Burp Suite vs qsa.sh: Which is Better in 2026?
Choosing between Burp Suite and qsa.sh comes down to understanding what each tool does best. This comparison breaks down the key differences so you can make an informed decision based on your specific needs, not marketing claims.
Bottom line: Burp Suite is our overall pick for security workflows. Pick qsa.sh if you need a free tier to start with.
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
Burp Suite
Web security testing toolkit for penetration testers
Best for you if:
- • Burp Suite is the industry-standard tool for web application security testing
- • It provides automated scanning and manual testing tools for finding vulnerabilities
qsa.sh
External port and vulnerability scans from your terminal
Best for you if:
- • You want to try before committing
- • Run curl qsa.sh from your terminal to instantly scan your public IP for open ports, services, and vulnerabilities using open-source tools.
- • Results stream live and are never stored; you get a full external perspective without installing any software on your host.
| At a Glance |  Burp Suite |  qsa.sh |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | $449/yearProfessional | FreeFree tier available |
Best For | Security | Security |
Rating | 4.7/5 | - |
Free plan | No | Yes |
Choose Burp Suite or qsa.sh?
Choose Burp Suite if
Web security testing toolkit for penetration testers
- Industry standard security testing
- Comprehensive features
- Good extensions
Choose qsa.sh if
External port and vulnerability scans from your terminal
- Zero installation, just run curl; no agent or software to deploy.
- Transparent and auditable, uses only public open-source tools, no black box.
- Strictly limited to scanning your own IP, with consent gate and opt-out for operators.
| Feature | Burp Suite | qsa.sh |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Paid | Freemium |
| User Rating | ★4.7/5 129 reviews | No ratings yet |
| Categories | SecurityDeveloper Tools | SecurityTerminal Tools |
In-Depth Analysis
Burp Suite
Web security testing toolkit for penetration testers
Strengths
- +Industry standard security testing
- +Comprehensive features
- +Good extensions
- +Active development
- +Community edition free
Weaknesses
- -Pro version expensive
- -Learning curve
- -Heavy application
- -Complex for beginners
- -Java dependency
Key features
Value 85/100. Burp Suite's pricing is fair, offering a free Community edition for basic needs and a robust Professional tier at $449/year.
Watch out: No team discounts mentioned
qsa.sh
External port and vulnerability scans from your terminal
Strengths
- +Zero installation, just run curl; no agent or software to deploy.
- +Transparent and auditable, uses only public open-source tools, no black box.
- +Strictly limited to scanning your own IP, with consent gate and opt-out for operators.
Weaknesses
- -IPv4 only, IPv6 connections are refused.
- -Free scan limited to one per 24 hours and only top 1,000 ports; Full and Deep require payment.
Key features
Value 85/100. The pricing is generous for casual use with a free tier that covers the top 1,000 ports, but the $5/mo Full Pro tier is a steal for continuous scanning of all ports, while $7/scan for Deep is steep for occasional use.
Watch out: Free tier limited to one scan per 24h
Pricing: Burp Suite vs qsa.sh
| Plan | Burp Suite | qsa.sh |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | Free Community | $0/mo or Free Free |
| Tier 2 | $449 year Professional | $5/mo Full Pro |
| Tier 3 | N/A | $7/scan Deep |
Pricing verified from each vendor's public pricing page. Compare in detail on Burp Suite pricing and qsa.sh pricing.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
qsa.sh has a free tier. Burp Suite is paid only.
Go with: qsa.sh
Want the highest-rated option?
Burp Suite is rated 4.7/5. qsa.sh has no ratings yet.
Go with: Burp Suite
Value user reviews?
Burp Suite: 129 reviews (4.7/5). qsa.sh: no ratings yet.
Go with: Burp Suite
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Burp Suite is paid. qsa.sh is freemium. qsa.sh lets you start free.
What's your use case?
Both are security tools. Compare their specific features to decide.
How important are ratings?
Burp Suite is rated 4.7/5; qsa.sh has no ratings yet.
Key Takeaways
Burp Suite
- Our pick for this comparison
qsa.sh
- Has a free tier
The Bottom Line
Burp Suite is our pick. qsa.sh has a free tier if you want to test without paying.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Burp Suite or qsa.sh better?
Burp Suite is rated in our evaluation. Burp Suite is paid and qsa.sh is freemium.
What are Burp Suite and qsa.sh used for?
Burp Suite: Web security testing toolkit for penetration testers. qsa.sh: External port and vulnerability scans from your terminal.
What does Burp Suite cost vs qsa.sh?
Burp Suite is a paid tool. qsa.sh is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Visit their websites for detailed pricing.