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qsa.sh vs Sift: Which is Better in 2026?

Choosing between qsa.sh and Sift 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: Sift wins this matchup. Our overall Security pick is Malwarebytes. Our free Security pick is Intruder. Pick qsa.sh if you need a free tier to start with.

··Methodology
Editor reviewed0 verified reviews comparedPricing checked Sep 2026

Short on time? Here's the quick answer

We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:

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.

Sift

Stop fraud fast and grow revenue faster with AI-powered digital trust and safety solutions.

Best for you if:

  • AI-powered platform for comprehensive digital fraud prevention across the customer journey.
  • Leverages a global data network and real-time decisioning to stop account takeover, payment fraud, and more.
At a Glance
qsa.shqsa.sh
SiftSift
Starts at
FreeFree tier available
$500/moStarter
Best For
SecuritySecurity
Rating
-4.6/5
Free plan
Yes No

Choose qsa.sh or Sift?

qsa.sh

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.
Sift

Choose Sift if

Stop fraud fast and grow revenue faster with AI-powered digital trust and safety solutions.

  • Fraud prevention
  • Machine learning
  • Good for e-commerce
Featureqsa.shSift
Pricing ModelFreemiumPaid
User RatingNo ratings yet
4.6/5
630 reviews
Categories
SecurityTerminal Tools
SecurityAI & Automation

In-Depth Analysis

qsa.shqsa.sh

External port and vulnerability scans from your terminal

Starts at Free
Good value

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.

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

Scans only your own connecting public IP – no target field, cannot be pointed at others.Uses naabu, nmap + vulners, and nuclei – all open source, transparent toolchain.Live terminal streaming of results as they are found (ports, services, versions, CVEs).No data stored; results ephemeral, only rate-limit counters retained temporarily.15-second pre-scan consent window with Ctrl-C abort option.Opt-out mechanism for IPs/ranges you control – permanently excluded from all scans.

SiftSift

Stop fraud fast and grow revenue faster with AI-powered digital trust and safety solutions.

Starts at $500/mo
Fair value

Sift has no public pricing, everything is sales-quoted based on event volume and modules.

Watch out

Overage fees run 20-50% higher than base per-event rates, volume spikes hurt

Strengths

  • +Fraud prevention
  • +Machine learning
  • +Good for e-commerce
  • +Active development
  • +Enterprise ready

Weaknesses

  • -Expensive
  • -Complex implementation
  • -Learning curve
  • -Per-decision pricing
  • -Enterprise focus

Key features

Fraud preventionAccount protectionPayment securityMachine learningRisk scoringChargeback prevention

Pricing: qsa.sh vs Sift

Planqsa.shSift
Tier 1
$0/mo or Free
Free
$500
Starter
Tier 2
$5/mo
Full Pro
Custom
Enterprise
Tier 3
$7/scan
Deep
N/A

Pricing verified from each vendor's public pricing page. Compare in detail on qsa.sh pricing and Sift pricing.

Who Should Use What?

On a budget?

qsa.sh has a free tier. Sift is paid only.

Go with: qsa.sh

Want the highest-rated option?

Sift is rated 4.6/5. qsa.sh has no ratings yet.

Go with: Sift

Value user reviews?

qsa.sh: no ratings yet. Sift: 630 reviews (4.6/5).

Go with: Sift

3 Questions to Help You Decide

1

What's your budget?

qsa.sh is freemium. Sift is paid. qsa.sh lets you start free.

2

What's your use case?

Both are security tools. Compare their specific features to decide.

3

How important are ratings?

Sift is rated 4.6/5; qsa.sh has no ratings yet.

Key Takeaways

Sift

  • Our pick for this comparison

qsa.sh

  • Has a free tier

The Bottom Line

Sift wins this matchup. Our overall Security pick is Malwarebytes. Our free Security pick is Intruder. qsa.sh has a free tier if you want to test without paying.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is qsa.sh or Sift better?

Sift is rated in our evaluation. qsa.sh is freemium and Sift is paid.

What are qsa.sh and Sift used for?

qsa.sh: External port and vulnerability scans from your terminal. Sift: Stop fraud fast and grow revenue faster with AI-powered digital trust and safety solutions..

What does qsa.sh cost vs Sift?

qsa.sh is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Sift is a paid tool. Visit their websites for detailed pricing.

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