Skip to content

Security and compliance tools

  • 859 tools evaluated
  • 10 top picks
  • 5 with a free plan
Key Takeaways
  • 1Password is our overall pick for security in 2026. LastPass is our free pick. Overall pick: Cheapest paid plan Individual, $2.99/mo. Rated 4.7/5 across G2 and Capterra (3,945 ratings, Sep 2026). Watch out: No free tier at all, even personal use starts at $2.99/mo (annual) or $3.99/mo (monthly). Free pick: Free plan; cheapest paid plan Premium, $3/mo. Rated 4.6/5 across G2 and Capterra (4,877 ratings, Sep 2026).
  • We evaluated 859 security tools to create this ranking.
  • 5 of the 10 tools listed here have a free plan, perfect for getting started.

Security spans many subcategories: SIEM, vulnerability scanning, identity, secrets management, compliance, endpoint security. Most security stacks combine 5-10 specialized tools. See specific subcategories.

10 top security tools compared

Security tools compared on starting price (cheapest paid plan, monthly, as of October 2026), average user rating with each review site's own score, and the hidden cost to watch for.
1Password logo
1Password
Price: $2.99/mo4.7 across G2 and Capterra Capterra 4.7 · G2 4.6Watch out: No free tier at all, even personal use starts at $2.99/mo (annual) or $3.99/mo (monthly)
ESET logo
ESET
Price: $3.33/mo4.7 across G2 and Capterra Capterra 4.7 · G2 4.6
LastPass logo
LastPass
Price: $3/mo4.6 across G2 and Capterra Capterra 4.6 · G2 4.5
Sophos logo
Sophos
Price: $3.75/mo4.6 across G2 and Capterra G2 4.6 · Capterra 4.5Watch out: Business tiers require custom quotes, implying higher costs.
Azure AD logo
Azure AD
Price: $6/mo4.6 across G2 and Capterra G2 4.5 · Capterra 4.7
Malwarebytes logo
Malwarebytes
Price: $3.75/mo4.6 on G2 G2 4.6
Duo Security logo
Duo Security
Price: $3/mo4.6 across G2 and Capterra Capterra 4.7 · G2 4.5
JumpCloud logo
JumpCloud
Price: $9/mo4.4 across G2, Capterra and Trustpilot G2 4.5 · Capterra 4.6
OneSpan Sign logo
OneSpan Sign
Price: Contact sales4.7 across G2 and Capterra G2 4.7 · Capterra 4.7Watch out: Potential minimum volume commitments
CyberArk logo
CyberArk
Price: Contact sales3.8 across Trustpilot, G2 and Capterra Trustpilot 3.2 · G2 4.4Watch out: Potential for high minimum user counts

Security pricing compared

Security pricing, as of October 2026
1PasswordCheapest paid plan: Individual, $2.99/moFree plan: NoBilling: Billed monthly
ESETCheapest paid plan: Essential Security, $3.33/mo (billed yearly)Free plan: NoBilling: Billed yearly
LastPassCheapest paid plan: Premium, $3/moFree plan: YesBilling: Billed monthly
SophosCheapest paid plan: Home, $3.75/mo (billed yearly)Free plan: NoBilling: Billed yearly
Azure ADCheapest paid plan: P1, $6/moFree plan: YesBilling: Per user, billed monthly
MalwarebytesCheapest paid plan: Premium, $3.75/mo (billed yearly)Free plan: YesBilling: Billed yearly
Duo SecurityCheapest paid plan: Essentials, $3/moFree plan: YesBilling: Per user, billed monthly
JumpCloudCheapest paid plan: Device Management, $9/moFree plan: YesBilling: Per user, billed monthly
OneSpan SignCheapest paid plan: Not publishedFree plan: NoBilling: Not published
CyberArkCheapest paid plan: Not publishedFree plan: NoBilling: Not published

Toolradar pricing data, last verified October 2026. Prices are the cheapest paid plan converted to a monthly figure; "Not published" means the vendor publishes no price for a self-serve paid plan. 8 of 10 tools publish a paid price; median cheapest paid plan $3.54/mo.

Toolradar data

The security tools market in numbers

Toolradar data: Toolradar tracks 859 security tools (subcategories included) as of October 13, 2026. 45% of the security tools on Toolradar are free, freemium or open source. The median cheapest paid plan for security tools is $15/mo, across the 146 that publish a price. Toolradar re-checked the pricing of 65% of security tools in the last 90 days. Toolradar aggregates 347,829 public user reviews (G2, Capterra, Trustpilot and other review sites) across 508 rated security tools. The most cross-shopped security tool is Datadog, listed as an alternative to 133 other tools on Toolradar. The most compared security tool on Toolradar over the last 90 days is Tailscale, with 730 side-by-side comparisons. Computed from the Toolradar catalog and on-site activity.

  • 859 security tools tracked (subcategories included)
  • 45% are free, freemium or open source
  • $15/mo median cheapest paid plan, across the 146 security tools that publish one
  • 65% of prices re-checked in the last 90 days
  • 347,829 public user reviews aggregated across 508 rated tools
Most cross-shopped security tools on Toolradar, as of October 2026 Listed as an alternative to the most other tools on Toolradar
Rank Tool Listed as an alternative to
1 Datadog 133 tools
2 Dynatrace 72 tools
3 Resolver 65 tools
Most compared security tools on Toolradar, last 90 days to October 2026 Side-by-side comparisons by visitors, last 90 days
Rank Tool Comparisons
1 Tailscale 730
2 Datadog 615
3 GitLab 601

Source and method: live security tools statistics

How the top security tools compare

5 of the 10 security tools listed here have a free plan (LastPass, Azure AD, Malwarebytes, Duo Security, JumpCloud); the other 5 (1Password, ESET, Sophos, OneSpan Sign, CyberArk) are paid only. Teams on a budget should start with LastPass, our free pick.

Rankings are computed from G2/Capterra review volume and rating, and media mentions. Editorial policy

Top security tools

1
1Password logo

Securely store passwords, cards, and docs with end-to-end encryption

4.7 /5 across G2 and Capterra · 3,945 ratings, Sep 2026

1Password is a password manager that securely stores passwords, credit cards, and sensitive documents with end-to-end encryption for individuals and teams.

1Password screenshot
  • Pro: Excellent security
  • Pro: Easy to use
  • Pro: Family sharing
  • Con: No free plan
  • Con: Subscription required
Good value

1Password is the premium option in password management, no free tier, starting at $2.99/mo (annual).

Watch out

No free tier at all, even personal use starts at $2.99/mo (annual) or $3.99/mo (monthly)

2
ESET logo

ESET

Paid

Cybersecurity solutions for businesses and consumers

4.7 /5 across G2 and Capterra · 2,173 ratings, Sep 2026

ESET provides antivirus and endpoint security for consumers and businesses. Low system impact, strong detection, and decades of security research behind the products. The scanning is efficient. Business features include central management. The detection rates are consistently strong. Users and organizations wanting lightweight but effective endpoint protection choose ESET for security without slowdown.

  • Pro: Good antivirus
  • Pro: Light on resources
  • Pro: Active development
  • Con: UI dated
  • Con: Per-device pricing
Good value

ESET's pricing is fair, with the Advanced Security tier at $59.99/year offering good value for comprehensive features.

3
LastPass logo

LastPass

Free plan

Securely store, autofill, and share passwords across all your devices

4.6 /5 across G2 and Capterra · 4,877 ratings, Sep 2026

LastPass is a password manager for individuals, families, and businesses. Store passwords in an encrypted vault. Autofill credentials across devices and browsers. Secure password sharing with trusted contacts. Dark web monitoring alerts on compromised accounts. Password security that millions depend on daily.

  • Pro: Easy to use
  • Pro: Good browser extension
  • Pro: Family sharing
  • Con: Past security breaches
  • Con: Limited free tier
Good value

LastPass offers a fair pricing structure, especially with its generous Free tier for basic single-device use.

4
Sophos logo

Sophos

Paid

Unified enterprise security for midsize businesses

4.6 /5 across G2 and Capterra · 2,668 ratings, Sep 2026

Sophos provides endpoint and network security. Enterprise security for midsize businesses-protection across attack surfaces. The coverage is comprehensive. The management is unified. The enterprise focus is clear. Organizations wanting unified security consider Sophos for comprehensive protection.

  • Pro: Enterprise security
  • Pro: Good endpoint protection
  • Pro: Active development
  • Con: Expensive
  • Con: Complex platform
Good value

Sophos's pricing for its Home tier at $44.99/year is fair for personal use, offering good value for up to 10 devices.

Watch out

Business tiers require custom quotes, implying higher costs.

5
Azure AD logo

Azure AD

Free plan

Microsoft cloud identity and access management

4.6 /5 across G2 and Capterra · 945 ratings, Sep 2026

Azure Active Directory (now Microsoft Entra ID) is Microsoft cloud-based identity and access management service. Provides SSO, MFA, conditional access, and identity protection for Microsoft and third-party apps.

  • Pro: Microsoft integration
  • Pro: Enterprise-grade
  • Pro: Comprehensive features
  • Con: Complex pricing
  • Con: Microsoft ecosystem bias
Good value

Azure AD's pricing is quite fair and competitive, especially with its robust Free tier offering unlimited SSO and MFA.

6
Malwarebytes logo

Malwarebytes

Free plan

Cybersecurity and malware protection

4.6 /5 on G2 · 1,089 ratings, Sep 2026

Malwarebytes protects against malware and online threats. Remediation for infections, real-time protection, and ransomware defense-security software with strong remediation. The malware removal is effective. The protection is solid. The reputation is established. Users dealing with malware or wanting protection choose Malwarebytes for effective security.

  • Pro: Good malware removal
  • Pro: Easy to use
  • Pro: Fair pricing
  • Con: Not full antivirus
  • Con: Limited free version
Good value

Malwarebytes offers a fair pricing structure, especially with its robust Free tier for basic malware removal.

7
Duo Security logo

Duo Security

Free plan

Multi-factor authentication for enterprises

4.6 /5 across G2 and Capterra · 1,051 ratings, Sep 2026

Duo Security protects access with multi-factor authentication that's actually usable. Push notifications to phones, hardware keys, biometrics-2FA that doesn't frustrate users. The user experience is thoughtful. Device trust policies add security. Cisco backing provides enterprise credibility. Organizations implementing MFA choose Duo because it balances security with user experience.

  • Pro: Enterprise MFA leader
  • Pro: Good security
  • Pro: Easy setup
  • Con: Expensive
  • Con: Cisco pricing complexity
Good value

Duo Security's pricing is fair, offering a generous free tier for up to 10 users.

8
JumpCloud logo

JumpCloud

Free plan

Open directory platform for IT teams

4.4 /5 across G2, Capterra and Trustpilot · 4,391 ratings, Sep 2026

JumpCloud is a cloud directory platform that unifies identity, access, and device management. Provides SSO, MFA, device management, and directory services from a single platform.

JumpCloud screenshot
  • Pro: All-in-one platform
  • Pro: Free tier available
  • Pro: Good Mac support
  • Con: Can be complex
  • Con: Limited reporting
Good value

JumpCloud's pricing is generally fair, offering a generous Free tier for up to 10 users.

9
OneSpan Sign logo

Secure digital agreements and protect mobile apps with advanced authentication and fraud prevention.

4.7 /5 across G2 and Capterra · 856 ratings, Sep 2026

OneSpan provides a comprehensive platform for securing digital agreements and protecting mobile applications. It streamlines the entire agreement workflow, from preparation to signing and management, through secure eSignatures, identity verification, and smart digital forms, all while ensuring compliance and speed. Beyond agreements, OneSpan offers robust cybersecurity solutions to protect identities, secure mobile apps, and safeguard access using advanced authentication, threat intelligence, and fraud prevention. This platform is ideal for organizations, particularly financial institutions, that require high-assurance authentication and secure digital processes at scale. It helps mitigate fraud, ensures regulatory compliance (like PSD2 and GDPR), and enhances customer experience by allowing secure operations even on potentially compromised mobile devices. OneSpan's solutions are designed to integrate seamlessly into existing DevSecOps pipelines, accelerating secure app delivery.

  • Pro: Strengthens app resistance to intrusion, tampering, and malware.
  • Pro: Enables secure operation of mobile apps on jailbroken or rooted devices.
  • Pro: Automates app shielding through CI/CD tool integrations.
  • Con: No explicit free tier or trial mentioned.
  • Con: Focuses heavily on enterprise and financial institutions, potentially less accessible for smaller businesses.

Watch out

Potential minimum volume commitments

10
CyberArk logo

Secure every identity across human, machine, and AI with intelligent privilege controls.

3.8 /5 across Trustpilot, G2 and Capterra · 976 ratings, Sep 2026

CyberArk provides a comprehensive Identity Security Platform designed to protect all identities-human, machine, and AI-across hybrid, SaaS, and multi-cloud environments. It acts as the first line of defense against malicious actors and unauthorized access by seamlessly securing identities throughout their access lifecycle. The platform unifies various security components including secure SSO, Adaptive MFA, Lifecycle Management, Directory Services, and User Behavior Analytics to streamline operations and provide secure access to resources from any location and device. At its core, the platform applies world-class intelligent privilege controls across the entire IT estate, securing sensitive data for workforce users, third-party vendors, endpoints, and machine identities. It also features CORA AI, an embedded AI engine that enhances threat detection, automates policy enforcement, and provides intelligent insights into user activities and potential risks, making security operations smarter and more efficient. The platform aims to simplify security management, ensure compliance, and reduce risk by providing continuous discovery, risk-based context, and automated policy enforcement for all identities.

CyberArk screenshot
  • Pro: Comprehensive security for all identity types (human, machine, AI)
  • Pro: Unified platform simplifies security stack and management
  • Pro: Advanced AI capabilities enhance threat detection and automation
  • Con: No free tier or trial explicitly mentioned
  • Con: Complexity of implementation and management for large enterprises

Watch out

Potential for high minimum user counts

Why other security tools didn't make our top 10

We evaluated 859 tools in this category and these 20 ranked 11 through 30. They're solid options that fell short on one or two axes (review depth, pricing transparency, feature parity), but worth a look if the leaders don't fit your stack or budget.

1password Business logo
1password Business
Enterprise password management
Keeper logo
Keeper
Password manager with enterprise security
Vanta logo
Vanta
The AI Trust Management Platform for automated compliance, risk, and vendor management.
Huntress logo
Huntress
Managed security for small businesses
Linx Security logo
Linx Security
AI-native identity security and governance for unified visibility and automated management
Glassbox logo
Glassbox
Optimize customer experiences, boost conversions, and maintain security and compliance in digital channels.
Nessus logo
Nessus
Vulnerability assessment scanner
Netwrix logo
Netwrix
Unified data security that starts with identity, protecting your organization from evolving threats.
SailPoint logo
SailPoint
Unified, AI-driven identity security for the modern enterprise, securing every identity and access.
Secureframe logo
Secureframe
Automate compliance, improve security, and reduce risk with AI-powered solutions and expert support.
OneLogin logo
OneLogin
Identity and access management platform
OpenText logo
OpenText
Securely manage and connect enterprise information to drive trusted, scalable AI results.
Bitwarden Teams logo
Bitwarden Teams
Securely manage and share credentials for your team and enterprise.
FusionAuth logo
FusionAuth
Customer identity and access management
Thoropass logo
Thoropass
Achieve and maintain cybersecurity compliance with an end-to-end audit lifecycle platform.
Orca Security logo
Orca Security
Industry-leading cloud security solution for multi-cloud environments.
Zluri logo
Zluri
Next-gen identity governance and administration for modern enterprises.
NordPass logo
NordPass
Securely store, manage, and autofill passwords and sensitive data for personal and business use.
Ping Identity logo
Ping Identity
Enterprise identity security solutions
OpenVPN logo
OpenVPN
Open-source VPN protocol and software

Popular security comparisons

See how the leading security tools stack up head-to-head.

Compare all 725 security tools side by side

Pricing breakdowns for security tools

Real plans and the hidden costs for each tool.

Browse all security tools

859 tools
Proton VPN logo
Proton VPN
Swiss privacy protection with unlimited bandwidth
Free plan · Windows, macOS, Linux, Chrome, Android, iOS
Proton logo
Proton
End-to-end encrypted suite for total digital privacy
Free plan · Web, iOS, Android, Windows, macOS, Linux
ServiceNow logo
ServiceNow
Digitize and automate workflows for IT, HR, and customer service
Paid
NordVPN logo
NordVPN
Online VPN service for privacy
Paid
IBM Cloud logo
IBM Cloud
Enterprise cloud platform by IBM
Free plan · Web
1Password Developer logo
1Password Developer
Secrets management for developers
Paid · Web
TeamViewer logo
TeamViewer
The platform for the digital workplace, enabling seamless remote access, support, and IT management.
Free plan · Web, Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android
GitLab logo
GitLab
The most comprehensive AI-powered DevSecOps platform for secure and accelerated software delivery.
Free plan · Web
NinjaOne logo
NinjaOne
The easiest IT management platform for unified endpoint management and IT operations.
Paid · Web
Box logo
Box
Secure cloud content management
Paid · Web
Bitdefender logo
Bitdefender
Antivirus and cybersecurity for consumers and business
Paid · Web, iOS, Android, Windows, macOS
Hoxhunt logo
Hoxhunt
Automate security training with AI-driven phishing simulations
Paid
AWS S3 logo
AWS S3
Scalable object storage by Amazon
Paid · Web
ConnectWise logo
ConnectWise
Unified IT management platform for MSPs and IT professionals, powered by agentic AI.
Paid · Web
KnowBe4 logo
KnowBe4
Reduce human and AI agent risk with an end-to-end human risk management platform.
Paid · Web
Remote logo
Remote
Global HR platform for distributed teams
Paid · Web
Jamf logo
Jamf
Manage and secure all your Apple devices at scale
Paid
Elastic logo
Elastic
The Search AI Company powering search, observability, and security with open and flexible solutions.
Free plan · Web
Dashlane logo
Dashlane
Secure password management, dark web monitoring, and VPN
Free plan · Web, iOS, Android, Windows, macOS, Linux, Chrome
Procare Software logo
Procare Software
Comprehensive child care management software for centers, schools, and Head Start programs.
Paid · Web
Scrut Automation logo
Scrut Automation
AI-powered GRC platform for continuous risk and compliance management.
Paid · Web
Acronis logo
Acronis
Integrated data protection and cybersecurity for any environment
Paid
GitGuardian logo
GitGuardian
Detect hardcoded secrets and exposed credentials in code and public repos
Free plan · Web
Sprinto logo
Sprinto
AI-native GRC for fast compliance and risk management, keeping you continuously audit-ready.
Paid · Web

Showing the top 24 of 859. Filter to narrow down.

How to choose security software

  1. Match tool to security domain

    Identity and access: see identity-access. Vulnerability scanning: see vulnerability-scanning. Compliance frameworks: see compliance. Monitoring and incident response: see security-monitoring. Encryption: see encryption. Different domains, different specialists.

  2. Audit the threat model

    Buying tools without a threat model produces shelf-ware. Define what you're protecting (customer data, payment data, source code, infrastructure), from whom (external attackers, insiders, supply chain), and prioritize tools accordingly.

  3. Plan for compliance frameworks

    SOC 2, ISO 27001, HIPAA, PCI DSS drive much of security tool buying for B2B SaaS. Tools that bundle audit evidence (Vanta, Drata, Secureframe) accelerate compliance vs DIY processes. See compliance for detail.

Honorable mentions

Tools that didn't crack the headline list but deserve a look depending on what you optimize for.

  • Vanta logo
    Vanta Best compliance automation for B2B SaaS

    Vanta covers SOC 2, ISO 27001, HIPAA evidence collection. See compliance for detail.

Best Security for

How we ranked these security tools

We rank by real-world signal: G2/Capterra review volume and rating, and media mentions (volume and recency). Pricing is re-checked and the ranking refreshed monthly.

Tools evaluated
859
With free plan
34%
18 of the 53 tools we rank
Last updated
October 2026

Toolradar Research

The data behind security tools

First-party analyses built from our full catalog, methodology published.

All Toolradar research

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best security tool in 2026?

Based on our analysis of 859 security tools, 1Password is our overall security pick. The next tools on the list are ESET, LastPass, Sophos. Rankings use G2/Capterra review volume and rating, and media mentions.

What are the top 3 security tools?

The top 3 security tools in 2026, ranked by Toolradar, are: 1) 1Password, Securely store passwords, cards, and docs with end-to-end encryption. 2) ESET, Cybersecurity solutions for businesses and consumers. 3) LastPass, Securely store, autofill, and share passwords across all your devices.

Are there free security tools?

Yes. LastPass is our free security pick (free plan alongside paid plans). 5 of the 10 tools on this page have a free plan. Among the 53 security tools we rank, 18 have a free plan.

How do I choose the right security tool?

Start by defining your team size, budget, and must-have features. 1Password is our overall security pick. LastPass is our free security pick. Compare all 859 options side by side on Toolradar.

Cite this page: Toolradar, "Best Security Tools in 2026", updated October 2026, https://toolradar.com/best/security

Security statistics catalog size, ratings and pricing data, updated monthly

For security vendors

Selling a security product? Reach 720K+ buyers through Toolradar & Dupple.

Newsletter ads and directory listings: the same surfaces buyers use to shortlist. Max 2 sponsors per issue, done-for-you creative.

Some offers on this page may be paid placements or contain affiliate links.