qsa.sh vs Qualys: Which is Better in 2026?
Choosing between qsa.sh and Qualys 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.
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
qsa.sh
Instant external security scan of your own IP 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.
Qualys
Cloud security and compliance platform
Best for you if:
- • Qualys is a cloud security and compliance platform for enterprises
- • It provides vulnerability management, compliance monitoring, and web app security
| At a Glance |  qsa.sh |  Qualys |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | FreeFree tier available | $199/year per assetVMDR |
Best For | Vulnerability Scanning | Vulnerability Scanning |
Rating | - | 4.1/5 |
Free plan | Yes | No |
Choose qsa.sh or Qualys?
Choose qsa.sh if
Instant external security scan of your own IP 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.
Choose Qualys if
Cloud security and compliance platform
- Enterprise vulnerability management
- Good scanning
- Cloud-based
| Feature | qsa.sh | Qualys |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Paid |
| User Rating | No ratings yet | ★4.1/5 90 reviews |
| Categories | Vulnerability ScanningTesting & QA | Vulnerability ScanningCompliance Management |
In-Depth Analysis
qsa.sh
Instant external security scan of your own IP 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
Qualys
Cloud security and compliance platform
Strengths
- +Enterprise vulnerability management
- +Good scanning
- +Cloud-based
- +Comprehensive
- +Industry established
Weaknesses
- -Very expensive
- -Complex platform
- -Learning curve
- -Per-asset pricing
- -UI dated
Key features
Value 6/100. Qualys is enterprise-grade vulnerability management.
Watch out: Per-asset pricing scales quickly
Pricing: qsa.sh vs Qualys
| Plan | qsa.sh | Qualys |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | $0/mo or Free Free | $199 year per asset VMDR |
| Tier 2 | $5/mo Full Pro | $1995 year for 25 apps Web App Scanning |
| Tier 3 | $7/scan Deep | Custom Enterprise TruRisk |
Pricing verified from each vendor's public pricing page. Compare in detail on qsa.sh pricing and Qualys pricing.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
qsa.sh has a free tier. Qualys is paid only.
Go with: qsa.sh
Want the highest-rated option?
Qualys is rated 4.1/5. qsa.sh has no ratings yet.
Go with: Qualys
Value user reviews?
qsa.sh: no ratings yet. Qualys: 90 reviews (4.1/5).
Go with: Qualys
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
qsa.sh is freemium. Qualys is paid. qsa.sh lets you start free.
What's your use case?
Both are vulnerability scanning tools. Compare their specific features to decide.
How important are ratings?
Qualys is rated 4.1/5; qsa.sh has no ratings yet.
Key Takeaways
Qualys
- Our pick for this comparison
qsa.sh
- Has a free tier
The Bottom Line
Qualys is our pick. qsa.sh has a free tier if you want to test without paying.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is qsa.sh or Qualys better?
Qualys is rated in our evaluation. qsa.sh is freemium and Qualys is paid.
What are qsa.sh and Qualys used for?
qsa.sh: Instant external security scan of your own IP from your terminal. Qualys: Cloud security and compliance platform.
What does qsa.sh cost vs Qualys?
qsa.sh is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Qualys is a paid tool. Visit their websites for detailed pricing.