** Requires partner integrations or custom development that is often at an additional cost. **Patch Management** Automates patch management processes, ensuring timely application of security updates to mitigate vulnerabilities and protect systems from cyberattacks. 25% 25% 50% we're gathering data N/A we're gathering data N/A we're gathering data N/A **Platform Capabilities** Offers cross-platform compatibility, enabling organizations to manage and mitigate vulnerabilities across diverse IT environments. 70% 20% 10% we're gathering data N/A we're gathering data N/A we're gathering data N/A **Remediation Management** Streamlines remediation efforts by prioritizing vulnerabilities, assigning tasks, and tracking progress, ensuring timely resolution and minimizing risk. 100% 0% 0% we're gathering data N/A we're gathering data N/A we're gathering data N/A **Vulnerability Assessment** Identifies and assesses vulnerabilities in systems and networks, enabling organizations to prioritize risks and implement appropriate security measures. 100% 0% 0% we're gathering data N/A we're gathering data N/A we're gathering data N/A **Vulnerability Scanning** Automates vulnerability scanning, identifying and assessing security weaknesses in systems and applications to proactively mitigate risks. 80% 10% 10% we're gathering data N/A we're gathering data N/A we're gathering data N/A **Customize This Data For Your Unique Needs** and compare feature capabilities head-to-head [CUSTOMIZE NOW](#) [CUSTOMIZE NOW](https://pmo.selecthub.com/customize-data/?category=Vulnerability Management Software) ### Analyst Ratings for Technical Requirements [Customize This Data](#) [Customize This Data](https://pmo.selecthub.com/customize-data/?category=Vulnerability Management Software) Implementation Level of Effort Estimation **Tier 1:** Fully/moderately supported out-of-the-box allowing for quick and easy deployment. [Read more](#) **Tier 2:** Supported with workarounds or add-ons that may require additional costs. **Tier 3:** Requires partner integrations or custom development that is often at an additional cost. **Integrations** Seamlessly integrates with other security tools, streamlining workflows and providing a comprehensive view of the security landscape. 80% 0% 20% we're gathering data N/A we're gathering data N/A we're gathering data N/A **Security** Prioritizes data security, safeguarding sensitive information and protecting against unauthorized access through robust encryption and access controls. 100% 0% 0% we're gathering data N/A we're gathering data N/A we're gathering data N/A **Requirements Summary** Of typical requirements, 65.9% are fully supported out of the box by Nessus including Remediation Management, Vulnerability Assessment and Security. We are still evaluating data for Qualys at this time. Qualys has an analyst rating of and a user sentiment rating of 'great' based on 730 reviews, while Nessus has an analyst rating of 74 and a user sentiment rating of 'excellent' based on 1099 reviews. ### User Sentiment Summary Nessus has a user sentiment rating of 91 based on 1099 reviews. Qualys has a user sentiment rating of 85 based on 730 reviews. ![Excellent User Sentiment](https://www.selecthub.com/display/images/scores/excellent.svg) 1099 reviews ![Great User Sentiment](https://www.selecthub.com/display/images/scores/great.svg) 730 reviews Synopsis Evaluating all review platforms, our market analysts have compiled the following user sentiment data. 91% of users recommend this product Nessus has a 'excellent' User Satisfaction Rating of 91% when considering 1099 user reviews from 4 recognized software review sites. 85% of users recommend this product Qualys has a 'great' User Satisfaction Rating of 85% when considering 730 user reviews from 4 recognized software review sites. User Review Scores **G2.com, Inc** **4.5** (287) **4.1** (58) **Capterra Inc** **4.7** (94) **4.0** (32) **Gartner, Inc** **4.6** (626) **4.4** (553) **TrustRadius** **4.1** (92) **3.5** (87) ### Awards SelectHub awards earned by these products based on a comprehensive analysis by our research analysts. Nessus stands above the rest by achieving an ‘Excellent’ rating as a User Favorite. ![User Favorite Award]() No awards. ### Product Assistance Training Resources Documentation In Person Live Online Videos Webinars Documentation In Person Live Online Videos Webinars Support Email Phone Chat FAQ Forum Knowledge Base 24/7 Live Support Email Phone Chat FAQ Forum Knowledge Base 24/7 Live Support ### Product Basics Company Size i Small Medium Large Small Medium Large Platforms Supported Windows Mac Linux Android Chromebook Windows Mac Linux Android Chromebook Deployment Supported Cloud On-Premise Mobile Cloud On-Premise Mobile Comparison of Top Alternatives [ Nessus Alternatives](https://www.selecthub.com/vulnerability-management-software/nessus/alternatives/) [ Qualys Alternatives](https://www.selecthub.com/vulnerability-management-software/qualys/alternatives/) ### Screenshots ![Screenshots]() ![Screenshots]()![Screenshots]()![Screenshots]()![Screenshots]()![Screenshots]() ### Key Features * **Vulnerability coverage** – Scans for over 50,000 vulnerabilities across operating systems, devices and applications, with regular plugin updates that keep checks current. * **Scan flexibility** – Supports agent-based and agentless scans, plus credentialed and non-credentialed options, so you can match scan depth to the asset. * **Configuration auditing** – Audits system configurations against standards like CIS Benchmarks and DISA STIGs to flag compliance gaps. * **Live results** – Surfaces findings as the scan runs, so you can start triaging without waiting for the full job to finish. * **Policy templates** – Pre-built templates cover common scan types, cutting setup time when you spin up a new assessment. * **Vulnerability management** – Uses Six Sigma scanning across system assets, runs assessment reports and assigns remediation tickets from one workspace. * **Modular scanning approach** – Lets you buy and run only the modules you need, from infrastructure to web app to cloud, instead of one fixed bundle. * **Continuous surveillance** – Sends real-time alerts on unexpected hosts, expiring SSL certificates, open ports and other risky changes through custom monitoring profiles. * **Cloud security coverage** – Tracks hybrid and public cloud assets across AWS, Azure and Google Cloud with virtual scanners and a Cloud Inventory module. * **DevOps integrations** – Connects with Jenkins, Puppet, Bamboo and ServiceNow, and includes container scanning for AWS ECR, Fargate and EKS pipelines. ### Top Alternatives in Vulnerability Management Software [ Armor VAPT ](https://www.selecthub.com/p/vulnerability-management-software/armor-vapt/) [ Cisco Vulnerability Management ](https://www.selecthub.com/p/vulnerability-management-software/cisco-vulnerability-management/) [ ESET Vulnerability & Patch Management ](https://www.selecthub.com/p/vulnerability-management-software/eset-vulnerability-and-patch-management/) [ Falcon Spotlight ](https://www.selecthub.com/p/vulnerability-management-software/falcon-spotlight/) [ InsightVM ](https://www.selecthub.com/p/vulnerability-management-software/insightvm/) [ Intruder ](https://www.selecthub.com/p/vulnerability-management-software/intruder-io/) [ ManageEngine Vulnerability Manager Plus ](https://www.selecthub.com/p/vulnerability-management-software/manageengine-vulnerability-manager-plus/) [ Microsoft Defender Vulnerability Management ](https://www.selecthub.com/p/vulnerability-management-software/microsoft-defender-vulnerability-management/) [ QRadar Vulnerability Manager ](https://www.selecthub.com/p/vulnerability-management-software/qradar-vulnerability-manager/) [ Qualys VMDR ](https://www.selecthub.com/p/vulnerability-management-software/qualys-vmdr/) ### Head-to-Head Comparison ![Nessus Software Tool]() ![Cisco Vulnerability Management Software Tool]() [Nessus VS Cisco Vulnerability Management](https://www.selecthub.com/vulnerability-management-software/nessus-vs-cisco-vulnerability-management/) ![Nessus Software Tool]() ![ESET Vulnerability & Patch Management Software Tool]() [Nessus VS ESET Vulnerability & Patch Management](https://www.selecthub.com/vulnerability-management-software/nessus-vs-eset-vulnerability-and-patch-management/) ![Nessus Software Tool]() ![Falcon Spotlight Software Tool]() [Nessus VS Falcon Spotlight](https://www.selecthub.com/vulnerability-management-software/nessus-vs-falcon-spotlight/) ![Nessus Software Tool]() ![InsightVM Software Tool]() [Nessus VS InsightVM](https://www.selecthub.com/vulnerability-management-software/nessus-vs-insightvm/) ![Nessus Software Tool]() ![Intruder Software Tool]() [Nessus VS Intruder](https://www.selecthub.com/vulnerability-management-software/nessus-vs-intruder-io/) ![Nessus Software Tool]() ![ManageEngine Vulnerability Manager Plus Software Tool]() [Nessus VS ManageEngine Vulnerability Manager Plus](https://www.selecthub.com/vulnerability-management-software/nessus-vs-manageengine-vulnerability-manager-plus/) ![Nessus Software Tool]() ![Microsoft Defender Vulnerability Management Software Tool]() [Nessus VS Microsoft Defender Vulnerability Management](https://www.selecthub.com/vulnerability-management-software/nessus-vs-microsoft-defender-vulnerability-management/) ![Nessus Software Tool]() ![QRadar Vulnerability Manager Software Tool]() [Nessus VS QRadar Vulnerability Manager](https://www.selecthub.com/vulnerability-management-software/nessus-vs-qradar-vulnerability-manager/) ![Nessus Software Tool]() ![Qualys Software Tool]() [Nessus VS Qualys](https://www.selecthub.com/vulnerability-management-software/nessus-vs-qualys/) ![Nessus Software Tool]() ![Singularity Vulnerability Management Software Tool]() [Nessus VS Singularity Vulnerability Management](https://www.selecthub.com/vulnerability-management-software/nessus-vs-sentinelone-vulnerability-management/) ![Nessus Software Tool]() ![SolarWinds Patch Manager Software Tool]() [Nessus VS SolarWinds Patch Manager](https://www.selecthub.com/vulnerability-management-software/nessus-vs-solarwinds-patch-manager/) ![Nessus Software Tool]() ![Tenable Vulnerability Management Software Tool]() [Nessus VS Tenable Vulnerability Management](https://www.selecthub.com/vulnerability-management-software/nessus-vs-tenable-vulnerability-management/) **About SelectHub (and our data)** We’re the employee-owned Austin-based startup democratizing software data so you can make your decisions in an influence-free zone. Our market data is crowdsourced from our user-base of 100,000+ companies. WE DISTILL IT INTO REAL REQUIREMENTS, COMPARISON REPORTS, PRICE GUIDES and more... ![SelectHub Products Reporting and Analytics]() [ Build Your Requirements](https://pmo.selecthub.com/software-requirements/?category=Vulnerability%20Management%20Software&campaign%5Fname=Vulnerability%20Management%20Requirements) ![SelectHub Products Cost and Pricing Guide]() [ Get Your Free Comparison Report](https://pmo.selecthub.com/request-custom-scorecard/?category=Vulnerability%20Management%20Software) **Tier 1:** Fully/moderately supported out-of-the-box allowing for quick and easy deployment. Fully or moderately supported out-of-the-box with industry-leading capabilities and is immediately available after installation without needing any add-ons, integrations, or custom development. **Tier 2:** Supported with workarounds or add-ons that may require additional costs. Not directly available in the software, but can be accomplished using other built-in features, workarounds, or add-ons/products from the vendor with or without any additional cost. **Tier 3:** Requires partner integrations or custom development that is often at an additional cost. Requires additional integrations, plugins, marketplace applications from a third-party vendor, or custom development using the APIs, libraries, extensions, and development framework supported by the software, with or without any additional cost. 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