Network Security
Vulnerability Management
Privileged Access Management
Endpoint Security
Threat Hunting
Unified Endpoint Management
Email & Collaboration Security
Contents:
Qualys is one of the leading vulnerability, patch, and compliance management providers.
While Qualys has long been a leader in cloud-based cybersecurity (it launched in 1999), it’s not suitable for everyone. User reviews say the scanning process slows down web applications, and there are a lot of false positives. Some found Qualys too expensive for small organizations and said the solution needs to work on its user interface.
These, and other Qualys limitations, could encourage you to look for Qualys alternatives that could help you remediate vulnerabilities.
In this article, you’ll find an up-to-date list of 10 Qualys competitors, with cybersecurity solutions that offer similar features. We’ve also highlighted each solution’s unique selling point and collated reviews from real users.
Key takeaways:
- Heimdal® XDR – modular security platform combining multiple tools in one hub and easy to implement compliance reporting (SOC, NIS2, etc.)
- Tenable – Provides real-time risk insights with on-prem deployment options.
- Rapid7 – Unifies endpoint-to-cloud security with custom attack analysis.
- CrowdStrike – Uses a single lightweight sensor for low-impact threat detection.
- Microsoft Defender for Cloud – Optimized for Microsoft environments with hybrid security tools.
- BeyondTrust – Specializes in privileged access and zero trust security.
- Tanium – Gives deep endpoint visibility for large, complex networks.
- Sophos – Delivers AI-driven threat detection with 24/7 response.
- Trend Micro – Offers a wide range of tools for all-around cyber defense.
- WatchGuard – Focuses on simple, strong security for SMBs.
10 Qualys Alternatives to Add to Your Shortlist
There are dozens of Qualys alternatives out there, with a lot of crossovers in terms of features and technology. Our analysts have handpicked 10 of the best to make your job easier.
1. Heimdal® XDR
Heimdal® offers a cybersecurity platform that gives both SMBs and large organizations total security. The Extended Detection and Response (XDR) works like a central hub where you can access a complete range of cybersecurity tools.
Like Qualys, Heimdal®’s XDR includes tools for asset management, vulnerability management, threat detection & response, and compliance.
Besides that, Heimdal’s XDR platform integrates privileged access management, email and collaboration security, threat hunting and network security – among other tech.
Heimdal® USP
Heimdal’s USP is its true cybersecurity platform approach. You can begin just by using the like-for-like Qualys replacements and then discover many more essential cybersecurity tools, like Ransomware Encryption Protection or advanced DNS filtering.
Its Patch&Asset Management module is one of the most appreciate, as you’ll see in the user review section. Some of Heimdal’s patch management tool’s features and capabilities are:
- automation
- asset discovery with real time visibility
- works on Windows, MacOS, and Linux
- deploys critical patches in less than 4 hours
- covers more than 350 apps
In-depth: What Is a Cybersecurity Platform?
Heimdal® Reviews
Heimdal offers many different modules in their product, but you can mix and match them as you like so you don’t have to pay for something you’re not going to use. It is also very easy to manage and implement most things in Heimdal.
I like that many applications are bundled in one application, making it easy to administrate and very effective. Effective means saving time and money.
Kent K., IT Manager at Mid-Market Company
Quality in relation to price is 10 / 10, all in one product and good central admin and dashboard.
2. Tenable
Tenable is a direct competitor to Qualys and they have lots of features and tools in common, like automated vulnerability assessment. This Qualys alternative offers an ‘Exposure Management Platform’ which provides a variety of cybersecurity tools including vulnerability management, cloud security, identity exposure management and attack surface management.
Perhaps the biggest difference between Tenable and Qualys, is that Tenable can be managed on-premises, whereas Qualys is purely cloud-based. You can read more on the topic and also find alternatives to Tenable here.
Tenable USP
Tenable says it offers the world’s best exposure data and exposure management solutions, with real time, AI-driven insights into risks.
Reviews
Tenable just works and does what it needs to do.
Steve T., CSO at Enterprise Business
Its pre-configured dashboards are good but could be better… Dashboards are not real time [and] it takes its own sweet time to fetch data.
3. Rapid7
Rapid7 offers continuous assessment of the attack surface, among other capabilities. This data security and analytics solution provides many similar tools to Qualys, including vulnerability management, incident detection and response. Unlike Qualys, it also offers on-prem vulnerability management, which means it can be helpful for a wider variety of businesses.
Rapid7 USP
Rapid7 bills itself as the only “endpoint to cloud, unified cybersecurity platform”. It also says it helps customers analyze attack vectors that are distinct to their organizations.
Reviews
Availability is good and the context provided in the alerts is better than some vendors.
G2 Verified User at an Enterprise Company
Easy to configure and customizable for options in your environment.
4. CrowdStrike
CrowdStrike is known as one of those one stop shop security tools.
Despite recent troubles, CrowdStrike remains a popular solution. Like Qualys it offers endpoint detection and response, vulnerability management, asset discovery, and anti-virus. But it goes further, with cyber threat intelligence features, and has a lighter load on your systems. According to their website, CrowdStrike offers 98% reduction in critical vulnerabilities.
CrowdStrike Issues 2024: CrowdStrike Faced Major Outages in 2024 – What You Need to Know
CrowdStrike USP
CrowdStrike’s USP is its use of a single lightweight sensor which scans and monitors for cyber attacks, but with minimal load on company networks.
Reviews
We use this product in our day to day activities where our SOC team monitors and integrate the same with other solutions for better visibility from the network. The customer support is really fast and accurate.
Aakash K., Technical Consultant at Mid-Market Firm
“For some newer apps the level of integration isn’t as friendly and smooth as it should be.
5. Microsoft Defender for Cloud
If your organization primarily uses Microsoft technology, then Defender for Cloud is a strong Qualys alternative. This robust solution detects and responds to cyberthreats, supports regulatory compliance and scans for vulnerabilities, just as Qualys does.
But Defender for Cloud does a lot more too, with tools for DevOps security management and contextual security posture management, among others.
Microsoft Defender for Cloud USP
Defender for Cloud is a strong option for any company that primarily uses Microsoft technology.
Reviews
Microsoft Defender is a classy product from Microsoft and with the feature of Cloud, the Defender can do a lot for your infrastructure from On-Prem to Hybrid and Cloud. It has a wide dashboard from where you can see all the issues in your infra. You can see the risky users in real-time in your environment, you can see your risk score known as the secure score.
“Sometimes it does not accurately track the threat. I have seen it has released some suspicious emails and has not shown a security risk, but it is very low. I will say its SLA is more than 99% but yes, sometimes it fails to meet our expectations.
6. BeyondTrust
If you are looking for a Qualys alternative that offers advanced solutions for privileged access management, then BeyondTrust should definitely be on your shortlist. The technology offers many of the same capabilities as Qualys – such as vulnerability management and cloud security – but offers many more PAM features.
BeyondTrust USP
BeyondTrust stands out as a leader in privileged access management, zero trust and password security.
Reviews
We easily can give access to external users and internal non-IT personnel to resources in a secure and controlled way.
Jimmy L., IT Technician at Enterprise Company
The price for a product like this is higher than most.
7. Tanium
Tanium is a strong Qualys alternative, which offers endpoint management, risk & compliance, and incident response solutions. It arguably goes further than Qualys in certain areas – particularly with its endpoint management tools.
Tanium USP
Tanium is especially adept at helping large organizations with complex networks to understand their entire environment and threats they’re facing.
Reviews
Checking for endpoints in our environment has been eased with the use of Tanium. We can always check what applications are available on the workstation.
G2 Verified User at Mid-Market Company
It is a bit complex for people who are new to cyber security stream and are using Tanium as a first tool for hands-on experience on endpoint security.
8. Sophos
Looking for an AI-powered Qualys alternative? Sophos could be a good option. The solution uses machine learning to help you secure users, networks and endpoints from cyberthreats from a single, cloud-based console.
Sophos USP
Sophos’ advanced use of artificial intelligence is the big differentiator here, with 24/7 threat hunting and response.
Reviews
One of the things that stands out is how very well designed and easy to use their interface is. In addition, their communication and timely, focused updates make our company feel very safe and secure in using their service.
Clay T., IT Manager at Mid-Market Business
While Sophos MDR offers many strengths, one area for improvement is the occasional complexity of initial setup and integration with existing systems.
9. Trend Micro
If you need a more comprehensive range of cybersecurity tools, the Trend Micro is a strong Qualys alternative. Whereas Qualys is primarily focused on vulnerability and asset management and compliance, Trend Micro offers you many more tools in a single place.
TrendMicro USP
TrendMicro offers one of the biggest arsenals of apps and tools to tackle cybersecurity threats.
Reviews
With Trend Micro Vision One you get a very nice and complete overview of all aspects of your security posture. You can go as detailed as you want.
Giovanni G., Mid-Market Business
“The cost of the platform may be prohibitive for smaller businesses, and the learning curve for new users can be steep, requiring substantial effort to fully leverage all features.
10. WatchGuard
WatchGuard is another Qualys alternative which should definitely make your shortlist. WatchGuard’s focus is on securing your network, with MFA, network intelligence and endpoint security. While it can be used at organizations of all sizes, WatchGuard is particularly focused on helping SMEs stay secure.
WatchGuard USP
A strong focus on the needs of small and medium sized businesses.
Reviews
It is an easy to understand and easy to use product. It is not difficult to adapt to use WatchGuard.
Wander A., Infrastructure Manager at Mid-Market Business
One of the main concerns for me has been the customer support experience. While their support team is generally responsive, there have been instances where I felt the solutions provided were not as thorough as I had hoped.
Choosing a Qualys Alternative
If your organization is ready to move beyond Qualys, it’s valuable to explore alternative solutions which can offer more than your current technology.
We believe the 10 Qualys alternatives listed here are some of the best options on the market, offering comparable features to Qualys, but giving you additional tools and features.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Which is better: Qualys or Tenable?
Qualys and Tenable offer many similar features and are direct competitors. While the technologies are similar, Tenable scores slightly higher on rankings for customer support and capabilities.
Why do some customers leave Qualys?
The primary reason for customers leaving Qualys is that they need a more comprehensive cybersecurity platform. Although Qualys does some things very well (especially around discovery and patch management), it doesn’t offer other essential cybersecurity tools such as PAM, threat hunting, or email security.
Is Qualys available on premises?
No, Qualys is a cloud-based solution that scans for vulnerabilities on all endpoints in a network – but will not scan systems that are not internet-connected.
Cristian is a Content Editor & Creator at Heimdal®, where he developed a deep understanding of the digital threat landscape. His style resonates with both technical and non-technical readers, proof being in his skill of communicating cybersecurity norms effectively, in an easy-to-understand manner.
