Nessus vs Varonis: Pricing and Ratings Compared (2026)
Entry prices and free plans as read on each vendor's pricing page, and user ratings as published on review sites, for Nessus and Varonis side by side. This page compares data; it is not a hands-on review.
On the data: On the data below, Nessus leads on a free plan. We do not name an overall winner for this pair.
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
Based on published vendor pricing and features and on public review data, here's who should pick what:
Nessus
Vulnerability assessment scanner
Best for you if:
- • You want a fully free tool (Varonis requires payment)
Varonis
Automated data security, posture management, and threat prevention powered by AI.
Best for you if:
- • You want automates outcomes at scale, reducing manual effort in data security
| At a Glance | Nessus | Varonis |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | Free plan, paid from $399.17/mo flat, billed yearly Nessus Professional plan | Not published |
Category | Security Vulnerability Scanning | Security Automation |
Rating | 4.6/5 G2 4.5 · Capterra 4.7 402 reviews | 4.6/5 G2 4.6 88 reviews |
Free plan | Yes | No |
Choose Nessus or Varonis?
Choose Nessus if
- You want a fully free tool (Varonis requires payment)
- You want industry standard scanner
- You want good vulnerability detection
Choose Varonis if
- You want automates outcomes at scale, reducing manual effort in data security
- You want provides comprehensive protection across diverse data environments including AI
In-Depth Analysis
Nessus
Vulnerability assessment scanner
It's best for organizations prioritizing comprehensive, enterprise-grade vulnerability management.
Strengths
- Pro: Industry standard scanner
- Pro: Good vulnerability detection
- Pro: Comprehensive coverage
- Pro: Good reporting
- Pro: Active development
Weaknesses
- Con: Expensive
- Con: Learning curve
- Con: Resource intensive
- Con: Per-asset pricing
- Con: Better alternatives exist
Key features
Varonis
Automated data security, posture management, and threat prevention powered by AI.
Strengths
- Pro: Automates outcomes at scale, reducing manual effort in data security.
- Pro: Provides comprehensive protection across diverse data environments including AI.
- Pro: Offers real-time visibility and proactive threat detection with expert support.
Weaknesses
- Con: Specific pricing details are not publicly available, requiring a demo or consultation.
- Con: Requires integration into existing IT infrastructure, which may involve initial setup complexity.
Key features
Plans and prices: Nessus vs Varonis
| Tool | Plans and prices | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Nessus |
| tenable.com/products/nessus read Nov 1, 2026 |
| Varonis | No plan prices on file | varonis.com/pricing |
Prices as read on each vendor's own pricing page on the date shown. Plans are listed per tool and are not matched against the other tool's plans: a plan name or price in one column says nothing about the same row in the other. Details on Nessus pricing and Varonis pricing.
Key Takeaways
Nessus
- Has a free plan
Varonis
- Choose if you want automated data security, posture management, and threat prevention powered by AI
What the data shows
On the data below, Nessus leads on a free plan. We do not name an overall winner for this pair.
- User ratings are within 0.2 points (4.6/5 from 402 reviews for Nessus, 4.6/5 from 88 reviews for Varonis).
- Nessus starts at $399.17/mo flat, billed yearly; Varonis has no public paid plan price on file.
- Only Nessus has a free plan.
Criteria: user rating (only above 20 reviews on both sides, gap of 0.2 or more), entry price (only on the same billing basis), free plan. How we rate
Frequently Asked Questions
How do Nessus and Varonis compare in 2026?
On the data below, Nessus leads on a free plan. We do not name an overall winner for this pair. User ratings are within 0.2 points (4.6/5 from 402 reviews for Nessus, 4.6/5 from 88 reviews for Varonis). Nessus starts at $399.17/mo flat, billed yearly; Varonis has no public paid plan price on file. Only Nessus has a free plan.
What are Nessus and Varonis used for?
Nessus: Vulnerability assessment scanner. Varonis: Automated data security, posture management, and threat prevention powered by AI.
What does Nessus cost vs Varonis?
Nessus's cheapest paid plan is Nessus Professional at $399.17/mo flat, billed yearly. Varonis has no public paid-plan price on file. Prices read on the vendors' pricing pages, latest check Nov 1, 2026.
What's the main difference between Nessus and Varonis?
Nessus's main strength: industry standard scanner. Varonis's main strength: automates outcomes at scale, reducing manual effort in data security.