The 5 best alternatives to Tenable in 2025

In the middle of 2025, there is no longer any doubt that cybersecurity has become the main stronghold of any company. From multinationals to SMEs — and especially the latter, which receive the most attacks — all companies are focusing on preventing and combating cyberattacks, as they are increasingly common and can jeopardize any company at any time.

That is why all companies must have a good vulnerability management platform. Only in this way can they understand which flaws can be exploited in your infrastructure, prioritize them according to real risk, and remediate them quickly. And among all these problem solvers, Tenable has been the most recommended for years. It’s no coincidence: it offers comprehensive risk visibility in IT, cloud, and container environments, with detailed reports and massive vulnerability coverage.

But is Tenable the only valid option on the market? Clearly not. Many SMEs compare Tenable with other platforms like Rapid7 InsightVM, Qualys, Vanta or even with open-source solutions such as OpenVAS. All offer different features from Tenable and are easily adaptable to different businesses. Thus, below we offer a detailed comparison of the best cybersecurity solutions so you can choose wisely. Which one will you choose?

Why look for an alternative to Tenable?

Tenable is a market leader for a reason: it is a very interesting option for large companies that need a certain maturity in cybersecurity and rely on maximum power to prevent attacks. However, it is usually not the most suitable for SMEs and companies that need special specialties. Its focus is on power and cutting-edge technology, but at the cost of high prices and functionalities designed for large scale. 

These are the main reasons why many companies are comparing Tenable with other solutions like Rapid7, Qualys, Vanta, or CrowdStrike:

• High and unpredictable price. Tenable operates with customized budgets. This way, its licenses are very broad and can range between €3,800 and €86,000 annually, depending on the number of assets. This variability prevents many SMEs from planning their investment clearly, since they don’t know how much they will end up spending on cybersecurity.
• High learning curve. Although its coverage is excellent, many functions require advanced knowledge to take full advantage. Deployment, scanner configuration, and data management may require specialized technical profiles.
• Modular model with separate functions. Tenable offers different products for each need (Tenable.io, Tenable.ad, Tenable.ot), which sometimes forces contracting several solutions to have complete coverage. This can be complex and costly for small companies that want quick and simple solutions.
• Poorly integrated remediation. Unlike other platforms that integrate patch management or task automation, Tenable often requires external integrations or manual work to remediate vulnerabilities, which can fall short of what is truly needed from the tool.

Despite Tenable’s difficulties, companies can rest assured. The ecosystem of vulnerability management platforms has grown significantly. There are more accessible, easy-to-use alternatives adapted to the reality of SMEs. And below we present our highlights.

Comparative table: Which alternative suits you best?

Rapid7 InsightVM: A platform that prioritizes vulnerabilities and remediates them before it's too late

Tenable vs Rapid7 InsightVM

The comparison between Tenable and Rapid7 InsightVM is repeated constantly, especially in environments where the team needs to move from detection to action as quickly as possible. The best of Rapid7 is that it not only identifies vulnerabilities but turns them into priority tasks, with clear steps and detailed recommendations so you can address any issue on time.

What differentiates Rapid7 from Tenable?

The key difference between Rapid7 and Tenable lies in their practical approach. While Tenable delivers large volumes of data to analyze, Rapid7 stands out for translating that information into actions. It offers integration with ticketing and patch management tools. Additionally, its dashboard helps understand what is most urgent according to your context.

Pros and cons of Rapid7 InsightVM

Rapid7 InsightVM Pricing

Rapid7 offers customized quotes, but according to market data the price ranges between €7,000 and €200,000 annually, with a median of around €28,000/year for medium-sized companies. It is more expensive than Tenable, which may discourage small businesses. However, it also offers more integrated remediation features that make its integration easier. Overall, it is designed for companies that want easy solutions regardless of the price to pay.

Who is Rapid7 InsightVM designed for?

Rapid7 is an ideal solution for companies that not only want to know what is failing, but how to fix it. If your team is not cybersecurity expert but needs to act quickly, InsightVM provides the tools to do so without getting lost among thousands of alerts. That said, don't expect something very cheap or simple; it is designed for large companies that need maximum effectiveness in cybersecurity.

Qualys VMDR: a perfect tool to continuously scan any vulnerability

Tenable vs Qualys

Another interesting option to consider is Qualys, an alternative that integrates all its functionalities into a single cloud platform. While Tenable offers different tools depending on the environment, this makes everything work from a single interface, making its use much easier. Its main tools are asset discovery, scanning, prioritization, and patching.

How does Qualys differ from Tenable?

Tenable is a generic option that protects you from vulnerabilities, but Qualys goes a step further in some specific functions. It is mainly designed for continuous scanning, automating responses, and generating compliance reports (SOC2, ISO 27001...). Additionally, its cloud interface greatly facilitates the initial deployment without local infrastructure, something that Tenable does not have at all.

Pros and Cons of Qualys VMDR

Price of Qualys VMDR

Although cybersecurity solutions usually have personalized pricing, in the case of Qualys VMDR we can get a closer idea of what it represents. In this case, the cost starts from around €180/asset/year, which can be affordable or expensive depending on the number of devices in your company. Even so, it is one of the most complete and scalable options on the market, so its price is worth it in specific cases.

Who is Qualys designed for?

Qualys is specially designed for companies that prioritize the automation of regulatory compliance and comprehensive management of their security in increasingly complex environments. It is an ideal tool for organizations that need more than just a simple vulnerability scanner and are looking for an all-in-one solution that allows them to discover assets and, at the same time, generate reports that help demonstrate compliance with regulations such as ISO 27001, SOC 2, or GDPR. Therefore, Qualys is especially useful for growing medium-sized companies, technology firms, and organizations operating in regulated sectors that require solid, traceable, and auditable processes.

CrowdStrike Falcon: AI-powered endpoint security with full visibility

Tenable vs CrowdStrike Falcon

CrowdStrike is more than a modern antivirus: it is an advanced cloud-based cybersecurity platform designed to provide comprehensive protection against sophisticated threats. Its Falcon Spotlight module allows real-time vulnerability management, detecting weaknesses before they can be exploited, and natively integrates it with EDR capabilities (endpoint detection and response), malware defense, identity control, and complete visibility of the device fleet.

What differentiates CrowdStrike from Tenable?

CrowdStrike focuses on protecting endpoints (computers, laptops, mobiles) with a combination of artificial intelligence and global threat data. It offers real-time alerts on exploitable vulnerabilities, even before the patch is released. In this way, it is designed for broad functions that can be useful for certain types of companies, but it does not have as specific a deployment as Tenable might have.

Pros and cons of CrowdStrike Falcon

CrowdStrike Pricing

CrowdStrike is one of the few vulnerability management platforms with transparent pricing, which is appreciated in a system that is usually much more opaque. It offers different pricing plans depending on the level of protection and functionalities required, all based on a per device per year rate. 

• The Falcon Go plan, designed for small businesses or teams starting in cybersecurity, starts at €55/device/year and includes basic protection against malware and common threats.
• The next level, Falcon Pro, costs approximately €90/device/year and incorporates advanced detection and response capabilities (EDR), offering greater visibility into suspicious behavior on endpoints. 
• Finally, Falcon Enterprise raises protection to a comprehensive approach, with real-time analysis, vulnerability management (Spotlight), and enhanced support, at a price of €170/device/year. 

This structure allows companies to scale their security according to their real needs, maintaining cost control without giving up key functionalities.

Who is CrowdStrike intended for?

CrowdStrike is ideal for medium and large companies that need to protect many devices, especially if they work remotely or with distributed teams. It is also a good option for companies that already have an IT department and want to unify antivirus, EDR, and vulnerability management in a single tool. However, it is not especially recommended for small businesses or freelancers.

Vanta: The perfect compliance platform

Tenable vs Vanta

Another interesting alternative to Tenable is Vanta, a platform that is not defined as a traditional vulnerability scanner, but rather focuses more on compliance. In this way, it is one of the top companies when it comes to certifying standards like SOC2, ISO, or HIPAA. But, in addition, it also adds interesting cybersecurity solutions for businesses.

What is the difference between Vanta and Tenable?

Unlike Tenable, which focuses on the technical detection of vulnerabilities, Vanta emphasizes regulatory compliance. Beyond its cybersecurity system, it aims for your company to have the appropriate controls implemented to comply with standards such as SOC 2, ISO 27001, or HIPAA. It automates tasks that normally require weeks of manual work: gathering security evidence, monitoring the status of your controls in real time, and generating reports you can deliver directly to an auditor.

Pros and cons of Vanta

Vanta Price

Vanta does not publish official rates on its website and market data offers a fairly wide range. The annual cost is usually between €6,600 and €46,000, depending on the size of the company, the number of employees, the number of integrations required, and the compliance standards to be covered (SOC 2, ISO 27001, HIPAA, etc.). The estimated average is around €18,000/year, positioning it as an affordable tool for startups and growing SMEs that need to certify their processes to work with large clients or access regulated markets.

Who is Vanta designed for?

Vanta is designed for startups, tech companies, and SMEs that need to pass security audits like SOC 2, ISO 27001, or HIPAA without complications. If your priority is to comply with regulations and automate the process, rather than just scanning for technical vulnerabilities, this tool is perfect. It saves you time, reduces errors, and makes life easier for any team.

OpenVAS: Free Security for Technical Companies

Tenable vs OpenVAS

Tenable has many platforms that could be its direct competitors, such as Rapid7 or Qualys. However, OpenVAS is not one of them. The reason is simple: it is an open-source platform, free and maintained by an active community. Thus, it is ideal if you have technical knowledge and need something powerful without spending a euro. Although it is not easy to handle.

What differentiates OpenVAS from Tenable?

OpenVAS offers a robust solution for vulnerability scanning with thousands of updated tests. It doesn't have as polished an interface or advanced commercial features, but its technical foundation is very solid. Also, being a free option, it can be a very good choice for companies that are just starting out. That said; keep in mind that, perhaps, what you don't spend on paying for the platform you need for a technical profile to manage it.

Pros and cons of OpenVAS

OpenVAS Price

The best thing about OpenVAS is that it is a completely free alternative. You will only pay if you choose to hire additional technical support or its Enterprise version, managed through Greenbone Networks.

Who is OpenVAS designed for?

OpenVAS is a tool designed for technical teams with experience in cybersecurity, internal IT departments, or specialized consultants seeking a powerful, customizable vulnerability scanning solution without license costs. It is ideal for organizations that do not need a polished interface or integrated automation, but value full control over their security infrastructure. That said, it is not intended for beginners: it requires knowledge of Linux servers, networks, and some scripting to fully leverage its potential.

Comparison by categories: which alternative to Tenable to choose?

Quick guide: continue with Tenable or switch?

• Looking to act fast and know which patch to apply before anyone else? → Rapid7 InsightVM. Ideal if your priority is to move from detection to action quickly and efficiently.
• Want to automate compliance and have everything audited? → Vanta. Perfect for startups and SMEs that need to certify their security without technical complications.
• Is your infrastructure mostly cloud and you need full visibility? → Qualys. The best choice for companies managing hybrid or multicloud environments that require continuous scanning.
• Do you have many remote devices and need endpoint security + scanning? → CrowdStrike Falcon. Designed for distributed teams looking to consolidate protection and visibility into a single tool.
• Are you a technical profile, want to save money, and can easily configure your environment? → OpenVAS. The ideal choice for experts who prefer a free, powerful, and fully customizable solution.

Conclusion: What is the best alternative to Tenable in 2025?

In the world of vulnerability managers, nothing is set in stone. Tenable remains the favorite option for most companies, thanks to its power, features, and adaptability. However, every business is unique, and many alternatives arise that aim to fill the gaps Tenable leaves behind. 

Today there are many solutions as powerful as Tenable and better suited to the needs of small and medium-sized businesses. Whether for price, ease of use, integration, or compliance focus, tools like Rapid7, Qualys, CrowdStrike, Vanta, and OpenVAS are establishing themselves as equally valid options and, in many cases, more practical for growing securely.

However, there is no clear winner. It all depends on what your company needs, its protection requirements, and its size. Our recommendation, nonetheless, is that you take advantage of free demos and try at least two platforms. Only with direct experience will you be able to know which fits best with your company, team, and security strategy.