qsa.sh vs Tenable: Which is Better in 2026?
Choosing between qsa.sh and Tenable 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
- • You need vulnerability scanning features specifically
- • 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.
Tenable
Unify security visibility, insight, and action across your entire attack surface with AI-powered exposure management.
Best for you if:
- • You need security features specifically
- • Unifies security visibility and action across the entire attack surface.
- • Uses AI to prioritize and manage cyber exposures, including AI-specific risks.
| At a Glance |  qsa.sh |  Tenable |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | FreeFree tier available | $3500/moTenable Vulnerability Management (1 year subscription, up to 250 assets) |
Best For | Vulnerability Scanning | Security |
Rating | - | 4.5/5 |
Free plan | Yes | No |
Choose qsa.sh or Tenable?
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.
- Your work is vulnerability scanning-shaped, not security-shaped
Choose Tenable if
Unify security visibility, insight, and action across your entire attack surface with AI-powered exposure management.
- Provides a unified view of cyber risk across diverse environments, including AI and OT.
- Leverages AI for predictive prioritization, focusing efforts on critical exposures.
- Offers automated remediation and prescriptive guidance to accelerate response.
- Your work is security-shaped, not vulnerability scanning-shaped
| Feature | qsa.sh | Tenable |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Paid |
| User Rating | No ratings yet | ★4.5/5 200 reviews |
| Categories | Vulnerability ScanningTesting & QA | SecurityVulnerability Scanning |
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
Tenable
Unify security visibility, insight, and action across your entire attack surface with AI-powered exposure management.
Strengths
- +Provides a unified view of cyber risk across diverse environments, including AI and OT.
- +Leverages AI for predictive prioritization, focusing efforts on critical exposures.
- +Offers automated remediation and prescriptive guidance to accelerate response.
- +Integrates data from existing security tools for enriched context.
- +Includes specialized capabilities for cloud, identity, and AI security.
Weaknesses
- -Specific pricing details are not publicly available, requiring a demo request.
- -Requires integration with existing tools, which may involve initial setup effort.
Key features
Value 65/100. Tenable's pricing, particularly for Nessus Professional starting at $4,390/year, is on the higher end for vulnerability scanning tools, especially for smaller businesses.
Watch out: No monthly billing option, only yearly licenses.
Pricing: qsa.sh vs Tenable
| Plan | qsa.sh | Tenable |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | $0/mo or Free Free | $4,390 Tenable Nessus Professional (1 year license) |
| Tier 2 | $5/mo Full Pro | $8,560.50 Tenable Nessus Professional (2 year license) |
| Tier 3 | $7/scan Deep | $12,511.50 Tenable Nessus Professional (3 year license) |
| Tier 4 | N/A | $6,390 Tenable Nessus Expert (1 year license) |
| Tier 5 | N/A | $12,460.50 Tenable Nessus Expert (2 year license) |
| Tier 6 | N/A | $18,211.50 Tenable Nessus Expert (3 year license) |
| Tier 7 | N/A | $3,500 Tenable Vulnerability Management (1 year subscription, up to 250 assets) |
| Tier 8 | N/A | $6,825 Tenable Vulnerability Management (2 year subscription) |
| Tier 9 | N/A | $9,975 Tenable Vulnerability Management (3 year subscription) |
| Tier 10 | N/A | $3,500 Tenable Web App Scanning (1 year subscription, 5 FQDNs) |
Pricing verified from each vendor's public pricing page. Compare in detail on qsa.sh pricing and Tenable pricing.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
qsa.sh has a free tier. Tenable is paid only.
Go with: qsa.sh
Want the highest-rated option?
Tenable is rated 4.5/5. qsa.sh has no ratings yet.
Go with: Tenable
Value user reviews?
qsa.sh: no ratings yet. Tenable: 200 reviews (4.5/5).
Go with: Tenable
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
qsa.sh is freemium. Tenable is paid. qsa.sh lets you start free.
What's your use case?
qsa.sh is a vulnerability scanning tool. Tenable is in security. Pick the category that matches your needs.
How important are ratings?
Tenable is rated 4.5/5; qsa.sh has no ratings yet.
Key Takeaways
qsa.sh
- Free tier available
- Our pick for this comparison
Tenable
- Better fit for security
The Bottom Line
qsa.sh is our pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is qsa.sh or Tenable better?
qsa.sh is rated in our evaluation. qsa.sh is freemium and Tenable is paid.
What are qsa.sh and Tenable used for?
qsa.sh: Instant external security scan of your own IP from your terminal. Tenable: Unify security visibility, insight, and action across your entire attack surface with AI-powered exposure management..
What does qsa.sh cost vs Tenable?
qsa.sh is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Tenable is a paid tool. Visit their websites for detailed pricing.